[Elecraft] K3: Problem with CM-500 plugged into front panel through AD1K

[Jim Brown]

This is really a VERY simple problem with a very simple solution. You 
buy a mic connector that mates with the K3 mic connector. You buy a 
cable-mount female 1/8-in RTS jack. May make a short adapter cable using 
a short piece of single conductor-shielded cable, like RG58. On one end, 
you solder the tip of the RTS jack to the center conductor and the 
sleeve of the RTS jack to the cable shield. On the other end, you wire 
the center conductor to the mic input pin of the K3, and you wire the 
cable shield to the shell of the mic connector. That's it!  Two 
connectors, a short piece of coax, and a soldering iron.

Another simple solution is a pre-made cable from R/S or equivalent with 
a female TRS jack on one end. Cut the cable, wire the end from the TRS 
jack to a connector that mates with the K3 mic jack. Ham stores sell 
these connectors.  The Power Point on my website about Ham Interfacing 
lists the part numbers of good TRS jacks and a good place to buy them.

This is ham radio, not CB radio or high futility A/V.  Hams study 
equipment manuals to learn connector pin-out, they have soldering irons 
and make their own cables.

73, Jim K9YC