[Elecraft] Heil mics and the K3

[AJSOENKE at aol.com]

I hope this helps answer some of the questions about the K3 and support  for 
mics.

First the Heil mics:

It will support the Elecraft  (Heil) Proset K2 and the Heil Proset HC-4 and 
HC-5.

The HC-4 and  HC-5 are very similar, differing mainly in frequency response. 
They are both  unamplified dynamic mics.
 
The ProSet K2 uses a similar mic element with a built in amp referred  to as 
'IC'.  I don't know if the element is a HC-4 or HC-5 but its  very close in 
response to the HC-5 judging from the audio I hear in my mon  signal.
 
They both have a mini phone plug (mono) for the mic that is colored grey. 
 
The Heil Prosets have a standard (1/4") Stereo phone plug for the headset  
speakers. The stretched ot length between the mic and phone plugs just barely  
fits the mic to the rear panel and the phones to the front panel. I didn't like 
 stretching them that much. A 1/4 female to 3.5mm male adapter would help and 
 keep them both on the back for this Proset.
 
The Proset K2 has a mini stereo phone plug that easily allows for both  mic 
and phone plugs in the rear panel. It also has a built in phasing  switch for 
the phones.
 
Setup for the Proset K2 is default on the K3 rig as I received it. For the  
HC-5 I have, it required changes in the menu selects.  Refer to the Owner's  
manual 'MAIN Menu' Table on page 49 under the heading MIC SEL.
 
Tap MENU to get the MAIN menu, rotate VFO B knob to MIC SEL. Note  the 
default setting on display
It may show 'rP.L bias' if it is default. This is the correct setting for  
the Proset K2 Headset.
 
To use a Proset HC-4/5 Headset, first rotate the VFO A dial to  rP.L bias or 
fP.L bias  to select rear panel or front panel  connectors. Next,  tap the [2] 
 (REV) button to turn off the  bias. The display will now indicate  'rF.L' or 
'fP.L'.
 
Next tap the [1] (A/B) button to select the H/L for High mic gain/ Low  mic 
gain.  For the Heil Proset HC-5 which I also use, the  settings will now 
display 'rP.H' . Close the menu. Next set up a phone mode  (LSB/USB) and tap XMIT to 
active no transmit TUNE, and speak into the mic so you  can adjust mic gain 
level.  For me that is a setting of about 10. Adjust  the MON for a comfortable 
level and set the mic gain for XMIT output that is  desired or CMP level you 
like. 
 
If you switch mics, be sure to reset the MIC SEL settings. 
 
Aside from pin compatibilities on the 8 Pin connector this should work well  
with most any mic. That applies to PTT also.  IMHO, I would find it most  
effective to wire the mics to a mini phone plug or build a shore 8 Pin to phone  
plug adapter. I know many hand mics are plug compatible as is. Consult  the Mic 
jack diagram on page 13 to confirm your mic. 
 
Hope this is helpful.
 
73 de Al WA6VNN  #31



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