[Elecraft] Xmit Audio Problem

[Don Wilhelm]

Bob,

I assume you are using the Heil ProSet with the HC4 or HC5 or HC6 
element (which have quite low output) - if it is a ProSet-iC or the 
ProSet-K2, you will need bias turned on (and ignore the following 
paragraph).

You may have to use the Hi mic gain range with the HC4/5/6 microphone - 
go to the MIC GAIN setting and tap [1] to toggle from low to high.  See 
page 47 in the K3 Owner's Manual.
Is there any chance that you have bias turned on when using that 
microphone.  If so, that will run current through the mic element 
reducing its sensitivity.

Then back the compression to zero, put the K3 into TX TEST so no RF is 
developed and adjust the mic gain for 5 to 7 bars on the ALC scale.  
After that, increase the compression setting as you desire.

Make certain you are using the peak reading setting on your wattmeter 
and you should see the same amount of power for SSB as you are seeing 
for CW.
If both CW and SSB are lower than the requested power, do the TXG 
calibration.

As for a desk microphone, any of the Kenwood mics will plug into the 
front panel.  Do not use the amplified Kenwood mics unless you can turn 
the mic amplifier off.

Another choice that will work well is to use one of the desk type 
computer microphones - plug it into the rear mic jack and turn bias on.


On 5/26/2014 2:39 PM, Bob KD7YZ wrote:
> I suspect I need a different mike than the old heil-pro headset. But
> then, I better ask first.
>
> The symptoms are that is I don't appear have any punch. I use cmp and
> mic and get the ALC bars in the right places according to the manual.
>
> I have adjusted TXG up to 3.
>
> Still, when I am transmitting SSB, the output is barely indicating 10%
> of (A) a HARD whistle pr (B) CW
>
> And I have mic at 60 and cmp at 40.
>
> What is a "Great" desk mike for the K3? Anyway, I am tired of the boom
> mic so wanted a desk mic and this may be a good reason.
>
>