[Elecraft] Another "K3 is coming question"

[Lyle Johnson]

> I assume the microphone connector can be configured to suit different 
> microphones, just like the K2...

The K3 has fixed wiring rather than a jumper block.  It matches the 
wiring of the MH2, Elecraft's electrically and aesthetically compatible 
microphone.

The pinout of the K3 microphone is consistent with the K2 if the jumpers 
in the K2 are in a row.  It is generally consistent with many Kenwood 
microphones.

A detailed drawing of the K3 mic connector and its pinout are in the FAQ 
< URL:http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3FAQ.htm >, locate the _Interfacing_ 
heading near the top of the page and click on _Mic Diagram (front)_ for 
details.

BACKGROUND

When the K2 was introduced 8 years ago, Elecraft did not offer a 
microphone.  The radio's early adopters were primarily CW operators, 
most of whom seem to own a variety of designer paddles, but don't like 
to admit owning microphones -- having only one is deemed sufficient, and 
that one might have an uncertain pedigree :-)

Making the K2 microphone-agnostic was an appropriate design choice, and 
for a radio that must be hand-built as a kit, it is a reasonable thing 
to allow the builder to configure.

Unfortunately, if the K2 and its mic get separated, you can never really 
be sure if you should connect a microphone configured to be compatible 
with wiring for Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood or some other wiring scheme.  My K2 
is wired differently than the K2's of some of my friends, so they can't 
use my mic on their radios, nor can I use their mics on my K2.

With the MH2, Elecraft has an electrically and aesthetically compatible 
product offering.  Jumper configuration seems less compelling than it 
did. If you have both a K2 and a K3, the K2 is easily wired to match the K3!

I seem to offer long answers to short questions...

73,

Lyle KK7P