[Elecraft] Sorta OT - assistive technology assistance

[Richards]

THANK YOU for the several replies to my mixer circuit question - both on 
and off the list.  Unfortunately, few actually answered the original 
question,  most often advising me to abandon the project or mix on a 
computer sound card.

First - Thanks, Steve, for your input based on personal experience.   
While I am familiar with your mixer, Tom prefers a device with stereo 
channels and outputs for both headphones and powered speakers. The model 
under consideration has only two control pots, making it easier to 
manage.   Tom truly appreciates your personal input and direct 
correspondence off list.   He puts a lot of stock in your take.

Second - Tom prefers a simple hardware solution.   Locating a manual 
control next to the rig is much easier (for him) to manage, than mixing 
with a computer sound card.   Navigating multiple operating system 
windows is a serious challenge because he cannot see the monitor or use 
a mouse.  This is not the preferred method for a contest or snagging 
rare DX before a pileup ensues.  Mixing on a computer would be very 
inconvenient;  close your eyes and try it some day!   It's easy for you 
to say ... but, not so easy for my friend to do.

Third -  We can simply purchase a commercial product  (I recommend the 
Rolls MINImix MS22s stereo mixer, with just two pots, and outputs for 
both headphones and speakers)

UNFORTUNATELY, THAT DEFEATS THE WHOLE POINT BEHIND MY QUESTION.

While I do NOT wish to look a gift horse in the chops, or appear 
ungrateful for the advice received so far;  money is not the object as I 
want to LEARN how this type of circuit works, and do a favor for a 
friend, in one stroke. Advising me to save money and just buy a 
turn-key, off-the-shelf solution hardly fits the HAM RADIO TRADITION of 
experimentation and self-determination,  and teaches me nothing about 
circuit design.   I was hoping to build something MYSELF- earning that 
heady sense of self-satisfaction that accompanies the completion of a 
successful home brew project.  Considering all the experts on this list, 
including world class board certified AES audio man Jim Brown, I figured 
a simple summing circuit would be a snap.

I close this thread with a big THANK YOU on behalf of my  ... um ... 
"client,"  whilst I repair to the proverbial drawing board to renew my 
search for a simple summing circuit.

Happy trails to all.       JR

(We return you to your regular daily programming content)     ;-)

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