28
Voice Modes (SSB, AM, FM)
Mode Selection
Tap either end of MODE to select LSB/USB,
AM , or FM mode. Holdingthe left end of this
control, AL T , selects an alternate mode. LSB and
USB are alternates of each other. The alternate for
AM is AM -S (synchronous AM, pg. 29). In FM
mode, ALT enables a repeater offset (pg. 29).
Microphone Selection
The K3 provides both front- and rear-panel mic
jacks. Some operatorsprefer to use the rear-panel
jack to minimize cable clutter aroundthe front
panel. Use MAIN:MIC SEL to select the front panel
(FP) or rear-panel (RP) jack. This menu entry can
also be used select a mic gain range, as well to
apply a bias voltage for electret microphones.
The front-panel mic jack is compatible with the
Elecraft MH2, MD2, Proset-K2, and some other 8-
pin mics (see pg. 13 for pinout and bias settings).
The rear-panel mic jack accommodates a 3.5-mm
(1/8") phone plug, and can be used in conjunction
with the rear-panel PTT IN jack.
Voice Monitoring
The K3’s voice monitor allows you to hear the way
your voice will sound at your selected mic gain,
compression, andTX EQ settings (TX EQ, pg. 35).
To set up voice monitoring:
Hold TEST to put the K3 inTX TEST mode,
so you won’t be transmitting (pg. 13).
Set MIC to 15-30 to ensure that you’ll hear
your voice. You can fine-tunethis level later.
Press your mic’s PTT switch or tap XMIT .
While speaking intothe mic, adjust MON for
a comfortable listening level.
Exit transmit (release PTT, or tap XMI T again).
You can either leave the K3 in TX TEST mode
or go back to normaltransmit (hold TEST) as
you follow the instructions inthe next section.
Mic Gain and Compression Settings
To set up MIC gain and compression level:
Set the monitor level as described earlier.
Optionally select TX TEST mode (pg. 13) or
set power to zero. This will not affect your
CM P/ALC bar graph readings.
Set CMP to 0.
Hold METER to select CMP/ALC metering.
While speaking intothe microphone in a
normal voice, adjust MI C for a peak ALC
meter indication of about 5-7 bars (see below).
Adjust CMP for the desired speech
compression level while speaking. The CMP
scale shows approximate compression level.
Hold METER to select SWR/PWR metering.
If you were in TX TEST mode, return to
normal operation by holding TEST.
If you had PWR set to 0, set it for the
desired level in watts. Key the rig again and
verify that you have about the right power
output level.
Once you’veset up the MIC and CMP levels as
described, you should only needto adjust them if
you switch mics or if band conditions change.
Power Level for Voice Modes
Voice-mode power output may be slightly lower
than the CW power output you see in when you use
TU N E. Adjusting mic gain higher cannot correct for
this. Instead, use the CONFIG:TXG VCE menu
entry (voice transmit gain balance). Typically a
value of 0.0 to 1.5 dB will equalize voice modes
with TU N E.
If you’re usingan external peak-reading
wattmeter, adjust power such that speech peaks
remain at or below your desired power level.The
K3’s RF bar graph may not capture all speech
peaks, but your actual output will be close to that
set with PW R .
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