[Elecraft] microHAM K3 cables ...

[David Ferrington, M0XDF]

OK, I just found the cable circuit on the microHam US site (why isn't that
on the UK site?) - now I'm even more confused (you know that ain't hard to
do)

For the microHam spec (
http://www.microham-usa.com/Products/USB/Cables/DB15-EL-K3.pdf), the K3
cable uses all the rear panel connectors I'd expect it to.

So what is this talk of the front panel connector about?

Got to discuss something while I'm waiting for my K3 ....


On 6/12/07 08:31, "David Ferrington, M0XDF" <M0XDF at Alphadene.co.uk> sent:

> I'm completely confused now - I just purchased a DB15-EL-K3, thinking it would
> do the logical thing and use the line in/out on the rear of the rig, along
> with the RS232 connection (because it needs to pass CAT commands through).
> 
> Joe, what connectors does this cable have - I haven't seen any spec for it -
> must say I just purchased on trust.
> 
> 
> On 6/12/07 03:38, "Joe Subich, W4TV" <w4tv at subich.com> sent:
> 
>> 
>> Rick, 
>> 
>>> But Joe - the K3 has rear panel connectors that are far
>>> better for cabling to external boxes. Forget about the
>>> Kenwood standard 8-pin front panel mic connector! Make up
>>> your cables with standard phone and phono plugs and keep the
>>> clutter behind the rigs where it belongs.
>> 
>> I don't see microHAM doing two versions of the K3 cable but it
>> is up to the guys in Slovakia.
>> 
>> According to the documentation in the K3 FAQ, there are some
>> issues in not supporting the front panel mic connector.  First
>> is the inability to pass electret bias (Kenwood standard is bias
>> on pin 6 and an RC network in the microphone as shown in the FAQ).
>> The second is the lack of the up/down/function keys via the rear
>> panel (when they are supported).
>> 
>> Anyone who wants a "clean" front panel and does not need the
>> added mic functions can always get a female cable mount Foster
>> (CE8 at www.buxcomm.com) and make a short Foster to 1/8" and RCA
>> pigtail to connect mic and PTT to the rear panel connectors or
>> remove the Foster from the microHAM cable, clip the extra wires,
>> put heat shrink on the two pairs (1 & 7 for mic, 2 & 8 for PTT)
>> and install their own 1/8" and RCA connectors.  This means that
>> the standard "Kenwood wired" MH2 and Proset K2 (assuming they
>> use the Heil iC cartridge) will not work with the rear panel
>> connections since the microphone or AD-1 adapter should
>> include the RC network.
>> 
>> 73, 
>> 
>>    ... Joe Subich, W4TV
>>        microHAM America
>>        http://www.microHAM-USA.com
>>        http://groups.yahoo.com/group/microHAM
>>        support at microham.com

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