[Elecraft] K3 using Kenwood mics

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

 > Can you use any 8-pin Kenwood mic with the K3 without any
 > modification (e.g. MC-42S, MC-60A, MC-50 etc.)?

For the most part, yes.  However, Elecraft and Kenwood exchange
the function on pins 5/6 (+8V) which is used in certain Kenwood
multi-function and desk mics to power a preamplifier or tone
generator.

The microphones impacted are: MC-44, MC-48, MC-55, MC-60, MC-80,
and MC-85

 > I may buy and use a Heil Pro Set Elite with the HC-6 element for
 > hands free operation with VOX.

As others have suggested, the Yamaha CM-500 is the best buy for
a "hands free" headset.  Performance equal to or better than the
Heil Proset K2 or Proset Elite iC at one third the price.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 8/30/2010 10:30 AM, Linda and Bob wrote:
> Can you use any 8-pin Kenwood mic with the K3 without any
> modification (e.g. MC-42S, MC-60A, MC-50 etc.)? I believe the K3 uses
> the Kenwood protocol for the wiring of their mics. I have a MC-60A
> desk mic and MC-42S hand mic. I was thinking of selling them for the
> Heil PSE HC-6 (see below).
>
> I may buy and use a Heil Pro Set Elite with the HC-6 element for
> hands free operation with VOX. Since I have three ( ICOM 756 PROII,
> IC-820H and IC-7800) radios at the QTH, I imagine it would be best to
> order the "iC" version instead of the regular HC-6. In that way I
> could use the mic with both the ICOM and K3 knowing that I must turn
> on the bias voltage and also buy a Kenwood 8-pin Heil adapter if I
> plug it in to the front panel. If I don't use the front panel, I
> believe that I can plug the PSE HC-6 in to the rear panel of the K3
> and then active the bias voltage. If used with the ICOM rigs, I would
> need to buy the Heil ICOM 8-pin adapter, hence, two adapters will be
> needed.
>
> I ordered my K3 on Sunday. I am looking forward to its arrival by
> Wed. or Thurs. in time for the Labor Day holiday. Thanks again for
> everyone's help on the Reflector.
>
> 73
 > Bob Wilderman, K3SRO
 > dlrwild1 at comcast.net