[Elecraft] K3 Mic connector options

[Bill Frantz]

I have been trying to get my CM500 headset running with my K3. 
Using the MH2 mic plugged into the front panel with MIC SEL to 
FP.L bias in the voice modes (AM, FM SSB, & CS) while MIC SEL is 
set to rP.L bias for the DATA modes. MIC+LIN is set to On for 
all modes. This setup works well using VOX for transmitter 
keying in DATA and manually turning VOX off and using PTT when I 
run voice modes. (I'm mostly a DATA A and AFSK A operator.)

If I plug the microphone from the CM500 into the rear panel of 
the K3, and change MIC SEL to rP.L bias, this division between 
voice modes and data mode no longer works. Noise in the shack 
keys the transmitter, and I assume is added to the output signal 
-- not good.

So, my current plan, unless someone says, "Hey Dummy!", is to 
build an interface box which plugs into the front panel MIC 
connector to route the audio from the CM500 to the K3. I can 
include a jack for a foot switch to do PTT and set it up so the 
MH2 is also available. (Thanks Don for the pointer to Universal 
Radio for the Mic connectors.)

My questions are: What to do with the other 3 lines? I can add 
buttons to UP and DOWN lines to provide another way for tuning 
the radio, but what does the FUNCTION line do? And, can I 
parallel the Mic audio from the CM500 and the MH2 or would it be 
better to switch them? (Fewer switches and modes will make my 
wife, KI6SLX happier.)

Cheers - Bill, AE6JV

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