[Elecraft] KX3: CM500 best price/use with

[Don Wilhelm]

Ed,

You can use the stereo mic connector directly into the KX3 if you turn 
MIC BTN off in the menu.  You should also turn off MIC BIAS which 
results in a cleaner signal - the mic then gets its bias from the LOGIC 
residual voltage that is normally applied to the ring.

You can use the XMIT button to initiate transmit, or use VOX.
That may be inadequate for your purposes since you need to activate PTT 
from your sequencer.  The only alternative is to build a special cable 
or as has been suggested several times on this reflector, use an adapter 
with a stereo male plug and one jack that connects to the ring and 
another to the tip.  You might search the archives to see some of the 
sources and part numbers.  If you use an adapter like that, you do not 
have to turn off MIC BTN and MIC BIAS.
The stereo plug does connect the LOGIC ground and the Signal ground 
together, but no apparent harm has been mentioned because of that.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 11/10/2017 2:58 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:
> Guess finally time that I consider a Yamaha CM500.  Considering 
> operating in remote open areas with my KX3-2M as IF radio for mw, it 
> will be handy to have the headset/boom mic combo.
> 
> I note the CM500 comes with separate mic and headset connectors while 
> the KX3 has that four ring mic connector.  I wonder if a conversion 
> cable has been made or offered?  I will probably be plugging the boom 
> mic into a sequencer box which will delay activation of PTT while 
> passing on mic audio.  Still will need a cable to plug into the KX3 mic 
> jack.  I assume the headset connector is compatible with KX3?