Re: [Elecraft] K3 Background noise
On 24 maj 2009, at 15.55, Jay Rodaman wrote: I have a problem with noise in the shack. On transmit it is picked up by the mic. Other than lowering the RF gain I understand that there is a setting which could reduce or eliminate this some where in the config. Any tgoughts would be appreciated. There's a noise gate in the K3 that will mute between words. Its easy to configure and fast enough for speech. It's will make sure your background noise is not amplified and processed between words. As other pointed out, a close talk microphone like the Heil HC4 or HC-5 will help a lot. I am running the HC-4 + compression + gate and have no problem with my rather loud amplifier fans. From Wayne's FW release notes: MCU 2.45 / DSP 1.92, 9-29-2008 * TRANSMIT NOISE GATE ADDED: The TX noise gate can be used to suppress transmitted audio below a certain level, e.g. a noisy fan (not the one on the K3, of course). To use the noise gate, locate CONFIG:TX GATE, tap ‘1’ to turn it ON, then use VFO A to set the desired threshold. Since there’s no visual indication that transmit audio is below the threshold, you should adjust it using the transmit voice monitor (MON), ideally using headphones. Set the threshold high enough to cut off transmit audio due to shack noise, but not so high that it causes your voice to dropout too frequently. The TX GATE threshold can be adjusted in TX TEST mode. 73 de Björn, SM0MDG SE0X __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 Background noise
I have a problem with noise in the shack. On transmit it is picked up by the mic. Other than lowering the RF gain I understand that there is a setting which could reduce or eliminate this some where in the config. Any tgoughts would be appreciated. Thanks Jay Jay Rodaman __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Background noise
Jay, Other than using a noise canceling microphone, I don't know how to battle local noise in the shack. 73, Don W3FPR Jay Rodaman wrote: I have a problem with noise in the shack. On transmit it is picked up by the mic. Other than lowering the RF gain I understand that there is a setting which could reduce or eliminate this some where in the config. Any tgoughts would be appreciated. Thanks Jay Jay Rodaman __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Background noise
Jay, I believe you are looking for the Noise Gate function. The latest version of the Owner's Manual has info under Config:TX Gate. Haven't played with it myself, as I have a fairly quit shack. GL, Bruce N1RX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Background noise
That is, I have a fairly QUIET shack... Not quit. Fast fingers got me again.. GL, Bruce N1RX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Background noise
TX Gate was first added last September 2008 in MCU 2.45 according to my notes. Config = TX GATE = Tap 1 (A/B) to turn On or Off = use Vfo B to set level. Level can be set in Test mode while listening with headphones to the Monitor. I use it all the time with my level set to 12 and it works extremely well at eliminating a lot of shack noise from going out over the air. Very useful! 73 -- Don N4HH K3/100 #83 -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bruce Beford Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2009 10:50 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Background noise Jay, I believe you are looking for the Noise Gate function. The latest version of the Owner's Manual has info under Config:TX Gate. Haven't played with it myself, as I have a fairly quit shack. GL, Bruce N1RX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.339 / Virus Database: 270.12.37/2131 - Release Date: 05/24/09 07:09:00 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Background noise
I use the noise gate feature because I have a dehumidifier in my basement close to the operating position and I have askedno one has noticed the loud fan when it kicks on. Config:TX Gate On 15 73 de KE4WY Jim -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bruce Beford Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2009 10:50 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Background noise Jay, I believe you are looking for the Noise Gate function. The latest version of the Owner's Manual has info under Config:TX Gate. Haven't played with it myself, as I have a fairly quit shack. GL, Bruce N1RX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Background noise
I'm not aware of any config settings that would affect mic noise pickup. The RF Gain has no effect on transmit audio. (It's used only in receive when you don't want full receiver AGC action.) You didn't provide any details of your setup or the noise so here's some general points to consider if you haven't already: 1) Use a close-talking mic. The difference between being 1/2 and 2 from the mic itself makes a huge difference, but the mic must be designed for that sort of service. Many studio mics on booms or stands designed to pick up audio from several inches or more away lack pop filters and other features needed for good audio when talking close. Most communications mics are set up for close talking. 2) Reduce the mic gain. Don't drive the compressor hard expecting it to control the audio level with the mic gain high. 3) Move the noise source away from you. Just doubling the distance will reduce the noise substantially. 4) Look at the acoustics of your setup. Are you in a corner in a room with smooth walls? If so, noises from all over the room will reflect off of the walls and concentrate near you. Even a single flat wall near the rig will do that somewhat. If so, you might consider some soft material (carpeting works FB) on the wall(s) behind the rig. 5) Use a noise-cancelling microphone. Often the first choice, but good ones are expensive and even a noise cancelling mic isn't perfect. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jay Rodaman Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2009 6:56 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Background noise I have a problem with noise in the shack. On transmit it is picked up by the mic. Other than lowering the RF gain I understand that there is a setting which could reduce or eliminate this some where in the config. Any tgoughts would be appreciated. Thanks Jay Jay Rodaman __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Background noise
I had the same problem, with a quite noisy shack, the 8877 I use on 144 MHz have a pretty big fan, plus I have other fans on the PC, on the Network rack and so on. I solved the problem using a carefully selected microphone. I chose a SM-57 instrument pickup microphone, from Shure. The choice followed this criteria: 1) Cardioid (highly directive) pattern, with low sidelobes. 2) Dynamic microphone, with a low sensitivity. 3) Almost flat audio response, with limited bass roll-off. I keep the TX equalizer completely flat, and I set the mic gain at level 20. A little bit of compression can give you the right punch, without affecting readability, let's say 10. These settings work well for me, but keep in mind to set the Mic Gain looking at an external wattmeter: remaining on Tx, and not talking, you shoudn't see any power going out. Good luck! 73 de Giulio IW3HVB I have a problem with noise in the shack. On transmit it is picked up by the mic. Other than lowering the RF gain I understand that there is a setting which could reduce or eliminate this some where in the config. Any tgoughts would be appreciated. Thanks Jay Jay Rodaman __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Background noise
On Sun, 24 May 2009 10:38:12 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote: Other than using a noise canceling microphone, I don't know how to battle local noise in the shack. See http://audiosystemsgroup.com/HamInterfacing.pdf for detailed advice on choosing mics to minimize noise pickup, and suitable TXEQ settings. Once you've done that, if you still have noise, the K3 has a DSP setting that acts as a TX noise gate. Study the doc files for the later versions of K3 software. 73, Jim Brown K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html