[Elecraft] K3 Speaker for sale

[Alan Geller via Elecraft]

Elecraft SP3 Speaker for sale. Very clean. Shipping included. Pics available. 
$185 firm. Continental US only. Please contact Alan Geller …
k6...@arrl.net.  
Sent from my iPhone
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker Audio Quit - RESOLVED!

[James Bennett via Elecraft]

Got fixed!!! Reseated the plugs and all working fine now.

Thanks for everyone’s assistance!

Jim / W6JHB

> On Jan 13, 2019, at 6:11 PM, Brian Hunt  wrote:
> 
> I take it that you are plugging the CM500 into the rear jacks. Make sure you 
> have the headphones plug in the headphones jack and not the speakers jack. 
> Yes, they are separate and right next to each other. Don't ask me how I know 
> this. :-)
> 
> If you are using the internal speaker you want SPKRS set to 1. Stereo will 
> appear in the headphones anyway. GL
> 
> Brian, K0DTJ
> 
>> On Jan 13, 2019, at 16:27, James Bennett via Elecraft 
>> mailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net>> wrote:
>> 
>> Well, this is a strange one. Last week my trusty old Yamaha CM500 cans 
>> finally got so deteriorated I got tired of picking small pieces of black 
>> rubber out of my ears so I looked for a replacement. Bought a Koss SB45 that 
>> I used for 15 minutes and quit because they hurt. Today I got a brand new 
>> CM500 delivered and hooked it up. 
>> 
>> What I got was nice audio in the headphones, but nothing to the speaker. I 
>> have SPEAKERS set to 2 for diversity RX. When I set SPKR + PH = yes I get 
>> audio to the headphones, but nothing to the internal speaker. When SPKR + PH 
>> is set to NO, I get nothing. Unplugging the CM500 cable makes no difference.
>> 
>> What the heck did I do to cause this? I hope it is something simple/stupid! 
>> Any ideas?
>> 
>> Jim / W6JHB
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker Audio Quit

[James Bennett via Elecraft]

Carl - gave it a try but didn’t help. Each push of the “1” button changes it 
from - to + and I hear a short noise from the internal speaker, but still no 
audio getting through.

> On Jan 13, 2019, at 4:33 PM, Carl  wrote:
> 
> Jim,
> 
> Check this, you could have bumped the "1" button!
> 
> 
> line">  CONFIG:SPKR+PH menu
> entry. Tap ‘1’ on the numeric keypad until you see PH.R SW– . The minus sign 
> (-)indicates inverted switch
> logic for the jack for the newer KIO3 audio board. Exit the menu and re-save 
> your configuration using K3 Utility.
> 
> -- 
> Carl
> AB1DD
> Resistance is futile.
> (don't know about reactance, though)
> 
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[Elecraft] K3 Speaker Audio Quit

[Carl]

Jim,

Check this, you could have bumped the "1" button!


line"> the CONFIG:SPKR+PH menu
entry. Tap ‘1’ on the numeric keypad until you see PH.R SW– . The minus 
sign (-)indicates inverted switch
logic for the jack for the newer KIO3 audio board. Exit the menu and 
re-save your configuration using K3 Utility.


--
Carl
AB1DD
Resistance is futile.
(don't know about reactance, though)

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[Elecraft] K3 Speaker Audio Quit

[James Bennett via Elecraft]

Well, this is a strange one. Last week my trusty old Yamaha CM500 cans finally 
got so deteriorated I got tired of picking small pieces of black rubber out of 
my ears so I looked for a replacement. Bought a Koss SB45 that I used for 15 
minutes and quit because they hurt. Today I got a brand new CM500 delivered and 
hooked it up. 

What I got was nice audio in the headphones, but nothing to the speaker. I have 
SPEAKERS set to 2 for diversity RX. When I set SPKR + PH = yes I get audio to 
the headphones, but nothing to the internal speaker. When SPKR + PH is set to 
NO, I get nothing. Unplugging the CM500 cable makes no difference.

What the heck did I do to cause this? I hope it is something simple/stupid! Any 
ideas?

Jim / W6JHB
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 SPEAKER

[Don Beattie]

Many thanks to those who replied. What a source of wisdom there is here!

 

Problem solved - and it was the need to tap "1" when in the "speaker + ph"
menu option to bring the speaker back into life. I'd missed this small item
and I'm so grateful to those who pointed out the small print.

 

I have no idea how it got reversed in the first place.

 

73

 

Don, G3BJ / G5W

 

From: Don Beattie  
Sent: 29 August 2018 13:24
To: 'elecraft@mailman.qth.net' 
Subject: K3 SPEAKER

 

I apologise if this has been asked before, but I have a newly developed
problem with my K3.

 

In short, the speaker does not activate when the headphones are removed from
the front socket. I have tried both options under the speaker and phones
menu item. When "both" is selected, the speaker works fine with the phones
plugged in. But I want the facility to silence the speaker when using
phones, so I want to be able to select the other option, meaning that the
speaker only activates when the phones are unplugged. Selecting that option
does not activate the speaker when the phones are unplugged.

 

This is a new problem, and I can't understand why it's suddenly arisen. My
logic is that the 3.5mm jack socket on the rear of the rig (or the main one
on the front) is giving a false positive that the phones are plugged in,
when in fact they are not, thus disabling the speaker.

 

But before I start taking the hardware to bits, is there anything else I
have overlooked? I might add that I am running the latest firmware etc etc.

 

73

 

Don, G3BJ / G5W  

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 SPEAKER

[Cady, Fred]

Hi don,

At one point Elecraft had to change the switch that cuts out speaker audio when 
the phones are plugged in so there is a setting in CONFIG:SPRK+PH that selects 
one of two action polarities.  Tapping the 1   key toggles between PH.R SW- 
(inverted) and PH.R SW+.  Try changing that.


Cheers,

Fred KE7X


For all KE7X Elecraft manuals, see www.ke7x.com<http://www.ke7x.com>





From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  on 
behalf of Don Beattie 
Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2018 6:23 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 SPEAKER

I apologise if this has been asked before, but I have a newly developed
problem with my K3.



In short, the speaker does not activate when the headphones are removed from
the front socket. I have tried both options under the speaker and phones
menu item. When "both" is selected, the speaker works fine with the phones
plugged in. But I want the facility to silence the speaker when using
phones, so I want to be able to select the other option, meaning that the
speaker only activates when the phones are unplugged. Selecting that option
does not activate the speaker when the phones are unplugged.



This is a new problem, and I can't understand why it's suddenly arisen. My
logic is that the 3.5mm jack socket on the rear of the rig (or the main one
on the front) is giving a false positive that the phones are plugged in,
when in fact they are not, thus disabling the speaker.



But before I start taking the hardware to bits, is there anything else I
have overlooked? I might add that I am running the latest firmware etc etc.



73



Don, G3BJ / G5W

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[Elecraft] K3 SPEAKER

[Don Beattie]

I apologise if this has been asked before, but I have a newly developed
problem with my K3.

 

In short, the speaker does not activate when the headphones are removed from
the front socket. I have tried both options under the speaker and phones
menu item. When "both" is selected, the speaker works fine with the phones
plugged in. But I want the facility to silence the speaker when using
phones, so I want to be able to select the other option, meaning that the
speaker only activates when the phones are unplugged. Selecting that option
does not activate the speaker when the phones are unplugged.

 

This is a new problem, and I can't understand why it's suddenly arisen. My
logic is that the 3.5mm jack socket on the rear of the rig (or the main one
on the front) is giving a false positive that the phones are plugged in,
when in fact they are not, thus disabling the speaker.

 

But before I start taking the hardware to bits, is there anything else I
have overlooked? I might add that I am running the latest firmware etc etc.

 

73

 

Don, G3BJ / G5W  

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker with Remoterig

[Rick Tavan]

You can switch an external speaker (or two) between the radio and the RRC.
You might need a little amplification, depending on the efficiency of the
chosen speaker(s). Powered computer speakers should do nicely.

/Rick N6XI


Rick Tavan
Truckee, CA

On Mon, Nov 20, 2017 at 12:31 PM, Fred Jensen  wrote:

> Jorge,
>
> You said "K3".  RemoteRig with a K3 is a bit different than with a K3s or
> K3/0.  With the K3, the receive audio is on the SP jack on the RRC 1258.
> It never gets into the control K3 radio.
>
> 73,
>
> Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
> Sparks NV DM09dn
> Washoe County
>
> On 11/20/2017 10:47 AM, Jorge Diez - CX6VM wrote:
>
>> Hello
>>
>> I use K3 speaker, I programmed RIT button to switch SPKR+PH to YES and NO
>>
>> Now I connected Remoterig, and on control radio, I am not able to listen
>> to
>> K3 speaker
>>
>> How can I do to listen to K3 speaker, so, to hear K3 speaker when  SPKR+PH
>> = YES ?
>>
>>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker with Remoterig

[Fred Jensen]

Jorge,

You said "K3".  RemoteRig with a K3 is a bit different than with a K3s 
or K3/0.  With the K3, the receive audio is on the SP jack on the RRC 
1258.  It never gets into the control K3 radio.


73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

On 11/20/2017 10:47 AM, Jorge Diez - CX6VM wrote:

Hello

I use K3 speaker, I programmed RIT button to switch SPKR+PH to YES and NO

Now I connected Remoterig, and on control radio, I am not able to listen to
K3 speaker

How can I do to listen to K3 speaker, so, to hear K3 speaker when  SPKR+PH
= YES ?



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[Elecraft] K3 speaker with Remoterig

[Jorge Diez - CX6VM]

Hello

I use K3 speaker, I programmed RIT button to switch SPKR+PH to YES and NO

Now I connected Remoterig, and on control radio, I am not able to listen to
K3 speaker

How can I do to listen to K3 speaker, so, to hear K3 speaker when  SPKR+PH
= YES ?

-- 
73,
Jorge
CX6VM/CW5W
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[Elecraft] K3 Speaker is mute

[Alex “PY2SEX” PYtwoSEX]

Hi all,
First post after couple of years. Recently I’ve put my K3 back to my bench but 
I noticed that speaker is mute. It wasn’t before and after search for the 
issue, I found something regarding the protection of mono plugs connected at 
back of the radio, is that the case?
I connected only a DB37 for the microham and my headset was in. After I removed 
the headset, no sound.
If I connect my headset at front or back everything is fine, only the internal 
speaker is completely mute.
Any tip or idea?
Thanks in advance.

73
Alex
PY1KS | PY2SEX | DL1NX | CT7ANB | PA/PY2SEX | AC1CY
JW/PY2SEX (24-25.12.2013)
PJ4S (26.11-02.12.2014)
PJ2/DL1NX (02-09.12.2014)
HB0/DL1NX (24-28.03.2016)
TF/DL1NX (20-26.01.2017)
www.py2sex.com
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[Elecraft] K3 Speaker question

[Gene O]

Well as you all may have suspected it is operator error after all.  It 
seems I had plugged the speakers into the phone jack.  I looked at the 
back of the K3 I don't know how many times and still. Oh well. 2nd 
mistake of my life


Thanks to Brian, K0DTJ and Vic, VE3YT and others that may have responded.

Gene, W2BXR
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker question

[Brian Hunt]

Hi Gene,
Your reply below begs the question:  How do you have the Bose speakers 
hooked up?  The manual page 20 (Rev D6) says when you plug in external 
speakers it cuts off the internal speaker.  They are referring to the 
SPKRS 3.5mm jack on the rear of the K3.  If the Bose speakers are using 
some other audio output, i.e. LINE OUT, then they won't be cut off with 
the SPKR+PH = NO menu setting.


My K3 works exactly as the manual says.  I'm using the rear SPKRS jack 
for external stereo speakers.  I use LINE OUT for digital modes via a 
sound card.  I use the SPKR+PH menu set to YES or NO as conditions 
dictate and have that toggle set up on the PF1 button.  I keep a headset 
connected full time to the rear PHONES and MIC jacks with nothing 
plugged into the front panel.  The internal speaker is not used at all.


Hope this helps...

73,
Brian, K0DTJ

On 7/14/2017 11:58, Gene O wrote:
Several days ago I posted a question regarding setting the time and 
about speakers not turning off.


I got the time straightened out.  When plugging in the headphones the 
speaker that turns off is the one in the K3 _not _the external Bose 
speakers I have hooked up.


Thanks to all that responded.

Gene, W2BXR


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[Elecraft] K3 Speaker question

[Gene O]

Several days ago I posted a question regarding setting the time and 
about speakers not turning off.


I got the time straightened out.  When plugging in the headphones the 
speaker that turns off is the one in the K3 _not _the external Bose 
speakers I have hooked up.


Thanks to all that responded.

Gene, W2BXR

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker amp chip bites the dust again - CORRECTION!

[Nr4c]

I'm not sure where it is accessed but there is an audio limiter to prevent this 
from happening. Helps when AGC is OFF. 

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill


> On Jul 2, 2014, at 2:55 PM, "William C. Johnson via Elecraft" 
>  wrote:
> 
> Wow Dave you spooked me. I just completed the protection install before 
> leaving Yuma for Astoria. I am glad to hear the install was not in vain. hi hi
> 
> Bill J K7BRR Yuma
>  
> Message: 13
> Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2014 17:53:59 -0700
> From: "Dave Hachadorian" 
> To: "Reflector Elecraft" 
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 speaker amp chip bites the dust again -
> CORRECTION!
> Message-ID: <058BEFA1FA9E42939B8ED88C253D8CDA@Toshiba>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
> reply-type=response
> 
> My posting this morning about blowing the speaker amp chip was in 
> error.  Further investigation reveals that I actually blew out 
> the K3's internal speaker.  Ohmmeter measurement at the speaker 
> terminals shows that the coil is wide open.  This is really good 
> news, because the speaker is easily replaceable in the field.
> 
> It's also good news because it points out the efficacy of the 
> E85056 protection mod.
> 
> My apologies for making a wrong assumption.  The symptoms were 
> exactly the same as the two previous failures of the speaker amp.
> 
> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
> Yuma, AZ
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker amp chip bites the dust again - CORRECTION!

[William C. Johnson via Elecraft]

Wow Dave you spooked me. I just completed the protection install before leaving 
Yuma for Astoria. I am glad to hear the install was not in vain. hi hi

Bill J K7BRR Yuma
 
Message: 13
Date: Tue, 1 Jul 2014 17:53:59 -0700
From: "Dave Hachadorian" 
To: "Reflector Elecraft" 
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 speaker amp chip bites the dust again -
    CORRECTION!
Message-ID: <058BEFA1FA9E42939B8ED88C253D8CDA@Toshiba>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
    reply-type=response

My posting this morning about blowing the speaker amp chip was in 
error.  Further investigation reveals that I actually blew out 
the K3's internal speaker.  Ohmmeter measurement at the speaker 
terminals shows that the coil is wide open.  This is really good 
news, because the speaker is easily replaceable in the field.

It's also good news because it points out the efficacy of the 
E85056 protection mod.

My apologies for making a wrong assumption.  The symptoms were 
exactly the same as the two previous failures of the speaker amp.

Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, AZ
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker amp chip bites the dust again - CORRECTION!

[Mike K2MK]

Hi Dave,

I'm glad you found a solution and it's good to know that the mods work. You
might want to take this opportunity to reevaluate your AGC settings. I use
headphones and anything above 010 is painful. I used to set it to 012 to
help my brain work weak signals but the occasional strong signal felt like
Q-tips piecing my ear drums. Ramping the AGC THR up to 020 is unthinkable
for me.

73,
Mike K2MK


Dave Hachadorian-2 wrote
> My posting this morning about blowing the speaker amp chip was in 
> error.  Further investigation reveals that I actually blew out 
> the K3's internal speaker.  Ohmmeter measurement at the speaker 
> terminals shows that the coil is wide open.  This is really good 
> news, because the speaker is easily replaceable in the field.
> 
> It's also good news because it points out the efficacy of the 
> E85056 protection mod.
> 
> My apologies for making a wrong assumption.  The symptoms were 
> exactly the same as the two previous failures of the speaker amp.
> 
> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL





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View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-speaker-amp-chip-bites-the-dust-again-tp7590795p7590815.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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[Elecraft] K3 speaker amp chip bites the dust again - CORRECTION!

[Dave Hachadorian]

My posting this morning about blowing the speaker amp chip was in 
error.  Further investigation reveals that I actually blew out 
the K3's internal speaker.  Ohmmeter measurement at the speaker 
terminals shows that the coil is wide open.  This is really good 
news, because the speaker is easily replaceable in the field.


It's also good news because it points out the efficacy of the 
E85056 protection mod.


My apologies for making a wrong assumption.  The symptoms were 
exactly the same as the two previous failures of the speaker amp.


Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Yuma, AZ










.



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker amp chip bites the dust again

[Ross Primrose N4RP]

On 7/1/2014 4:10 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:


more power, the 3.1W amplifier is going to die when asked to produce
more than 150 W of peak power.


In a properly engineered design, the amp may clip like crazy, but it 
should be able to survive such abuse indefinitely


73, Ross N4RP


73,

... Joe, W4TV


On 2014-07-01 3:28 PM, Dave Hachadorian wrote:

I guess I've blown the speaker amp IC in my K3 again. This is the third
time this has happened, twice in one radio and once in another.

In this case, the radio had both the AF Output Mod Kit (pair of 470 ohm
resistors) and the E85056 Audio Protection Assembly Circuit Board
installed.

I was operating on Field Day, with headphones, as I usually do, when
some onlookers wanted to hear what was going on. I flipped
SPKRS+PHONES=YES, then along came a strong signal, and poof! no speaker
audio.

AGC SLP was zero, and AGC THR was 020. Front panel AGC was FAST.

This failure is really getting old, especially at $120 a pop to get it
fixed.

Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Big Bear Lake, CA














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--
FCC Section 97.313(a) “At all times, an amateur station must use the minimum 
transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications.”

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker amp chip bites the dust again

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

With SLP=0 and THR=20 you have essentially *no* AGC action.  That
means nothing is protecting the audio amplifier from strong inputs.

I leave it to Wayne or Lyle to calculate the overall gain from noise
floor to maximum DSP output but if one has set the audio for comfort
on a S4-S6 signal the audio amp is running along at roughly 1.5W
into the speaker.  When that S9+10 dB signal comes along and you have
no AGC even if the audio amplifier is expected to produce only 20 dB
more power, the 3.1W amplifier is going to die when asked to produce
more than 150 W of peak power.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 2014-07-01 3:28 PM, Dave Hachadorian wrote:

I guess I've blown the speaker amp IC in my K3 again.  This is the third
time this has happened, twice in one radio and once in another.

In this case, the radio had both the AF Output Mod Kit (pair of 470 ohm
resistors) and the E85056 Audio Protection Assembly Circuit Board
installed.

I was operating on Field Day, with headphones, as I usually do, when
some onlookers wanted to hear what was going on.  I flipped
SPKRS+PHONES=YES, then along came a strong signal, and poof! no speaker
audio.

AGC SLP was zero, and AGC THR was 020.  Front panel AGC was FAST.

This failure is really getting old, especially at $120 a pop to get it
fixed.

Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Big Bear Lake, CA














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Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker amp chip bites the dust again

[Phil Wheeler]

Some years ago I learned to take only expendable 
items to Field Day: Myself :-)


Otherwise I give items to the Club: Those things 
always seem to survive!


Phil W7OX

On 7/1/14, 12:28 PM, Dave Hachadorian wrote:
I guess I've blown the speaker amp IC in my K3 
again. This is the third time this has happened, 
twice in one radio and once in another.


In this case, the radio had both the AF Output 
Mod Kit (pair of 470 ohm resistors) and the 
E85056 Audio Protection Assembly Circuit Board 
installed.


I was operating on Field Day, with headphones, 
as I usually do, when some onlookers wanted to 
hear what was going on.  I flipped 
SPKRS+PHONES=YES, then along came a strong 
signal, and poof! no speaker audio.


AGC SLP was zero, and AGC THR was 020.  Front 
panel AGC was FAST.


This failure is really getting old, especially 
at $120 a pop to get it fixed.


Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Big Bear Lake, CA














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Message delivered to w...@socal.rr.com



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker amp chip bites the dust again

[Fred Townsend]

It sounds like there may be another fault in your system. Are you hooking up to 
any powered external speakers or phones?
73, Fred, AE6QL

-Original Message-
>From: Dave Hachadorian 
>Sent: Jul 1, 2014 12:28 PM
>To: Reflector Elecraft 
>Subject: [Elecraft] K3 speaker amp chip bites the dust again
>
>I guess I've blown the speaker amp IC in my K3 again.  This is 
>the third time this has happened, twice in one radio and once in 
>another.
>
>In this case, the radio had both the AF Output Mod Kit (pair of 
>470 ohm resistors) and the E85056 Audio Protection Assembly 
>Circuit Board installed.
>
>I was operating on Field Day, with headphones, as I usually do, 
>when some onlookers wanted to hear what was going on.  I flipped 
>SPKRS+PHONES=YES, then along came a strong signal, and poof! no 
>speaker audio.
>
>AGC SLP was zero, and AGC THR was 020.  Front panel AGC was FAST.
>
>This failure is really getting old, especially at $120 a pop to 
>get it fixed.
>
>Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
>Big Bear Lake, CA
>
>

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[Elecraft] K3 speaker amp chip bites the dust again

[Dave Hachadorian]

I guess I've blown the speaker amp IC in my K3 again.  This is 
the third time this has happened, twice in one radio and once in 
another.


In this case, the radio had both the AF Output Mod Kit (pair of 
470 ohm resistors) and the E85056 Audio Protection Assembly 
Circuit Board installed.


I was operating on Field Day, with headphones, as I usually do, 
when some onlookers wanted to hear what was going on.  I flipped 
SPKRS+PHONES=YES, then along came a strong signal, and poof! no 
speaker audio.


AGC SLP was zero, and AGC THR was 020.  Front panel AGC was FAST.

This failure is really getting old, especially at $120 a pop to 
get it fixed.


Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Big Bear Lake, CA














. 


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[Elecraft] K3 speaker or external speaker not muting

[Roger Dallimore]

Hello,

I use the PF1 button to toggle my external speakers on/off while having 
headphones plugged into the front socket.


The problem is now for some reason the external speaker is on all the 
time even when SPKR+PH is switched to NO. The K3's internal speaker 
behaves the same way when external speakers are disconnected.


Before I take a look at the audio board has anyone else had this problem 
or can suggest the a likely cause, or am I just doing something stupid!


Many thanks

RogerMW0IDXK3 #191

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale [Thread closed]

[Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft]

Folks, This thread was closed this morning to limit list noise level.
73,
Eric
List Moderator
elecraft.com
_..._



On Apr 24, 2013, at 8:13 PM, "Ron D'Eau Claire"  wrote:

> Keep in mind that the requirement is not onerous. A typical "hi-fi" speaker
> is NOT needed since the KX3, like all communications receivers, is severely
> restricts both the high and low frequency audio response.  
> 
> The speaker only needs to reproduce the range from about 300 to 2800 Hz
> without distortion and with a smooth frequency response. 
> 
> By comparison, a minimal "hi-fi" speaker would be expected to deliver a
> smooth response from 50 Hz or less to over 15,000 Hz. 
> 
> It's not just communications receivers that have limited fidelity too. Many
> A.M. radio stations limit their audio response to between 100 Hz and 5,000
> Hz. Some less. But without distortion and a well-controlled response, their
> audio can be very clean and pleasant sounding. 
> 
> Long ago when I worked on broadcast gear (1950's ;-), A.M. stations pushed
> their upper audio response much higher. But, when FM became popular in car
> radios, many customers complained that they were "noisy" with lots of hiss.
> Of course that's because A.M. radios detect background static while F.M.
> radios suppress such noise. A.M. car radio manufacturers discovered that
> customer complaints were greatly reduced by limiting the upper frequency
> response on A.M. to 5,000 Hz or less. 
> 
> I've seen similar observations by many on the reflector here who discovered
> that their rig sounded much "quieter" when the equalizer was set to suppress
> the upper frequency range. 
> 
> 73 Ron AC7AC 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Keep in mind that the requirement is not onerous. A typical "hi-fi" speaker
is NOT needed since the KX3, like all communications receivers, is severely
restricts both the high and low frequency audio response.  

The speaker only needs to reproduce the range from about 300 to 2800 Hz
without distortion and with a smooth frequency response. 

By comparison, a minimal "hi-fi" speaker would be expected to deliver a
smooth response from 50 Hz or less to over 15,000 Hz. 

It's not just communications receivers that have limited fidelity too. Many
A.M. radio stations limit their audio response to between 100 Hz and 5,000
Hz. Some less. But without distortion and a well-controlled response, their
audio can be very clean and pleasant sounding. 

Long ago when I worked on broadcast gear (1950's ;-), A.M. stations pushed
their upper audio response much higher. But, when FM became popular in car
radios, many customers complained that they were "noisy" with lots of hiss.
Of course that's because A.M. radios detect background static while F.M.
radios suppress such noise. A.M. car radio manufacturers discovered that
customer complaints were greatly reduced by limiting the upper frequency
response on A.M. to 5,000 Hz or less. 

I've seen similar observations by many on the reflector here who discovered
that their rig sounded much "quieter" when the equalizer was set to suppress
the upper frequency range. 

73 Ron AC7AC 

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Bill Hammond]

http://www.adorama.com/RCFMR55W.html

The specifications are great and unlike most consumer grade products are 
actually published :)  $212 each speaker is a bit rich however. Rolex vs Seiko?



On Apr 23, 2013, at 12:46 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

> On 4/23/2013 8:44 AM, Ramon Tristani wrote:
>> And last but not least, what is the science of designing a transceiver with 
>> so many advanced features if the output product, the sound coming out of the 
>> speaker, is mediocre at best?
> 
> As a retired audio professional (Fellow of the Audio Engineering Society), 
> ham for 55 years, and contester since 1957, I have several thoughts on this 
> question.
> 
> 1) The science of loudspeaker design, while well understood, is so far 
> removed from the science of building high quality radio transceivers that it 
> makes no sense for a small company like Elecraft to devote their limited 
> engineering resources to designing and building one.
> 
> 2) For any serious operating, I've always used headphones.  I use a 
> loudspeaker only for casual operation, and for monitoring while I'm in the 
> shack doing somethings else.
> 
> 3) The "ideal" loudspeaker for ham radio is nothing more or less than one 
> that has very smooth, uniform ("flat) frequency response in the range of 200 
> - 4,000 Hz, maintains that uniformity over a wide range of angles where the 
> listener is likely to have his/her ears. It should either be sufficiently 
> efficient that it can be made loud enough by the relatively small speaker 
> amplifiers in the K3, or it should have its own internal power amplifier.
> 
> The problem with loudspeakers having internal power amplifiers is that nearly 
> all I have seen, including some rather expensive pro models, have serious RFI 
> problems.
> 
> Loudspeakers that are relatively small tend to have smooth response over 
> wider angles, but they also tend to be less efficient (that is, they take a 
> bit more power to drive).
> 
> Bottom line -- Elecraft made exactly the right decision to stay out of the 
> loudspeaker business. If you want an outboard loudspeaker for ANY ham rig, 
> simply look in the pro audio world for one that has flat response, 
> sensitivity of at least 80 dBSPL for 1 watt at 1 meter, and fits on your 
> operating desk.  Look for audio products, not radio products. The best I know 
> of is the RCF MR55, which is made in Italy and distributed worldwide. I've 
> used them in some very high quality professional installations.
> 
> http://www.rcf.it/products/installed-sound-systems/monitor-series/mr-55
> 
> Exception -- for many years, Motorola has marketed some small loudspeakers 
> designed for use with their commercial VHF/UHF transceivers that works well 
> for ham radio.
> 
> 73, Jim k9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[George A. Thornton]

I was fortunate to find a used pair of Sounds Sweet speakers for an excellent 
price at a recent fleamarket.  

I have to say they are well worth the trouble and expense if you can find them. 
  They are not amplified so there is no interference, and they sound 
marvelously clear and rich.



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim Brown
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 10:46 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

On 4/23/2013 8:44 AM, Ramon Tristani wrote:
> And last but not least, what is the science of designing a transceiver with 
> so many advanced features if the output product, the sound coming out of the 
> speaker, is mediocre at best?

As a retired audio professional (Fellow of the Audio Engineering Society), ham 
for 55 years, and contester since 1957, I have several thoughts on this 
question.

1) The science of loudspeaker design, while well understood, is so far removed 
from the science of building high quality radio transceivers that it makes no 
sense for a small company like Elecraft to devote their limited engineering 
resources to designing and building one.

2) For any serious operating, I've always used headphones.  I use a loudspeaker 
only for casual operation, and for monitoring while I'm in the shack doing 
somethings else.

3) The "ideal" loudspeaker for ham radio is nothing more or less than one that 
has very smooth, uniform ("flat) frequency response in the range of 200 - 4,000 
Hz, maintains that uniformity over a wide range of angles where the listener is 
likely to have his/her ears. It should either be sufficiently efficient that it 
can be made loud enough by the relatively small speaker amplifiers in the K3, 
or it should have its own internal power amplifier.

The problem with loudspeakers having internal power amplifiers is that nearly 
all I have seen, including some rather expensive pro models, have serious RFI 
problems.

Loudspeakers that are relatively small tend to have smooth response over wider 
angles, but they also tend to be less efficient (that is, they take a bit more 
power to drive).

Bottom line -- Elecraft made exactly the right decision to stay out of the 
loudspeaker business. If you want an outboard loudspeaker for ANY ham rig, 
simply look in the pro audio world for one that has flat response, sensitivity 
of at least 80 dBSPL for 1 watt at 1 meter, and fits on your operating desk.  
Look for audio products, not radio products. The best I know of is the RCF 
MR55, which is made in Italy and distributed worldwide. I've used them in some 
very high quality professional installations.

http://www.rcf.it/products/installed-sound-systems/monitor-series/mr-55

Exception -- for many years, Motorola has marketed some small loudspeakers 
designed for use with their commercial VHF/UHF transceivers that works well for 
ham radio.

73, Jim k9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft]

Folks - We're drifting far afield. Let's end this thread at this time in 
the interest of maintaining list signal to noise ratio.


73,

Eric
elecraft.com

On 4/23/2013 9:47 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:


> I would disagree on the size.  I have a book Weyrhauser put out in
> the early 1950s for people to choose plans from to build a house.
> The sizes ranged from 600 to 1100 square feet.

I know for a fact that average homes of the late 40's through early
60's were considerably smaller than common today -


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[Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Reinaldo Leandro, YV5AM]

When away from home, I use an elbow 90 degrees plastic pipe fitting over the
speaker opening.

It provides very good sound.

73

 

Reinaldo, YV5AM

 

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

> I would disagree on the size.  I have a book Weyrhauser put out in
> the early 1950s for people to choose plans from to build a house.
> The sizes ranged from 600 to 1100 square feet.

I know for a fact that average homes of the late 40's through early
60's were considerably smaller than common today - typically 1500
square feet was considered large.  My father was a draftsman on the
design team for one of the largest "kit built" home manufacturers in
the mid-west right after WWII when they were cranking those homes out
by the hundreds of thousands to supply the needs of all the returning
GIs who were setting up households.

Not only were room sizes typically smaller than those today - the
average house of the 50's and 60's lacked a formal dinning room
or separate family room.  The two additional rooms plus a second
full bath in homes of the 80's and later represented a significant
increase in the average home size - even before considering the
larger room sizes and additional storage space in "modern" homes.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 4/23/2013 11:24 PM, David Christ wrote:

I would disagree on the size.  I have a book Weyrhauser put out in
the early 1950s for people to choose plans from to build a house.
The sizes ranged from 600 to 1100 square feet.  Try to find houses
that small being built today.  Two to three thousand are common and
four to five are not unusual.  I will admit that houses built in the
1900 to 1920 era may have been larger.  But they were built for large
families and quite likely a hired girl.

In 1934 Sears offered material bundles for homes.  I just saw an
advertisement for two.  Three bedrooms - 960 and 1050 square feet.

David K0LUM


On Apr 23, 2013, at 9:53 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:


As home sizes have diminished steadily over the decades, and the
size of the equipment has diminished, having a rig that was
acceptable in the living room has become how many Hams have stayed
on the air.


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[David Christ]

I would disagree on the size.  I have a book Weyrhauser put out in the early 
1950s for people to choose plans from to build a house.  The sizes ranged from 
600 to 1100 square feet.  Try to find houses that small being built today.  Two 
to three thousand are common and four to five are not unusual.  I will admit 
that houses built in the 1900 to 1920 era may have been larger.  But they were 
built for large families and quite likely a hired girl.

In 1934 Sears offered material bundles for homes.  I just saw an advertisement 
for two.  Three bedrooms - 960 and 1050 square feet.

David K0LUM


On Apr 23, 2013, at 9:53 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> As home sizes have diminished steadily over the decades, and the size of the
> equipment has diminished, having a rig that was acceptable in the living
> room has become how many Hams have stayed on the air. 

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Us OTs who occasionally peruse the old QSTs know that in the 1960's Collins
was really trying to produce equipment that the XYL would not object to
having on a desktop in the living room. "Hamshacks" were moving from the
basement, garage or outdoor shed into the living room.

As home sizes have diminished steadily over the decades, and the size of the
equipment has diminished, having a rig that was acceptable in the living
room has become how many Hams have stayed on the air. 

Personally, my rigs are almost never fully assembled. When I'm on the air,
it's usually with something that looks like someone exploded a dozen pieces
of equipment on the bench top. Fortunately my XYL does not mind and now that
solid state is common, I'm no longer reaching through a maze of wires
containing hundreds or thousands of volts to throw a switch. (Yes, I was
raised with the story of how Ross Hull was electrocuted in 1938, exactly 7
months and 12 days after I was born probably instilling a level of care that
has probably been responsible for me surviving, although I have been knocked
on my...er...'backside'... a number of times in years long past.)

I can fully understand the desire of some Hams to have a complete,
integrated station that looks clean, neat and which works perfectly. Not all
Hams are madcap tinkerers and home brewers, Hi! 

73, Ron AC7AC



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Fred Jensen
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 7:22 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

On 4/23/2013 11:48 AM, Edward R Cole wrote:
> Ramon makes a point, of course, but not all of us strive for "shack 
> beautiful" appearance.

That would be me Ed.  My station is never "not in a state of flux." 
Just sorting out the cables behind it gives new meaning to the term
"wireless."  With an SX-28 I inherited from a local ham's estate came the
bass reflex speaker cabinet with the "h" in the center.  It sounded
wonderful on the SX-28.  None of my more modern radios would drive it to
more than a whisper.  I've currently got an MFJ amplified 2"x2" speaker on
my K3 facing me, it works better than than the internal speaker which is
semi-blocked by the shelf above it, but really ... not a lot better.

Given enough market desire [don't know how to assess that], offering a
KPA500 form factor and blac box for a VERY elliptical speaker might be
profitable, not sure how it would sound but car radios in the 60's had them
and they weren't bad ... for the time.  I doubt a speaker small enough for a
P3 form factor would be any better than any other that size.

Bose does some amazing things in small spaces ... partnership? :-))

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2013 Cal QSO Party 5-6 Oct 2013
- www.cqp.org

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Fred Jensen]

On 4/23/2013 11:48 AM, Edward R Cole wrote:

Ramon makes a point, of course, but not all of us strive for "shack
beautiful" appearance.


That would be me Ed.  My station is never "not in a state of flux." 
Just sorting out the cables behind it gives new meaning to the term 
"wireless."  With an SX-28 I inherited from a local ham's estate came 
the bass reflex speaker cabinet with the "h" in the center.  It sounded 
wonderful on the SX-28.  None of my more modern radios would drive it to 
more than a whisper.  I've currently got an MFJ amplified 2"x2" speaker 
on my K3 facing me, it works better than than the internal speaker which 
is semi-blocked by the shelf above it, but really ... not a lot better.


Given enough market desire [don't know how to assess that], offering a 
KPA500 form factor and blac box for a VERY elliptical speaker might be 
profitable, not sure how it would sound but car radios in the 60's had 
them and they weren't bad ... for the time.  I doubt a speaker small 
enough for a P3 form factor would be any better than any other that size.


Bose does some amazing things in small spaces ... partnership? :-))

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2013 Cal QSO Party 5-6 Oct 2013
- www.cqp.org

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Matt Zilmer]

Hi Gary,

It all depends on what one is willing to pay for, and how well it fits
the application versus other solutions.  

You will get no argument from me on speakers versus xcvr performance,
but there is room for a lot of opinions in this world.  :)

Wayne also made a statement ("weighed in") in which he indicated a
custom speaker set fo the K3 could be in the cards.  I think it would
depend on the pricing the group could tolerate, as well as the sales
volume.  Fortunately, I've already found my ideal solution, so can
focus on RX/TX performance and put even more hours on my KX3 as well.

To each his own!

73,
matt W6NIA

On Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:47:56 +1000, you wrote:

>Matt,
>
>The matching speaker for the Yaesu FTdx9000 (we all now how much they cost)
>is expensive. Is it better than the two internal speakers in the
>transceiver?...not really was my opinion. Even the FTdx900 with two
>internal speakers was not great.
>
>We all have different audio opinions and to make the 'perfect' speaker for
>all would be a case of a 'bridge too far' I reckon.
>
>I for one would rather spend my money on receiver performance over ANY
>other add on or toy or appearance grabbing device
>
>73.
>
>
>
>On 24 April 2013 02:06, Matt Zilmer  wrote:
>
>> Does this mean you'd be willing to pay the R&D costs, or just the list
>> price for Qty 2, Elecraft-developed K3 speakers?
>>
>> In my experience with Elecraft, the principals decide what a product
>> line includes.  I doubt that style-matched speakers is on their list
>> of 'must do' items, but I don't speak for them and don't have the
>> inside dope.
>>
>> It's "up to Elecraft" to do business however they see fit.  That is a
>> fact.
>>
>> One thing I can say with certainty is that there are plenty of high
>> quality speaker sets available at retail.  The Bose Companion 2
>> multimedia speakers are particularly effective, and at $99 SRP it's
>> going to be difficult for Elecraft to compete (tooling costs,  unit
>> price, or reproduction quality).  I'm pretty sure Elecraft folks have
>> thought of this angle as well.  They run a tight ship and don't miss
>> much.
>>
>> 73,
>> matt W6NIA
>>
>> On Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:44:04 -0400, you wrote:
>>
>> >
>> >
>> >It is not easy for me to understand the rationale of many of the hams
>> that recommend buying an old, battered CB speaker at a flea market to shine
>> beside their K3/P3/KPA500 line up. It is like spending on an Armani suit
>> and wearing it with a pair of old dirty sneakers bought second-hand at a
>> yard sale. No kidding, I have seen that too!
>> >
>> >And all this for the sake of Elecraft, to save the company from the
>> "shame" of having to use their talent to build a matching speaker
>> enclosure? Somebody should have told Arthur Collins, but it is too late for
>> that, I guess. Can you imagine somebody buying a Rolls Royce without tires
>> only because Rolls Royce doesn't make tires?
>> >
>> >And last but not least, what is the science of designing a transceiver
>> with so many advanced features if the output product, the sound coming out
>> of the speaker, is mediocre at best? Why should a company hang the
>> reputation of its product on some other manufacturer of cheap computer
>> speakers that will not care for the excellence and expertise invested in
>> Elecraft's flagship system?
>> >
>> >The sound coming out of the K3 is mediocre at best. It is up to Elecraft
>> to provide a solution. If need be, I am willing to pay for it.
>> >
>> >Ramón Tristani
>> >r.trist...@gmail.com
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >__
>> >Elecraft mailing list
>> >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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>> >
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Gary Gregory]

Matt,

The matching speaker for the Yaesu FTdx9000 (we all now how much they cost)
is expensive. Is it better than the two internal speakers in the
transceiver?...not really was my opinion. Even the FTdx900 with two
internal speakers was not great.

We all have different audio opinions and to make the 'perfect' speaker for
all would be a case of a 'bridge too far' I reckon.

I for one would rather spend my money on receiver performance over ANY
other add on or toy or appearance grabbing device

73.



On 24 April 2013 02:06, Matt Zilmer  wrote:

> Does this mean you'd be willing to pay the R&D costs, or just the list
> price for Qty 2, Elecraft-developed K3 speakers?
>
> In my experience with Elecraft, the principals decide what a product
> line includes.  I doubt that style-matched speakers is on their list
> of 'must do' items, but I don't speak for them and don't have the
> inside dope.
>
> It's "up to Elecraft" to do business however they see fit.  That is a
> fact.
>
> One thing I can say with certainty is that there are plenty of high
> quality speaker sets available at retail.  The Bose Companion 2
> multimedia speakers are particularly effective, and at $99 SRP it's
> going to be difficult for Elecraft to compete (tooling costs,  unit
> price, or reproduction quality).  I'm pretty sure Elecraft folks have
> thought of this angle as well.  They run a tight ship and don't miss
> much.
>
> 73,
> matt W6NIA
>
> On Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:44:04 -0400, you wrote:
>
> >
> >
> >It is not easy for me to understand the rationale of many of the hams
> that recommend buying an old, battered CB speaker at a flea market to shine
> beside their K3/P3/KPA500 line up. It is like spending on an Armani suit
> and wearing it with a pair of old dirty sneakers bought second-hand at a
> yard sale. No kidding, I have seen that too!
> >
> >And all this for the sake of Elecraft, to save the company from the
> "shame" of having to use their talent to build a matching speaker
> enclosure? Somebody should have told Arthur Collins, but it is too late for
> that, I guess. Can you imagine somebody buying a Rolls Royce without tires
> only because Rolls Royce doesn't make tires?
> >
> >And last but not least, what is the science of designing a transceiver
> with so many advanced features if the output product, the sound coming out
> of the speaker, is mediocre at best? Why should a company hang the
> reputation of its product on some other manufacturer of cheap computer
> speakers that will not care for the excellence and expertise invested in
> Elecraft's flagship system?
> >
> >The sound coming out of the K3 is mediocre at best. It is up to Elecraft
> to provide a solution. If need be, I am willing to pay for it.
> >
> >Ramón Tristani
> >r.trist...@gmail.com
> >
> >
> >
> >__
> >Elecraft mailing list
> >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> >Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> >
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> __
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>



-- 
*Gary - VK1ZZ
Skype: Gary.VK1ZZ
Motorhome Portable
The Shack*
*Elecraft K3
P3 Panadapter
KPA500FT
KAT500FT**
KX3-K
*
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Matthew Zilmer]

That speaker is probably a licensed copy of the Moto speaker used on Syntors, 
Micors, Mitreks, etc.

Matt Zilmer, W6NIA

Semper Gumby


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim McDonald
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 12:14 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

This one there sure looks like my Motorola speakers:
http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Midland-21-406-Mobile-Speaker/3697658/p
roduct.html 

Though cheaper at 
http://www.amazon.com/Midland-21-406-Amateur-Extension-Speaker/dp/B000246VPM


73, Jim N7US



-Original Message-

On 4/23/2013 2:15 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
> If you want more audio power and wider response range, you can use two 
> passive (or powered) external speakers. The K3 was designed to drive 
> two passive (non-powered) external 4 to 8-ohm speakers such as the 
> KLH970 to quite high volume levels. These speakers are about 8x4x4" 
> (HWD), so they are indeed taller than the K3, but they're black and 
> nicely styled and look very nice on either side of the radio. I put 
> mine on a shelf above it.

The KLH970 are a fairly decent value ...  Overstock.com is showing
the KLH970 at $30/pair (factory refurbished).   I've used a similar
pair of Sony B1000 bookshelf speakers (about $50 for the pair at the
time) without any complaints.

73,

... Joe, W4TV




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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[ac5p]

Yes, an excellent choice, especially for CW sidetone freq. of 700Hz which is my 
favorite.  

I get a noticeable boost in sidetone level by using a 60 degree deflector over 
the top internal speaker made from 3 inch black ABS tubing.  

Have yet to find a more sensitive speaker for CW sidetone ranges.
  
73, Mike AC5p





From: Jim Brown 
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Tue, April 23, 2013 1:25:28 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

On 4/23/2013 11:15 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
> The speaker selected has extremely high sensitivity (95 dB SPL) and excellent 
>audio response, thanks in part to its large (and shielded) magnet. It met our 
>fidelity and drive-level goals for an internal speaker.

I think it was an excellent choice.

73, Jim K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Jim McDonald]

This one there sure looks like my Motorola speakers:
http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Midland-21-406-Mobile-Speaker/3697658/p
roduct.html 

Though cheaper at 
http://www.amazon.com/Midland-21-406-Amateur-Extension-Speaker/dp/B000246VPM


73, Jim N7US



-Original Message-

On 4/23/2013 2:15 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
> If you want more audio power and wider response range, you can use two 
> passive (or powered) external speakers. The K3 was designed to drive 
> two passive (non-powered) external 4 to 8-ohm speakers such as the 
> KLH970 to quite high volume levels. These speakers are about 8x4x4" 
> (HWD), so they are indeed taller than the K3, but they're black and 
> nicely styled and look very nice on either side of the radio. I put 
> mine on a shelf above it.

The KLH970 are a fairly decent value ...  Overstock.com is showing
the KLH970 at $30/pair (factory refurbished).   I've used a similar
pair of Sony B1000 bookshelf speakers (about $50 for the pair at the
time) without any complaints.

73,

... Joe, W4TV




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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Doug Turnbull]

Friends,
A good point regarding these speakers is that Radio Shack sells similar
speakers sometimes labeled KLH and more recently labeled Auvio for about
$40.   You would hardly expect Elecraft to be able to distribute as good a
speaker pair for such a price.

Similarly power supplies are readily available from OEM sources and
available for much less that ham radio manufacturers are able to retail them
at.

 73 Doug EI2CN

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Joe Subich, W4TV
Sent: 23 April 2013 19:50
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale


On 4/23/2013 2:15 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
> If you want more audio power and wider response range, you can use
> two passive (or powered) external speakers. The K3 was designed to
> drive two passive (non-powered) external 4 to 8-ohm speakers such as
> the KLH970 to quite high volume levels. These speakers are about
> 8x4x4" (HWD), so they are indeed taller than the K3, but they're
> black and nicely styled and look very nice on either side of the
> radio. I put mine on a shelf above it.

The KLH970 are a fairly decent value ...  Overstock.com is showing
the KLH970 at $30/pair (factory refurbished).   I've used a similar
pair of Sony B1000 bookshelf speakers (about $50 for the pair at the
time) without any complaints.

73,

... Joe, W4TV


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

On 4/23/2013 2:15 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

If you want more audio power and wider response range, you can use
two passive (or powered) external speakers. The K3 was designed to
drive two passive (non-powered) external 4 to 8-ohm speakers such as
the KLH970 to quite high volume levels. These speakers are about
8x4x4" (HWD), so they are indeed taller than the K3, but they're
black and nicely styled and look very nice on either side of the
radio. I put mine on a shelf above it.


The KLH970 are a fairly decent value ...  Overstock.com is showing
the KLH970 at $30/pair (factory refurbished).   I've used a similar
pair of Sony B1000 bookshelf speakers (about $50 for the pair at the
time) without any complaints.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


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[Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Edward R Cole]

Ramon makes a point, of course, but not all of us strive for "shack 
beautiful" appearance.


I see many gorgeous "shacks" and they probably are a joy to 
operate.  I suspect many with such stations take pains to make it so 
and then do not make any changes for months or years.


Then there is the other end of the spectrum (you know who you 
are).  I figure I am somewhere in the middle with a messy station 
that gets a periodic clean-up for visitors.  But my station is never 
static in configuration; I am always building something and making 
changes.  This never lends itself to "station beauty"...unless that 
is your sense of what is beautiful.


I have added a couple photo links (1st is from 2011 with FT-847 and 
FT-817 still in evidence; note the venerable National  Radio speaker 
on the far left):

http://www.kl7uw.com/Shack2011_1.jpg

The next photo is last July showing all the new VHF gear and the new 
KX3 in place of the Yaesu radios:

http://www.kl7uw.com/Shack2012.jpg

You may find interesting the evolution of the station shown here":
http://www.kl7uw.com/station%20layout.htm

73, Ed - KL7UW

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Jim Brown]

On 4/23/2013 11:15 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

The speaker selected has extremely high sensitivity (95 dB SPL) and excellent 
audio response, thanks in part to its large (and shielded) magnet. It met our 
fidelity and drive-level goals for an internal speaker.


I think it was an excellent choice.

73, Jim K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Wayne Burdick]

As the party responsible for the K3's speaker selection and orientation, I 
thought I'd weigh in here.

The speaker selected has extremely high sensitivity (95 dB SPL) and excellent 
audio response, thanks in part to its large (and shielded) magnet. It met our 
fidelity and drive-level goals for an internal speaker.

The speaker is mounted on the top cover rather than facing forward based on our 
experiments with the K3 and earlier radios. We tried mounting the same speaker 
(and others) in an enclosure the same height as the K3, on the front panel. 
While mid and high-range audio was a little louder in this orientation, bass 
was significantly weaker. It turns out that response is accentuated by mounting 
the speaker on the top cover due to enclosure geometry (larger surface area). 

In most home installations the speaker audio is also reflected off the wall or 
equipment directly behind the radio. This, too, favors a top-mounted speaker.

If you want more audio power and wider response range, you can use two passive 
(or powered) external speakers. The K3 was designed to drive two passive 
(non-powered) external 4 to 8-ohm speakers such as the KLH970 to quite high 
volume levels. These speakers are about 8x4x4" (HWD), so they are indeed taller 
than the K3, but they're black and nicely styled and look very nice on either 
side of the radio. I put mine on a shelf above it.

The K3 was designed from the ground up to be full stereo, so I do recommend 
using two speakers rather than one. This gives you audio effects such as 
simulated stereo, as well as main/left and sub/right when using the sub 
receiver.

We may offer our own matching speakers someday, though we have no such project 
in the works since (in our opinion) the K3's internal speaker does an excellent 
job. You can also achieve excellent results with two external unpowered 
speakers that may set you back $20.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Jim Brown]

On 4/23/2013 8:44 AM, Ramon Tristani wrote:

And last but not least, what is the science of designing a transceiver with so 
many advanced features if the output product, the sound coming out of the 
speaker, is mediocre at best?


As a retired audio professional (Fellow of the Audio Engineering 
Society), ham for 55 years, and contester since 1957, I have several 
thoughts on this question.


1) The science of loudspeaker design, while well understood, is so far 
removed from the science of building high quality radio transceivers 
that it makes no sense for a small company like Elecraft to devote their 
limited engineering resources to designing and building one.


2) For any serious operating, I've always used headphones.  I use a 
loudspeaker only for casual operation, and for monitoring while I'm in 
the shack doing somethings else.


3) The "ideal" loudspeaker for ham radio is nothing more or less than 
one that has very smooth, uniform ("flat) frequency response in the 
range of 200 - 4,000 Hz, maintains that uniformity over a wide range of 
angles where the listener is likely to have his/her ears. It should 
either be sufficiently efficient that it can be made loud enough by the 
relatively small speaker amplifiers in the K3, or it should have its own 
internal power amplifier.


The problem with loudspeakers having internal power amplifiers is that 
nearly all I have seen, including some rather expensive pro models, have 
serious RFI problems.


Loudspeakers that are relatively small tend to have smooth response over 
wider angles, but they also tend to be less efficient (that is, they 
take a bit more power to drive).


Bottom line -- Elecraft made exactly the right decision to stay out of 
the loudspeaker business. If you want an outboard loudspeaker for ANY 
ham rig, simply look in the pro audio world for one that has flat 
response, sensitivity of at least 80 dBSPL for 1 watt at 1 meter, and 
fits on your operating desk.  Look for audio products, not radio 
products. The best I know of is the RCF MR55, which is made in Italy and 
distributed worldwide. I've used them in some very high quality 
professional installations.


http://www.rcf.it/products/installed-sound-systems/monitor-series/mr-55

Exception -- for many years, Motorola has marketed some small 
loudspeakers designed for use with their commercial VHF/UHF transceivers 
that works well for ham radio.


73, Jim k9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Fred Smith]

I will make a short answer for me anyway, if I didn't like Elecraft's
business model and where they put their priorities I would not be an owner.
Much less sold many thousands of dollars of other brands of
radio's/Amps/etc. to switch to all Elecraft gear for the most part. I see
speakers from other manufactures who have SDR's but never seem to do updates
to them or if so 1 or 2 every 2 yrs or so if the customers are lucky.


73,
Fred/N0AZZ
K3 Ser #'s 6730/5299--KX3 # 2573--K2/100--KAT100
P3/SVGA--KPA500--KAT500--W2



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Matt Zilmer
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 11:07 AM
To: Ramon Tristani
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

Does this mean you'd be willing to pay the R&D costs, or just the list price
for Qty 2, Elecraft-developed K3 speakers?

In my experience with Elecraft, the principals decide what a product line
includes.  I doubt that style-matched speakers is on their list of 'must do'
items, but I don't speak for them and don't have the inside dope.

It's "up to Elecraft" to do business however they see fit.  That is a fact.

One thing I can say with certainty is that there are plenty of high quality
speaker sets available at retail.  The Bose Companion 2 multimedia speakers
are particularly effective, and at $99 SRP it's going to be difficult for
Elecraft to compete (tooling costs,  unit price, or reproduction quality).
I'm pretty sure Elecraft folks have thought of this angle as well.  They run
a tight ship and don't miss much.

73,
matt W6NIA

On Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:44:04 -0400, you wrote:

>
>
>It is not easy for me to understand the rationale of many of the hams that
recommend buying an old, battered CB speaker at a flea market to shine
beside their K3/P3/KPA500 line up. It is like spending on an Armani suit and
wearing it with a pair of old dirty sneakers bought second-hand at a yard
sale. No kidding, I have seen that too!
>
>And all this for the sake of Elecraft, to save the company from the "shame"
of having to use their talent to build a matching speaker enclosure?
Somebody should have told Arthur Collins, but it is too late for that, I
guess. Can you imagine somebody buying a Rolls Royce without tires only
because Rolls Royce doesn't make tires? 
>
>And last but not least, what is the science of designing a transceiver with
so many advanced features if the output product, the sound coming out of the
speaker, is mediocre at best? Why should a company hang the reputation of
its product on some other manufacturer of cheap computer speakers that will
not care for the excellence and expertise invested in Elecraft's flagship
system? 
>
>The sound coming out of the K3 is mediocre at best. It is up to Elecraft to
provide a solution. If need be, I am willing to pay for it.
>
>Ramón Tristani
>r.trist...@gmail.com
>
>
>
>__
>Elecraft mailing list
>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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>
>This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email 
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-
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2013.0.2904 / Virus Database: 3162/6266 - Release Date: 04/22/13


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Matt Zilmer]

Does this mean you'd be willing to pay the R&D costs, or just the list
price for Qty 2, Elecraft-developed K3 speakers?

In my experience with Elecraft, the principals decide what a product
line includes.  I doubt that style-matched speakers is on their list
of 'must do' items, but I don't speak for them and don't have the
inside dope.

It's "up to Elecraft" to do business however they see fit.  That is a
fact.

One thing I can say with certainty is that there are plenty of high
quality speaker sets available at retail.  The Bose Companion 2
multimedia speakers are particularly effective, and at $99 SRP it's
going to be difficult for Elecraft to compete (tooling costs,  unit
price, or reproduction quality).  I'm pretty sure Elecraft folks have
thought of this angle as well.  They run a tight ship and don't miss
much.

73,
matt W6NIA

On Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:44:04 -0400, you wrote:

>
>
>It is not easy for me to understand the rationale of many of the hams that 
>recommend buying an old, battered CB speaker at a flea market to shine beside 
>their K3/P3/KPA500 line up. It is like spending on an Armani suit and wearing 
>it with a pair of old dirty sneakers bought second-hand at a yard sale. No 
>kidding, I have seen that too!
>
>And all this for the sake of Elecraft, to save the company from the "shame" of 
>having to use their talent to build a matching speaker enclosure? Somebody 
>should have told Arthur Collins, but it is too late for that, I guess. Can you 
>imagine somebody buying a Rolls Royce without tires only because Rolls Royce 
>doesn't make tires? 
>
>And last but not least, what is the science of designing a transceiver with so 
>many advanced features if the output product, the sound coming out of the 
>speaker, is mediocre at best? Why should a company hang the reputation of its 
>product on some other manufacturer of cheap computer speakers that will not 
>care for the excellence and expertise invested in Elecraft's flagship system? 
>
>The sound coming out of the K3 is mediocre at best. It is up to Elecraft to 
>provide a solution. If need be, I am willing to pay for it.
>
>Ramón Tristani
>r.trist...@gmail.com
>
>
>
>__
>Elecraft mailing list
>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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>
>This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
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[Elecraft] K3 Speaker, Season finale

[Ramon Tristani]

It is not easy for me to understand the rationale of many of the hams that 
recommend buying an old, battered CB speaker at a flea market to shine beside 
their K3/P3/KPA500 line up. It is like spending on an Armani suit and wearing 
it with a pair of old dirty sneakers bought second-hand at a yard sale. No 
kidding, I have seen that too!

And all this for the sake of Elecraft, to save the company from the "shame" of 
having to use their talent to build a matching speaker enclosure? Somebody 
should have told Arthur Collins, but it is too late for that, I guess. Can you 
imagine somebody buying a Rolls Royce without tires only because Rolls Royce 
doesn't make tires? 

And last but not least, what is the science of designing a transceiver with so 
many advanced features if the output product, the sound coming out of the 
speaker, is mediocre at best? Why should a company hang the reputation of its 
product on some other manufacturer of cheap computer speakers that will not 
care for the excellence and expertise invested in Elecraft's flagship system? 

The sound coming out of the K3 is mediocre at best. It is up to Elecraft to 
provide a solution. If need be, I am willing to pay for it.

Ramón Tristani
r.trist...@gmail.com



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker Amp Protection

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

Barry,

I can see "Mod Rev C" protecting against speaker ringing or the sudden
removal of a low impedance load by damping the inductive kick but it
certainly does not protect against sustained high levels into a very
low impedance (or short circuit) load.  470 Ohm resistors in parallel
with a short circuit or paralleled 4 Ohm speakers are not going to do
anything to change the behavior of the circuit.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 3/12/2013 8:21 PM, F. Barry McWilliams wrote:

Joe, you may be right, but the description of the Revision C mod says, "This 
modification protects the K3's audio amplifier if either speaker output is connected to a 
short circuit or very low impedance load."

Since I've made this mod, I'd like (hope) to know that this protects the audio 
amp.
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker Amp Protection

[F. Barry McWilliams]

Don, Joe --

Don, 
You missed my point. of confusion,  Joe said "open circuit". 

Yep, I do use a stereo plug, thus I have an right channel "open circuit" when I 
connect an external
speaker.  

But there seems to be something else that Joe is warning against  other than
"open circuit".  Referring to Rev C, he says,
"This is an entirely different (and older) modification.  Output Mod
Rev C is designed to prevent damage to the right channel of the AF
amp when it is "open circuit" as it is when SPEAKERS=2 with a single
speaker attached."
So what is the problem with an "open circuit" right channel speaker?
TNX again


 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker Amp Protection

[Don Wilhelm]

But why push the limits?  Using a stereo plug will eliminate the 
possibility of a future failure initiated by the shorted output.  A 
short on the output *does* stress the components even if they can handle it.
Changing to a stereo plug should not be difficult for any ham who can 
solder - or build an adapter if you don't like cutting the headphone cord.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/12/2013 8:21 PM, F. Barry McWilliams wrote:

Joe, you may be right, but the description of the Revision C mod says, "This 
modification protects the K3's audio amplifier if either speaker output is connected to a 
short circuit or very low impedance load."

Since I've made this mod, I'd like (hope) to know that this protects the audio 
amp.



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker Amp Protection

[F. Barry McWilliams]

Joe, you may be right, but the description of the Revision C mod says, "This 
modification protects the K3's audio amplifier if either speaker output is 
connected to a short circuit or very low impedance load."

Since I've made this mod, I'd like (hope) to know that this protects the audio 
amp.
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker Amp Protection

[Bruce Beford]

I also inquired about this mod on the list a couple months ago. No replies
or posting of the relevant info yet.
73,
Bruce N1RX

Last August, Wayne N6KR posted:

>The mod I was talking about is newer (2010, I believe). It involves a
 
>pair of very small-valued resistors in series with the AF output   
>coupling capacitors. This, too, is in production. 
>
>However, I just looked on the K3 mods page, and it appears that we   
>never did turn this into a mod kit. We'll get this corrected right
away. 

http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-speaker-audio-gone-td7561739.htm
l#a7561747

Because I prefer to open my K3 only in low-static months, it's time to
ask about the status of this mod, which hasn't yet appeared on the K3
mod webpage.  Will it be available within the next few months?

73, Paul W8TM




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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker Amp Protection

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

> http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/AF_Output_Mod_Rev_C.pdf

This is an entirely different (and older) modification.  Output Mod
Rev C is designed to prevent damage to the right channel of the AF
amp when it is "open circuit" as it is when SPEAKERS=2 with a single
speaker attached.

The modification that Paul is inquiring about is designed to protect
the AF amplifier when the output is short circuited - e.g. connecting
a *mono* plug with SPEAKERS=2 - or in case of overload (a sudden static
"crash" or high level carrier with AGC=OFF) when using low (4 Ohm)
impedance speakers.

The latter modification has never been documented but I assume it
involves adding 2R2 or 2R7 resistors in series with the blocking
capacitor - perhaps replacing L13 and L16 on the KIO3 Audio Board.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 3/11/2013 10:41 AM, David G4DMP wrote:

I wouldn't have thought this needed a mod kit, Paul. It only requires
two 470 ohm resistors which the application note states will be supplied
by sending an e-mail if required.

http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/AF_Output_Mod_Rev_C.pdf

73 de David G4DMP

In a recent message, Paul Kirley  writes


http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-speaker-audio-gone-td7561739.htm
l#a7561747

Because I prefer to open my K3 only in low-static months, it's time to
ask about the status of this mod, which hasn't yet appeared on the K3
mod webpage.  Will it be available within the next few months?

73, Paul W8TM



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker Amp Protection

[David G4DMP]

I wouldn't have thought this needed a mod kit, Paul. It only requires
two 470 ohm resistors which the application note states will be supplied
by sending an e-mail if required.

http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/AF_Output_Mod_Rev_C.pdf

73 de David G4DMP

In a recent message, Paul Kirley  writes

>http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-speaker-audio-gone-td7561739.htm
>l#a7561747
>
>Because I prefer to open my K3 only in low-static months, it's time to
>ask about the status of this mod, which hasn't yet appeared on the K3
>mod webpage.  Will it be available within the next few months?
>
>73, Paul W8TM

-- 
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +
 | David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds.   |
 | Website: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk |
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +

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[Elecraft] K3 Speaker Amp Protection

[Paul Kirley]

Last August, Wayne N6KR posted:

>The mod I was talking about is newer (2010, I believe). It involves a
 
>pair of very small-valued resistors in series with the AF output   
>coupling capacitors. This, too, is in production. 
>
>However, I just looked on the K3 mods page, and it appears that we   
>never did turn this into a mod kit. We'll get this corrected right
away. 

http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-speaker-audio-gone-td7561739.htm
l#a7561747

Because I prefer to open my K3 only in low-static months, it's time to
ask about the status of this mod, which hasn't yet appeared on the K3
mod webpage.  Will it be available within the next few months?

73, Paul W8TM

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Re: [Elecraft] [K3] - Speaker output in various modes

[iain macdonnell - N6ML]

I wonder if you have AGC turned off in DATA mode? What appears after
"AGC-" on the display? AGC mode is remembered per-mode

73,

~iain / N6ML


On Mon, Jan 14, 2013 at 5:17 PM, rich kennedy  wrote:
> New K3 with latest firmware.  Newbie user.  HRD Software.
> Situation: Set speaker output volume for comfortable sounding CW and SSB (RF 
> gain close to 'full').  Then when going to data mode the same (CW or SSB) 
> signals blast me out of the shack - very very loud requiring me to 
> substantially back off both RF and AF gain.  Checked soundcard settings for 
> both HRD and Windows7 any adjustments do not make any difference.  Help.
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[Elecraft] [K3] - Speaker output in various modes

[rich kennedy]

New K3 with latest firmware.  Newbie user.  HRD Software.
Situation: Set speaker output volume for comfortable sounding CW and SSB (RF 
gain close to 'full').  Then when going to data mode the same (CW or SSB) 
signals blast me out of the shack - very very loud requiring me to 
substantially back off both RF and AF gain.  Checked soundcard settings for 
both HRD and Windows7 any adjustments do not make any difference.  Help.
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft]

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"  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
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[Fred Smith]

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

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[Edward R Cole]

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

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

> 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  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.
>>
>
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[Mike Sanders]

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 :)
>__

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-
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

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[N4OI - Ken]

[...]  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  





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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.
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[Bill Coleman]

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: 

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[Fred Smith]

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  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
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[Tim Tucker]

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  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
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

... 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:

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[Tim Tucker]

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  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 op

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[drewko]

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
>

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[Don Wilhelm]

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  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
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> 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
>

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[Andrew Moore]

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  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.
>
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

 > 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: h

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[J.K. Hooper]

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=profile&sku=ZJS-JTSP10 

73, 
Hoop 
K9QJS



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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[hawley, charles j jr]

I use 6x9 car speakers 

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 6, 2012, at 5:38 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
>> 
>> __
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>> 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 ma

Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[Fred Smith]

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
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>
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> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
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>
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> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

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
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>
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>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[Fred Smith]

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 :)
>__

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[drewko]

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 :)
>__

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[Don Wilhelm]

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 :)
>

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[iain macdonnell - N6ML]

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,   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 :)
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[Mike Harris]

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 :)
> __
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[Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?

[g4sgx]

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 :)
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker plug

[David G4DMP]

It's there, Dave

http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/AF_Output_Mod_Rev_C.pdf

73 de David G4DMP

In a recent message, Dave Hachadorian  writes
>That reminds me -- I thought Elecraft was going to issue a series
>resistor mod to protect the speaker amplifier device.  I still
>don't see it in the official list of mods.

-- 
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +
 | David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds.   |
 | Website: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk |
 + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - +

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker plug

[Dave Hachadorian]

-Original Message- 
From: Joe Subich, W4TV
Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2012 5:36 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker plug

I would not try it unless the series output resistors are 
installed in
your K3.  Otherwise use a pair of 2.2 Ohm resistors - one from 
the tip
and one from the ring to the single speaker.
--

That reminds me -- I thought Elecraft was going to issue a series 
resistor mod to protect the speaker amplifier device.  I still 
don't see it in the official list of mods.


Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Big Bear Lake, California

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[Elecraft] K3 Speaker plug

[Bill Wiehe]

Thank you all for the feedback.
Appreciate the help very much.
Bill - W0BBI
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker plug

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

 > I do not understand the utility in connecting both the left and right
 > speaker outputs to a single speaker - but I don't think it will do any
 > harm.

I would not try it unless the series output resistors are installed in
your K3.  Otherwise use a pair of 2.2 Ohm resistors - one from the tip
and one from the ring to the single speaker.

73,

... Joe, W4TV


On 9/13/2012 8:23 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Bill,
>
> I do not understand the utility in connecting both the left and right
> speaker outputs to a single speaker - but I don't think it will do any
> harm.  Connecting the audio amplifiers together is different than
> shorting the right channel to ground by inserting a mono plug.  Why not
> connect to stereo speakers and enjoy the AFX or if you have the subRX,
> the combinations of main and SubRX receive in each ear (speaker).
> Spread the speakers out so the left speaker is in the left ear and the
> right speaker is in the right ear.  If you put the speakers close
> together, you will not observe the effects.
>
> I do believe corrective actions have been taken for the audio amplifier
> shorted problem, but my memory is fuzzy about what and when.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 9/13/2012 3:04 PM, Bill Wiehe wrote:
>> Just want to be sure that I understand the External Speaker Jack stereo vs 
>> mono plug operation. To clarify, as long as you use the stereo plug, you can 
>> select CONFIG:SPKRS 2, regardless of whether or not the other end of the 
>> plug is stereo or using stereo speakers.
>> It is just critical for the radio end to have the stereo plug. Do I have the 
>> correct?
>> Just making sure I understand.
>> Thanks
>>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker plug

[Don Wilhelm]

Bill,

I do not understand the utility in connecting both the left and right 
speaker outputs to a single speaker - but I don't think it will do any 
harm.  Connecting the audio amplifiers together is different than 
shorting the right channel to ground by inserting a mono plug.  Why not 
connect to stereo speakers and enjoy the AFX or if you have the subRX, 
the combinations of main and SubRX receive in each ear (speaker).  
Spread the speakers out so the left speaker is in the left ear and the 
right speaker is in the right ear.  If you put the speakers close 
together, you will not observe the effects.

I do believe corrective actions have been taken for the audio amplifier 
shorted problem, but my memory is fuzzy about what and when.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/13/2012 3:04 PM, Bill Wiehe wrote:
> Just want to be sure that I understand the External Speaker Jack stereo vs 
> mono plug operation. To clarify, as long as you use the stereo plug, you can 
> select CONFIG:SPKRS 2, regardless of whether or not the other end of the plug 
> is stereo or using stereo speakers.
> It is just critical for the radio end to have the stereo plug. Do I have the 
> correct?
> Just making sure I understand.
> Thanks
>

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[Elecraft] K3 Speaker plug

[Bill Wiehe]

Just want to be sure that I understand the External Speaker Jack stereo vs mono 
plug operation. To clarify, as long as you use the stereo plug, you can select 
CONFIG:SPKRS 2, regardless of whether or not the other end of the plug is 
stereo or using stereo speakers.
It is just critical for the radio end to have the stereo plug. Do I have the 
correct? 
Just making sure I understand.
Thanks
W0BBI - Bill
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker audio gone!

[W4ATK]

I have the AF Limit set at 30 and have experienced my share of "crashes" when 
the AGC is turned off with no damage. (Knocking on wood now!!)

Jim, W4ATK
On Aug 28, 2012, at 12:25 PM, "Dave Hachadorian"  wrote:

> I have blown the speaker amp twice, in two different radios, by 
> using a speaker with AGC OFF.  POOF! Gone before you can react by 
> turning down the audio.
> 
> The factory guys report that they have been unable to duplicate 
> the problem.  Unless you are an EXPERT solderer, replacing the 
> speaker amp chip is best done by the factory.  The job will run 
> about $125 with shipping, maybe a little less if you ship only 
> the DSP Board.  I don't use the speaker amp any more.  I still 
> think there is a transient susceptibility problem in that 
> circuitry that they have been unable to find.
> 
> 
> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
> Big Bear Lake, California
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -Original Message- 
> From: Mike Goldstein
> Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 9:07 AM
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 speaker audio gone!
> 
> I've lost audio from both the internal speaker in the 
> K3,
> and from the SPKRS output jack on the rear panel.
> 
> At the end of the the first week of using a new NESCAF 
> audio
> filter (which drives my speaker) with the K3,  I changed bands,
> listened briefly on CW, with the NESCAF filter in the circuit.  I
> then changed to SSB, and because the NESCAF filter was adjusted 
> for a
> very narrow audio bandwidth, I decided to switch it out of the
> circuit, while the K3 was delivering audio, at a comfortable 
> listening level..
> 
> The audio filter was driven from the SPKRS jack on the 
> back
> of the K3, using a stereo plug, with one channel floating.  The 
> SPKRS
> jack was CONFIGured as SPKRS = 1.
> 
> A front panel toggle switch on the filter panel turns off the 
> power
> to the NESCAF filter, and re-routes the speaker audio connection 
> from
> the filter output, to the K3 output directly. I had done this 
> often,
> for the first week of operations.
> 
> This time, however, I briefly saw a "HI CURR" indication on the 
> front
> panel of the K3, and then my speaker audio vanished.
> 
> Unplugging all connections from the rear panel SPKRS jack, and 
> the
> front panel PHONES jack, no longer allows the K3's internal 
> speaker
> to produce audio.  Nothing I tried would result in any audio from 
> the
> external speaker, after connecting that speaker to either of the
> phono jacks that were tied to the rear SPKRS jack, through the 
> stereo plug.
> 
> The INPUT jack on the SCAF filter (to which the K3's SPKRS jack 
> was
> connected) passes through an isolating capacitor, then a 27K
> resistor, before being connected to the chip in the audio filter.
> 
> Resetting SPRKS = 2, in the  CONFIG menu, had no effect on 
> producing
> audio in the external, or internal speaker.
> 
> I still have audio  at the PHONES jack on the front panel, so I 
> can
> still use the K3.  It subsequently accounted for 380 QSOs in the 
> NAQP
> CW contest, providing it usual flawless performance.
> 
> I still have audio at the PHONES jack on the rear panel, as well.
> 
> My theory (and Gary at Elecraft Service agrees it might be the 
> cause)
> is that the audio chip in the K3 didn't like the abrupt change of
> load impedance, from 27K (approx.) to infinity, to 8 ohms, while 
> it
> was delivering audio..
> 
> I've since soldered a 15K resistor across the input jack of the 
> audio
> filter, and will do likewise for any other audio filters I 
> encounter, and use.
> 
> Puzzling, huh?  73 de  VE3GFN
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker audio gone!

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

Wayne,

The series resistors do not appear to be documented on the most recent
(June 2010) schematic package.  At least I can't find any on the front
panel board, mainboard, or anywhere on the KIO3.

73,

... Joe, W4TV


On 8/28/2012 4:07 PM, Dave Hachadorian wrote:
> Wayne,
>
> Do you mean the 470 ohm resistors added to the KIO3 Board?  If
> so, both radios had this mod done well before the speaker amps
> blew.
>
> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
> Big Bear Lake, California
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Wayne Burdick
> Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 11:18 AM
> To: Dave Hachadorian
> Cc: Elecraft Reflector
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker audio gone!
>
> Dave,
>
> Do you have the AF amp current-limiting mod in place? The parts
> for
> this mod are installed on the RF board. They've been in
> production for
> quite some time, and we can send them to you on request.
>
> With the limiter installed, we've seen near-zero problems with
> the AF
> amp IC.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
>
> On Aug 28, 2012, at 10:25 AM, Dave Hachadorian wrote:
>
>> I have blown the speaker amp twice, in two different radios, by
>> using a speaker with AGC OFF.  POOF! Gone before you can react
>> by
>> turning down the audio.
>>
>> The factory guys report that they have been unable to duplicate
>> the problem.  Unless you are an EXPERT solderer, replacing the
>> speaker amp chip is best done by the factory.  The job will run
>> about $125 with shipping, maybe a little less if you ship only
>> the DSP Board.  I don't use the speaker amp any more.  I still
>> think there is a transient susceptibility problem in that
>> circuitry that they have been unable to find.
>>
>>
>> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
>> Big Bear Lake, California
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> -Original Message-
>> From: Mike Goldstein
>> Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 9:07 AM
>> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 speaker audio gone!
>>
>>  I've lost audio from both the internal speaker in the
>> K3,
>> and from the SPKRS output jack on the rear panel.
>>
>>  At the end of the the first week of using a new NESCAF
>> audio
>> filter (which drives my speaker) with the K3,  I changed bands,
>> listened briefly on CW, with the NESCAF filter in the circuit.
>> I
>> then changed to SSB, and because the NESCAF filter was adjusted
>> for a
>> very narrow audio bandwidth, I decided to switch it out of the
>> circuit, while the K3 was delivering audio, at a comfortable
>> listening level..
>>
>>  The audio filter was driven from the SPKRS jack on the
>> back
>> of the K3, using a stereo plug, with one channel floating.  The
>> SPKRS
>> jack was CONFIGured as SPKRS = 1.
>>
>> A front panel toggle switch on the filter panel turns off the
>> power
>> to the NESCAF filter, and re-routes the speaker audio
>> connection
>> from
>> the filter output, to the K3 output directly. I had done this
>> often,
>> for the first week of operations.
>>
>> This time, however, I briefly saw a "HI CURR" indication on the
>> front
>> panel of the K3, and then my speaker audio vanished.
>>
>> Unplugging all connections from the rear panel SPKRS jack, and
>> the
>> front panel PHONES jack, no longer allows the K3's internal
>> speaker
>> to produce audio.  Nothing I tried would result in any audio
>> from
>> the
>> external speaker, after connecting that speaker to either of
>> the
>> phono jacks that were tied to the rear SPKRS jack, through the
>> stereo plug.
>>
>> The INPUT jack on the SCAF filter (to which the K3's SPKRS jack
>> was
>> connected) passes through an isolating capacitor, then a 27K
>> resistor, before being connected to the chip in the audio
>> filter.
>>
>> Resetting SPRKS = 2, in the  CONFIG menu, had no effect on
>> producing
>> audio in the external, or internal speaker.
>>
>> I still have audio  at the PHONES jack on the front panel, so I
>> can
>> still use the K3.  It subsequently accounted for 380 QSOs in
>> the
>> NAQP
>> CW contest, providing it usual flawless performance.
>>
>> I still have audio at the PHONES jack on the rear panel, as
>> well.
>>
>> My theory (and Gary at Elecraft Service agrees it might be the
>> cause)
>> is that the audio chip in the K3 didn't like the abrupt change
>> of
&g

Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker audio gone!

[Dave Hachadorian]

Wayne,

Do you mean the 470 ohm resistors added to the KIO3 Board?  If 
so, both radios had this mod done well before the speaker amps 
blew.

Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Big Bear Lake, California

-Original Message- 
From: Wayne Burdick
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 11:18 AM
To: Dave Hachadorian
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker audio gone!

Dave,

Do you have the AF amp current-limiting mod in place? The parts 
for
this mod are installed on the RF board. They've been in 
production for
quite some time, and we can send them to you on request.

With the limiter installed, we've seen near-zero problems with 
the AF
amp IC.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



On Aug 28, 2012, at 10:25 AM, Dave Hachadorian wrote:

> I have blown the speaker amp twice, in two different radios, by
> using a speaker with AGC OFF.  POOF! Gone before you can react 
> by
> turning down the audio.
>
> The factory guys report that they have been unable to duplicate
> the problem.  Unless you are an EXPERT solderer, replacing the
> speaker amp chip is best done by the factory.  The job will run
> about $125 with shipping, maybe a little less if you ship only
> the DSP Board.  I don't use the speaker amp any more.  I still
> think there is a transient susceptibility problem in that
> circuitry that they have been unable to find.
>
>
> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
> Big Bear Lake, California
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Mike Goldstein
> Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 9:07 AM
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 speaker audio gone!
>
> I've lost audio from both the internal speaker in the
> K3,
> and from the SPKRS output jack on the rear panel.
>
> At the end of the the first week of using a new NESCAF
> audio
> filter (which drives my speaker) with the K3,  I changed bands,
> listened briefly on CW, with the NESCAF filter in the circuit. 
> I
> then changed to SSB, and because the NESCAF filter was adjusted
> for a
> very narrow audio bandwidth, I decided to switch it out of the
> circuit, while the K3 was delivering audio, at a comfortable
> listening level..
>
> The audio filter was driven from the SPKRS jack on the
> back
> of the K3, using a stereo plug, with one channel floating.  The
> SPKRS
> jack was CONFIGured as SPKRS = 1.
>
> A front panel toggle switch on the filter panel turns off the
> power
> to the NESCAF filter, and re-routes the speaker audio 
> connection
> from
> the filter output, to the K3 output directly. I had done this
> often,
> for the first week of operations.
>
> This time, however, I briefly saw a "HI CURR" indication on the
> front
> panel of the K3, and then my speaker audio vanished.
>
> Unplugging all connections from the rear panel SPKRS jack, and
> the
> front panel PHONES jack, no longer allows the K3's internal
> speaker
> to produce audio.  Nothing I tried would result in any audio 
> from
> the
> external speaker, after connecting that speaker to either of 
> the
> phono jacks that were tied to the rear SPKRS jack, through the
> stereo plug.
>
> The INPUT jack on the SCAF filter (to which the K3's SPKRS jack
> was
> connected) passes through an isolating capacitor, then a 27K
> resistor, before being connected to the chip in the audio 
> filter.
>
> Resetting SPRKS = 2, in the  CONFIG menu, had no effect on
> producing
> audio in the external, or internal speaker.
>
> I still have audio  at the PHONES jack on the front panel, so I
> can
> still use the K3.  It subsequently accounted for 380 QSOs in 
> the
> NAQP
> CW contest, providing it usual flawless performance.
>
> I still have audio at the PHONES jack on the rear panel, as 
> well.
>
> My theory (and Gary at Elecraft Service agrees it might be the
> cause)
> is that the audio chip in the K3 didn't like the abrupt change 
> of
> load impedance, from 27K (approx.) to infinity, to 8 ohms, 
> while
> it
> was delivering audio..
>
> I've since soldered a 15K resistor across the input jack of the
> audio
> filter, and will do likewise for any other audio filters I
> encounter, and use.
>
> Puzzling, huh?  73 de  VE3GFN
> __
> 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.q

Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker audio gone!

[Wayne Burdick]

Iain,

The mod you referenced below is a very old one (470 ohm resistors on  
the KIO3). It has been in production for a long time.

The mod I was talking about is newer (2010, I believe). It involves a  
pair of very small-valued resistors in series with the AF output  
coupling capacitors. This, too, is in production.

However, I just looked on the K3 mods page, and it appears that we  
never did turn this into a mod kit. We'll get this corrected right away.

Wayne
N6KR


On Aug 28, 2012, at 12:17 PM, iain macdonnell - N6ML wrote:

> See: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/AF_Output_Mod_Rev_C.pdf
>
> "This modification is needed for all K3s shipped to date containing
> either a Revision XB or Revision A KIO3
> board. You must inspect the KIO3 board to see whether the modification
> has been made. Modified boards will
> include the leaded resistors shown in Figure 4. You can see the
> resistor in the lower part of the figure by removing
> the top cover as shown in Figure 1 and inspecting the side of the KIO3
> board facing away from the rear panel.  "
>
> Also http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_app_notes.htm states "Included on
> all new K3s About 12/23/08 and later."
>
> 73,
>
>~iain / N6ML
>
>
> On Tue, Aug 28, 2012 at 11:31 AM, hawley, charles j jr
>  wrote:
>> Was there a serial # that included the current limiting?
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Aug 28, 2012, at 1:18 PM, "Wayne Burdick"   
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Dave,
>>>
>>> Do you have the AF amp current-limiting mod in place? The parts for
>>> this mod are installed on the RF board. They've been in production  
>>> for
>>> quite some time, and we can send them to you on request.
>>>
>>> With the limiter installed, we've seen near-zero problems with the  
>>> AF
>>> amp IC.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Wayne
>>> N6KR
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Aug 28, 2012, at 10:25 AM, Dave Hachadorian wrote:
>>>
>>>> I have blown the speaker amp twice, in two different radios, by
>>>> using a speaker with AGC OFF.  POOF! Gone before you can react by
>>>> turning down the audio.
>>>>
>>>> The factory guys report that they have been unable to duplicate
>>>> the problem.  Unless you are an EXPERT solderer, replacing the
>>>> speaker amp chip is best done by the factory.  The job will run
>>>> about $125 with shipping, maybe a little less if you ship only
>>>> the DSP Board.  I don't use the speaker amp any more.  I still
>>>> think there is a transient susceptibility problem in that
>>>> circuitry that they have been unable to find.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
>>>> Big Bear Lake, California
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -Original Message-
>>>> From: Mike Goldstein
>>>> Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 9:07 AM
>>>> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>>>> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 speaker audio gone!
>>>>
>>>>   I've lost audio from both the internal speaker in the
>>>> K3,
>>>> and from the SPKRS output jack on the rear panel.
>>>>
>>>>   At the end of the the first week of using a new NESCAF
>>>> audio
>>>> filter (which drives my speaker) with the K3,  I changed bands,
>>>> listened briefly on CW, with the NESCAF filter in the circuit.  I
>>>> then changed to SSB, and because the NESCAF filter was adjusted
>>>> for a
>>>> very narrow audio bandwidth, I decided to switch it out of the
>>>> circuit, while the K3 was delivering audio, at a comfortable
>>>> listening level..
>>>>
>>>>   The audio filter was driven from the SPKRS jack on the
>>>> back
>>>> of the K3, using a stereo plug, with one channel floating.  The
>>>> SPKRS
>>>> jack was CONFIGured as SPKRS = 1.
>>>>
>>>> A front panel toggle switch on the filter panel turns off the
>>>> power
>>>> to the NESCAF filter, and re-routes the speaker audio connection
>>>> from
>>>> the filter output, to the K3 output directly. I had done this
>>>> often,
>>>> for the first week of operations.
>>>>
>>>> This time, however, I briefly saw a "HI CURR" indication on the
>>>> front
>>>> panel of the K3, and 

Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker audio gone!

[iain macdonnell - N6ML]

See: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/AF_Output_Mod_Rev_C.pdf

"This modification is needed for all K3s shipped to date containing
either a Revision XB or Revision A KIO3
board. You must inspect the KIO3 board to see whether the modification
has been made. Modified boards will
include the leaded resistors shown in Figure 4. You can see the
resistor in the lower part of the figure by removing
the top cover as shown in Figure 1 and inspecting the side of the KIO3
board facing away from the rear panel.  "

Also http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_app_notes.htm states "Included on
all new K3s About 12/23/08 and later."

73,

~iain / N6ML


On Tue, Aug 28, 2012 at 11:31 AM, hawley, charles j jr
 wrote:
> Was there a serial # that included the current limiting?
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Aug 28, 2012, at 1:18 PM, "Wayne Burdick"  wrote:
>
>> Dave,
>>
>> Do you have the AF amp current-limiting mod in place? The parts for
>> this mod are installed on the RF board. They've been in production for
>> quite some time, and we can send them to you on request.
>>
>> With the limiter installed, we've seen near-zero problems with the AF
>> amp IC.
>>
>> 73,
>> Wayne
>> N6KR
>>
>>
>>
>> On Aug 28, 2012, at 10:25 AM, Dave Hachadorian wrote:
>>
>>> I have blown the speaker amp twice, in two different radios, by
>>> using a speaker with AGC OFF.  POOF! Gone before you can react by
>>> turning down the audio.
>>>
>>> The factory guys report that they have been unable to duplicate
>>> the problem.  Unless you are an EXPERT solderer, replacing the
>>> speaker amp chip is best done by the factory.  The job will run
>>> about $125 with shipping, maybe a little less if you ship only
>>> the DSP Board.  I don't use the speaker amp any more.  I still
>>> think there is a transient susceptibility problem in that
>>> circuitry that they have been unable to find.
>>>
>>>
>>> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
>>> Big Bear Lake, California
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -Original Message-
>>> From: Mike Goldstein
>>> Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 9:07 AM
>>> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>>> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 speaker audio gone!
>>>
>>>I've lost audio from both the internal speaker in the
>>> K3,
>>> and from the SPKRS output jack on the rear panel.
>>>
>>>At the end of the the first week of using a new NESCAF
>>> audio
>>> filter (which drives my speaker) with the K3,  I changed bands,
>>> listened briefly on CW, with the NESCAF filter in the circuit.  I
>>> then changed to SSB, and because the NESCAF filter was adjusted
>>> for a
>>> very narrow audio bandwidth, I decided to switch it out of the
>>> circuit, while the K3 was delivering audio, at a comfortable
>>> listening level..
>>>
>>>The audio filter was driven from the SPKRS jack on the
>>> back
>>> of the K3, using a stereo plug, with one channel floating.  The
>>> SPKRS
>>> jack was CONFIGured as SPKRS = 1.
>>>
>>> A front panel toggle switch on the filter panel turns off the
>>> power
>>> to the NESCAF filter, and re-routes the speaker audio connection
>>> from
>>> the filter output, to the K3 output directly. I had done this
>>> often,
>>> for the first week of operations.
>>>
>>> This time, however, I briefly saw a "HI CURR" indication on the
>>> front
>>> panel of the K3, and then my speaker audio vanished.
>>>
>>> Unplugging all connections from the rear panel SPKRS jack, and
>>> the
>>> front panel PHONES jack, no longer allows the K3's internal
>>> speaker
>>> to produce audio.  Nothing I tried would result in any audio from
>>> the
>>> external speaker, after connecting that speaker to either of the
>>> phono jacks that were tied to the rear SPKRS jack, through the
>>> stereo plug.
>>>
>>> The INPUT jack on the SCAF filter (to which the K3's SPKRS jack
>>> was
>>> connected) passes through an isolating capacitor, then a 27K
>>> resistor, before being connected to the chip in the audio filter.
>>>
>>> Resetting SPRKS = 2, in the  CONFIG menu, had no effect on
>>> producing
>>> audio in the external, or internal speaker.
>>>
>>> I still have audio  at the PHONES ja

Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker audio gone!

[hawley, charles j jr]

Was there a serial # that included the current limiting?

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 28, 2012, at 1:18 PM, "Wayne Burdick"  wrote:

> Dave,
> 
> Do you have the AF amp current-limiting mod in place? The parts for  
> this mod are installed on the RF board. They've been in production for  
> quite some time, and we can send them to you on request.
> 
> With the limiter installed, we've seen near-zero problems with the AF  
> amp IC.
> 
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
> 
> 
> 
> On Aug 28, 2012, at 10:25 AM, Dave Hachadorian wrote:
> 
>> I have blown the speaker amp twice, in two different radios, by
>> using a speaker with AGC OFF.  POOF! Gone before you can react by
>> turning down the audio.
>> 
>> The factory guys report that they have been unable to duplicate
>> the problem.  Unless you are an EXPERT solderer, replacing the
>> speaker amp chip is best done by the factory.  The job will run
>> about $125 with shipping, maybe a little less if you ship only
>> the DSP Board.  I don't use the speaker amp any more.  I still
>> think there is a transient susceptibility problem in that
>> circuitry that they have been unable to find.
>> 
>> 
>> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
>> Big Bear Lake, California
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> -Original Message-
>> From: Mike Goldstein
>> Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 9:07 AM
>> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 speaker audio gone!
>> 
>>I've lost audio from both the internal speaker in the
>> K3,
>> and from the SPKRS output jack on the rear panel.
>> 
>>At the end of the the first week of using a new NESCAF
>> audio
>> filter (which drives my speaker) with the K3,  I changed bands,
>> listened briefly on CW, with the NESCAF filter in the circuit.  I
>> then changed to SSB, and because the NESCAF filter was adjusted
>> for a
>> very narrow audio bandwidth, I decided to switch it out of the
>> circuit, while the K3 was delivering audio, at a comfortable
>> listening level..
>> 
>>The audio filter was driven from the SPKRS jack on the
>> back
>> of the K3, using a stereo plug, with one channel floating.  The
>> SPKRS
>> jack was CONFIGured as SPKRS = 1.
>> 
>> A front panel toggle switch on the filter panel turns off the
>> power
>> to the NESCAF filter, and re-routes the speaker audio connection
>> from
>> the filter output, to the K3 output directly. I had done this
>> often,
>> for the first week of operations.
>> 
>> This time, however, I briefly saw a "HI CURR" indication on the
>> front
>> panel of the K3, and then my speaker audio vanished.
>> 
>> Unplugging all connections from the rear panel SPKRS jack, and
>> the
>> front panel PHONES jack, no longer allows the K3's internal
>> speaker
>> to produce audio.  Nothing I tried would result in any audio from
>> the
>> external speaker, after connecting that speaker to either of the
>> phono jacks that were tied to the rear SPKRS jack, through the
>> stereo plug.
>> 
>> The INPUT jack on the SCAF filter (to which the K3's SPKRS jack
>> was
>> connected) passes through an isolating capacitor, then a 27K
>> resistor, before being connected to the chip in the audio filter.
>> 
>> Resetting SPRKS = 2, in the  CONFIG menu, had no effect on
>> producing
>> audio in the external, or internal speaker.
>> 
>> I still have audio  at the PHONES jack on the front panel, so I
>> can
>> still use the K3.  It subsequently accounted for 380 QSOs in the
>> NAQP
>> CW contest, providing it usual flawless performance.
>> 
>> I still have audio at the PHONES jack on the rear panel, as well.
>> 
>> My theory (and Gary at Elecraft Service agrees it might be the
>> cause)
>> is that the audio chip in the K3 didn't like the abrupt change of
>> load impedance, from 27K (approx.) to infinity, to 8 ohms, while
>> it
>> was delivering audio..
>> 
>> I've since soldered a 15K resistor across the input jack of the
>> audio
>> filter, and will do likewise for any other audio filters I
>> encounter, and use.
>> 
>> Puzzling, huh?  73 de  VE3GFN
>> __
>> 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

Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker audio gone!

[Wayne Burdick]

Dave,

Do you have the AF amp current-limiting mod in place? The parts for  
this mod are installed on the RF board. They've been in production for  
quite some time, and we can send them to you on request.

With the limiter installed, we've seen near-zero problems with the AF  
amp IC.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



On Aug 28, 2012, at 10:25 AM, Dave Hachadorian wrote:

> I have blown the speaker amp twice, in two different radios, by
> using a speaker with AGC OFF.  POOF! Gone before you can react by
> turning down the audio.
>
> The factory guys report that they have been unable to duplicate
> the problem.  Unless you are an EXPERT solderer, replacing the
> speaker amp chip is best done by the factory.  The job will run
> about $125 with shipping, maybe a little less if you ship only
> the DSP Board.  I don't use the speaker amp any more.  I still
> think there is a transient susceptibility problem in that
> circuitry that they have been unable to find.
>
>
> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
> Big Bear Lake, California
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Mike Goldstein
> Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 9:07 AM
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] K3 speaker audio gone!
>
> I've lost audio from both the internal speaker in the
> K3,
> and from the SPKRS output jack on the rear panel.
>
> At the end of the the first week of using a new NESCAF
> audio
> filter (which drives my speaker) with the K3,  I changed bands,
> listened briefly on CW, with the NESCAF filter in the circuit.  I
> then changed to SSB, and because the NESCAF filter was adjusted
> for a
> very narrow audio bandwidth, I decided to switch it out of the
> circuit, while the K3 was delivering audio, at a comfortable
> listening level..
>
> The audio filter was driven from the SPKRS jack on the
> back
> of the K3, using a stereo plug, with one channel floating.  The
> SPKRS
> jack was CONFIGured as SPKRS = 1.
>
> A front panel toggle switch on the filter panel turns off the
> power
> to the NESCAF filter, and re-routes the speaker audio connection
> from
> the filter output, to the K3 output directly. I had done this
> often,
> for the first week of operations.
>
> This time, however, I briefly saw a "HI CURR" indication on the
> front
> panel of the K3, and then my speaker audio vanished.
>
> Unplugging all connections from the rear panel SPKRS jack, and
> the
> front panel PHONES jack, no longer allows the K3's internal
> speaker
> to produce audio.  Nothing I tried would result in any audio from
> the
> external speaker, after connecting that speaker to either of the
> phono jacks that were tied to the rear SPKRS jack, through the
> stereo plug.
>
> The INPUT jack on the SCAF filter (to which the K3's SPKRS jack
> was
> connected) passes through an isolating capacitor, then a 27K
> resistor, before being connected to the chip in the audio filter.
>
> Resetting SPRKS = 2, in the  CONFIG menu, had no effect on
> producing
> audio in the external, or internal speaker.
>
> I still have audio  at the PHONES jack on the front panel, so I
> can
> still use the K3.  It subsequently accounted for 380 QSOs in the
> NAQP
> CW contest, providing it usual flawless performance.
>
> I still have audio at the PHONES jack on the rear panel, as well.
>
> My theory (and Gary at Elecraft Service agrees it might be the
> cause)
> is that the audio chip in the K3 didn't like the abrupt change of
> load impedance, from 27K (approx.) to infinity, to 8 ohms, while
> it
> was delivering audio..
>
> I've since soldered a 15K resistor across the input jack of the
> audio
> filter, and will do likewise for any other audio filters I
> encounter, and use.
>
> Puzzling, huh?  73 de  VE3GFN
> __
> 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 audio gone!

[Dave Hachadorian]

I have blown the speaker amp twice, in two different radios, by 
using a speaker with AGC OFF.  POOF! Gone before you can react by 
turning down the audio.

The factory guys report that they have been unable to duplicate 
the problem.  Unless you are an EXPERT solderer, replacing the 
speaker amp chip is best done by the factory.  The job will run 
about $125 with shipping, maybe a little less if you ship only 
the DSP Board.  I don't use the speaker amp any more.  I still 
think there is a transient susceptibility problem in that 
circuitry that they have been unable to find.


Dave Hachadorian, K6LL
Big Bear Lake, California






-Original Message- 
From: Mike Goldstein
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 9:07 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 speaker audio gone!

 I've lost audio from both the internal speaker in the 
K3,
and from the SPKRS output jack on the rear panel.

 At the end of the the first week of using a new NESCAF 
audio
filter (which drives my speaker) with the K3,  I changed bands,
listened briefly on CW, with the NESCAF filter in the circuit.  I
then changed to SSB, and because the NESCAF filter was adjusted 
for a
very narrow audio bandwidth, I decided to switch it out of the
circuit, while the K3 was delivering audio, at a comfortable 
listening level..

 The audio filter was driven from the SPKRS jack on the 
back
of the K3, using a stereo plug, with one channel floating.  The 
SPKRS
jack was CONFIGured as SPKRS = 1.

A front panel toggle switch on the filter panel turns off the 
power
to the NESCAF filter, and re-routes the speaker audio connection 
from
the filter output, to the K3 output directly. I had done this 
often,
for the first week of operations.

This time, however, I briefly saw a "HI CURR" indication on the 
front
panel of the K3, and then my speaker audio vanished.

Unplugging all connections from the rear panel SPKRS jack, and 
the
front panel PHONES jack, no longer allows the K3's internal 
speaker
to produce audio.  Nothing I tried would result in any audio from 
the
external speaker, after connecting that speaker to either of the
phono jacks that were tied to the rear SPKRS jack, through the 
stereo plug.

The INPUT jack on the SCAF filter (to which the K3's SPKRS jack 
was
connected) passes through an isolating capacitor, then a 27K
resistor, before being connected to the chip in the audio filter.

Resetting SPRKS = 2, in the  CONFIG menu, had no effect on 
producing
audio in the external, or internal speaker.

I still have audio  at the PHONES jack on the front panel, so I 
can
still use the K3.  It subsequently accounted for 380 QSOs in the 
NAQP
CW contest, providing it usual flawless performance.

I still have audio at the PHONES jack on the rear panel, as well.

My theory (and Gary at Elecraft Service agrees it might be the 
cause)
is that the audio chip in the K3 didn't like the abrupt change of
load impedance, from 27K (approx.) to infinity, to 8 ohms, while 
it
was delivering audio..

I've since soldered a 15K resistor across the input jack of the 
audio
filter, and will do likewise for any other audio filters I 
encounter, and use.

Puzzling, huh?  73 de  VE3GFN
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 speaker audio gone!

[hawley, charles j jr]

Actually kind of scary about that choice of chip. There must be something more 
robust since we have numerous audio devices around that last when abused.

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 28, 2012, at 11:14 AM, "Mike Goldstein"  wrote:

> I've lost audio from both the internal speaker in the K3, 
> and from the SPKRS output jack on the rear panel.
> 
> At the end of the the first week of using a new NESCAF audio 
> filter (which drives my speaker) with the K3,  I changed bands, 
> listened briefly on CW, with the NESCAF filter in the circuit.  I 
> then changed to SSB, and because the NESCAF filter was adjusted for a 
> very narrow audio bandwidth, I decided to switch it out of the 
> circuit, while the K3 was delivering audio, at a comfortable listening level..
> 
> The audio filter was driven from the SPKRS jack on the back 
> of the K3, using a stereo plug, with one channel floating.  The SPKRS 
> jack was CONFIGured as SPKRS = 1.
> 
> A front panel toggle switch on the filter panel turns off the power 
> to the NESCAF filter, and re-routes the speaker audio connection from 
> the filter output, to the K3 output directly. I had done this often, 
> for the first week of operations.
> 
> This time, however, I briefly saw a "HI CURR" indication on the front 
> panel of the K3, and then my speaker audio vanished.
> 
> Unplugging all connections from the rear panel SPKRS jack, and the 
> front panel PHONES jack, no longer allows the K3's internal speaker 
> to produce audio.  Nothing I tried would result in any audio from the 
> external speaker, after connecting that speaker to either of the 
> phono jacks that were tied to the rear SPKRS jack, through the stereo plug.
> 
> The INPUT jack on the SCAF filter (to which the K3's SPKRS jack was 
> connected) passes through an isolating capacitor, then a 27K 
> resistor, before being connected to the chip in the audio filter.
> 
> Resetting SPRKS = 2, in the  CONFIG menu, had no effect on producing 
> audio in the external, or internal speaker.
> 
> I still have audio  at the PHONES jack on the front panel, so I can 
> still use the K3.  It subsequently accounted for 380 QSOs in the NAQP 
> CW contest, providing it usual flawless performance.
> 
> I still have audio at the PHONES jack on the rear panel, as well.
> 
> My theory (and Gary at Elecraft Service agrees it might be the cause) 
> is that the audio chip in the K3 didn't like the abrupt change of 
> load impedance, from 27K (approx.) to infinity, to 8 ohms, while it 
> was delivering audio..
> 
> I've since soldered a 15K resistor across the input jack of the audio 
> filter, and will do likewise for any other audio filters I encounter, and use.
> 
> Puzzling, huh? 
> __
> 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
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[Elecraft] K3 speaker audio gone!

[Mike Goldstein]

 I've lost audio from both the internal speaker in the K3, 
and from the SPKRS output jack on the rear panel.

 At the end of the the first week of using a new NESCAF audio 
filter (which drives my speaker) with the K3,  I changed bands, 
listened briefly on CW, with the NESCAF filter in the circuit.  I 
then changed to SSB, and because the NESCAF filter was adjusted for a 
very narrow audio bandwidth, I decided to switch it out of the 
circuit, while the K3 was delivering audio, at a comfortable listening level..

 The audio filter was driven from the SPKRS jack on the back 
of the K3, using a stereo plug, with one channel floating.  The SPKRS 
jack was CONFIGured as SPKRS = 1.

A front panel toggle switch on the filter panel turns off the power 
to the NESCAF filter, and re-routes the speaker audio connection from 
the filter output, to the K3 output directly. I had done this often, 
for the first week of operations.

This time, however, I briefly saw a "HI CURR" indication on the front 
panel of the K3, and then my speaker audio vanished.

Unplugging all connections from the rear panel SPKRS jack, and the 
front panel PHONES jack, no longer allows the K3's internal speaker 
to produce audio.  Nothing I tried would result in any audio from the 
external speaker, after connecting that speaker to either of the 
phono jacks that were tied to the rear SPKRS jack, through the stereo plug.

The INPUT jack on the SCAF filter (to which the K3's SPKRS jack was 
connected) passes through an isolating capacitor, then a 27K 
resistor, before being connected to the chip in the audio filter.

Resetting SPRKS = 2, in the  CONFIG menu, had no effect on producing 
audio in the external, or internal speaker.

I still have audio  at the PHONES jack on the front panel, so I can 
still use the K3.  It subsequently accounted for 380 QSOs in the NAQP 
CW contest, providing it usual flawless performance.

I still have audio at the PHONES jack on the rear panel, as well.

My theory (and Gary at Elecraft Service agrees it might be the cause) 
is that the audio chip in the K3 didn't like the abrupt change of 
load impedance, from 27K (approx.) to infinity, to 8 ohms, while it 
was delivering audio..

I've since soldered a 15K resistor across the input jack of the audio 
filter, and will do likewise for any other audio filters I encounter, and use.

Puzzling, huh?  73 de  VE3GFN 
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

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