[Elecraft] Using a PC headset with K3, connections reverse at rear MIC jack?

[bill conkling]

Just don't worry about it.  It'll work just fine.  Follow direction in manual to set levels and be sure 'rPL bias' is selected for mic. I have used the Yamaha CM500 as well as a common Creative Labs 'desk' mic with my K3.  All work well.  

...bill nr4c

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID

Alan Ibbetson <alan at g3xaq.net> wrote:

>Hi All,
>
>I'm a new K3 owner so please be gentle.
>
>I'm not a great SSB user so I want to use my cheap PC gaming/Skype 
>headset on the odd occasions I use sideband. It has separate 3.5mm plugs 
>for headphones and microphone so the K3's rear panel jacks seem the 
>obvious place for connection.
>
>The Headset is a Plantronics 380. Although undocumented, I'd be 
>astonished if the mic is anything other than an electret condenser element.
>
>The headset works fine on my IBM T60 laptop but doesn't work with the 
>K3. And yes, I have switched on the bias.
>
>Poking about with a voltmeter and an unused stereo jack plug I find that 
>the bias on my laptop is +5V ring to sleeve. On the K3 it is +7.5V tip 
>to sleeve. I assume the audio is on the tip on the laptop and the ring 
>on the K3. I've not seen any other comments about this on the reflector, 
>but perhaps I have not looked carefully enough.
>
>Why would Elecraft do it this way, so these gaming headsets don't work 
>without an ugly crossover adapter? Is there any non-soldering way to 
>change the connections on the rear panel Mic jack?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Alan G3XAQ
>-- 
>
>Alan Ibbetson
>alan at g3xaq.net
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