[Elecraft] [KX3] New Product: SPX3 External Speaker

[Don Wilhelm]

Robert,

You will need to provide a means of connecting the KX2/KX3 PHONES output 
to a soundcard for the use of digital modes.

The KXSPA should connect to the left channel since that is the channel 
that is normally used by soundcard digital.

I think that means you would want to provide a knob controlled gain 
control on your active speaker so the sound level to the speakers can be 
controlled without disturbing the level to the soundcard being used for 
digital modes.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/15/2018 11:40 PM, Robert Morris wrote:
> First of all, I want to say thanks to everyone for all the great 
> feedback I've been getting on the speaker. Here's are some requested 
> features:
> 
> 1. One stereo channel to speaker driver and another channel to output 
> jack (already in first prototype)
> 
> 2. 12V input (planned is 9-15V, like the KX3)
> 
> 3. Separate powered (active) and unpowered (passive) speakers
> The reasons I've gotten for this is that it would save on the weight of 
> and inconvenience of charging a second battery
> 
> 4. Separate volume controls for the internal speaker driver and the 
> output jack
> The reason I've gotten for this is that a computer will need the volume 
> set separately from the speaker.
> Some have stated the computer's software can adjust the gain on the 
> input, and that there only needs to be one volume control for the 
> speaker driver. I'll need consensus on this from the digital mode folks.
> 
> 5. USB power output
> This would be convenient for those who wish to use their speakers as 
> phone chargers.
> 
> Things to consider:
> 
> A. Making two different speakers substantially increases manufacturing 
> costs for the most expensive part; the enclosure. Since most folks will 
> be fine with just one speaker, then the lower production numbers of the 
> passive speaker would make its per unit cost much higher than the active 
> one. However, folks would expect a lower price on the passive one. So, 
> I'd have to sell them as pairs to justify manufacturing the passive 
> ones, which would mean a higher cost to consumers who only want the 
> active one. It would also increase the cost to those who want both 
> because of the two different enclosures instead of just one enclosure 
> twice.
> 
> B. The one issue which would force making both an active and a passive 
> speaker is the need stated by some respondents that the active one would 
> require a second volume control for the output to the computer for 
> digital modes. It would be expensive and time consuming for me to try 
> every digital mode software on every operating system, so I need 
> confirmation whether this is truly necessary.
> 
> C. If a second volume control is not truly necessary, then that 
> simplifies things tremendously. I'll wait for consensus on this before 
> going into why.
> 
> D. A USB power output port is beyond the scope of the speaker's intended 
> utility. Also, it would draw down the battery at the cost of 
> significantly limiting how long the speaker could be used before needing 
> a recharge. Furthermore, the extra hole and port would increase the cost 
> while reducing ingress protection. Lastly, there's not much room in the 
> small enclosure to accomodate nonessential items.
> 
> Thanks and 73,
> Robert (AG6ZZ)
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to donwilh at embarqmail.com
>