[Elecraft] Another potentially embarrassing question

[Mark Schreiner]

John Wiener wrote:
> I just got the Proset-K2 headset.  I put in all the jumpers on the mic 
> header, placed the resistor between pins 1 and 6 of the mic socket.
>
> The "Test and Set-up" refers to a PTT button on the Proset-K2.  Here's 
> the embarrassing part: I can't find the button.
> There is no manual that shows details of the headset.
>

John,

You've already got the answer to your question about the PTT switch.  
However, just thought I would add my 2 cents worth.  While I like to use 
the footswitch for contesting there are times when a foot switch is not 
so convenient.  I guess I use VOX for contesting as well, but also use 
the footswitch.  Otherwise I use a simple momentary push switch that I 
mounted in a pill bottle.  I selected the pill bottle to be the right 
size to fit the natural curve of my hand so it is fairly ergonomic.  I 
mostly use the pill bottle PTT switch when I'm mobile (with my 
non-Elecraft rig), but I have used it in the field as well.  The pill 
bottle was free.  I think the cost of the switch, wire & plug to mate to 
the Heil adapter (which I also made rather than paying the high price 
for theirs, even though I paid the high price for the headset which is 
surprisingly nice) was on the order of $5 or less. 

I was amazed how ergonomic the headset was compared to other normal 
stereo headphones I used in the past.  I think maybe the audio response 
of it (into my ears, not the microphone) is better for communications 
rather than passing signals up to >20 kHz like nice stereo headphones 
do.  This reduces listening fatigue during long contesting.  The phase 
reversal switch also was a nice feature to help reduce brain fatigue 
during contesting.  I got the ProSet Plus with both the HC4 & HC5 
elements which seemed to work well to switch mic elements as needed 
(mostly HC4 for crowded & contesting/DXing situations).  Many may say 
that the Heil mics are terrible, and to each their own.  I've heard some 
awesome sounding audio from some stations and I'm sure if my Rx had 
wider bandwidth I could appreciate it even more, but for QRP DX & 
Contesting I like the HC4 just fine.  Your mileage may vary.

Oh, also I found that I had to change R14 on the SSB board from 1k to 
10k which seemed to help increase the gain however since you have the K2 
version you are likely good to go.

73,

Mark, NK8Q