[Elecraft] KX3 jacks and connections

[Don Wilhelm]

Mike,

It appears that the lack of PTT with a 3 circuit microphone is a lack in 
the microphone (I don't know of any mic with a 3 circuit plug that has a 
PTT button - these are built for use as computer mics).
Wayne has said that one could wire a PTT switch onto a 3 circuit jack - 
which tells me that the PTT circuit is on the ring connector of the 
jack.  Wayne will correct me if that is wrong.
Bottom line as I see it - if you have a microphone and a PTT switch, and 
you wire it to a 3 circuit plug, you will have AF and PTT - but you 
would have to wire your own, current computer microphones do not have a 
PTT switch.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/30/2011 4:08 PM, Mike Schwendeman wrote:
> I may stand corrected, if your assumption is correct.  (I have NO 
> problem in admitting an error.)  But, it does NOT seem that a 
> 3-circuit plug will be permitted access to the PTT function.  -Again, 
> I really do not know.  All I have to go by is the previously-copied 
> entry from a person who appears to be knowledgeable of this radio.
>
> Yes, if one plugs in a 3-circuit mic, the audio will indeed be passed 
> to the radio.  -It is the (lack of) PTT function that is seemingly 
> "missing" to me, if the 3-circuit plug is employed.
>
> The bottom line comes down to an "assumed convenience," without having 
> to drive 20 minutes one-way (in my case) to the nearest Radio Shack 
> store to buy, then assemble a 4-circuit plug.  (Which would hopefully 
> be done CORRECTLY, avoiding a possible boo-boo.)
>
> 73!     -Mike-     KØJTA
>
>
> On 12/30/11 2:53 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> Mike,
>>
>> I believe you either misunderstood, or you do not have a good mental 
>> image of the small microphone Wayne was talking about.
>>
>> I don't see any inconsistency.  The small microphone mentioned is a 
>> right angled mic that is quite small and fits directly on the KX3 (no 
>> cord) and it has a 3 circuit plug.  See 
>> http://www.frys.com/product/5940534?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG for 
>> one example.  It would allow the KX3 to be handheld and the XMIT 
>> button on the KX3 can be used instead of PTT.
>>
>> As a matter of fact Wayne has said that the placement of the internal 
>> speaker was also so the KX3 could be used like a handheld
>>
>> It seems to be a good design choice to me.
>> If you have a corded microphone with the 4 circuit plug, then you 
>> have full use of Mic AF, PTT and the UP/DN buttons, but if it is a 3 
>> circuit plug, you will only have the Mic AF.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> On 12/30/2011 3:01 PM, Mike Schwendeman wrote:
>>> The KX3's mic connector design-choice is a puzzle to me...
>