Re: [Elecraft] K3 : SSB modulation
On Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:31:35 -0700, Dave Hachadorian wrote: Other el cheapo computer mics sound great too. Yes. Before I left Chicago about 5 years ago, I bought five assorted Plantronics headsets in different configurations. I suspect they were someone's free samples. I think I paid a total of $20 for the lot. I subsequently found them for sale at Fry's for about $30 each. I made up connector adapters to use them with a all the ham rigs I then owned (a K2, Omni V, TS850, and IC746) and a computer for VOIP. The adapters included a resistor from V+ to bias the electret. All of them sounded good and produced competitive contest audio with all of the rigs and the computer. 73, Jim Brown K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 : SSB modulation
On Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:49:01 -0400, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: Are any of you guys driving your K3 with W2IHY or other audio rack gear? Why bother? The K3 already provides all of the capability of the W2IHY 8 band EQ/noise gate, adds downward expansion in the noise gate and there is no issue with external hum loops, RF pick-up, etc. I completely agree. I'm still waiting for my K3 to get back from the factory, but I plan on running the full stack of W2IHY gear with a Heil GM-5 Mic. I've used wide range (broadcast style) mics and the Heil HC-5 element with the K3's internal EQ and find that configuring the K3 for a 6 dB per octave roll off below 400 Hz (50 Hz: -16dB, 100 Hz: -12dB, 200 Hz: -6 dB), a -6dB notch at 800 Hz and 6 dB per octave rise above 1000 Hz (1600 Hz: +6dB, 2400 Hz: +10dB, 3200 Hz: +12dB) yields extremely good audio reports with the broadcast mic and a lot of presence without the restricted sound on the HC-5. Coupled with CMP at 25, this provides plenty of punch without sounding over processed and all highs like the HC-4. Because I've worked in pro audio for nearly 50 years, I own a bunch of pro mics. Rather than buy a mic, I've also used pro mics like RE16 and RE20 with the K3 and other ham rigs, and done exactly what Joe has done. They sound great that way, they get great reports, and they produce competitive contest and DX audio. I've replaced them with a Yamaha CM500, only because I could wear the headset and get away from the boom stand that held the pro mic, it is comfortable, and inexpensive. I've never owned a Heil mic, but I've heard a lot of them on the air. Most of them sound varying degrees of bad. 73, Jim Brown K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 : SSB modulation
On Thu, 19 Aug 2010 23:16:38 +0200, Laurent HAAS - F6FVY wrote: We spent time on various available settings (mic gain, compressor level, etc), with no luck, excepted a very distorted and awful audio to roughly reach the same level, which is not acceptable. Hi Guys, I regularly get reports of having very good sounding, very competitive contest audio. My method is VERY simple. 1) I set TXEQ to roll off (reduce the strength of) the three lowest frequency bands to the lowest setting (-16dB). 2) I set Mic Gain as described in the K3 manual. 3) I set Compression for 10dB on peaks as indicated on the CMP meter. 4) I have another contester with good ears (usually the Locust, K6VVA) listen to me with his receiver set for wide audio bandwidth (that is, a wide filter), and tweak TXEQ based on what he tells me. Some mics and voices may sound better with a LITTLE boost (3-4 dB) in the highest bands (#7, #8), and some may sound better with some CUT in the 4th band (to reduce lows). An important part of contest audio is playback of messages from the computer. Computer sound cards can produce very nasty, muddy audio with no punch if they are overdriven (too much mic gain for the recording) and too much playback level. When recording messages, make sure that you are not overloading the sound card or producing digital distortion by setting mic gain too high. When recording messages, plug headphones into the computer and listen to the audio you have recorded. Does it sound clean? If not, turn down the mic gain until it does. When playing back messages, set the playback gain fairly low, set the K3 Line Input to about 10, and gradually turn up the playback gain of the computer until ALC and Compression, as indicated on the K3 meters, matches your live mic. Hope this helps. 73, Jim Brown K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 : SSB modulation
I've just bought a cheap headset with microphone and it works very well with my K3 and K2. For those in the UK, I got it from Maplin, order code KX43W for £9.99. 73 Roger MW0IDX K3 #191 K2 #2724 KX1 #416 Jim Brown wrote: On Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:31:35 -0700, Dave Hachadorian wrote: Other el cheapo computer mics sound great too. Yes. Before I left Chicago about 5 years ago, I bought five assorted Plantronics headsets in different configurations. I suspect they were someone's free samples. I think I paid a total of $20 for the lot. I subsequently found them for sale at Fry's for about $30 each. __ 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 : SSB modulation
As others noted, the audio equalizer in the K3 allows almost infinite tweaking of the audio response to fit anyone's preferences. An excellent starting point is the response curve of the famous Astatic D-104: http://www.bellscb.com/products/microphones/astatic/base_mics/ASTATIC_D104_S pecs.html Using modern, inexpensive electret elements you can assume the mic frequency response is flat from about 50 Hz to over 15 kHz, so all the shaping will take place in the K3's equalizer. Ron AC7AC __ 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 : SSB modulation
I use the Heil MD2 microphone which has an electret element. I have both compression and mic gain set to 25, and mic set to front panel low with bias. I have far more 'talk power' than I have enjoyed with any previous radio. 73 Stephen G4SJP On 20/08/2010 04:24, Joseph Trombino, Jr w...@bellsouth.net wrote: Hi We are the proud owners of 6 K3/100 used at the FY5KE contest station. These radios has been delivered around mid-2008 and their serial numbers are in the 012xx range. After using mostly these rigs for SSB contesting in FY5KE or in other places, we are still facing a lack of dynamics, punch, penetration, power, whatever you call it. In other words, when comparing this rig to our radios we previously used (TS-850), with the same microphone (Heil HC-4 element) and the same output RF power, the K3 is clearly way behind in term of average power we can read on the Bird wattmeter wired on its RF output. Even if observing the wattmeter needle is not a very scientific measurement (we admit it), various comparative reports on the air do confirm our feeling. We spent time on various available settings (mic gain, compressor level, etc), with no luck, excepted a very distorted and awful audio to roughly reach the same level, which is not acceptable. After a little Googling, it appears that other contesters suffers the same issue (e.g. www.bavarian-contest-club.de/projects/K3_english.pdf pages 6 and 10). Some questions : - Do other contesters (or not) here have noted the same problem ? - What settings did you modified (or not) to achieve a good result ? - Is there any possible HW or SW upgrade we aren't aware of, that could help us ? We must confess we are currently preparing our next contest season, and we are seriously considering reselling these radios and bring others Japanese models if we can't solve this problem, despite we really appreciate them in many other aspects (size, weight, etc.). 73 For the FY5KE/Win-Test team, Larry - F6FVY __ 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 : SSB modulation
I use a small plane / helicopter pilot's headset and my settings are similar: - bias on - low - mic gain ca. 10 - compression between 20 and 25 - reduced bass with the tx equalizer (my voice is very deep) The lack of SSB-Umph was solved a long time ago, and that BCC report we wrote way back when, is now out of date. The quality of the K3's modulation was never bad, but in the early days was too pretty for contest use. vy 73 de toby I use the Heil MD2 microphone which has an electret element. I have both compression and mic gain set to 25, and mic set to front panel low with bias. __ 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 : SSB modulation
**Without using enough compression** (CMP), a lack of SSB average power level occurs because the ALC does not act the same in the SSB mode as it does in other radios. This makes the audio sound thinner or less powerful because there is less very short term (fast speed) compression to level voice amplitude peaks and valleys. Using higher compression corrects this. For example using a sample and hold Bird 4391 power meter (it stores the highest readings for later viewing), the highest (MAX) readings are: FT1000MP MKV no processing, normal ALC, peak to average power ratio 4.26:1 normal processing, normal ALC, peak to average ratio 3.85:1 K3 no comp, normal ALC, peak to average ratio 4.7 comp 20, normal ALC, peak to average ratio 2.84 The 1000MP is almost the same with or without processor The K3 has a drastic improvement I have not looked at waveforms on a scope, but this is what the 4391 Power Analyst says. It would be interesting to look at some speech patterns, but I have no idea what a good reference input would be or how to accomplish that. The above is with my voice and saying hello test one two three several times normally. :-) I must use the CMP at 20 or more or the audio sounds thin. No amount of mic gain will correct this. From 4391 Bird meter readings and my ear I think this K3 behavior is proper, and the Yaesu actually is lacking because the ALC distorts the peak to average ratio too much. In the K3, the ALC is not a processor. In the Yaesu, the ALC acts as a processor. 73 Tom After using mostly these rigs for SSB contesting in FY5KE or in other places, we are still facing a lack of dynamics, punch, penetration, power, whatever you call it. In other words, when comparing this rig to our radios we previously used (TS-850), with the same microphone (Heil HC-4 element) and the same output RF power, the K3 is clearly way behind in term of average power we can read on the Bird wattmeter wired on its RF output. Even if observing the wattmeter needle is not a very scientific measurement (we admit it), various comparative reports on the air do confirm our feeling. __ 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 : SSB modulation
Laurent HAAS - F6FVY wrote: After using mostly these rigs for SSB contesting in FY5KE or in other places, we are still facing a lack of dynamics, punch, penetration, power, whatever you call it. In other words, when comparing this rig to our radios we previously used (TS-850), with the same microphone (Heil HC-4 element) and the same output RF power, the K3 is clearly way behind in term of average power we can read on the Bird wattmeter wired on its RF output. Even if observing the wattmeter needle is not a very scientific measurement (we admit it), various comparative reports on the air do confirm our feeling. 1. The plain HC4 (non-electret) cartridge should be set to FP.H or rP.H (tap 1 to toggle LH while in MIC SEL) with no bIAS (tap 2 to toggle onoff while in MIC SEL). 2. Set CMP = 0. Adjust MIC for 5-7 bar peaks on the ALC meter when using a normal contest voice. Set CMP = 23 or your listening preference in MONitor. With PWR set max CW (110W), I measure 92.9W in TUNE while using a factory calibrated LP-100A (so maybe I need to calibrate my K3 again). When speaking in a contest voice, I measure ~90W peaks (sometimes up to 94.5). The audio sounds punchy but clean and the meter indicates output peaks are where they should be. I don't use any EQ with my HC4. Since you're a multiop, you might want to consider LOCKing your MIC, CMP, and PWR settings in CONFIG:PWR SET (toggle 1 to lockunlock), or at least provide some training on point #2 above to your operators. 73, Bill 73, Bill -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-SSB-modulation-tp5442219p5444072.html Sent from the [K3] 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
[Elecraft] K3 : SSB modulation
From one contester to another It is my experience that it takes more set up to get your transmitted audio to sound more like the Kenwood of old (nothing ever came close to the Signal/One transmitted audio). I got on a dead band with a local who has known me for decades and we played with the different audit xmit bands...a LOT of playing. As W3FPR suggested, I say to make sure the low audio bands are bottomed out (minimum setting). That is wasted power unless you're into ESSB (not contesting). I know that the first time KT3Y got on SSB (multi-op) they were ready to throw the radios out, but that's because they did zero setup. Even though you say you have adjusted a lot of knobs, I suggest focusing on the audio band adjustments ALONG WITH the other advice (such as from W4ZV). I recently helped another local set up his audio (he got some complaints too) and the first thing I had him do was to shut down (max minus dbs) the low audio segments/bands for the xmit. He didn't sound bad to begin with, but for contesting, well, it made a nice difference. G/L de Doug KR2Q PS...your contest results do not indicate a problem. :-) __ 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 : SSB modulation
I have not looked at waveforms on a scope, but this is what the 4391 Power Analyst says. It would be interesting to look at some speech patterns, but I have no idea what a good reference input would be or how to accomplish that. The above is with my voice and saying hello test one two three several times normally. :-) Jack, W8OZA did an extensive review of K3 transmit audio processing using air traffic voice samples and his usual arsenal of automated test equipment in March 2009. http://cliftonlaboratories.com/elecraft_k3_speech_processing.htm The Telepost LP-100 wattmeter includes a peak to average function that shows the effects of compression/clipping. It is interesting to see the amount of RF compression introduced by traditional ALC - particularly when one understands the amount of distortion created. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 8/20/2010 6:33 AM, Tom W8JI wrote: **Without using enough compression** (CMP), a lack of SSB average power level occurs because the ALC does not act the same in the SSB mode as it does in other radios. This makes the audio sound thinner or less powerful because there is less very short term (fast speed) compression to level voice amplitude peaks and valleys. Using higher compression corrects this. For example using a sample and hold Bird 4391 power meter (it stores the highest readings for later viewing), the highest (MAX) readings are: FT1000MP MKV no processing, normal ALC, peak to average power ratio 4.26:1 normal processing, normal ALC, peak to average ratio 3.85:1 K3 no comp, normal ALC, peak to average ratio 4.7 comp 20, normal ALC, peak to average ratio 2.84 The 1000MP is almost the same with or without processor The K3 has a drastic improvement I have not looked at waveforms on a scope, but this is what the 4391 Power Analyst says. It would be interesting to look at some speech patterns, but I have no idea what a good reference input would be or how to accomplish that. The above is with my voice and saying hello test one two three several times normally. :-) I must use the CMP at 20 or more or the audio sounds thin. No amount of mic gain will correct this. From 4391 Bird meter readings and my ear I think this K3 behavior is proper, and the Yaesu actually is lacking because the ALC distorts the peak to average ratio too much. In the K3, the ALC is not a processor. In the Yaesu, the ALC acts as a processor. 73 Tom After using mostly these rigs for SSB contesting in FY5KE or in other places, we are still facing a lack of dynamics, punch, penetration, power, whatever you call it. In other words, when comparing this rig to our radios we previously used (TS-850), with the same microphone (Heil HC-4 element) and the same output RF power, the K3 is clearly way behind in term of average power we can read on the Bird wattmeter wired on its RF output. Even if observing the wattmeter needle is not a very scientific measurement (we admit it), various comparative reports on the air do confirm our feeling. __ 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 : SSB modulation
I've pretty much cut all of the lower frequencies out on my TX EQ and have gotten very good audio reports. K3 can sound good on SSB but has to be tweaked. James K2QI Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile -Original Message- From: DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL doug...@gmail.com Sender: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net Date: Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:46:05 To: Elecraft Reflectorelecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K3 : SSB modulation From one contester to another It is my experience that it takes more set up to get your transmitted audio to sound more like the Kenwood of old (nothing ever came close to the Signal/One transmitted audio). I got on a dead band with a local who has known me for decades and we played with the different audit xmit bands...a LOT of playing. As W3FPR suggested, I say to make sure the low audio bands are bottomed out (minimum setting). That is wasted power unless you're into ESSB (not contesting). I know that the first time KT3Y got on SSB (multi-op) they were ready to throw the radios out, but that's because they did zero setup. Even though you say you have adjusted a lot of knobs, I suggest focusing on the audio band adjustments ALONG WITH the other advice (such as from W4ZV). I recently helped another local set up his audio (he got some complaints too) and the first thing I had him do was to shut down (max minus dbs) the low audio segments/bands for the xmit. He didn't sound bad to begin with, but for contesting, well, it made a nice difference. G/L de Doug KR2Q PS...your contest results do not indicate a problem. :-) __ 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 : SSB modulation
Who uses the Elecraft hand mic? I do and mic gain has to be set low; i.e. around 8 or 9 to prevent clipping and flat topping as viewed on a monitor scope. This is with mic sensitivity set to low in the menu. I was once told that the hand mics are a tad hot, but mine seems to be excessively so. Regardless, my comp is set to 15 or 20 and I get excellent audio reports. James K2QI Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile -Original Message- From: Stephen Prior s...@sjprior.fsnet.co.uk Sender: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net Date: Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:21:00 To: elecraftelecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 : SSB modulation I use the Heil MD2 microphone which has an electret element. I have both compression and mic gain set to 25, and mic set to front panel low with bias. I have far more 'talk power' than I have enjoyed with any previous radio. 73 Stephen G4SJP On 20/08/2010 04:24, Joseph Trombino, Jr w...@bellsouth.net wrote: Hi We are the proud owners of 6 K3/100 used at the FY5KE contest station. These radios has been delivered around mid-2008 and their serial numbers are in the 012xx range. After using mostly these rigs for SSB contesting in FY5KE or in other places, we are still facing a lack of dynamics, punch, penetration, power, whatever you call it. In other words, when comparing this rig to our radios we previously used (TS-850), with the same microphone (Heil HC-4 element) and the same output RF power, the K3 is clearly way behind in term of average power we can read on the Bird wattmeter wired on its RF output. Even if observing the wattmeter needle is not a very scientific measurement (we admit it), various comparative reports on the air do confirm our feeling. We spent time on various available settings (mic gain, compressor level, etc), with no luck, excepted a very distorted and awful audio to roughly reach the same level, which is not acceptable. After a little Googling, it appears that other contesters suffers the same issue (e.g. www.bavarian-contest-club.de/projects/K3_english.pdf pages 6 and 10). Some questions : - Do other contesters (or not) here have noted the same problem ? - What settings did you modified (or not) to achieve a good result ? - Is there any possible HW or SW upgrade we aren't aware of, that could help us ? We must confess we are currently preparing our next contest season, and we are seriously considering reselling these radios and bring others Japanese models if we can't solve this problem, despite we really appreciate them in many other aspects (size, weight, etc.). 73 For the FY5KE/Win-Test team, Larry - F6FVY __ 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 : SSB modulation
Hi James, I'm using MH2 also for Field day opertions and almost same as you, set MIC=2 COMP=20 TX equalizer has been adjust to my loud voice given preferential to medium high audio. Great 73's Philippe A65BI K3#3616 k2qi@gmail.com 20-08-2010 18:54 Who uses the Elecraft hand mic? I do and mic gain has to be set low; i.e. around 8 or 9 to prevent clipping and flat topping as viewed on a monitor scope. This is with mic sensitivity set to low in the menu. I was once told that the hand mics are a tad hot, but mine seems to be excessively so. Regardless, my comp is set to 15 or 20 and I get excellent audio reports. James K2QI Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile -Original Message- From: Stephen Prior s...@sjprior.fsnet.co.uk Sender: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net Date: Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:21:00 To: elecraftelecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 : SSB modulation I use the Heil MD2 microphone which has an electret element. I have both compression and mic gain set to 25, and mic set to front panel low with bias. I have far more 'talk power' than I have enjoyed with any previous radio. 73 Stephen G4SJP On 20/08/2010 04:24, Joseph Trombino, Jr w...@bellsouth.net wrote: Hi We are the proud owners of 6 K3/100 used at the FY5KE contest station. These radios has been delivered around mid-2008 and their serial numbers are in the 012xx range. After using mostly these rigs for SSB contesting in FY5KE or in other places, we are still facing a lack of dynamics, punch, penetration, power, whatever you call it. In other words, when comparing this rig to our radios we previously used (TS-850), with the same microphone (Heil HC-4 element) and the same output RF power, the K3 is clearly way behind in term of average power we can read on the Bird wattmeter wired on its RF output. Even if observing the wattmeter needle is not a very scientific measurement (we admit it), various comparative reports on the air do confirm our feeling. We spent time on various available settings (mic gain, compressor level, etc), with no luck, excepted a very distorted and awful audio to roughly reach the same level, which is not acceptable. After a little Googling, it appears that other contesters suffers the same issue (e.g. www.bavarian-contest-club.de/projects/K3_english.pdf pages 6 and 10). Some questions : - Do other contesters (or not) here have noted the same problem ? - What settings did you modified (or not) to achieve a good result ? - Is there any possible HW or SW upgrade we aren't aware of, that could help us ? We must confess we are currently preparing our next contest season, and we are seriously considering reselling these radios and bring others Japanese models if we can't solve this problem, despite we really appreciate them in many other aspects (size, weight, etc.). 73 For the FY5KE/Win-Test team, Larry - F6FVY __ 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 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 : SSB modulation
Are any of you guys driving your K3 with W2IHY or other audio rack gear? If so, I'm curious as to the settings you ended up with on the rig. I'm still waiting for my K3 to get back from the factory, but I plan on running the full stack of W2IHY gear with a Heil GM-5 Mic. I imagine I will probably end up with the comp and EQ on the rig turned off, but I'd like to hear what others do. Tim AE6LX On Fri, Aug 20, 2010 at 7:57 AM, Philippe Trottet trot...@unhcr.org wrote: Hi James, I'm using MH2 also for Field day opertions and almost same as you, set MIC=2 COMP=20 TX equalizer has been adjust to my loud voice given preferential to medium high audio. Great 73's Philippe A65BI K3#3616 k2qi@gmail.com 20-08-2010 18:54 Who uses the Elecraft hand mic? I do and mic gain has to be set low; i.e. around 8 or 9 to prevent clipping and flat topping as viewed on a monitor scope. This is with mic sensitivity set to low in the menu. I was once told that the hand mics are a tad hot, but mine seems to be excessively so. Regardless, my comp is set to 15 or 20 and I get excellent audio reports. James K2QI Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile -Original Message- From: Stephen Prior s...@sjprior.fsnet.co.uk Sender: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net Date: Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:21:00 To: elecraftelecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 : SSB modulation I use the Heil MD2 microphone which has an electret element. I have both compression and mic gain set to 25, and mic set to front panel low with bias. I have far more 'talk power' than I have enjoyed with any previous radio. 73 Stephen G4SJP On 20/08/2010 04:24, Joseph Trombino, Jr w...@bellsouth.net wrote: Hi We are the proud owners of 6 K3/100 used at the FY5KE contest station. These radios has been delivered around mid-2008 and their serial numbers are in the 012xx range. After using mostly these rigs for SSB contesting in FY5KE or in other places, we are still facing a lack of dynamics, punch, penetration, power, whatever you call it. In other words, when comparing this rig to our radios we previously used (TS-850), with the same microphone (Heil HC-4 element) and the same output RF power, the K3 is clearly way behind in term of average power we can read on the Bird wattmeter wired on its RF output. Even if observing the wattmeter needle is not a very scientific measurement (we admit it), various comparative reports on the air do confirm our feeling. We spent time on various available settings (mic gain, compressor level, etc), with no luck, excepted a very distorted and awful audio to roughly reach the same level, which is not acceptable. After a little Googling, it appears that other contesters suffers the same issue (e.g. www.bavarian-contest-club.de/projects/K3_english.pdf pages 6 and 10). Some questions : - Do other contesters (or not) here have noted the same problem ? - What settings did you modified (or not) to achieve a good result ? - Is there any possible HW or SW upgrade we aren't aware of, that could help us ? We must confess we are currently preparing our next contest season, and we are seriously considering reselling these radios and bring others Japanese models if we can't solve this problem, despite we really appreciate them in many other aspects (size, weight, etc.). 73 For the FY5KE/Win-Test team, Larry - F6FVY __ 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 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 : SSB modulation
Of course you have to use compression to get any kind of decent punch in your output. But I thought this would be obvious to anybody doing contesting. AB2TC - Knut GEE. Here all these years I thought in a contest I was supposed to crank the compression to max, and use a SURE 444...Infact, I used to remove the knob during a contest so I couldn't accidently turn it down. ;-) John K2QY __ 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 : SSB modulation
Hello Tim, I use the Heil Pro-set K2 with the IC mic into a W2IHY Equalizer and Noise Gate. I set the W2IHY for bias and the K3 for no bias. I use this because (at least initially) the K3 noise gate caused audio distortion and I was getting bad audio reports. With the current setup I get great audio reports. I run the Compression around 25, and the Mic gain so I get the usual 6 bars on the ALC meter. GL and VY 73, Lance On 8/20/2010 3:54 PM, Tim Tucker wrote: Are any of you guys driving your K3 with W2IHY or other audio rack gear? If so, I'm curious as to the settings you ended up with on the rig. I'm still waiting for my K3 to get back from the factory, but I plan on running the full stack of W2IHY gear with a Heil GM-5 Mic. I imagine I will probably end up with the comp and EQ on the rig turned off, but I'd like to hear what others do. Tim AE6LX -- Lance Collister, W7GJ (ex: WN3GPL, WA3GPL, WA1JXN, WA1JXN/C6A, ZF2OC/ZF8, E51SIX, 3D2LR) P.O. Box 73 Frenchtown, MT 59834 USA QTH: DN27UB TEL: (406) 626-5728 URL: http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj 2m DXCC #11/6m DXCC #815 Interested in 6m EME? Ask me about subscribing to the MAGIC BAND EME email reflector! __ 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 : SSB modulation
Are any of you guys driving your K3 with W2IHY or other audio rack gear? Why bother? The K3 already provides all of the capability of the W2IHY 8 band EQ/noise gate, adds downward expansion in the noise gate and there is no issue with external hum loops, RF pick-up, etc. I'm still waiting for my K3 to get back from the factory, but I plan on running the full stack of W2IHY gear with a Heil GM-5 Mic. I've used wide range (broadcast style) mics and the Heil HC-5 element with the K3's internal EQ and find that configuring the K3 for a 6 dB per octave roll off below 400 Hz (50 Hz: -16dB, 100 Hz: -12dB, 200 Hz: -6 dB), a -6dB notch at 800 Hz and 6 dB per octave rise above 1000 Hz (1600 Hz: +6dB, 2400 Hz: +10dB, 3200 Hz: +12dB) yields extremely good audio reports with the broadcast mic and a lot of presence without the restricted sound on the HC-5. Coupled with CMP at 25, this provides plenty of punch without sounding over processed and all highs like the HC-4. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 8/20/2010 11:54 AM, Tim Tucker wrote: Are any of you guys driving your K3 with W2IHY or other audio rack gear? If so, I'm curious as to the settings you ended up with on the rig. I'm still waiting for my K3 to get back from the factory, but I plan on running the full stack of W2IHY gear with a Heil GM-5 Mic. I imagine I will probably end up with the comp and EQ on the rig turned off, but I'd like to hear what others do. Tim AE6LX On Fri, Aug 20, 2010 at 7:57 AM, Philippe Trottettrot...@unhcr.org wrote: Hi James, I'm using MH2 also for Field day opertions and almost same as you, set MIC=2 COMP=20 TX equalizer has been adjust to my loud voice given preferential to medium high audio. Great 73's Philippe A65BI K3#3616 k2qi@gmail.com 20-08-2010 18:54 Who uses the Elecraft hand mic? I do and mic gain has to be set low; i.e. around 8 or 9 to prevent clipping and flat topping as viewed on a monitor scope. This is with mic sensitivity set to low in the menu. I was once told that the hand mics are a tad hot, but mine seems to be excessively so. Regardless, my comp is set to 15 or 20 and I get excellent audio reports. James K2QI Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile -Original Message- From: Stephen Priors...@sjprior.fsnet.co.uk Sender: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net Date: Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:21:00 To: elecraftelecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 : SSB modulation I use the Heil MD2 microphone which has an electret element. I have both compression and mic gain set to 25, and mic set to front panel low with bias. I have far more 'talk power' than I have enjoyed with any previous radio. 73 Stephen G4SJP On 20/08/2010 04:24, Joseph Trombino, Jrw...@bellsouth.net wrote: Hi We are the proud owners of 6 K3/100 used at the FY5KE contest station. These radios has been delivered around mid-2008 and their serial numbers are in the 012xx range. After using mostly these rigs for SSB contesting in FY5KE or in other places, we are still facing a lack of dynamics, punch, penetration, power, whatever you call it. In other words, when comparing this rig to our radios we previously used (TS-850), with the same microphone (Heil HC-4 element) and the same output RF power, the K3 is clearly way behind in term of average power we can read on the Bird wattmeter wired on its RF output. Even if observing the wattmeter needle is not a very scientific measurement (we admit it), various comparative reports on the air do confirm our feeling. We spent time on various available settings (mic gain, compressor level, etc), with no luck, excepted a very distorted and awful audio to roughly reach the same level, which is not acceptable. After a little Googling, it appears that other contesters suffers the same issue (e.g. www.bavarian-contest-club.de/projects/K3_english.pdf pages 6 and 10). Some questions : - Do other contesters (or not) here have noted the same problem ? - What settings did you modified (or not) to achieve a good result ? - Is there any possible HW or SW upgrade we aren't aware of, that could help us ? We must confess we are currently preparing our next contest season, and we are seriously considering reselling these radios and bring others Japanese models if we can't solve this problem, despite we really appreciate them in many other aspects (size, weight, etc.). 73 For the FY5KE/Win-Test team, Larry - F6FVY __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 : SSB modulation
Are any of you guys driving your K3 with W2IHY or other audio rack gear? I use my w2ihy box for two reasons 1) I think the noise gate is better than the K3's built in gate. 2) Because I already had it I can have two radios connected to my ATR 30 I find no reason to ever purchase another Heil mic, I did a A/B test with the Gold Line Pro and found no difference but the price. Settings will be different from mine as your voice and mic will be different so do a lot of experimenting with some one that knows your voice on a quite band. I would play with the built in TX /RX eq in the K3 first how ever it just might fit and feel right saving you some bucks. Regards Art ka9zap __ 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 : SSB modulation
I am amazed at how good the K3 sounds with a cheap electret computer mic. Here's the one I'm using: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826193029cm_re=headset-_-26-193-029-_-Product Other el cheapo computer mics sound great too. My settings: RPL, bias mic 30 cmp 22 tx eq -16, -16, -16, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0 The above is optimized for ragchewing. For contests, just tweak the fourth eq band down a few dB. Dave Hachadorian, K6LL Big Bear Lake, CA . __ 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 : SSB modulation
Hi We are the proud owners of 6 K3/100 used at the FY5KE contest station. These radios has been delivered around mid-2008 and their serial numbers are in the 012xx range. After using mostly these rigs for SSB contesting in FY5KE or in other places, we are still facing a lack of dynamics, punch, penetration, power, whatever you call it. In other words, when comparing this rig to our radios we previously used (TS-850), with the same microphone (Heil HC-4 element) and the same output RF power, the K3 is clearly way behind in term of average power we can read on the Bird wattmeter wired on its RF output. Even if observing the wattmeter needle is not a very scientific measurement (we admit it), various comparative reports on the air do confirm our feeling. We spent time on various available settings (mic gain, compressor level, etc), with no luck, excepted a very distorted and awful audio to roughly reach the same level, which is not acceptable. After a little Googling, it appears that other contesters suffers the same issue (e.g. www.bavarian-contest-club.de/projects/K3_english.pdf pages 6 and 10). Some questions : - Do other contesters (or not) here have noted the same problem ? - What settings did you modified (or not) to achieve a good result ? - Is there any possible HW or SW upgrade we aren't aware of, that could help us ? We must confess we are currently preparing our next contest season, and we are seriously considering reselling these radios and bring others Japanese models if we can't solve this problem, despite we really appreciate them in many other aspects (size, weight, etc.). 73 For the FY5KE/Win-Test team, Larry - F6FVY __ 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 : SSB modulation
What is your compression level set at? I have mine set at 20 and I have 100% more talk power as indicated by an average indicating analog power/SWR meter than my two ICOM transceivers. I am also finding that with the K3 I am exceptionally successful in pileups in spite of my 100W and a dipole. AB2TC - Knut Laurent HAAS - F6FVY wrote: Hi We are the proud owners of 6 K3/100 used at the FY5KE contest station. These radios has been delivered around mid-2008 and their serial numbers are in the 012xx range. After using mostly these rigs for SSB contesting in FY5KE or in other places, we are still facing a lack of dynamics, punch, penetration, power, whatever you call it. In other words, when comparing this rig to our radios we previously used (TS-850), with the same microphone (Heil HC-4 element) and the same output RF power, the K3 is clearly way behind in term of average power we can read on the Bird wattmeter wired on its RF output. Even if observing the wattmeter needle is not a very scientific measurement (we admit it), various comparative reports on the air do confirm our feeling. We spent time on various available settings (mic gain, compressor level, etc), with no luck, excepted a very distorted and awful audio to roughly reach the same level, which is not acceptable. After a little Googling, it appears that other contesters suffers the same issue (e.g. www.bavarian-contest-club.de/projects/K3_english.pdf pages 6 and 10). Some questions : - Do other contesters (or not) here have noted the same problem ? - What settings did you modified (or not) to achieve a good result ? - Is there any possible HW or SW upgrade we aren't aware of, that could help us ? We must confess we are currently preparing our next contest season, and we are seriously considering reselling these radios and bring others Japanese models if we can't solve this problem, despite we really appreciate them in many other aspects (size, weight, etc.). 73 For the FY5KE/Win-Test team, Larry - F6FVY snip -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-SSB-modulation-tp5442219p5442642.html Sent from the [K3] 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 : SSB modulation
BTW, the recommended Heil element for the K3 is the IC electret element. This is what I am using with my proset. I am very surprised about the lack of punch you experience with the K3 transmitter. AB2TC - Knut Laurent HAAS - F6FVY wrote: Hi We are the proud owners of 6 K3/100 used at the FY5KE contest station. These radios has been delivered around mid-2008 and their serial numbers are in the 012xx range. After using mostly these rigs for SSB contesting in FY5KE or in other places, we are still facing a lack of dynamics, punch, penetration, power, whatever you call it. In other words, when comparing this rig to our radios we previously used (TS-850), with the same microphone (Heil HC-4 element) and the same output RF power, the K3 is clearly way behind in term of average power we can read on the Bird wattmeter wired on its RF output. Even if observing the wattmeter needle is not a very scientific measurement (we admit it), various comparative reports on the air do confirm our feeling. We spent time on various available settings (mic gain, compressor level, etc), with no luck, excepted a very distorted and awful audio to roughly reach the same level, which is not acceptable. After a little Googling, it appears that other contesters suffers the same issue (e.g. www.bavarian-contest-club.de/projects/K3_english.pdf pages 6 and 10). Some questions : - Do other contesters (or not) here have noted the same problem ? - What settings did you modified (or not) to achieve a good result ? - Is there any possible HW or SW upgrade we aren't aware of, that could help us ? We must confess we are currently preparing our next contest season, and we are seriously considering reselling these radios and bring others Japanese models if we can't solve this problem, despite we really appreciate them in many other aspects (size, weight, etc.). 73 For the FY5KE/Win-Test team, Larry - F6FVY snip -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-SSB-modulation-tp5442219p5442701.html Sent from the [K3] 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 : SSB modulation
I have also noticed this with the K3. You must run compression to get much of an average power output. I notice at these levels you seem to be overdriving it according to the alc meter but it still sounds good on another local receiver and reports confirm this. With no compression and a higher output electret mike, everyone says I need more audio especially if the band is noisy. Jim K4JAF - Original Message - From: ab2tc ab...@arrl.net To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2010 6:58 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 : SSB modulation What is your compression level set at? I have mine set at 20 and I have 100% more talk power as indicated by an average indicating analog power/SWR meter than my two ICOM transceivers. I am also finding that with the K3 I am exceptionally successful in pileups in spite of my 100W and a dipole. AB2TC - Knut Laurent HAAS - F6FVY wrote: Hi We are the proud owners of 6 K3/100 used at the FY5KE contest station. These radios has been delivered around mid-2008 and their serial numbers are in the 012xx range. After using mostly these rigs for SSB contesting in FY5KE or in other places, we are still facing a lack of dynamics, punch, penetration, power, whatever you call it. In other words, when comparing this rig to our radios we previously used (TS-850), with the same microphone (Heil HC-4 element) and the same output RF power, the K3 is clearly way behind in term of average power we can read on the Bird wattmeter wired on its RF output. Even if observing the wattmeter needle is not a very scientific measurement (we admit it), various comparative reports on the air do confirm our feeling. We spent time on various available settings (mic gain, compressor level, etc), with no luck, excepted a very distorted and awful audio to roughly reach the same level, which is not acceptable. After a little Googling, it appears that other contesters suffers the same issue (e.g. www.bavarian-contest-club.de/projects/K3_english.pdf pages 6 and 10). Some questions : - Do other contesters (or not) here have noted the same problem ? - What settings did you modified (or not) to achieve a good result ? - Is there any possible HW or SW upgrade we aren't aware of, that could help us ? We must confess we are currently preparing our next contest season, and we are seriously considering reselling these radios and bring others Japanese models if we can't solve this problem, despite we really appreciate them in many other aspects (size, weight, etc.). 73 For the FY5KE/Win-Test team, Larry - F6FVY snip -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-SSB-modulation-tp5442219p5442642.html Sent from the [K3] 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 __ 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 : SSB modulation
I use the Heil ICM which has the electret element but still have to use a good bit of compression or the average power is very low. Otherwise local stations will comment my audio is low and need more mic gain. Jim K4JAF - Original Message - From: ab2tc ab...@arrl.net To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, August 19, 2010 7:23 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 : SSB modulation BTW, the recommended Heil element for the K3 is the IC electret element. This is what I am using with my proset. I am very surprised about the lack of punch you experience with the K3 transmitter. AB2TC - Knut Laurent HAAS - F6FVY wrote: Hi We are the proud owners of 6 K3/100 used at the FY5KE contest station. These radios has been delivered around mid-2008 and their serial numbers are in the 012xx range. After using mostly these rigs for SSB contesting in FY5KE or in other places, we are still facing a lack of dynamics, punch, penetration, power, whatever you call it. In other words, when comparing this rig to our radios we previously used (TS-850), with the same microphone (Heil HC-4 element) and the same output RF power, the K3 is clearly way behind in term of average power we can read on the Bird wattmeter wired on its RF output. Even if observing the wattmeter needle is not a very scientific measurement (we admit it), various comparative reports on the air do confirm our feeling. We spent time on various available settings (mic gain, compressor level, etc), with no luck, excepted a very distorted and awful audio to roughly reach the same level, which is not acceptable. After a little Googling, it appears that other contesters suffers the same issue (e.g. www.bavarian-contest-club.de/projects/K3_english.pdf pages 6 and 10). Some questions : - Do other contesters (or not) here have noted the same problem ? - What settings did you modified (or not) to achieve a good result ? - Is there any possible HW or SW upgrade we aren't aware of, that could help us ? We must confess we are currently preparing our next contest season, and we are seriously considering reselling these radios and bring others Japanese models if we can't solve this problem, despite we really appreciate them in many other aspects (size, weight, etc.). 73 For the FY5KE/Win-Test team, Larry - F6FVY snip -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-SSB-modulation-tp5442219p5442701.html Sent from the [K3] 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 __ 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 : SSB modulation
Larry, I would suggest setting the lowest three bands of the TX EQ to lower settings to reduce the bass response from the SSB RF. Those low frequencies take a lot of RF energy, but do not add to intelligibility. In other words, they aid in recognition of the voice,, but do not add any punch. 73, Don W3FPR Laurent HAAS - F6FVY wrote: Hi We are the proud owners of 6 K3/100 used at the FY5KE contest station. These radios has been delivered around mid-2008 and their serial numbers are in the 012xx range. After using mostly these rigs for SSB contesting in FY5KE or in other places, we are still facing a lack of dynamics, punch, penetration, power, whatever you call it. In other words, when comparing this rig to our radios we previously used (TS-850), with the same microphone (Heil HC-4 element) and the same output RF power, the K3 is clearly way behind in term of average power we can read on the Bird wattmeter wired on its RF output. Even if observing the wattmeter needle is not a very scientific measurement (we admit it), various comparative reports on the air do confirm our feeling. We spent time on various available settings (mic gain, compressor level, etc), with no luck, excepted a very distorted and awful audio to roughly reach the same level, which is not acceptable. After a little Googling, it appears that other contesters suffers the same issue (e.g. www.bavarian-contest-club.de/projects/K3_english.pdf pages 6 and 10). Some questions : - Do other contesters (or not) here have noted the same problem ? - What settings did you modified (or not) to achieve a good result ? - Is there any possible HW or SW upgrade we aren't aware of, that could help us ? We must confess we are currently preparing our next contest season, and we are seriously considering reselling these radios and bring others Japanese models if we can't solve this problem, despite we really appreciate them in many other aspects (size, weight, etc.). 73 For the FY5KE/Win-Test team, Larry - F6FVY __ 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 : SSB modulation
Of course you have to use compression to get any kind of decent punch in your output. But I thought this would be obvious to anybody doing contesting. AB2TC - Knut Jim Cox wrote: I use the Heil ICM which has the electret element but still have to use a good bit of compression or the average power is very low. Otherwise local stations will comment my audio is low and need more mic gain. Jim K4JAF snip -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-SSB-modulation-tp5442219p5442735.html Sent from the [K3] 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 : SSB modulation
Take a look at the Heil website. All (most) Heil mics/headsets work best with a lot of gain and compression, at least more than you would probably use with stock mics. My compression is 25 and gain is 50. I receive many comments regarding the quality of the audio. Good Comments (LOL) Good Luck Rich __ 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 : SSB modulation
Take a look at MAIN menu option MIC SELbelieve you need to select HI mic gain range by tapping 1 to toggle between LO and HI mic gain. When I used a Heil HC4 element on my K3 I needed to use the HI mic gain setting to get good audio out with good RF output.give it a try. The Heil HC4 element (dynamic not electret) at the HI mic gain setting worked FB in my K3. 73, Joe W2KJ I QRP, therefor I am Hi We are the proud owners of 6 K3/100 used at the FY5KE contest station. These radios has been delivered around mid-2008 and their serial numbers are in the 012xx range. After using mostly these rigs for SSB contesting in FY5KE or in other places, we are still facing a lack of dynamics, punch, penetration, power, whatever you call it. In other words, when comparing this rig to our radios we previously used (TS-850), with the same microphone (Heil HC-4 element) and the same output RF power, the K3 is clearly way behind in term of average power we can read on the Bird wattmeter wired on its RF output. Even if observing the wattmeter needle is not a very scientific measurement (we admit it), various comparative reports on the air do confirm our feeling. We spent time on various available settings (mic gain, compressor level, etc), with no luck, excepted a very distorted and awful audio to roughly reach the same level, which is not acceptable. After a little Googling, it appears that other contesters suffers the same issue (e.g. www.bavarian-contest-club.de/projects/K3_english.pdf pages 6 and 10). Some questions : - Do other contesters (or not) here have noted the same problem ? - What settings did you modified (or not) to achieve a good result ? - Is there any possible HW or SW upgrade we aren't aware of, that could help us ? We must confess we are currently preparing our next contest season, and we are seriously considering reselling these radios and bring others Japanese models if we can't solve this problem, despite we really appreciate them in many other aspects (size, weight, etc.). 73 For the FY5KE/Win-Test team, Larry - F6FVY __ 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
