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

[Don Wilhelm]

Alan,

In most cases, the tip and ring of computer microphones are connected 
together.  I don't know the particulars of your headset, but yours may 
be different.

Yes, the K3 applies bias to the tip contact.  It works with most 
microphones that way.
You may have to modify the plug on that headset if the tip and ring are 
not connected together (or build an adapter - it will be hidden behind 
the K3, so 'ugly' should not be a problem).
It should still work on the computer with the tip and ring connected 
together.
The alternative is to buy a Yamaha CM500 or the Elecraft ProSet K2.

73,
Don W3FPR
On 10/29/2013 10:32 AM, Alan Ibbetson 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.
>