[Elecraft] K3 Crackling audio with Noise Gate running

[Lance Collister, W7GJ]

Hi Don,

TNX for the email.

Don Wilhelm wrote:
> Lance,
> 
> If that is a standard Heil headset (with a dynamic mic element like the 
> HC4 or HC5), then you should *not* have bias turned on.  If you have the 
> Proset K2 (with an electret mic element) or a Proset with an -iC (Icom) 
> suffix, that also has an electret element and will require bias.

Yes, my Proset K2 says IC on the side of it, so I have the bias turned on.
> 
> The "H" or "L" refers to the microphone gain range and *not* to the bias 
> level.  You may want to try the low range to have more control over your 
> mic gain (your mic level setting will require higher numbers).

Ah....I see.  OK - I think I will stay at the H level and just keep it around 5 then. 
  TNX and VY 73, Lance
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
> 
> Lance Collister, W7GJ wrote:
>> Howdy!
>>
>> I am using the Heil headset with the K3, and have the mic connected 
>> into the rear panel (the front panel connection was having RF 
>> distortion) with the HIGH bias level.     The Mic gain is less than 5 
>> and the compression is 10.  The ALC is never out of the indicated range.
>>
>> With the TX GATE turned ON, I get reports of the audio sounding 
>> slightly distorted and there being "crackling noises".  I can hear 
>> these crackling sounds in between syllables when I turn up the monitor 
>> loud in the headphones.  All the crackling noises disappear when I 
>> turn off the TX GATE.  Do I have something adjusted wrong, or is it 
>> just natural to have the crackling noises and distortion when the TX 
>> GATE is on?  I would prefer to run without any distortion, but my loud 
>> blower is right behind me and it is strong into the mic like a jet 
>> plane in between syllables without the TX GATE.  Do I need to choose 
>> between the two evils?
>>
>> I would appreciate any guidance.  Thanks!  VY 73, Lance
>>   
>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>>
>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 
>> 270.13.38/2274 - Release Date: 07/31/09 05:58:00
>>
>>   
> 
> 


-- 
Lance Collister, W7GJ (ex: WN3GPL, WA3GPL, WA1JXN, WA1JXN/C6A, ZF2OC/ZF8, E51SIX)
P.O. Box 73
Frenchtown, MT  59834  USA
QTH: DN27UB
TEL: (406) 626-5728
URL: http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj
2m DXCC #11/6m DXCC #815

Interested in 6m EME?  Ask me about subscribing to the MAGIC BAND EME email reflector!