Can I just plug a general microphone with a mono 3.5 plug (and no switch) into the mic socket and use the on screen transmit/receive buttons or does it have to be configured with a ppt switch.?

Martin,

You didn't say what device you plug the microphone into, I'm just guessing that it's currently a zbitx.
The zbitx microphone input is the same as the sbitx. My experience is that you can replace it with a more sensitive microphone insert (meaning electret), but it's not the best solution.

You'll need a little dexterity to install a microphone amplifier into the microphone housing.

It won't be easy, because the amplifier will need a power supply, which you'll either solve, or get a microphone with an amplifier that has a power source built into it.
Electret microphones need a power source to operate, which can vary depending on the type.

If it's a zbitx, you can download the schematic from github, where you can also download the upgrade.

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Gyula HA3HZ

Microphone plug connection:
T (Tip) MIC
R (Ring) PTT
S (Sleeve) GND

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Gyula HA3HZ

Hello Martin,

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The short answer is no; you need a stereo plug, or the ring contact in the jack will be shorted, and it will immediately go into transmit.? You do not need the PTT switch connected.? You do need the stereo (Tip, Ring, Sleeve - TRS) plug with the mic connected to the tip and the sleeve.

?

73

Evan

AC9TU

See also: /g/BITX20/topic/99964842#msg107959?

?

It has a pretty detailed explanation of why it doesn't work as you perhaps might expect.

In particular, if you don't want to modify the mic or key you are trying to use there is an easy workaround:

Just connect the mono plug to the side of the Y cable that connects to tip and sleeve, off you go.? Ring will remain floating, or if you want, you can use the ring side of the Y cable to hook up a PTT switch.? ?I happened to have such a PTT switch handy for use with a different radio, it works fine.?

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Regards,
Dave, N1AI

Thanks everyone I'll try the suggestions .

Tom

N2KC

SBitx v3, truSDX

Tom -

I'd appreciate details on how you adapted the plug of the HK008.

Thanks,

Jonathan

KD2HBV

Why don't you build this amplifier into the microphone housing? The sbitx microphone is big enough to fit in there. Including LiPoly battery.

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Gyula HA3HZ