Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance needed
Quick and dirty solution is to use PC out to one channel of stereo headphones and radio out to the other channel. Then if needed amplify via small low cost stereo amp. -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance needed
James, a widely used design is to wire the sources together via some resistors, and get some gain by a following OP-amp. The resistors could be made as pots to adjust volume. I built one for my guitar amp, if you look into DIY guitar electronics you'll find plenty of design ideas. here is mine: https://www.log49.com/index.php?/archives/18-For-my-guitar-Pre-Amp,-Effect-and-Mixer.html Note that you may have to add some extra capacitors to block RF, not all readily available mixer boxes pay attention to that, really. 73 Gernot DF5RF Am 10.01.2019 um 00:03 schrieb Richards: Good Day. Background: I am assisting a blind ham who also suffers some hearing loss. I suggested using headphones to attenuate ambient environmental noise as he operates. The rub is, he needs to hear both his receiver AND his computer (which provides audible feedback when logging contacts and performing other duties.) Question: Can anyone suggest a simple passive (or active) mixer circuit schema I can build for him to safely mix audio signals from his transceiver headphone jack with audio signals from his computer sound card headphone jack? Discussion: While there are multiple commercially produced simple and complex mixing products in the marketplace, I would prefer to build an inexpensive, small footprint solution we can easily incorporate in his station to minimize clutter and the number of cables, jacks, and controls -- he contends with plenty of that already. I suppose one solution might be a simple Y-adapter cable, but that seems too easy and I wonder whether we should isolate the signals and/or grounds in some way? (e.g., I do not wish to cause any "Pin-1" grounding issues, and etc.) Any traction? Can anyone point me to an appropriate circuit schematic or other resource? I don 't mind doing homework, and while I enjoy building stuff and I am familiar with the basic concepts involved, I could use a leg up on this project, especially to keep it simple and easy to build and implement. Please reply off list if this question is too far off topic, although I suspect there are many hams who might be interested in the result, besides similarly situated disabled operators. Thank you - James - K8JHR - --- __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to g...@gmx.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance
Al-W6LX, Commendable. I enjoy building stuff, too. Not so far as to design a radio "ground up" but my first ham radio was a kit back when I was 14 years old. Mainly because it was cheaper ($19.95 in 1958). When I got my Novice license my dad bought my elmer's DX35 for me (he wanted to upgrade to DX100). Later getting on 2m AM a friend modified my WWII aircraft radio for me (still a teen with no experience or test equip) but I built two 8-element yagis from conduit and aluminum ground wire and put up a small tower (with manual rotation). Over time I learned more and took on bigger projects (see my website for examples). Now on 630m to 3cm. EME on three bands going to five bands. Along the way I got a college degree and had some nifty jobs (sent a few spacecraft out into the Universe). Now retired and finishing up a 1200w sspa kit for 2m. I built a few Heathkits in my time. I consider a kit as something you solder vs just assembling hardware (sorry Elecraft). My Elecraft are all "kits" partly because I am cheap. But I also felt it made little sense to reinvent things one could buy good quality. Thus I have my K3U and KX3-2M; an old FT-736R and an old MOT 900-MHz mobile radio. I do not bake my own integrated ckts but will solder a few onto my custom pcb's. Nothing wrong with buying vs building; you still have to put the station together as a system. 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com/ From: Al Lorona To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net, Richards Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance Message-ID: <662386660.10209974.1547236134...@mail.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 JR - I have a folder of dozens of replies to Elecraft posts that I've never sent. (I try to exercise discipline so that the moderator doesn't have to slap me on the hand.) But your reply said *exactly* what a draft that I had written said. I'm very happy that you expressed the same idea. Building vs. buying, especially when buying is cheaper, is the homebrewer's dilemma. You now have to really want to learn something to build something yourself, and not merely save money.? More and more, homebrewing is in effect paying "tuition" to learn by doing. I built a QRP transceiver totally from scratch last year, and virtually everybody I told asked me, "Why?" It took me weeks and weeks and, had I not been blessed with a really good junk box, would have cost me more than a KX2. But... I got to work with some really cool ultra low noise op amps and figured out how to get a half-watt out of a 2N, so putting this particular rig on the air for the first time was my "diploma". I hope your construction project goes well. Please let us know when you get it working. Al? W6LX 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: dubus...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance
Been there, done that. Too smart and too old to do it again. Buying is better. Operating what one has purchased is more fun. Better yet, learning to operate what one has purchased is very gratifying. 73 Bob, K4TAX K3S, P3, KPA500, KAT500 On 1/11/2019 6:42 PM, Bill Frantz wrote: Real hams design and build their own radios. :-) (I'm not a real ham yet.) 73 Bill AE6JV __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance
Real hams design and build their own radios. :-) (I'm not a real ham yet.) 73 Bill AE6JV On 1/11/19 at 11:48 AM, alor...@sbcglobal.net (Al Lorona) wrote: I built a QRP transceiver totally from scratch last year, and virtually everybody I told asked me, "Why?" It took me weeks and weeks and, had I not been blessed with a really good junk box, would have cost me more than a KX2. But... I got to work with some really cool ultra low noise op amps and figured out how to get a half-watt out of a 2N, so putting this particular rig on the air for the first time was my "diploma". --- Bill Frantz| "I wish there was a knob on the TV to turn up the 408-356-8506 | intelligence. There's a knob called "brightness", but www.pwpconsult.com | it doesn't work. -- Gallagher __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance
JR - I have a folder of dozens of replies to Elecraft posts that I've never sent. (I try to exercise discipline so that the moderator doesn't have to slap me on the hand.) But your reply said *exactly* what a draft that I had written said. I'm very happy that you expressed the same idea. Building vs. buying, especially when buying is cheaper, is the homebrewer's dilemma. You now have to really want to learn something to build something yourself, and not merely save money. More and more, homebrewing is in effect paying "tuition" to learn by doing. I built a QRP transceiver totally from scratch last year, and virtually everybody I told asked me, "Why?" It took me weeks and weeks and, had I not been blessed with a really good junk box, would have cost me more than a KX2. But... I got to work with some really cool ultra low noise op amps and figured out how to get a half-watt out of a 2N, so putting this particular rig on the air for the first time was my "diploma". I hope your construction project goes well. Please let us know when you get it working. Al W6LX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance
JR, Another approach to help your friend is to buy and install an inexpensive, simple mixer as he can clearly make use of it now. You can still build a mixer for the experience. After taking whatever time is necessary for designing, building, and debugging in your shop you can try it out at your friend’s location for a “real world” evaluation by a real “end user”. His feedback may give you an opportunity to provide improvements to your design or tailor it to his specific needs/desires. Ken WA2LBI On Fri, Jan 11, 2019 at 10:57 Walter Underwood wrote: > Since you are dead set on building one from scratch, start here. > > https://www.google.com/search?q=audio+mixer+circuit > > You'll see a lot of four-channel mixers because quad op-amps are cheap, > under $1. > > This one has the pots before the op amps. > > https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/projects/build-an-audio-mixer/ > > This one has the pots after the op amps. > > http://www.theorycircuit.com/audio-mixer-circuit/ > > I’d be interested in the parts cost after you have chosen a design. > > wunder > K6WRU > Walter Underwood > CM87wj > http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog) > > > On Jan 10, 2019, at 11:36 PM, Richards wrote: > > > > THANK YOU for the several replies to my mixer circuit question - both on > and off the list. Unfortunately, few actually answered the original > question, most often advising me to abandon the project or mix on a > computer sound card. > > > > First - Thanks, Steve, for your input based on personal experience. > While I am familiar with your mixer, Tom prefers a device with stereo > channels and outputs for both headphones and powered speakers. The model > under consideration has only two control pots, making it easier to manage. > Tom truly appreciates your personal input and direct correspondence off > list. He puts a lot of stock in your take. > > > > Second - Tom prefers a simple hardware solution. Locating a manual > control next to the rig is much easier (for him) to manage, than mixing > with a computer sound card. Navigating multiple operating system windows > is a serious challenge because he cannot see the monitor or use a mouse. > This is not the preferred method for a contest or snagging rare DX before a > pileup ensues. Mixing on a computer would be very inconvenient; close > your eyes and try it some day! It's easy for you to say ... but, not so > easy for my friend to do. > > > > Third - We can simply purchase a commercial product (I recommend the > Rolls MINImix MS22s stereo mixer, with just two pots, and outputs for both > headphones and speakers) > > > > UNFORTUNATELY, THAT DEFEATS THE WHOLE POINT BEHIND MY QUESTION. > > > > While I do NOT wish to look a gift horse in the chops, or appear > ungrateful for the advice received so far; money is not the object as I > want to LEARN how this type of circuit works, and do a favor for a friend, > in one stroke. Advising me to save money and just buy a turn-key, > off-the-shelf solution hardly fits the HAM RADIO TRADITION of > experimentation and self-determination, and teaches me nothing about > circuit design. I was hoping to build something MYSELF- earning that > heady sense of self-satisfaction that accompanies the completion of a > successful home brew project. Considering all the experts on this list, > including world class board certified AES audio man Jim Brown, I figured a > simple summing circuit would be a snap. > > > > I close this thread with a big THANK YOU on behalf of my ... um ... > "client," whilst I repair to the proverbial drawing board to renew my > search for a simple summing circuit. > > > > Happy trails to all. JR > > > > (We return you to your regular daily programming content) ;-) > > > > - > > > > -- Ken WA2LBI Sent from one of my mobile devices __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance
Since you are dead set on building one from scratch, start here. https://www.google.com/search?q=audio+mixer+circuit You'll see a lot of four-channel mixers because quad op-amps are cheap, under $1. This one has the pots before the op amps. https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/projects/build-an-audio-mixer/ This one has the pots after the op amps. http://www.theorycircuit.com/audio-mixer-circuit/ I’d be interested in the parts cost after you have chosen a design. wunder K6WRU Walter Underwood CM87wj http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog) > On Jan 10, 2019, at 11:36 PM, Richards wrote: > > THANK YOU for the several replies to my mixer circuit question - both on and > off the list. Unfortunately, few actually answered the original question, > most often advising me to abandon the project or mix on a computer sound card. > > First - Thanks, Steve, for your input based on personal experience. While I > am familiar with your mixer, Tom prefers a device with stereo channels and > outputs for both headphones and powered speakers. The model under > consideration has only two control pots, making it easier to manage. Tom > truly appreciates your personal input and direct correspondence off list. > He puts a lot of stock in your take. > > Second - Tom prefers a simple hardware solution. Locating a manual control > next to the rig is much easier (for him) to manage, than mixing with a > computer sound card. Navigating multiple operating system windows is a > serious challenge because he cannot see the monitor or use a mouse. This is > not the preferred method for a contest or snagging rare DX before a pileup > ensues. Mixing on a computer would be very inconvenient; close your eyes > and try it some day! It's easy for you to say ... but, not so easy for my > friend to do. > > Third - We can simply purchase a commercial product (I recommend the Rolls > MINImix MS22s stereo mixer, with just two pots, and outputs for both > headphones and speakers) > > UNFORTUNATELY, THAT DEFEATS THE WHOLE POINT BEHIND MY QUESTION. > > While I do NOT wish to look a gift horse in the chops, or appear ungrateful > for the advice received so far; money is not the object as I want to LEARN > how this type of circuit works, and do a favor for a friend, in one stroke. > Advising me to save money and just buy a turn-key, off-the-shelf solution > hardly fits the HAM RADIO TRADITION of experimentation and > self-determination, and teaches me nothing about circuit design. I was > hoping to build something MYSELF- earning that heady sense of > self-satisfaction that accompanies the completion of a successful home brew > project. Considering all the experts on this list, including world class > board certified AES audio man Jim Brown, I figured a simple summing circuit > would be a snap. > > I close this thread with a big THANK YOU on behalf of my ... um ... > "client," whilst I repair to the proverbial drawing board to renew my search > for a simple summing circuit. > > Happy trails to all. JR > > (We return you to your regular daily programming content) ;-) > > - > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to wun...@wunderwood.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance
THANK YOU for the several replies to my mixer circuit question - both on and off the list. Unfortunately, few actually answered the original question, most often advising me to abandon the project or mix on a computer sound card. First - Thanks, Steve, for your input based on personal experience. While I am familiar with your mixer, Tom prefers a device with stereo channels and outputs for both headphones and powered speakers. The model under consideration has only two control pots, making it easier to manage. Tom truly appreciates your personal input and direct correspondence off list. He puts a lot of stock in your take. Second - Tom prefers a simple hardware solution. Locating a manual control next to the rig is much easier (for him) to manage, than mixing with a computer sound card. Navigating multiple operating system windows is a serious challenge because he cannot see the monitor or use a mouse. This is not the preferred method for a contest or snagging rare DX before a pileup ensues. Mixing on a computer would be very inconvenient; close your eyes and try it some day! It's easy for you to say ... but, not so easy for my friend to do. Third - We can simply purchase a commercial product (I recommend the Rolls MINImix MS22s stereo mixer, with just two pots, and outputs for both headphones and speakers) UNFORTUNATELY, THAT DEFEATS THE WHOLE POINT BEHIND MY QUESTION. While I do NOT wish to look a gift horse in the chops, or appear ungrateful for the advice received so far; money is not the object as I want to LEARN how this type of circuit works, and do a favor for a friend, in one stroke. Advising me to save money and just buy a turn-key, off-the-shelf solution hardly fits the HAM RADIO TRADITION of experimentation and self-determination, and teaches me nothing about circuit design. I was hoping to build something MYSELF- earning that heady sense of self-satisfaction that accompanies the completion of a successful home brew project. Considering all the experts on this list, including world class board certified AES audio man Jim Brown, I figured a simple summing circuit would be a snap. I close this thread with a big THANK YOU on behalf of my ... um ... "client," whilst I repair to the proverbial drawing board to renew my search for a simple summing circuit. Happy trails to all. JR (We return you to your regular daily programming content) ;-) - __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance needed
Hmmm, and here I thought it meant "Old Timer", since that really relates to me. Of course, "Off Topic "does too Chas -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Walter Underwood Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2019 11:59 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance needed Funny, I just realized I was misreading “OT” as Occupational Therapy. Our son just finished OT grad school and is studying for the board. Of course, assistive tech is a big part of occupational therapy. wunder K6WRU Walter Underwood CM87wj http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog) > On Jan 9, 2019, at 5:42 PM, Dave Fugleberg wrote: > > I usually like to build stuff when I can, but I have to agree with the > others who suggested a commercial mixer. They are cheap and work well. > I recently bought a small behringer USB mixer for under 50 bucks for a > project at work. It acts as a USB sound card, so you can mix audio to > or from the PC with other sources. You can adjust levels, > equalization, and position (left/right) for each source. > I doubt one could homebrew an equivalent unit any cheaper. > Good luck with your project! I’m sure your friend will appreciate it. > > On Wed, Jan 9, 2019 at 5:30 PM Don Wilhelm wrote: > >> James, >> >> There was a homebrew headphone mixer in the ARRL Handbook sometime >> back >> - simple, with op-amps to isolate the sources. >> >> However with the advent of 2 to 5 input mixers being available in the >> $20 to $60 range (see Amazon), it seems foolish to consider building >> your own - drilling the enclosure for the potentiometers and jacks, >> building the board, mounting things, etc. will take more time and >> effort than is reasonable unless you really like doing those things - >> and it will likely cost more than buying one already built. >> >> The nice thing about a mixer is that you have control over the level >> of each input as well as an overall output volume control. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> >> On 1/9/2019 6:03 PM, Richards wrote: >>> Good Day. >>> >>> Background: >>> >>> I am assisting a blind ham who also suffers some hearing loss. I >>> suggested using headphones to attenuate ambient environmental noise >>> as he operates. The rub is, he needs to hear both his receiver AND >>> his computer (which provides audible feedback when logging contacts >>> and performing other duties.) >>> >>> Question: >>> >>> Can anyone suggest a simple passive (or active) mixer circuit schema >>> I can build for him to safely mix audio signals from his transceiver >>> headphone jack with audio signals from his computer sound card >>> headphone jack? >>> >>> Discussion: >>> >>> While there are multiple commercially produced simple and complex >>> mixing products in the marketplace, I would prefer to build an >>> inexpensive, small footprint solution we can easily incorporate in >>> his station to minimize clutter and the number of cables, jacks, and >>> controls -- he >>> contends with plenty of that already. I suppose one solution might be >>> a simple Y-adapter cable, but that seems too easy and I wonder >>> whether we should isolate the signals and/or grounds in some way? >>> (e.g., I do not wish to cause any "Pin-1" grounding issues, and >>> etc.) >>> >>> Any traction? Can anyone point me to an appropriate circuit schematic >>> or other resource? I don 't mind doing homework, and while I enjoy >>> building stuff and I am familiar with the basic concepts involved, >>> I could use a leg up on this project, especially to keep it simple >>> and easy to build and implement. Please reply off list if this >>> question is too far off topic, although I suspect there are many >>> hams who might be interested in the result, besides similarly situated >>> disabled operators. >>> >>> Thank you - James - K8JHR - >>> --- >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> __ >>> 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/d
Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance needed
Funny, I just realized I was misreading “OT” as Occupational Therapy. Our son just finished OT grad school and is studying for the board. Of course, assistive tech is a big part of occupational therapy. wunder K6WRU Walter Underwood CM87wj http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog) > On Jan 9, 2019, at 5:42 PM, Dave Fugleberg wrote: > > I usually like to build stuff when I can, but I have to agree with the > others who suggested a commercial mixer. They are cheap and work well. > I recently bought a small behringer USB mixer for under 50 bucks for a > project at work. It acts as a USB sound card, so you can mix audio to or > from the PC with other sources. You can adjust levels, equalization, and > position (left/right) for each source. > I doubt one could homebrew an equivalent unit any cheaper. > Good luck with your project! I’m sure your friend will appreciate it. > > On Wed, Jan 9, 2019 at 5:30 PM Don Wilhelm wrote: > >> James, >> >> There was a homebrew headphone mixer in the ARRL Handbook sometime back >> - simple, with op-amps to isolate the sources. >> >> However with the advent of 2 to 5 input mixers being available in the >> $20 to $60 range (see Amazon), it seems foolish to consider building >> your own - drilling the enclosure for the potentiometers and jacks, >> building the board, mounting things, etc. will take more time and effort >> than is reasonable unless you really like doing those things - and it >> will likely cost more than buying one already built. >> >> The nice thing about a mixer is that you have control over the level of >> each input as well as an overall output volume control. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> >> On 1/9/2019 6:03 PM, Richards wrote: >>> Good Day. >>> >>> Background: >>> >>> I am assisting a blind ham who also suffers some hearing loss. I >>> suggested using headphones to attenuate ambient environmental noise as >>> he operates. The rub is, he needs to hear both his receiver AND his >>> computer (which provides audible feedback when logging contacts and >>> performing other duties.) >>> >>> Question: >>> >>> Can anyone suggest a simple passive (or active) mixer circuit schema I >>> can build for him to safely mix audio signals from his transceiver >>> headphone jack with audio signals from his computer sound card headphone >>> jack? >>> >>> Discussion: >>> >>> While there are multiple commercially produced simple and complex mixing >>> products in the marketplace, I would prefer to build an inexpensive, >>> small footprint solution we can easily incorporate in his station to >>> minimize clutter and the number of cables, jacks, and controls -- he >>> contends with plenty of that already. I suppose one solution might be >>> a simple Y-adapter cable, but that seems too easy and I wonder whether >>> we should isolate the signals and/or grounds in some way? (e.g., I do >>> not wish to cause any "Pin-1" grounding issues, and etc.) >>> >>> Any traction? Can anyone point me to an appropriate circuit schematic >>> or other resource? I don 't mind doing homework, and while I enjoy >>> building stuff and I am familiar with the basic concepts involved, I >>> could use a leg up on this project, especially to keep it simple and >>> easy to build and implement. Please reply off list if this question is >>> too far off topic, although I suspect there are many hams who might be >>> interested in the result, besides similarly situated disabled operators. >>> >>> Thank you - James - K8JHR - >>> --- >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> __ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >>> >>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >>> Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com >> __ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> Message delivered to dave.w...@gmail.com > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to wun...@wunderwood.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by:
Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance
As a blind guy, I use the MX400 mixer to put radio audio and screen reader audio from the pc into my headphones. Works perfect for me. 73, Steve KW3A __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance needed
if the levels were close, 6 resistors costing pennies would do the job. No case or machining necessary. Sent from my iPad > On Jan 9, 2019, at 8:42 PM, Dave Fugleberg wrote: > > I usually like to build stuff when I can, but I have to agree with the > others who suggested a commercial mixer. They are cheap and work well. > I recently bought a small behringer USB mixer for under 50 bucks for a > project at work. It acts as a USB sound card, so you can mix audio to or > from the PC with other sources. You can adjust levels, equalization, and > position (left/right) for each source. > I doubt one could homebrew an equivalent unit any cheaper. > Good luck with your project! I’m sure your friend will appreciate it. > >> On Wed, Jan 9, 2019 at 5:30 PM Don Wilhelm wrote: >> >> James, >> >> There was a homebrew headphone mixer in the ARRL Handbook sometime back >> - simple, with op-amps to isolate the sources. >> >> However with the advent of 2 to 5 input mixers being available in the >> $20 to $60 range (see Amazon), it seems foolish to consider building >> your own - drilling the enclosure for the potentiometers and jacks, >> building the board, mounting things, etc. will take more time and effort >> than is reasonable unless you really like doing those things - and it >> will likely cost more than buying one already built. >> >> The nice thing about a mixer is that you have control over the level of >> each input as well as an overall output volume control. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> >>> On 1/9/2019 6:03 PM, Richards wrote: >>> Good Day. >>> >>> Background: >>> >>> I am assisting a blind ham who also suffers some hearing loss. I >>> suggested using headphones to attenuate ambient environmental noise as >>> he operates. The rub is, he needs to hear both his receiver AND his >>> computer (which provides audible feedback when logging contacts and >>> performing other duties.) >>> >>> Question: >>> >>> Can anyone suggest a simple passive (or active) mixer circuit schema I >>> can build for him to safely mix audio signals from his transceiver >>> headphone jack with audio signals from his computer sound card headphone >>> jack? >>> >>> Discussion: >>> >>> While there are multiple commercially produced simple and complex mixing >>> products in the marketplace, I would prefer to build an inexpensive, >>> small footprint solution we can easily incorporate in his station to >>> minimize clutter and the number of cables, jacks, and controls - __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance needed
Not the answer you are asking for but still maybe a valuable idea for your friend. My mother was totally deaf and my father wanted to teach her code. What he did was disassemble & repurpose a speaker and made an arrangement that attached to her forearm, this connected to the audio output. The coil moved with the CW in the audio, that pressed against her skin and she was able to tactile sense the CW really well. Maybe this will help you or someone else. 73, Gary KA1J > Good Day. > > Background: > > I am assisting a blind ham who also suffers some hearing loss. I > suggested using headphones to attenuate ambient environmental noise as > he operates. The rub is, he needs to hear both his receiver AND his > computer (which provides audible feedback when logging contacts and > performing other duties.) > > Question: > > Can anyone suggest a simple passive (or active) mixer circuit schema I > can build for him to safely mix audio signals from his transceiver > headphone jack with audio signals from his computer sound card > headphone jack? > > Discussion: > > While there are multiple commercially produced simple and complex > mixing products in the marketplace, I would prefer to build an > inexpensive, small footprint solution we can easily incorporate in his > station to minimize clutter and the number of cables, jacks, and > controls -- he contends with plenty of that already. I suppose one > solution might be a simple Y-adapter cable, but that seems too easy > and I wonder whether we should isolate the signals and/or grounds in > some way? (e.g., I do not wish to cause any "Pin-1" grounding > issues, and etc.) > > Any traction? Can anyone point me to an appropriate circuit > schematic or other resource? I don 't mind doing homework, and while > I enjoy building stuff and I am familiar with the basic concepts > involved, I could use a leg up on this project, especially to keep > it simple and easy to build and implement. Please reply off list if > this question is too far off topic, although I suspect there are many > hams who might be interested in the result, besides similarly situated > disabled operators. > > Thank you - James - K8JHR - > --- > > > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to g...@ka1j.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance needed
I usually like to build stuff when I can, but I have to agree with the others who suggested a commercial mixer. They are cheap and work well. I recently bought a small behringer USB mixer for under 50 bucks for a project at work. It acts as a USB sound card, so you can mix audio to or from the PC with other sources. You can adjust levels, equalization, and position (left/right) for each source. I doubt one could homebrew an equivalent unit any cheaper. Good luck with your project! I’m sure your friend will appreciate it. On Wed, Jan 9, 2019 at 5:30 PM Don Wilhelm wrote: > James, > > There was a homebrew headphone mixer in the ARRL Handbook sometime back > - simple, with op-amps to isolate the sources. > > However with the advent of 2 to 5 input mixers being available in the > $20 to $60 range (see Amazon), it seems foolish to consider building > your own - drilling the enclosure for the potentiometers and jacks, > building the board, mounting things, etc. will take more time and effort > than is reasonable unless you really like doing those things - and it > will likely cost more than buying one already built. > > The nice thing about a mixer is that you have control over the level of > each input as well as an overall output volume control. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 1/9/2019 6:03 PM, Richards wrote: > > Good Day. > > > > Background: > > > > I am assisting a blind ham who also suffers some hearing loss. I > > suggested using headphones to attenuate ambient environmental noise as > > he operates. The rub is, he needs to hear both his receiver AND his > > computer (which provides audible feedback when logging contacts and > > performing other duties.) > > > > Question: > > > > Can anyone suggest a simple passive (or active) mixer circuit schema I > > can build for him to safely mix audio signals from his transceiver > > headphone jack with audio signals from his computer sound card headphone > > jack? > > > > Discussion: > > > > While there are multiple commercially produced simple and complex mixing > > products in the marketplace, I would prefer to build an inexpensive, > > small footprint solution we can easily incorporate in his station to > > minimize clutter and the number of cables, jacks, and controls -- he > > contends with plenty of that already. I suppose one solution might be > > a simple Y-adapter cable, but that seems too easy and I wonder whether > > we should isolate the signals and/or grounds in some way? (e.g., I do > > not wish to cause any "Pin-1" grounding issues, and etc.) > > > > Any traction? Can anyone point me to an appropriate circuit schematic > > or other resource? I don 't mind doing homework, and while I enjoy > > building stuff and I am familiar with the basic concepts involved, I > > could use a leg up on this project, especially to keep it simple and > > easy to build and implement. Please reply off list if this question is > > too far off topic, although I suspect there are many hams who might be > > interested in the result, besides similarly situated disabled operators. > > > > Thank you - James - K8JHR - > > --- > > > > > > > > > > __ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > > Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to dave.w...@gmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance needed
James, There was a homebrew headphone mixer in the ARRL Handbook sometime back - simple, with op-amps to isolate the sources. However with the advent of 2 to 5 input mixers being available in the $20 to $60 range (see Amazon), it seems foolish to consider building your own - drilling the enclosure for the potentiometers and jacks, building the board, mounting things, etc. will take more time and effort than is reasonable unless you really like doing those things - and it will likely cost more than buying one already built. The nice thing about a mixer is that you have control over the level of each input as well as an overall output volume control. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/9/2019 6:03 PM, Richards wrote: Good Day. Background: I am assisting a blind ham who also suffers some hearing loss. I suggested using headphones to attenuate ambient environmental noise as he operates. The rub is, he needs to hear both his receiver AND his computer (which provides audible feedback when logging contacts and performing other duties.) Question: Can anyone suggest a simple passive (or active) mixer circuit schema I can build for him to safely mix audio signals from his transceiver headphone jack with audio signals from his computer sound card headphone jack? Discussion: While there are multiple commercially produced simple and complex mixing products in the marketplace, I would prefer to build an inexpensive, small footprint solution we can easily incorporate in his station to minimize clutter and the number of cables, jacks, and controls -- he contends with plenty of that already. I suppose one solution might be a simple Y-adapter cable, but that seems too easy and I wonder whether we should isolate the signals and/or grounds in some way? (e.g., I do not wish to cause any "Pin-1" grounding issues, and etc.) Any traction? Can anyone point me to an appropriate circuit schematic or other resource? I don 't mind doing homework, and while I enjoy building stuff and I am familiar with the basic concepts involved, I could use a leg up on this project, especially to keep it simple and easy to build and implement. Please reply off list if this question is too far off topic, although I suspect there are many hams who might be interested in the result, besides similarly situated disabled operators. Thank you - James - K8JHR - --- __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to donw...@embarqmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance needed
Without knowing more details I think levels are the biggest problem. Otherwise a simple passive mixer comprised of a few resistors would suffice. Sent from my iPad > On Jan 9, 2019, at 6:03 PM, Richards wrote: > > Good Day. > > Background: > > I am assisting a blind ham who also suffers some hearing loss. I suggested > using headphones to attenuate ambient environmental noise as he operates. > The rub is, he needs to hear both his receiver AND his computer (which > provides audible feedback when logging contacts and performing other duties.) > > Question: > > Can anyone suggest a simple passive (or active) mixer circuit schema I can > build for him to safely mix audio signals from his transceiver headphone jack > with audio signals from his computer sound card headphone jack? > > Discussion: > > While there are multiple commercially produced simple and complex mixing > products in the marketplace, I would prefer to build an inexpensive, small > footprint solution we can easily incorporate in his station to minimize > clutter and the number of cables, jacks, and controls -- he contends with > plenty of that already. I suppose one solution might be a simple Y-adapter > cable, but that seems too easy and I wonder whether we should isolate the > signals and/or grounds in some way? (e.g., I do not wish to cause any > "Pin-1" grounding issues, and etc.) > > Any traction? Can anyone point me to an appropriate circuit schematic or > other resource? I don 't mind doing homework, and while I enjoy building > stuff and I am familiar with the basic concepts involved, I could use a leg > up on this project, especially to keep it simple and easy to build and > implement. Please reply off list if this question is too far off topic, > although I suspect there are many hams who might be interested in the result, > besides similarly situated disabled operators. > > Thank you - James - K8JHR - > --- > > > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to w...@w2xj.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance needed
"Any traction? Can anyone point me to an appropriate circuit schematic or other resource? " You don't mention what rig is being used. Many modern rigs provide a USB port for use with a PC. This USB port typically provides an audio as well as a CAT interface. With such a rig, mixing PC sounds with rig audio requires setting the rig CODEC audio properties to "listen to this device" and adjusting the audio balance with the volume mixer. The only hardware required is one USB A/B cable. If you do this - Please don't allow the rig's audio CODEC to be the PC's default sound playback device! Andy, k3wyc __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance needed
Feed the receiver audio into the Computer and use it to mix the signals. 73, Bill K9YEQ https://wrj-tech.com/ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On Behalf Of Richards Sent: Wednesday, January 9, 2019 5:03 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance needed Good Day. Background: I am assisting a blind ham who also suffers some hearing loss. I suggested using headphones to attenuate ambient environmental noise as he operates. The rub is, he needs to hear both his receiver AND his computer (which provides audible feedback when logging contacts and performing other duties.) Question: Can anyone suggest a simple passive (or active) mixer circuit schema I can build for him to safely mix audio signals from his transceiver headphone jack with audio signals from his computer sound card headphone jack? Discussion: While there are multiple commercially produced simple and complex mixing products in the marketplace, I would prefer to build an inexpensive, small footprint solution we can easily incorporate in his station to minimize clutter and the number of cables, jacks, and controls -- he contends with plenty of that already. I suppose one solution might be a simple Y-adapter cable, but that seems too easy and I wonder whether we should isolate the signals and/or grounds in some way? (e.g., I do not wish to cause any "Pin-1" grounding issues, and etc.) Any traction? Can anyone point me to an appropriate circuit schematic or other resource? I don 't mind doing homework, and while I enjoy building stuff and I am familiar with the basic concepts involved, I could use a leg up on this project, especially to keep it simple and easy to build and implement. Please reply off list if this question is too far off topic, although I suspect there are many hams who might be interested in the result, besides similarly situated disabled operators. Thank you - James - K8JHR - --- __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to k9...@live.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance needed
There are simple mixers that are probably cheaper than the parts you would need to build one. The Behringer MX400 is a four-channel mono mixer for $25. https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-Micromix-MX400-Low-Noise-4-Channel/dp/B000KGYAYQ The Rolls MX51S is a four-channel stereo mixer for $55. https://www.amazon.com/Rolls-MX51S-Four-Channel-Stereo-Mixer/dp/B0002BG2S6/ The Rolls MX42 is a passive (no amps) four-channel stereo mixer for $49. https://www.amazon.com/Rolls-MX42-Stereo-Mini-Mixer/dp/B00102ZN40/ Pyle also makes some simple, inexpensive mixers. Check that the box has the connectors you need. You might end up spending as much on connectors as on the mixer! wunder K6WRU Walter Underwood CM87wj http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog) > On Jan 9, 2019, at 3:03 PM, Richards wrote: > > Good Day. > > Background: > > I am assisting a blind ham who also suffers some hearing loss. I suggested > using headphones to attenuate ambient environmental noise as he operates. > The rub is, he needs to hear both his receiver AND his computer (which > provides audible feedback when logging contacts and performing other duties.) > > Question: > > Can anyone suggest a simple passive (or active) mixer circuit schema I can > build for him to safely mix audio signals from his transceiver headphone jack > with audio signals from his computer sound card headphone jack? > > Discussion: > > While there are multiple commercially produced simple and complex mixing > products in the marketplace, I would prefer to build an inexpensive, small > footprint solution we can easily incorporate in his station to minimize > clutter and the number of cables, jacks, and controls -- he contends with > plenty of that already. I suppose one solution might be a simple Y-adapter > cable, but that seems too easy and I wonder whether we should isolate the > signals and/or grounds in some way? (e.g., I do not wish to cause any > "Pin-1" grounding issues, and etc.) > > Any traction? Can anyone point me to an appropriate circuit schematic or > other resource? I don 't mind doing homework, and while I enjoy building > stuff and I am familiar with the basic concepts involved, I could use a leg > up on this project, especially to keep it simple and easy to build and > implement. Please reply off list if this question is too far off topic, > although I suspect there are many hams who might be interested in the result, > besides similarly situated disabled operators. > > Thank you - James - K8JHR - > --- > > > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to wun...@wunderwood.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance needed
Good Day. Background: I am assisting a blind ham who also suffers some hearing loss. I suggested using headphones to attenuate ambient environmental noise as he operates. The rub is, he needs to hear both his receiver AND his computer (which provides audible feedback when logging contacts and performing other duties.) Question: Can anyone suggest a simple passive (or active) mixer circuit schema I can build for him to safely mix audio signals from his transceiver headphone jack with audio signals from his computer sound card headphone jack? Discussion: While there are multiple commercially produced simple and complex mixing products in the marketplace, I would prefer to build an inexpensive, small footprint solution we can easily incorporate in his station to minimize clutter and the number of cables, jacks, and controls -- he contends with plenty of that already. I suppose one solution might be a simple Y-adapter cable, but that seems too easy and I wonder whether we should isolate the signals and/or grounds in some way? (e.g., I do not wish to cause any "Pin-1" grounding issues, and etc.) Any traction? Can anyone point me to an appropriate circuit schematic or other resource? I don 't mind doing homework, and while I enjoy building stuff and I am familiar with the basic concepts involved, I could use a leg up on this project, especially to keep it simple and easy to build and implement. Please reply off list if this question is too far off topic, although I suspect there are many hams who might be interested in the result, besides similarly situated disabled operators. Thank you - James - K8JHR - --- __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
