[Elecraft] Boom Mic/Stereo Headsets for the K3

[Mike Scott]

I saw the questions about K3 headsets.
I have the "ON'AIR" Headset offered by US Interface for about $40.
http://www.usinterface.com/naviusa_012.htm
I have no relationship with the company. Their service was good and I can
recommend the product with the caveats mentioned below.

The headsets are stereo; it comes with a Kenwood adapter plug. You can plug
it into the K3 rear connectors without any modifications. The
noise-canceling boom microphone is electret and if you wish to use the
Kenwood adapter on the K3 front panel you will have to rewire the adapter
plug to move the bias pin attachment. I did the rewire the connector, it was
easy enough but I usually use the rear connectors and have a second
microphone plugged in through the front using the Kenwood adapter. You will
need a separate push to talk switch. I built one and plug it into the back
connector.

The headset is very comfortable and works quite well with the K3. I know
they are stereo because the K3 audio effects are evident as well as separate
audio for the sub receiver when I have it turned on.

I get great audio reports. There is one thing that I don't like about the
product. The cord attaches to the same earpiece as the boom mic. You can see
this in the photo of the girl wearing the headset on the web site. If I am
talking and moving my head the cord vibrations can be picked up by the mic.
When I speak to a local ham (very strong signal) he could hear the
artifacts. So, I made a simple modification routing the cord over the
headset band to the other side to alleviate the problem. I secured the cord
to the headband via wire ties. Now I have a completely satisfactory product.

When I operate CW I just swivel the boom mic up out of the way.


Mike Scott - AE6WA
Tarzana, CA (DM04 / near LA)
K3-100 #508/ KX1  #1311