Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
I must be of the same mind KISS and they provide that at a very reasonable cost. Could I do better? I'm sure that I could but the reason I went to the K3's vs. my FTDX-5000MP and the u2R over my MK2R+ was simplicity and size. I can hear these speakers where I have trouble with others because of hearing loss and the constant ringing. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Tim Tucker Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2012 1:50 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? Or, one can simply choose to pay an extra $20-$30 and bypass all of the fooling around by trying to find the right combination and just buy something that others have proven that works. Sacrificing the Line Out for external speakers is a pretty lousy solution, IMO. You originally replied that the COMspkr wouldn't work any better than the internal speaker, however I know from personal experience that it does exactly that. Take off your engineer hat and put on your consumer hat. For some of us, spending an extra couple of bucks to just be done with the whole problem (that shouldn't exist in the first place) is worth it. I don't need or want to go execute an algorithm to figure out which speaker will allow me to hear the rig at an acceptable volume. If you like doing that, no one is going to criticize you, however, not all of us feel like going through that exercise. My own experience is that I tried a bunch of external speakers with the K3 and the results sucked - in fact they were worse than other Icom and Yaesu rigs sitting on the bench at the same time using the same speakers. I got tired of fooling around with it and decided to purchase the powered COMspkr and was satisfied. Are there better solutions? Perhaps. Do I care? No. My problem is solved and I spend time enjoying the radio instead of cursing at the volume output of the K3. *IF* one feels the need for an external amplifier, bypass the internal amplifier by using the Line Out and high cut filter to drive a better amplifier - something capable of 10W per channel at 0.01% THD instead of 3W per channel at 1% THD like the COMSpkr. Alternatively, set up the external amplifier with a 16 - 32 Ohm input impedance, set the K3 to low AF gain to keep the LM4950 in the cleanest part of its design range and use the external amplifier to provide the power gain. Just like RF power amplifiers, audio amplifiers are all about selecting the right devices, using proper design and bypassing, then matching to the right load. On Tue, Nov 6, 2012 at 10:31 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote: *IF* one feels the need for an external amplifier, bypass the internal amplifier by using the Line Out and high cut filter to drive a better amplifier - something capable of 10W per channel at 0.01% THD instead of 3W per channel at 1% THD like the COMSpkr. Alternatively, set up the external amplifier with a 16 - 32 Ohm input impedance, set the K3 to low AF gain to keep the LM4950 in the cleanest part of its design range and use the external amplifier to provide the power gain. Just like RF power amplifiers, audio amplifiers are all about selecting the right devices, using proper design and bypassing, then matching to the right load. An audio amplifier needs to be able to source enough current to drive the speaker without saturation or clipping. The audio chip used in COMspkr and other 3W per channel computer speakers is simply no better or cleaner than the LM4950 used in the K3 - they all show high THD when operated at maximum output level because they just can not source the current without driving the outputs into saturation. That is nothing more or less than simple physics. -- --- Owner, worldwidedx.com AE6LX, Amateur Radio NNN0ITA, Navy MARS NNN0GAF FOUR, Southern CA Director Assistant for Training, Navy MARS __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
A different problem a different solution... This discussion has involved a single rig (K3) and it's speakers. My situation is different, but I suspect likely relevant to many. When I ordered my K3 and settled in for the early order wait I spent a bit of time (months) contemplating how to fit the K3 into my op desk. An inventory of the op desk at the time of the order: Elecraft K2, Icom 756, Small HD AM/FM radio, PC with standard issue amplified speakers (aka cheap), 2M FM, 440 FM, and probably some other stuff I simply don't recall. Oh, there was an entire shelf of mis-matched, garbage to OK speakers connected to most of the radios. Add in a legal limit amp, and a separate desk with a couple hundred pounds of AM stuff - and another speaker. You get a lot of hideous squawks from the abundance of speakers and RF. Add to the mix the forthcoming K3 - and it needs TWO speakers! The fix: Two new gizmos: Behringer Eurorack Pro (~$100 back then) high level mixer. Handles line-level into 8 stereo inputs Bose Companion 2 PC speaker set (~$200 I think) I built a handful of stereo and mono isolation boxes (600:600 Hammond transformers) - not needed for the K3. Yeah it's a lot of $$. But each radio can be easily mixed with all the other sources, silenced with the push of a button, and there is a mixed headphone level output with its own gain control. The entire speaker system can be silenced with a touch of a button. ZERO RF issues. The top shelf of my op desk is no longer is no longer sagging under the tonnage of a pile of ugly speakers. AND IT SOUNDS GREAT! (I'm a grey-hair and still like my 70's musicLOUD). I had listened to Bose audio goodies many times but found the $$ a bit of a stretch. The same is true of the PC speakers... but not out of this universe. The first thing I did was subject the system to some RF abuse with the intent of taking it back forthwith. That was years ago. So... solve lots of problems, spend a few more bucks, and enjoy! Aim harpoons off list pls. 73, Bill Snip: __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
[...] Connect stereo speakers to the rear panel speaker jack and you can enjoy the AFX effects [...] My experience with AFX effects (without the second receiver) for CW is not good. A pure CW tone seems to create dead spots around the shack where I cannot copy even a good quality signal. As a result, I am currently using a single external speaker. 73 ES GOD BLESS U ES URS DE KEN N4OI -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Speaker-buzz-But-which-external-speaker-tp7565155p7565189.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
I have been reading this thread backwards. My K3 inherited the West Mountain COMspkr pair as they were here and used with a West Mountain RigBlaster Duo on 2 Icom Rigs. I have something on top of the internal speaker so need something external. When I put the K3 in line they were there. No problems at all. I have a MicroKeyer II that I am going to try out with the K3 and see what it might do for me so will have to find another speaker source. It will probably be another COMspkr as I have some knowledge of them and used them for several years now with no issues. Then there will be the YCCC 4X interface that is waiting to be built and tested. But the COMspkr works for me. To each his own I guess. 73 Mike Sanders KOAZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Fred Smith Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 16:01 PM To: 'drewko'; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? IMHO the best bang for the buck are the West Mountain Radio COMspkr for $39 they have no equal. I have speakers in the shack that cost up to $400 ea. and these sound the best on my K3's and Never any RF on them with legal limit ++. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of drewko Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 3:10 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? I am using a pair of MFJ-281 Cleartone speakers with my K3. Some say they are fantastic; some say they are junk... But they work well enough for me for CW and SWL. They peak around 600-700 Hz. I would prefer a little lower, 400-500 Hz, but they work ok in that range. And no buzzing anywhere that I have heard. They also look like they were made to match the K3. As for RF, I have had no issues with them. The lead-in of my end fed wire antenna is inches away from them (though I do only operate 10 watts output). 73, Drew AF2Z On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:18:45 +, Iain G4SGX. wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ __ 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 - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1427 / Virus Database: 2441/5379 - Release Date: 11/07/12 __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
You originally replied that the COMspkr wouldn't work any better than the internal speaker, I have been referring to the internal *AMPLIFIER* - if I typed speaker it was in error. Or, one can simply choose to pay an extra $20-$30 and bypass all of the fooling around by trying to find the right combination and just buy something that others have proven that works. Yup, that means a pair of MFJ or Jetstream communications speakers at $20-$30 for the pair vs. an overpriced $10 amplified computer speakers for $40. My own experience is that I tried a bunch of external speakers with the K3 and the results sucked - in fact they were worse than other Icom and Yaesu rigs sitting on the bench at the same time using the same speakers. Sure, if you used low efficiency speakers - like those in the Yaesu or Icom external speakers - they will sound better with the 5 - 10W amplifiers in the Icom/Yaesu rigs. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/7/2012 2:50 AM, Tim Tucker wrote: Or, one can simply choose to pay an extra $20-$30 and bypass all of the fooling around by trying to find the right combination and just buy something that others have proven that works. Sacrificing the Line Out for external speakers is a pretty lousy solution, IMO. You originally replied that the COMspkr wouldn't work any better than the internal speaker, however I know from personal experience that it does exactly that. Take off your engineer hat and put on your consumer hat. For some of us, spending an extra couple of bucks to just be done with the whole problem (that shouldn't exist in the first place) is worth it. I don't need or want to go execute an algorithm to figure out which speaker will allow me to hear the rig at an acceptable volume. If you like doing that, no one is going to criticize you, however, not all of us feel like going through that exercise. My own experience is that I tried a bunch of external speakers with the K3 and the results sucked - in fact they were worse than other Icom and Yaesu rigs sitting on the bench at the same time using the same speakers. I got tired of fooling around with it and decided to purchase the powered COMspkr and was satisfied. Are there better solutions? Perhaps. Do I care? No. My problem is solved and I spend time enjoying the radio instead of cursing at the volume output of the K3. *IF* one feels the need for an external amplifier, bypass the internal amplifier by using the Line Out and high cut filter to drive a better amplifier - something capable of 10W per channel at 0.01% THD instead of 3W per channel at 1% THD like the COMSpkr. Alternatively, set up the external amplifier with a 16 - 32 Ohm input impedance, set the K3 to low AF gain to keep the LM4950 in the cleanest part of its design range and use the external amplifier to provide the power gain. Just like RF power amplifiers, audio amplifiers are all about selecting the right devices, using proper design and bypassing, then matching to the right load. On Tue, Nov 6, 2012 at 10:31 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote: *IF* one feels the need for an external amplifier, bypass the internal amplifier by using the Line Out and high cut filter to drive a better amplifier - something capable of 10W per channel at 0.01% THD instead of 3W per channel at 1% THD like the COMSpkr. Alternatively, set up the external amplifier with a 16 - 32 Ohm input impedance, set the K3 to low AF gain to keep the LM4950 in the cleanest part of its design range and use the external amplifier to provide the power gain. Just like RF power amplifiers, audio amplifiers are all about selecting the right devices, using proper design and bypassing, then matching to the right load. An audio amplifier needs to be able to source enough current to drive the speaker without saturation or clipping. The audio chip used in COMspkr and other 3W per channel computer speakers is simply no better or cleaner than the LM4950 used in the K3 - they all show high THD when operated at maximum output level because they just can not source the current without driving the outputs into saturation. That is nothing more or less than simple physics. __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
This thread has gotten long so I risk getting chided for replying so late. I only used the internal K3 spkr for a couple days when the radio was new. I switched to an old venerable National Radio 8-inch speaker from the 1950's housed in a metal enclosure. I was made for communication receivers and has sounded great with most of my ham radios (now dedicated to the K3). No amplifier in it. I bought a pair of the COMspkr's for my wife's computer as result of my RFI getting into it when I ran HF (especially 20m). I am looking for a better solution for my KX3 which is using some old HK computer speakers. I have never been impressed with their sound (on computers, with the SDR-IQ, and now with the KX3). The HK always sound murky. I am thinking to borrow the wife's COMspkr for a test. As I recall they ran about $45+shipping. I have had no issues with the K3 audio but the KX3 needs something better. For communications I do not need super-low THD and 20-Hz to 100-THz freq response. For my hearing 300-1500 Hz is good. On my home theater system the low harmonic distortion and wide freq range is nice (even with poor hearing it turns out). I see this a little bit apples and oranges. 73, Ed - KL7UW __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
Ed they are $39 at most places anymore. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Edward R Cole Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2012 1:51 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? This thread has gotten long so I risk getting chided for replying so late. I only used the internal K3 spkr for a couple days when the radio was new. I switched to an old venerable National Radio 8-inch speaker from the 1950's housed in a metal enclosure. I was made for communication receivers and has sounded great with most of my ham radios (now dedicated to the K3). No amplifier in it. I bought a pair of the COMspkr's for my wife's computer as result of my RFI getting into it when I ran HF (especially 20m). I am looking for a better solution for my KX3 which is using some old HK computer speakers. I have never been impressed with their sound (on computers, with the SDR-IQ, and now with the KX3). The HK always sound murky. I am thinking to borrow the wife's COMspkr for a test. As I recall they ran about $45+shipping. I have had no issues with the K3 audio but the KX3 needs something better. For communications I do not need super-low THD and 20-Hz to 100-THz freq response. For my hearing 300-1500 Hz is good. On my home theater system the low harmonic distortion and wide freq range is nice (even with poor hearing it turns out). I see this a little bit apples and oranges. 73, Ed - KL7UW __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
Folks, let's end this thread. Looks like it has been beaten into submission. 73, Eric Elecraft List Moderator www.elecraft.com _..._ On Nov 7, 2012, at 12:01 PM, Fred Smith m...@mo-net.com wrote: Ed they are $39 at most places anymore. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Edward R Cole Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2012 1:51 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? This thread has gotten long so I risk getting chided for replying so late. I only used the internal K3 spkr for a couple days when the radio was new. I switched to an old venerable National Radio 8-inch speaker from the 1950's housed in a metal enclosure. I was made for communication receivers and has sounded great with most of my ham radios (now dedicated to the K3). No amplifier in it. I bought a pair of the COMspkr's for my wife's computer as result of my RFI getting into it when I ran HF (especially 20m). I am looking for a better solution for my KX3 which is using some old HK computer speakers. I have never been impressed with their sound (on computers, with the SDR-IQ, and now with the KX3). The HK always sound murky. I am thinking to borrow the wife's COMspkr for a test. As I recall they ran about $45+shipping. I have had no issues with the K3 audio but the KX3 needs something better. For communications I do not need super-low THD and 20-Hz to 100-THz freq response. For my hearing 300-1500 Hz is good. On my home theater system the low harmonic distortion and wide freq range is nice (even with poor hearing it turns out). I see this a little bit apples and oranges. 73, Ed - KL7UW __ 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 __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
Hi, Well I've always found that the K3 internal speaker is pretty lousy on CW, OK with SSB. Not a big problem 'cos I always use phones for CW. I remember reading a few years ago about some experiments with enclosing the rear of the speaker to improve the sound. I've done all the factory RX audio mods on #345. Something else I've noticed is the huge variability of the tonal quality of CW on the bands. It's certainly not a receiver fault 'cos checking the same signal with the K2 it sounds the same. Two totally different receive processing architectures. Finally, word in the bazaars is that LoTW has blown up with loss of data and corrupted backups. I hope not! Regards, Mike VP8NO On 06/11/2012 17:18, g4...@justfans.co.uk wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
Hi Iain, Glad someone else can spell the name properly ;) The topic of external speakers has been beaten to death many times already. You could go to http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ and search for K3 speakers for some of the history 73, ~iain / N6ML On Tue, Nov 6, 2012 at 12:18 PM, g4...@justfans.co.uk wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
Iain, May I suggest that you find a pair of efficient speakers rather than just one. Even if you do not have the subRX, you can enjoy the enhancement offered by the AFX effects. I am not going to mention any specifics because I just don't know. If you want shortwave listening in addition to ham bands, you will want high fidelity speakers - I would look for a pair of bookshelf speakers. The ones I was fortunate enough to find in a 2nd hand store are old Radio Shack Optimus speakers which are cubes with the height about the same as the K3. Computer speakers will work fine, but most are amplified and can respond with nasty noises in the presence of RF. If you can find a pair of shielded speakers, that effect may not be a problem. So shop the 2nd hand stores in your area, and maybe you can find something suitable at a very low price. BTW, the Elecraft speaker now has a 7 inch wire and connector attached, so replacement is simply a matter of loosening the hardware and attaching the new speaker - no soldering. I have to remove that wire when building a K2, but for the K3, it is a perfect fit. 73, Don W3FPR. On 11/6/2012 3:18 PM, g4...@justfans.co.uk wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
I am using a pair of MFJ-281 Cleartone speakers with my K3. Some say they are fantastic; some say they are junk... But they work well enough for me for CW and SWL. They peak around 600-700 Hz. I would prefer a little lower, 400-500 Hz, but they work ok in that range. And no buzzing anywhere that I have heard. They also look like they were made to match the K3. As for RF, I have had no issues with them. The lead-in of my end fed wire antenna is inches away from them (though I do only operate 10 watts output). 73, Drew AF2Z On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:18:45 +, Iain G4SGX. wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
IMHO the best bang for the buck are the West Mountain Radio COMspkr for $39 they have no equal. I have speakers in the shack that cost up to $400 ea. and these sound the best on my K3's and Never any RF on them with legal limit ++. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of drewko Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 3:10 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? I am using a pair of MFJ-281 Cleartone speakers with my K3. Some say they are fantastic; some say they are junk... But they work well enough for me for CW and SWL. They peak around 600-700 Hz. I would prefer a little lower, 400-500 Hz, but they work ok in that range. And no buzzing anywhere that I have heard. They also look like they were made to match the K3. As for RF, I have had no issues with them. The lead-in of my end fed wire antenna is inches away from them (though I do only operate 10 watts output). 73, Drew AF2Z On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:18:45 +, Iain G4SGX. wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
The COMSpkr is rated at 3W per channel ... barely better than the 2.5W per channel of the K3. A good pair of bookshelf speakers will provide everything that the COMspkr does with arguably better sound than the small speakers in the COMspkr enclosures. A good technician can probably make a $10 pair of computer speakers as RF proof as the COMspkrs just by installing the RC RFI suppression networks most manufacturers leave off the standard amplifier board! 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/6/2012 5:00 PM, Fred Smith wrote: IMHO the best bang for the buck are the West Mountain Radio COMspkr for $39 they have no equal. I have speakers in the shack that cost up to $400 ea. and these sound the best on my K3's and Never any RF on them with legal limit ++. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of drewko Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 3:10 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? I am using a pair of MFJ-281 Cleartone speakers with my K3. Some say they are fantastic; some say they are junk... But they work well enough for me for CW and SWL. They peak around 600-700 Hz. I would prefer a little lower, 400-500 Hz, but they work ok in that range. And no buzzing anywhere that I have heard. They also look like they were made to match the K3. As for RF, I have had no issues with them. The lead-in of my end fed wire antenna is inches away from them (though I do only operate 10 watts output). 73, Drew AF2Z On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:18:45 +, Iain G4SGX. wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ __ 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 __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
Joe The COMspkr is an ampflied speaker. Hell I have a set of Bose speakers here that were close to $500 and don't sound any better on a radio than the $39 ones and they are as loud as you want. I got to call you on this one just from using as many sets of speakers as I have. Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Joe Subich, W4TV Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 4:43 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? The COMSpkr is rated at 3W per channel ... barely better than the 2.5W per channel of the K3. A good pair of bookshelf speakers will provide everything that the COMspkr does with arguably better sound than the small speakers in the COMspkr enclosures. A good technician can probably make a $10 pair of computer speakers as RF proof as the COMspkrs just by installing the RC RFI suppression networks most manufacturers leave off the standard amplifier board! 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/6/2012 5:00 PM, Fred Smith wrote: IMHO the best bang for the buck are the West Mountain Radio COMspkr for $39 they have no equal. I have speakers in the shack that cost up to $400 ea. and these sound the best on my K3's and Never any RF on them with legal limit ++. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of drewko Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 3:10 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? I am using a pair of MFJ-281 Cleartone speakers with my K3. Some say they are fantastic; some say they are junk... But they work well enough for me for CW and SWL. They peak around 600-700 Hz. I would prefer a little lower, 400-500 Hz, but they work ok in that range. And no buzzing anywhere that I have heard. They also look like they were made to match the K3. As for RF, I have had no issues with them. The lead-in of my end fed wire antenna is inches away from them (though I do only operate 10 watts output). 73, Drew AF2Z On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:18:45 +, Iain G4SGX. wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ __ 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 __ 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 message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5377 - Release Date: 11/06/12 __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
I use 6x9 car speakers Sent from my iPhone On Nov 6, 2012, at 5:38 PM, Fred Smith m...@mo-net.com wrote: Joe The COMspkr is an ampflied speaker. Hell I have a set of Bose speakers here that were close to $500 and don't sound any better on a radio than the $39 ones and they are as loud as you want. I got to call you on this one just from using as many sets of speakers as I have. Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Joe Subich, W4TV Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 4:43 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? The COMSpkr is rated at 3W per channel ... barely better than the 2.5W per channel of the K3. A good pair of bookshelf speakers will provide everything that the COMspkr does with arguably better sound than the small speakers in the COMspkr enclosures. A good technician can probably make a $10 pair of computer speakers as RF proof as the COMspkrs just by installing the RC RFI suppression networks most manufacturers leave off the standard amplifier board! 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/6/2012 5:00 PM, Fred Smith wrote: IMHO the best bang for the buck are the West Mountain Radio COMspkr for $39 they have no equal. I have speakers in the shack that cost up to $400 ea. and these sound the best on my K3's and Never any RF on them with legal limit ++. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of drewko Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 3:10 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? I am using a pair of MFJ-281 Cleartone speakers with my K3. Some say they are fantastic; some say they are junk... But they work well enough for me for CW and SWL. They peak around 600-700 Hz. I would prefer a little lower, 400-500 Hz, but they work ok in that range. And no buzzing anywhere that I have heard. They also look like they were made to match the K3. As for RF, I have had no issues with them. The lead-in of my end fed wire antenna is inches away from them (though I do only operate 10 watts output). 73, Drew AF2Z On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:18:45 +, Iain G4SGX. wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ __ 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 __ 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 message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5377 - Release Date: 11/06/12 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
I have a pair of these 2 3/4 x 4 1/2 speakers, got one from a neighbor (he likes them so much he has several and one to spare) and found one at a Swap meet (Pacificon) for $12.00 .I have the AFX going and I like the sound. http://www.gigaparts.com/store.php?action=profilesku=ZJS-JTSP10 73, Hoop K9QJS __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
The COMspkr is an ampflied speaker. That's right and the amplifier is not any stronger than the amplifier in the K3. There is no value to using a set of 3W per channel amplified speakers on a transceiver that provides 2.5W per channel by itself. I've used a pair of $5 speakers from surplus cellphone remote kits on the K3 that sound as good as any amplified computer speakers (and I've used a lot over the years). If one is going to use amplified speakers use speakers capable of significantly more *clean* power than what is essentially a low end commodity product. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/6/2012 6:34 PM, Fred Smith wrote: Joe The COMspkr is an ampflied speaker. Hell I have a set of Bose speakers here that were close to $500 and don't sound any better on a radio than the $39 ones and they are as loud as you want. I got to call you on this one just from using as many sets of speakers as I have. Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Joe Subich, W4TV Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 4:43 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? The COMSpkr is rated at 3W per channel ... barely better than the 2.5W per channel of the K3. A good pair of bookshelf speakers will provide everything that the COMspkr does with arguably better sound than the small speakers in the COMspkr enclosures. A good technician can probably make a $10 pair of computer speakers as RF proof as the COMspkrs just by installing the RC RFI suppression networks most manufacturers leave off the standard amplifier board! 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/6/2012 5:00 PM, Fred Smith wrote: IMHO the best bang for the buck are the West Mountain Radio COMspkr for $39 they have no equal. I have speakers in the shack that cost up to $400 ea. and these sound the best on my K3's and Never any RF on them with legal limit ++. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of drewko Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 3:10 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? I am using a pair of MFJ-281 Cleartone speakers with my K3. Some say they are fantastic; some say they are junk... But they work well enough for me for CW and SWL. They peak around 600-700 Hz. I would prefer a little lower, 400-500 Hz, but they work ok in that range. And no buzzing anywhere that I have heard. They also look like they were made to match the K3. As for RF, I have had no issues with them. The lead-in of my end fed wire antenna is inches away from them (though I do only operate 10 watts output). 73, Drew AF2Z On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:18:45 +, Iain G4SGX. wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ __ 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 __ 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 message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
That may be true in terms of power gain, but there may be some value in having the speakers front-firing instead of top-firing like the K3's built-in speaker. Another cheap/easy solution might be a PVC pipe 90-degree elbow sitting on top of the rig to redirect the sound (mono only). 73, --Andrew, NV1B maineware.net .. On Tue, Nov 6, 2012 at 8:39 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote: The COMspkr is an ampflied speaker. That's right and the amplifier is not any stronger than the amplifier in the K3. There is no value to using a set of 3W per channel amplified speakers on a transceiver that provides 2.5W per channel by itself. __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
Andrew, A right angle elbow might be one solution, but the K3 does have stereo capability. Connect stereo speakers to the rear panel speaker jack and you can enjoy the AFX effects if you do not have the KRX3 installed, and the diversity reception and other stereo effects are available if the KRX3 is installed. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/6/2012 8:57 PM, Andrew Moore wrote: That may be true in terms of power gain, but there may be some value in having the speakers front-firing instead of top-firing like the K3's built-in speaker. Another cheap/easy solution might be a PVC pipe 90-degree elbow sitting on top of the rig to redirect the sound (mono only). 73, --Andrew, NV1B maineware.net .. On Tue, Nov 6, 2012 at 8:39 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote: The COMspkr is an ampflied speaker. That's right and the amplifier is not any stronger than the amplifier in the K3. There is no value to using a set of 3W per channel amplified speakers on a transceiver that provides 2.5W per channel by itself. __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
I wasn't all that impressed with how the AFX sounded on headphones, so I was surprised how much better it was on speakers, even the small ones I have sitting on top of the rig with that minimal amount of separation. Anyone who is considering getting an external speaker should definitely get a pair of them and hook them up in stereo. 73, Drew AF2Z On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 21:17:18 -0500, Don W3FPR wrote: Andrew, A right angle elbow might be one solution, but the K3 does have stereo capability. Connect stereo speakers to the rear panel speaker jack and you can enjoy the AFX effects if you do not have the KRX3 installed, and the diversity reception and other stereo effects are available if the KRX3 is installed. 73, Don W3FPR __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
Sorry Joe, but I'm with Fred on this one, as well. You're speaking from what you believe to be true based on specs you're reading, but it's obvious to me as one who has actually used various speakers on the K3, including the COMSpkr, that you don't have as complete a picture as some of us who have actually tested this. I love the K3 and wouldn't trade it for another rig, but it's not perfect. It's ability to drive external speakers is one of the examples where it does not excel. Compared to other rigs, it basically sucks . Period. I'm young compared to most of you guys and have no hearing loss and have quite a good reputation amongst my friends for having an ear for what *sounds* good. After trying quite a few different external speakers setups with the K3 and not being happy with the overall volume output, I decided that the K3 was probably too finicky with what it needs for speaker impedance and decided to just go with a set of powered external speakers and be done with it. The COMspkr is so damn loud that it practically blasts me out of my den if I turn it up much. I don't like to use headphones if I don't have to, and with the COMspkr, I rarely need to. Regardless of what you think the specs say, you need to try this for yourself and make an informed decision. On Tue, Nov 6, 2012 at 5:39 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote: The COMspkr is an ampflied speaker. That's right and the amplifier is not any stronger than the amplifier in the K3. There is no value to using a set of 3W per channel amplified speakers on a transceiver that provides 2.5W per channel by itself. I've used a pair of $5 speakers from surplus cellphone remote kits on the K3 that sound as good as any amplified computer speakers (and I've used a lot over the years). If one is going to use amplified speakers use speakers capable of significantly more *clean* power than what is essentially a low end commodity product. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/6/2012 6:34 PM, Fred Smith wrote: Joe The COMspkr is an ampflied speaker. Hell I have a set of Bose speakers here that were close to $500 and don't sound any better on a radio than the $39 ones and they are as loud as you want. I got to call you on this one just from using as many sets of speakers as I have. Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Joe Subich, W4TV Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 4:43 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? The COMSpkr is rated at 3W per channel ... barely better than the 2.5W per channel of the K3. A good pair of bookshelf speakers will provide everything that the COMspkr does with arguably better sound than the small speakers in the COMspkr enclosures. A good technician can probably make a $10 pair of computer speakers as RF proof as the COMspkrs just by installing the RC RFI suppression networks most manufacturers leave off the standard amplifier board! 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/6/2012 5:00 PM, Fred Smith wrote: IMHO the best bang for the buck are the West Mountain Radio COMspkr for $39 they have no equal. I have speakers in the shack that cost up to $400 ea. and these sound the best on my K3's and Never any RF on them with legal limit ++. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of drewko Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 3:10 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? I am using a pair of MFJ-281 Cleartone speakers with my K3. Some say they are fantastic; some say they are junk... But they work well enough for me for CW and SWL. They peak around 600-700 Hz. I would prefer a little lower, 400-500 Hz, but they work ok in that range. And no buzzing anywhere that I have heard. They also look like they were made to match the K3. As for RF, I have had no issues with them. The lead-in of my end fed wire antenna is inches away from them (though I do only operate 10 watts output). 73, Drew AF2Z On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:18:45 +, Iain G4SGX. wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Joe Subich, W4TV Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 4:43 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? The COMSpkr is rated at 3W per channel ... barely better than the 2.5W per channel of the K3. A good pair of bookshelf speakers will provide everything that the COMspkr does with arguably better sound than the small speakers in the COMspkr enclosures. A good technician can probably make a $10 pair of computer speakers as RF proof as the COMspkrs just by installing the RC RFI suppression networks most manufacturers leave off the standard amplifier board! 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/6/2012 5:00 PM, Fred Smith wrote: IMHO the best bang for the buck are the West Mountain Radio COMspkr for $39 they have no equal. I have speakers in the shack that cost up to $400 ea. and these sound the best on my K3's and Never any RF on them with legal limit ++. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of drewko Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 3:10 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? I am using a pair of MFJ-281 Cleartone speakers with my K3. Some say they are fantastic; some say they are junk... But they work well enough for me for CW and SWL. They peak around 600-700 Hz. I would prefer a little lower, 400-500 Hz, but they work ok in that range. And no buzzing anywhere that I have heard. They also look like they were made to match the K3. As for RF, I have had no issues with them. The lead-in of my end fed wire antenna is inches away from them (though I do only operate 10 watts output). 73, Drew AF2Z On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:18:45 +, Iain G4SGX. wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ __ 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 __ 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 message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5377 - Release Date: 11/06/12 __ 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 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
Or, one can simply choose to pay an extra $20-$30 and bypass all of the fooling around by trying to find the right combination and just buy something that others have proven that works. Sacrificing the Line Out for external speakers is a pretty lousy solution, IMO. You originally replied that the COMspkr wouldn't work any better than the internal speaker, however I know from personal experience that it does exactly that. Take off your engineer hat and put on your consumer hat. For some of us, spending an extra couple of bucks to just be done with the whole problem (that shouldn't exist in the first place) is worth it. I don't need or want to go execute an algorithm to figure out which speaker will allow me to hear the rig at an acceptable volume. If you like doing that, no one is going to criticize you, however, not all of us feel like going through that exercise. My own experience is that I tried a bunch of external speakers with the K3 and the results sucked - in fact they were worse than other Icom and Yaesu rigs sitting on the bench at the same time using the same speakers. I got tired of fooling around with it and decided to purchase the powered COMspkr and was satisfied. Are there better solutions? Perhaps. Do I care? No. My problem is solved and I spend time enjoying the radio instead of cursing at the volume output of the K3. *IF* one feels the need for an external amplifier, bypass the internal amplifier by using the Line Out and high cut filter to drive a better amplifier - something capable of 10W per channel at 0.01% THD instead of 3W per channel at 1% THD like the COMSpkr. Alternatively, set up the external amplifier with a 16 - 32 Ohm input impedance, set the K3 to low AF gain to keep the LM4950 in the cleanest part of its design range and use the external amplifier to provide the power gain. Just like RF power amplifiers, audio amplifiers are all about selecting the right devices, using proper design and bypassing, then matching to the right load. On Tue, Nov 6, 2012 at 10:31 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote: *IF* one feels the need for an external amplifier, bypass the internal amplifier by using the Line Out and high cut filter to drive a better amplifier - something capable of 10W per channel at 0.01% THD instead of 3W per channel at 1% THD like the COMSpkr. Alternatively, set up the external amplifier with a 16 - 32 Ohm input impedance, set the K3 to low AF gain to keep the LM4950 in the cleanest part of its design range and use the external amplifier to provide the power gain. Just like RF power amplifiers, audio amplifiers are all about selecting the right devices, using proper design and bypassing, then matching to the right load. An audio amplifier needs to be able to source enough current to drive the speaker without saturation or clipping. The audio chip used in COMspkr and other 3W per channel computer speakers is simply no better or cleaner than the LM4950 used in the K3 - they all show high THD when operated at maximum output level because they just can not source the current without driving the outputs into saturation. That is nothing more or less than simple physics. -- --- Owner, worldwidedx.com AE6LX, Amateur Radio NNN0ITA, Navy MARS NNN0GAF FOUR, Southern CA Director Assistant for Training, Navy MARS __ 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
