Re: [Elecraft] A Good Headset For A K3

[AB2E Darrell]

I'm seeing great choices here so far. I will add the Inrad W1 headset to the 
mix.
To an extent, a casual operator may be fine with a certain headset, but a 
contester may prefer something a little different.
I am mostly a contester, and having big ears, I am grateful that the W1 cups 
are wide and deep, fully covering my ears without putting pressure on them.
This allows for many hours wearing them in a contest, and still being 
comfortable.

I also have a pair of Bose QC25's, and highly recommend these, especially if 
you are in a high noise or noisy amp fan environment.
These are very comfortable as well, cups not quite as large as the W1 but still 
fine.
Being the noise-cancelling design, They literally neutralize all extraneous 
noise, and try them on a flight, they are truly amazing. I keep them on during 
a flight if I want to nap, it makes it totally quiet.
73 Darrell AB2E


From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  on 
behalf of Walter Underwood 
Sent: Sunday, August 6, 2023 11:52 PM
To: Reflector Elecraft 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] A Good Headset For A K3

The SB-45 is a great example of trying out headsets to see which one works for 
you. The SB-45 was so uncomfortable on my head that I wrote a blog post about 
it. I returned it and got a new Yamaha CM-500 headset.

https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fobserver.wunderwood.org%2F2021%2F01%2F27%2Fkoss-sb-45-vs-yamaha-cm500%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7C1f43271d99b443550eb508db96f9f8a3%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C638269772611219132%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=4kZ5OXrs%2BKTKX2DxGFf5EQes2VStLl%2FWhZtdwtkZyw8%3D&reserved=0

wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fobserver.wunderwood.org%2F&data=05%7C01%7C%7C1f43271d99b443550eb508db96f9f8a3%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C638269772611219132%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=zIyH7PXAd6TQKTAMHA4ilA0HiYGqbpuE9e3eAemONuk%3D&reserved=0
 (my blog)

> On Aug 6, 2023, at 8:41 PM, David Hachadorian  wrote:
>
> I like the Koss SB-45 (3.5mm plug version, not USB).  It sounds great, has a 
> nice padded headband, and is $30 on Amazon.
>
> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
> Big Bear Lake, CA
>
>
>
> On 8/6/2023 12:16 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>> On 8/6/2023 11:43 AM, Eric Garner wrote:
>>> 2nding the radiosport headsets. They are not cheap, but they are
>>> comfortable for extended wear, sound great, and block nearly all background
>>> noise.
>>
>> Comfort depends strongly on the head of the wearer. I tried on a set twice, 
>> first at a club meeting, then a few years later after seeing/hearing posts 
>> like this. On both occasions I found them to be an instrument of torture.
>>
>> By contrast, the Yamaha CM500 headset is VERY comfortable -- I've worn mine 
>> for long contest weekends with no fatigue, and both phones and mic sound 
>> great. With the right TXEQ, audio is super competitive, is easy to listen to 
>> and cuts through noise and QRM. The headset plugs straight into the rear 
>> panel of both a K3 and a K4, (turn on bias, because mic is an electret). 
>> Most of us program PF2 to toggle the speaker on and off (go to the menu for 
>> that function and push PF2). With the right cable adapter, it also works 
>> great with a KX3.
>>
>> The only shortcoming of the Yamaha headset is it's somewhat light 
>> construction -- I'm super clumsy, am always knocking the headset on the 
>> floor, which has broken the cable. But at $60 or so compared 4-6 times that 
>> cost for ham specialty headsets that are no better, it's cheap.
>>
>> 73, Jim K9YC
>>
>> __
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: 
>> https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailman.qth.net%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Felecraft&data=05%7C01%7C%7C1f43271d99b443550eb508db96f9f8a3%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C638269772611219132%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=nIHNcPjvuaGFNBlsbOgoRgblu9tMD0B6GtBz9hCVktQ%3D&reserved=0
>> Help: 
>> https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmailman.qth.net%2Fmmfaq.htm&data=05%7C01%7C%7C1f43271d99b443550eb508db96f9f8a3%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435%7C1%7C0%7C638269772611219132%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=hBGKD08UyKNVC0DQJhGb8N26w5AEc6ZYAUwu%2BB5sWns%3D&reserved=0
>> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>>
>> This list hosted by: 
>> https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url

Re: [Elecraft] A Good Headset For A K3

[Walter Underwood]

The SB-45 is a great example of trying out headsets to see which one works for 
you. The SB-45 was so uncomfortable on my head that I wrote a blog post about 
it. I returned it and got a new Yamaha CM-500 headset.

https://observer.wunderwood.org/2021/01/27/koss-sb-45-vs-yamaha-cm500/

wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)

> On Aug 6, 2023, at 8:41 PM, David Hachadorian  wrote:
> 
> I like the Koss SB-45 (3.5mm plug version, not USB).  It sounds great, has a 
> nice padded headband, and is $30 on Amazon.
> 
> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
> Big Bear Lake, CA
> 
> 
> 
> On 8/6/2023 12:16 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>> On 8/6/2023 11:43 AM, Eric Garner wrote:
>>> 2nding the radiosport headsets. They are not cheap, but they are
>>> comfortable for extended wear, sound great, and block nearly all background
>>> noise.
>> 
>> Comfort depends strongly on the head of the wearer. I tried on a set twice, 
>> first at a club meeting, then a few years later after seeing/hearing posts 
>> like this. On both occasions I found them to be an instrument of torture.
>> 
>> By contrast, the Yamaha CM500 headset is VERY comfortable -- I've worn mine 
>> for long contest weekends with no fatigue, and both phones and mic sound 
>> great. With the right TXEQ, audio is super competitive, is easy to listen to 
>> and cuts through noise and QRM. The headset plugs straight into the rear 
>> panel of both a K3 and a K4, (turn on bias, because mic is an electret). 
>> Most of us program PF2 to toggle the speaker on and off (go to the menu for 
>> that function and push PF2). With the right cable adapter, it also works 
>> great with a KX3.
>> 
>> The only shortcoming of the Yamaha headset is it's somewhat light 
>> construction -- I'm super clumsy, am always knocking the headset on the 
>> floor, which has broken the cable. But at $60 or so compared 4-6 times that 
>> cost for ham specialty headsets that are no better, it's cheap.
>> 
>> 73, Jim 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
>> Message delivered to k6ll.d...@gmail.com 
> __
> 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
> Message delivered to wun...@wunderwood.org

__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

Re: [Elecraft] A Good Headset For A K3

[David Hachadorian]

I like the Koss SB-45 (3.5mm plug version, not USB).  It sounds great, 
has a nice padded headband, and is $30 on Amazon.


Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Big Bear Lake, CA



On 8/6/2023 12:16 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

On 8/6/2023 11:43 AM, Eric Garner wrote:

2nding the radiosport headsets. They are not cheap, but they are
comfortable for extended wear, sound great, and block nearly all 
background

noise.


Comfort depends strongly on the head of the wearer. I tried on a set 
twice, first at a club meeting, then a few years later after 
seeing/hearing posts like this. On both occasions I found them to be 
an instrument of torture.


By contrast, the Yamaha CM500 headset is VERY comfortable -- I've worn 
mine for long contest weekends with no fatigue, and both phones and 
mic sound great. With the right TXEQ, audio is super competitive, is 
easy to listen to and cuts through noise and QRM. The headset plugs 
straight into the rear panel of both a K3 and a K4, (turn on bias, 
because mic is an electret). Most of us program PF2 to toggle the 
speaker on and off (go to the menu for that function and push PF2). 
With the right cable adapter, it also works great with a KX3.


The only shortcoming of the Yamaha headset is it's somewhat light 
construction -- I'm super clumsy, am always knocking the headset on 
the floor, which has broken the cable. But at $60 or so compared 4-6 
times that cost for ham specialty headsets that are no better, it's 
cheap.


73, Jim 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
Message delivered to k6ll.d...@gmail.com 

__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Report

[kevin]

Good Evening,

   Both bands were better than last week.  There was at least one storm 
on twenty meters with a few louder ones on forty.  More QSB on forty 
meters but neither band was too bad.  Mild weather reports with two 
incidents of rain in the Midwest.  Both Ken and Roy mentioned 
substantial rainfall.  Now they are on lawn duty for the rest of the month.


   I got little sleep this week.  A curious rodent loves the night 
life, part of which is awakening me.  About the size of a red squirrel; 
shaped like a kangaroo rat.  I thought it was an Oregon Tree Vole but 
they are smaller than my visitor.  I have a mouse trap and a rat trap 
both baited and set, so far he has eluded them.



  On 14050.5 kHz at 2200z:

NO8V - John - MI

W0CZ - Ken - ND

K6XK - Roy - IA

K0DTJ - Brian - CA

K9JB - Jerry - NV


  On 7047.5 kHz at z:

KG7V - Marv - WA

K7TXA - Jim - ID

WM5F - Dwight - ID

K0DTJ - Brian - CA

K6PJV - Dale - CA



Until next week 73,

   Kevin.  KD5ONS





-




"If only it were all so simple!  If only there were evil people 
somewhere insidiously committing evil deeds, and it were necessary only 
to separate them from the rest of us and destroy them."




__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Headset

[John Paul Keon]

I have been using a HEIL proset with my K3S since I built it.
I have not had any problems with it.

John Paul // AB4PP

On Sun, Aug 6, 2023 at 8:11 PM Tom & Barb Valosin 
wrote:

> Eric,
>
> Ever since I got my K3 (used) about 9 years back I have been using a
> Heil Proset.
>
> Connects into front mic - jack and phones. Seems to work well. I have
> been happy with it.
>
> Tom, WB2KLD
>
> __
> 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
> Message delivered to jpkeon...@gmail.com
>
__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

[Elecraft] K3 Headset

[Tom & Barb Valosin]

Eric,

Ever since I got my K3 (used) about 9 years back I have been using a 
Heil Proset.


Connects into front mic - jack and phones. Seems to work well. I have 
been happy with it.


Tom, WB2KLD

__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

Re: [Elecraft] A Good Headset For A K3

[Jim Brown]

Looks like a well thought out design, except for the focus on impedance 
matching, which hasn't been the practice in audio for almost 50 years. 
Impedance matching is primarily a transmission lines concept. Standard 
practice has long been low-Z source and high-Z input impedance. :)


I don't see anything on the website about whether the phones are 
enclosed, which would be quite beneficial in multi-ops. When not using 
an SO2R box, I like the ability to plug the headset into the rear panel.


I also don't see anything about whether the mic is omni or cardioid, or 
its frequency response.


73, Jim K9YC

On 8/6/2023 2:32 PM, Richard Thorne wrote:

Then I found the Inrad W1 http://vibroplex.com/contents/en-us/d9181.html

Hands down the best, in my opinion.  It's over the ears, doesn't clamp 
on, not heavy and is stout.


Rich - N5ZC


__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

Re: [Elecraft] A Good Headset For A K3

[Jim Brown]

On 8/6/2023 2:29 PM, George Fremin III wrote:

I tried settings that rolled off the low end in a few contests but for me this 
is not work well - this gives me a fuller sound that I am much happier with and 
I often get good audio reports from folks.


Hi George,

Your monster station gives you a huge advantage over us mere mortals, so 
you can get away not cutting the low end. It's a very bad idea for the 
rest of us!


73, Jim 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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

Re: [Elecraft] A Good Headset For A K3

[Richard Thorne]

I've tried the following:

- Heil
- Yamaha CM-500
- RadioSport

Then I found the Inrad W1 http://vibroplex.com/contents/en-us/d9181.html

Hands down the best, in my opinion.  It's over the ears, doesn't clamp 
on, not heavy and is stout.


Rich - N5ZC

On 8/6/2023 11:37 AM, Eric Fitzgerald wrote:

Hello Elecrafters,

I've been struggling with a failing Kenwood MC-60 desk mic for portable 
operation and I would like recommendations for a good, robust headset 
that plugs into the front panel jack.


Thanks in advance for that,

73 Eric KG6MZS

PS; I tried to search the Mailman archives for this and couldn't find 
the search field.  Did it change recently?


__
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
Message delivered to rtho...@rthorne.net

__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

Re: [Elecraft] A Good Headset For A K3

[George Fremin III]

I would suggest that you find headphones that you like and add a ModMic to 
them. It uses a magnetic mount that is small and no one will even notice it 
when the mic is not attached to the headphones 

If you do not know I am a very serious SSB contest operator.  Here are my 
thoughts from a previous message to this list:

A number years ago I started using Bose QC-25 headphones because they have very 
good noise cancelling and I have a window unit and amps with fans in them etc.  
So I have just the kind of noise they do a very good job getting rid of - and I 
would use them in CW contests.  But I did not have a good way to mount a mic to 
them. K3LR glues a mount onto his Bose headphones.  

But I kept looking for a mic - and after some searching I found the perfect 
microphone for my use. 

It is called a ModMic sold by Antlion Audio - and it has a small, strong magnet 
that you stick onto the phones.  And then the boom mic attaches to that magnet. 
 And it works great.  After doing a lot of tweaking and listening to recordings 
made on another receiver I settled on some TX EQ settings on the K3 that I 
think work very well and sound very good on the air. 

The model is this one:

https://antlionaudio.com/products/modmic-uni-usb-sound-card

It comes with a usb sound card but you do not need to use that - it has a 3.5 
mm plug on it that will connect to the rear mic input on the K3 and the K3 will 
power the mic correctly when you turn on the bias voltage in the menu.  

The TX EQ settings that I have settled on with this microphone are these:

150 hz+3
2   100 hz   +3
3   300 hz 0
4   400 hz 0
5   800 hz   +5
6   1600 hz  +6
7   2400 hz  +4
8   3200 hz  +7

I tried settings that rolled off the low end in a few contests but for me this 
is not work well - this gives me a fuller sound that I am much happier with and 
I often get good audio reports from folks. 

YMMV


George Fremin III

> On Aug 6, 2023, at 3:25 PM, Lee Hiers  wrote:
> 
> On Sun, Aug 6, 2023 at 3:24 PM Jim Brown  wrote:
> 
> 
>> The only shortcoming of the Yamaha headset is it's somewhat light
>> construction -- I'm super clumsy, am always knocking the headset on the
>> floor, which has broken the cable. But at $60 or so compared 4-6 times
>> that cost for ham specialty headsets that are no better, it's cheap.
> 
> 
> My CM-500 has kinda fallen apart, so I've added new earpads to my old Sony
> 7506 'phones and have been enjoying them on CW.  I'm thinking about trying
> to mount the Yamaha mic, or just get a ModMic to add to the Sony.
> 
> 73 de Lee, AA4GA
> __
> 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
> Message delivered to geo...@kkn.net
__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

[Elecraft] Pk3 Battery Charging

[Steve McKee]

Hopefully someone has an answer or I’ll have to contact Elecraft in the
morning.
I’m getting an error when trying to set time for charge.
It says “d = 009, err BC3
And it’s locked!!
Any help would be appreciated.
Only had the radio a few days, still in the learning phase.
Thanks, Steve//KE0RSI
-- 
null
__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

Re: [Elecraft] A Good Headset For A K3

[john]

The Sony 7506 is my preferred headset for CW and RTTY contesting.

A few months ago K5TR posted info on a mic that can be attached to any
headphone.

John KK9A



Lee Hiers AA4GA wrote:


My CM-500 has kinda fallen apart, so I've added new earpads to my old Sony
7506 'phones and have been enjoying them on CW.  I'm thinking about trying
to mount the Yamaha mic, or just get a ModMic to add to the Sony.

73 de Lee, AA4GA

__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

Re: [Elecraft] A Good Headset For A K3

[john]

I do not think the mailman has a search field but you can search the
elecraft list archives here:
https://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft@mailman.qth.net/maillist.html

John KK9A


Eric Fitzgerald kg6mzs wrote:

Hello Elecrafters,

I've been struggling with a failing Kenwood MC-60 desk mic for portable 
operation and I would like recommendations for a good, robust headset 
that plugs into the front panel jack.

Thanks in advance for that,

73 Eric KG6MZS

PS; I tried to search the Mailman archives for this and couldn't find 
the search field.  Did it change recently?

__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

Re: [Elecraft] A Good Headset For A K3

[Josh Fiden]

I’ve always favored very light headsets and CM500 are a perfect compromise for 
lightweight but decent sound isolation. I used to use super cheap-o 
featherweight computer sets which frankly work totally fine, but they set on 
the ear instead of covering so not as good for amp fans, etc. 

Heard really positive comments about RadioSport.  Had an opportunity to use 
them at FD a few years ago. For me, they were clunky, heavy and totally 
uncomfortable. 

If at all possible, try before you buy. Or purchase where they have a good 
return policy. It’s a very personal decision. 

73,
Josh W6XU


> On Aug 6, 2023, at 11:30 AM, Lou Laderman via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> I prefer RadioSport boom headsets. Others the Yamaha cm500 (I believe that’s 
> the model). Both are worth looking at, cost is very different.
> 
> 73, Lou W0FK

__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

Re: [Elecraft] Buying a K4 in UK

[David Aslin G3WGN]

Eric,
Many thanks for giving this your attention.  Moonraker is potentially an 
excellent choice as the UK market is rapidly becoming a duopoly, with Moonraker 
emerging as one of those two.
I am not aware of any UK repair persons that are already familiar with Elecraft 
products.  An outfit like Castle Electronics, suggested by G3UNA, most likely 
has the technical skills, but would need training on the Elecraft product line.
In my previous note I renamed Carlo Bianconi as Claudio – my apologies.  It is 
Carlo that demonstrated first class repair and customer skills for multiple 
members of our 6Gs DXpedition group.
I spoke with Lutz at some length while at Friedrichshafen.  They have special 
arrangements that allow shipping either to Germany or direct to their Swiss HQ. 
The difference from the UK in the cost of shipping to Germany, Switzerland or 
Italy is negligible, but the cost and admin complexity is substantial; a K4, 
fully insured, will cost $520-600 to ship to Italy or Germany, depending on 
which carrier is chosen.  The cost to ship to Watsonville is the same. This is 
clearly one of the drivers that causes me and others to encourage Elecraft to 
appoint a UK distributor/service centre.

The confusion over the Elecraft US list price and the landed price in the UK is 
a very familiar one.  Many people really don’t understand the 
calculations/requirements.  In particular, there are frequent complaints about 
having to pay ‘duty’ when in fact the charges are simply VAT (required by law) 
and customs clearance costs (levied by the carrier to help cover their admin 
costs in clearing the shipment through customs).  Amateur radio equipment has 
an import duty rate of zero in the UK.

In my previous post I mentioned that ordering direct from Elecraft had always 
delivered a savings relative to buying from the former UK dealer.  That 
calculation was to add the Elecraft list price and shipping cost in $ 
(converted to GBP at the best rate I could find (hint: few credit cards will 
give you this)); then add VAT at 20% to this GBP total; then add the clearance 
fee also in GBP.  It is the sum of all those items that must be compared with 
the UK dealer price.  I’m likely to be preaching to the converted on this 
reflector, but I am constantly having to educate folks on this simple 
arithmetic.

73, David G3WGN M6O

From: Eric Swartz 
Sent: Saturday, August 5, 2023 1:49 AM
To: David Aslin G3WGN 
Cc: Dave ; Elecraft Discussion List 

Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Buying a K4 in UK

I am currently in contact with Justin at Moonraker. We also met at the 
Friedrichshafen Ham Radio show in June.  I'll report here as soon as I have 
additional information on both the local sales and service for our products in 
the U.K.

One note - For the reasons others have noted, we are also interested in 
supporting independent repair persons inside the U.K who are familiar with our 
products. Please contact me directly.   
eric(at)elecraft.com

Also, in addition to our in and out of warranty repair center for the Eu since 
2011, Carlo Bianconi in Bologna, Italy, who has an excellent lab and does 
expert work, we have also added our Swiss Distributor, Lutz Electronics as an 
additional repair center for in and out of warranty products. The feedback from 
customers who have repairs done there has also been excellent. Lutz speaks vey 
good English, German and French and also has an expedited method for shipping 
to them from Germany.

On buying directly from us, one area of confusion among some international 
buyers in the UK and elsewhere in the EU is that while quoted prices for our 
products at local retail stores in Eu and the UK already include the addition 
of your local VAT and the cost of shipping and insurance to them from the U.S., 
the on-line prices on orders shipped directly from us do not include the VAT or 
import duty. That is required by the international authorities on your end to 
be paid by the buyer upon receipt.   (Shipping cost and insurance is also added 
by us to the invoice at the time of billing prior to shipment.)

72,
Eric
elecraft.com


On Wed, Aug 2, 2023 at 2:05 PM David Aslin G3WGN 
mailto:da...@aslinvc.com>> wrote:
All my Elecraft kit (K3 + 'S' upgrades, P3, KPA500, KAT500, KX3, K2, W2 etc) 
was bought via mostly separate orders direct from Elecraft, so multiple 
experience of this buying route.  No hassles with any of the shipments, but a 
week or so delay while the VAT/customs process completed.
Even at today's elevated shipping prices, cost was always less than the W & S 
price.

More concerning is the lack of accessible service facilities.  Claudio in 
Bologna is a great engineer and did an exemplary job of upgrading and checking 
over the the KPA500s owned by members of the 6Gs DXpeditions group; BUT, 
shipping a returnable item to Italy (or elsewhere in the EU) is now a huge 
bureaucratic nightmare.
I would hope that Eric and Justin Godefroy (who I 

Re: [Elecraft] A Good Headset For A K3

[Lee Hiers]

On Sun, Aug 6, 2023 at 3:24 PM Jim Brown  wrote:


> The only shortcoming of the Yamaha headset is it's somewhat light
> construction -- I'm super clumsy, am always knocking the headset on the
> floor, which has broken the cable. But at $60 or so compared 4-6 times
> that cost for ham specialty headsets that are no better, it's cheap.


My CM-500 has kinda fallen apart, so I've added new earpads to my old Sony
7506 'phones and have been enjoying them on CW.  I'm thinking about trying
to mount the Yamaha mic, or just get a ModMic to add to the Sony.

73 de Lee, AA4GA
__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

Re: [Elecraft] A Good Headset For A K3

[Jim Brown]

On 8/6/2023 11:43 AM, Eric Garner wrote:

2nding the radiosport headsets. They are not cheap, but they are
comfortable for extended wear, sound great, and block nearly all background
noise.


Comfort depends strongly on the head of the wearer. I tried on a set 
twice, first at a club meeting, then a few years later after 
seeing/hearing posts like this. On both occasions I found them to be an 
instrument of torture.


By contrast, the Yamaha CM500 headset is VERY comfortable -- I've worn 
mine for long contest weekends with no fatigue, and both phones and mic 
sound great. With the right TXEQ, audio is super competitive, is easy to 
listen to and cuts through noise and QRM. The headset plugs straight 
into the rear panel of both a K3 and a K4, (turn on bias, because mic is 
an electret). Most of us program PF2 to toggle the speaker on and off 
(go to the menu for that function and push PF2). With the right cable 
adapter, it also works great with a KX3.


The only shortcoming of the Yamaha headset is it's somewhat light 
construction -- I'm super clumsy, am always knocking the headset on the 
floor, which has broken the cable. But at $60 or so compared 4-6 times 
that cost for ham specialty headsets that are no better, it's cheap.


73, Jim 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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

Re: [Elecraft] A Good Headset For A K3

[Eric Garner]

2nding the radiosport headsets. They are not cheap, but they are
comfortable for extended wear, sound great, and block nearly all background
noise.

Eric KI7LTT

On Sun, Aug 6, 2023, 11:30 AM Lou Laderman via Elecraft <
elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote:

> I prefer RadioSport boom headsets. Others the Yamaha cm500 (I believe
> that’s the model). Both are worth looking at, cost is very different.
>
> 73, Lou W0FK
>
> Lou Laderman
> (314) 308-4363
> Sent from my mobile device
>
> On Aug 6, 2023, at 11:37 AM, Eric Fitzgerald  wrote:
>
> Hello Elecrafters,
>
> I've been struggling with a failing Kenwood MC-60 desk mic for portable
> operation and I would like recommendations for a good, robust headset that
> plugs into the front panel jack.
>
> Thanks in advance for that,
>
> 73 Eric KG6MZS
>
> PS; I tried to search the Mailman archives for this and couldn't find the
> search field.  Did it change recently?
>
> __
> 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
> Message delivered to llader...@icloud.com
> __
> 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
> Message delivered to garn...@gmail.com
__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

Re: [Elecraft] A Good Headset For A K3

[Lou Laderman via Elecraft]

I prefer RadioSport boom headsets. Others the Yamaha cm500 (I believe that’s 
the model). Both are worth looking at, cost is very different.

73, Lou W0FK

Lou Laderman
(314) 308-4363
Sent from my mobile device 

On Aug 6, 2023, at 11:37 AM, Eric Fitzgerald  wrote:

Hello Elecrafters,

I've been struggling with a failing Kenwood MC-60 desk mic for portable 
operation and I would like recommendations for a good, robust headset that 
plugs into the front panel jack.

Thanks in advance for that,

73 Eric KG6MZS

PS; I tried to search the Mailman archives for this and couldn't find the 
search field.  Did it change recently?

__
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
Message delivered to llader...@icloud.com
__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

Re: [Elecraft] A Good Headset For A K3

[Dave Fugleberg]

Eric,
Most any analog (not USB) computer gaming headset will actually work well
on the K3. You specifically mentioned that you want to plug into the front
panel- if so, you will need an adapter for the microphone jack. You can
easily build one, but the ones from Heil will work with any headset with
3.5 mm plugs. Most such computer headsets have electret mic elements, which
will require an adapter that passes the dc bias voltage.
I personally find it’s easier to just plug it into the rear jacks and set
the menu options accordingly. No adapters required.
If you have a store near you that carries a wide selection of computer
headsets, I suggest trying several for fit and comfort before you buy.
There’s a huge range of prices and build quality out there.
I’m sure many will chime in here with specific makes and models they like,
but headsets tend to be a very personal choice, so try before you buy if at
all possible.
One last comment- when using a headset, you will almost certainly find that
an external PTT switch (foot switch , trigger, or button) is vastly
preferable to pushing the XMIT button on the radio, so plan accordingly.
Again, no adapter required if you plug into the rear panel PTT input.
73 de W0ZF

On Sun, Aug 6, 2023 at 11:37 AM Eric Fitzgerald  wrote:

> Hello Elecrafters,
>
> I've been struggling with a failing Kenwood MC-60 desk mic for portable
> operation and I would like recommendations for a good, robust headset
> that plugs into the front panel jack.
>
> Thanks in advance for that,
>
> 73 Eric KG6MZS
>
> PS; I tried to search the Mailman archives for this and couldn't find
> the search field.  Did it change recently?
>
> __
> 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
> Message delivered to dave.w...@gmail.com
__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

Re: [Elecraft] A Good Headset For A K3

[Paul Van Dyke]

My point W1 ..

Paul KB9AVO

On Sun, Aug 6, 2023, 12:37 PM Eric Fitzgerald  wrote:

> Hello Elecrafters,
>
> I've been struggling with a failing Kenwood MC-60 desk mic for portable
> operation and I would like recommendations for a good, robust headset
> that plugs into the front panel jack.
>
> Thanks in advance for that,
>
> 73 Eric KG6MZS
>
> PS; I tried to search the Mailman archives for this and couldn't find
> the search field.  Did it change recently?
>
> __
> 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
> Message delivered to pvandyke1...@gmail.com
__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com 

[Elecraft] A Good Headset For A K3

[Eric Fitzgerald]

Hello Elecrafters,

I've been struggling with a failing Kenwood MC-60 desk mic for portable 
operation and I would like recommendations for a good, robust headset 
that plugs into the front panel jack.


Thanks in advance for that,

73 Eric KG6MZS

PS; I tried to search the Mailman archives for this and couldn't find 
the search field.  Did it change recently?


__
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
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com