Re: [Elecraft] KX3 / KXPD3 "hanging"?
Got a few responses. Turns out it was the grounding problem. Did the mod with some thin speaker wire and works well now. Jeff - KG7HDZ > On Jun 17, 2016, at 6:39 AM, Thorpe, Jeffrey wrote: > > I've finally gotten back to working on my morse, practicing with my KX3 with > the KXPD3 attached. At first I thought it was just me, as I am just > relearning this after 30 years of non-use. (Straight-key back in high-school) > > I have the KX3 set for text decode, and speed set to 15wpm. Quite often, it > seems to "hang" for a fraction of a second (variable time, but at times up to > almost a full second). Usually it is with the right paddle (the dah). I can > have the paddle pressed, but I don't get the dah right away - sometimes. > Quite aggravating. I tried bumping the speed up as a test, with the same > problem still occurring. > > I figure this could be a contact problem, but thought I'd ask first before > doing any kind of disassembly, to see if there was some other known issue > (maybe with firmware) first. I have the latest firmware installed. The KXPD3 > is about one year old, and I have just now started using it. > > Jeff - KG7HDZ > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@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 jtho...@liberty.edu __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@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 arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 / KXPD3 "hanging"?
__ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@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 arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KX3 / KXPD3 "hanging"?
I've finally gotten back to working on my morse, practicing with my KX3 with the KXPD3 attached. At first I thought it was just me, as I am just relearning this after 30 years of non-use. (Straight-key back in high-school) I have the KX3 set for text decode, and speed set to 15wpm. Quite often, it seems to "hang" for a fraction of a second (variable time, but at times up to almost a full second). Usually it is with the right paddle (the dah). I can have the paddle pressed, but I don't get the dah right away - sometimes. Quite aggravating. I tried bumping the speed up as a test, with the same problem still occurring. I figure this could be a contact problem, but thought I'd ask first before doing any kind of disassembly, to see if there was some other known issue (maybe with firmware) first. I have the latest firmware installed. The KXPD3 is about one year old, and I have just now started using it. Jeff - KG7HDZ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@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 arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - KXPD3 Paddles For Sale
The KXPD3 has been sold -- thanks for the replies. Jim - W0EB -- Original Message -- From: "Jim Sheldon" To: "Elecraft Mailing List" Sent: 12/28/2015 7:56:15 AM Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 - KXPD3 Paddles For Sale No longer need this as I mainly use a bug or external paddle with my KX3. It's still available if anyone needs one. I'm offering this one for $80 shipped priority mail anywhere in the U. S. (Price drop from last email) -- I'd prefer not to ship internationally due to much higher postage rates and the receiving party having to deal with customs charges and possibly VAT as well. If interested, please reply off the list to keep the off topic traffic to a minimum. Reply to this email, but please do not "reply all", leave the Elecraft reflector address off the reply. Jim Sheldon, W0EB --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@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 arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KX3 - KXPD3 Paddles For Sale
No longer need this as I mainly use a bug or external paddle with my KX3. It's still available if anyone needs one. I'm offering this one for $80 shipped priority mail anywhere in the U. S. (Price drop from last email) -- I'd prefer not to ship internationally due to much higher postage rates and the receiving party having to deal with customs charges and possibly VAT as well. If interested, please reply off the list to keep the off topic traffic to a minimum. Reply to this email, but please do not "reply all", leave the Elecraft reflector address off the reply. Jim Sheldon, W0EB Memo to NSA, DHS, FBI, CIA, DIA, DEA, ATF, KGB, MI5, and any other alphabet soup agencies that might be listening/reading/tracking my email content, I share this computer with an old lady, an ex-con, a priest, a used car salesman, a military veteran, a pacifist, a vegetarian, a hunter, a circus midget, a local politician, a doberman and a demented cat...so any data you collect from me will be meaningless, random and therefore useless...good luck. --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@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 arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 KXPD3 FS
The paddle has been sold pending payment. Thanks, Roger, W1EM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@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 arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KX3 KXPD3 FS
Selling my KXPD3. Like new. Works great. Has the spring and wire jumper mod. I'm getting a Begali Adventure. $85.00 including shipping USA Thanks, Roger, W1EM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@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 arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KX3 KXPD3 FS
Original owner - non-smoker - worked fine for me but bought a Begali Adventure (fantastic key) so now this is excess to my needs. Has the spring mod package and wire jumper mod. $85 shipped USA Thanks, Joe, w9jc Sent from my iPhone __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@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 arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] KX3 - KXPD3 paddles
Some time ago there was a post saying that they had made an adapter box that allowed the KXPD3 paddles to be used as stand-alone paddles not attached to the KX3. I do like the paddles and have used them attached to the KX3 but would really prefer to use them as stand-alone paddles. Is anyone aware of someone who is making an adapter box for fun and profit to allow the KXPD3s to be used in a stand-alone configuration? Pete, NN9K __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - KXPD3 Socket, Plug, and Schematic Questions
Hello Lou, Thanks for the helpful information! Richard, AI4SH __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - KXPD3 Socket, Plug, and Schematic Questions
There was a discussion of this topic on the KX3 group. The dot and dash paddles (pins 3 and 4) need to make contact with ground (pin 1). The original version of the KXPD3 had a design flaw on the circuit board which followed the diagram in the published KXPD3 schematic dated March 2012. This version of the KXPD3 got its ground through the screws connecting the KXPD3 to the KX3 chassis. The KXPD3 upgrade fixed this problem with a circuit board replacement and the new version of the KXPD3 now gets its ground connection from pin 1 and the chassis, pin 3 is not connected. During the discussion Wayne said that the original intent of pin 3 was to provide memory button functions (different resistances to ground for each memory button) but this was not implemented. This is my understanding of the situation. I have no insider knowledge. I do believe that the KXPD3 schematic needs updating to reflect the new version. Lou W2ROW Richard-2 wrote > Hello, >Why is source 3V3D connected to Pin 3 of the KXPD3? >I have made (but not yet used) an interface cable to connect external > paddles to the KXPD3 jack. The KXPD3 Schematic shows Pin 3 of the plug > grounded inside the KXPD3. However, Page 2 of 8 of the Control Panel > schematics shows 3.3 Volts (3V3D) connected to pin 3 of the KX3 socket > through R110. >Testing by another ham found that connecting Pin 1 (grounded inside > KX3) to his external key common and the Dit and Dah leads to pins 2 and > 4 worked fb. The KXPD3 schematic shows Pin 1 not used. >My KX3 socket pin measurements to chassis: Pin 1: Grounded, Pin 2: > 11k, Pin 3: 2.1k, Pin 4: 11k >Is Pin 1 or Pin 3 the common contact terminal inside the KXPD3? Is > Pin 3 grounded inside the KXPD3? (I would ring it out, but I don't own > one.) >Do nDASHALT and nDOTALT go low (like the side key jack) or high to > indicate contact closure? >If the former, why is 3V3D connected to the KXPD3? >Thanks for any assistance to help me understand. > 73, Richard, AI4SH > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: > Elecraft@.qth > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-KXPD3-Socket-Plug-and-Schematic-Questions-tp7571064p7571083.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - KXPD3 Socket, Plug, and Schematic Questions
It is for unspecified possible future use. 73, Lyle KK7P > ...Why is source 3V3D connected to Pin 3 of the KXPD3? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KX3 - KXPD3 Socket, Plug, and Schematic Questions
Hello, Why is source 3V3D connected to Pin 3 of the KXPD3? I have made (but not yet used) an interface cable to connect external paddles to the KXPD3 jack. The KXPD3 Schematic shows Pin 3 of the plug grounded inside the KXPD3. However, Page 2 of 8 of the Control Panel schematics shows 3.3 Volts (3V3D) connected to pin 3 of the KX3 socket through R110. Testing by another ham found that connecting Pin 1 (grounded inside KX3) to his external key common and the Dit and Dah leads to pins 2 and 4 worked fb. The KXPD3 schematic shows Pin 1 not used. My KX3 socket pin measurements to chassis: Pin 1: Grounded, Pin 2: 11k, Pin 3: 2.1k, Pin 4: 11k Is Pin 1 or Pin 3 the common contact terminal inside the KXPD3? Is Pin 3 grounded inside the KXPD3? (I would ring it out, but I don't own one.) Do nDASHALT and nDOTALT go low (like the side key jack) or high to indicate contact closure? If the former, why is 3V3D connected to the KXPD3? Thanks for any assistance to help me understand. 73, Richard, AI4SH __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft KX3, KXPD3, intermittent keying
>> Jim W0EB suggested the cause was oxidation of the aluminum parts.< If that is the cause, perhaps an anti-oxidant electrical joint compound like Penetrox A would help. Dennis K4THE __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3 intermittent keying
Yes, the picture is not great. The pin is totally shiny (it is a ground surface) except for the little end on the right in the picture. -Original Message- From: hawley, charles j jr [mailto:c-haw...@illinois.edu] Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 11:27 AM To: T Gahagan Cc: Cady, Fred; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3 intermittent keying The picture of the pin seems really dark...is it really shiny? Just the lighting? I need to look, but I think my pins are very shiny, and I don't remember any tapered end (they are late issue). Sent from my iPhone Chuck (Jack) On Nov 14, 2012, at 10:55 AM, "T Gahagan" wrote: > The website should be www.ke7x.com > > -Original Message- > From: Cady, Fred > Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 9:12 AM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3 intermittent keying > > My KXPD3 started to give some intermittent keying. > > Here is my theory: > The connection between the paddle arms contact to the ground that > needs to be closed to complete the circuit is through the pivot pin at > the back of each paddle arm. The pivot pin has one end that is > necked-down and has not been ground to a bright finish. In my paddle, > that end was in the bottom and, I believe, was making intermittent > contact. I reversed the pins, putting the shiny end down and, so far, > that seems to have cured the problem. > I have a picture of the pin in question on my website: > www.kex.com and click on KXPD3 Paddle Intermittent > > Cheers, > Fred KE7X > > Fred Cady > "The Elecraft K3: Design, Configuration and Operation" > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email > list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email > list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3 intermittent keying
The picture of the pin seems really dark...is it really shiny? Just the lighting? I need to look, but I think my pins are very shiny, and I don't remember any tapered end (they are late issue). Sent from my iPhone Chuck (Jack) On Nov 14, 2012, at 10:55 AM, "T Gahagan" wrote: > The website should be www.ke7x.com > > -Original Message- > From: Cady, Fred > Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 9:12 AM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3 intermittent keying > > My KXPD3 started to give some intermittent keying. > > Here is my theory: > The connection between the paddle arms contact to the ground that needs > to be closed to complete the circuit is through the pivot pin at the > back of each paddle arm. The pivot pin has one end that is necked-down > and has not been ground to a bright finish. In my paddle, that end was > in the bottom and, I believe, was making intermittent contact. I > reversed the pins, putting the shiny end down and, so far, that seems to > have cured the problem. > I have a picture of the pin in question on my website: > www.kex.com and click on KXPD3 Paddle Intermittent > > Cheers, > Fred KE7X > > Fred Cady > "The Elecraft K3: Design, Configuration and Operation" > > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KX3, KXPD3, intermittent keying
My KXPD3 which is only a bit over a week old has developed the intermittent keying problem too but both pivot pins were inserted correctly when I checked. At first I thought it was a problem with the little set screws used as contact points building up crud on the ends and not connecting with the stainless posts. Cleaning them did not cure the problem so, after thinking about it a bit, my take on the matter is: both arms are made out of aluminum, aluminum oxidizes almost immediately on contact with air. Rather than trying to use the pivot points as paddle ground, I think it would be much better to drill/tap a 2-56 hole in each arm, sand off the anodizing and using a solder lug under an internal or external tooth star washer, connect a small, very flexible wire between each paddle arm and ground. That would make a much better connection and should keep the problem from re-occurring. Even though the arms are either moving on the pivots or the pins are moving on the aluminum pieces used for ground, it doesn't take very long for the oxide to build up and cause intermittent keying. I've only had mine a bit over a week and already I've experienced several cases of this. It would void the warranty on a $130 accessory, especially if I screwed it up or I'd attempt to drill/tap and make the mod myself as it does get a bit frustrating at times, especially when running 30 wpm or better in a QSO. Jim Sheldon - W0EB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3 intermittent keying
The website should be www.ke7x.com -Original Message- From: Cady, Fred Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 9:12 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3 intermittent keying My KXPD3 started to give some intermittent keying. Here is my theory: The connection between the paddle arms contact to the ground that needs to be closed to complete the circuit is through the pivot pin at the back of each paddle arm. The pivot pin has one end that is necked-down and has not been ground to a bright finish. In my paddle, that end was in the bottom and, I believe, was making intermittent contact. I reversed the pins, putting the shiny end down and, so far, that seems to have cured the problem. I have a picture of the pin in question on my website: www.kex.com and click on KXPD3 Paddle Intermittent Cheers, Fred KE7X Fred Cady "The Elecraft K3: Design, Configuration and Operation" __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3 intermittent keying
My KXPD3 started to give some intermittent keying. Here is my theory: The connection between the paddle arms contact to the ground that needs to be closed to complete the circuit is through the pivot pin at the back of each paddle arm. The pivot pin has one end that is necked-down and has not been ground to a bright finish. In my paddle, that end was in the bottom and, I believe, was making intermittent contact. I reversed the pins, putting the shiny end down and, so far, that seems to have cured the problem. I have a picture of the pin in question on my website: www.kex.com and click on KXPD3 Paddle Intermittent Cheers, Fred KE7X Fred Cady "The Elecraft K3: Design, Configuration and Operation" __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3
Hi Mathias, The group homepage is here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KX3/ 73, Thomas M0TRN On 18 September 2012 10:27, Mathias Krüger wrote: > Hello Thomas, > > where can i find the KX3 group you mentioned? > > Regards > Mathias > HB9DOU > > > > 2012/9/18 Thomas Horsten > >> Hi Robert, >> >> I posted two updates, one just after I got the KXPD3 upgrade kit and >> another after I'd used it for a couple of days. These were posted on the >> KX3 group (join if you are not there already, most of the KX3 talk goes on >> there). Anyway, for those of you who haven't seen it, I'm copying the two >> updates below: >> >> Hi all, >> >> I received the field tester upgrade kit this morning. It took about 10 >> minutes to install. The only problem was the size of the screw hole in the >> PCB was a bit tight, but I didn't need to drill as long as I carefully >> tightened each of the mounting bolts one turn at a time (this is a known >> problem and will be fixed in the final version). >> >> The kit consists of a new PCB with stainless steel fixed contacts, new >> contact screws with rounded ends, and two alternative springs to choose >> from with lower tension than the original. >> >> I selected the lowest tension spring and set the contact spacing at three >> quarters of a turn from the inner (fully closed) position. >> >> The paddles feel completely different. I tried sending some of the text >> from the upgrade instructions and didn't have a single missed dit or dah, >> and both the spring resistance and the crispness of the action is improved >> by an order of magnitude. I wouldn't say it rivals my Begali Sculpture but >> it is much closer to that feel than it was before. >> >> Now I just hope it stays that way, I guess with a portable rig, dirt on >> the >> contacts will be a bigger issue than for a home key, but out of the box, >> no >> complaints at all, thanks to everyone at Elecraft, you've done a great >> job. >> >> I did a video of my upgrade, but unfortunately my phone ran out of memory >> after 5 minutes, so the most interesting bits didn't get recorded. Maybe >> I'll post it anyway just to show the unboxing and the kit content. >> >> WX for the weekend is looking like we're in for a bit of Indian summer, >> with full sunshine and 27C, so I hope I'll be able to get some outdoor >> operating done with the KX3, maybe a WFF activation on Sunday. I'll report >> back after a while and see how it goes. >> >> 73, Thomas M0TRN >> >> >> After posting my first impressions just after the upgrade, I've used the >> upgraded KXPD3 for several real QSO's and I wanted to give an update. >> >> My KXPD3 already had the PCB mod performed which had greatly reduced the >> intermittent contact problem. So I didn't expect the upgrade to make that >> huge a difference (only compared to the unmodified PCB which was pretty >> horrid in this respect). >> >> But I actually find that the upgrade kit does far more than that. It takes >> the key and transforms it from a sub-Bencher feel to a near-Begali feel. >> >> To get reliable operation on the paddles before, the contact spacing >> needed >> to be over 1mm. I think the main reason was the shape of the end of the >> contact screws. Per the suggestions previously made on this list, I'd >> tried >> filing down the ends of the contact screws to get them more rounded, but I >> hadn't done a very good job at it. The new contact screws are stainless >> steel and already rounded from the factory. Also the contact posts are now >> stainless steel as well. Finally, the spring tension was too high for >> comfortable operation at a very low spacing. >> >> So the spacing needed to be at least 1mm or so for the key to be workable. >> >> It's probably down to a combination of all the upgraded materials, >> including the lower tension contact spring, but the key works perfectly >> now >> with sub-mm contact spacing. I am using a spacing of about 0.3-0.5mm, >> which >> corresponds to about three quarters of a turn of the contact screws, and >> have locked them in that position. This, in combination with the lowest >> tension spring, gives an unsurpassed feel that I have only before >> experienced in my Begali Sculpture. >> >> I can now send clean code at 35 WPM with these paddles, something that was >> unthinkable before. Although most of my QSO's are at 25 WPM, it is nice to >> be able to send QRQ when the opportunity is there, and that's now possible >> with the KXPD3. >> >> The only thing I am missing slightly is individual tension adjustment of >> the left and right paddle. Since I use paddles with my left hand (but in a >> default configuration with dits on the left), I tend to use my Sculpture >> with a slightly higher spring tension in the left paddle. But in such a >> tiny key I wouldn't expect that. >> >> In short it's now a paddle that works extremely well and where the >> "precision" label is 100% justified. To be honest I thought that was >> stretching it a bit in the original incarnat
Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3
At http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KX3/ P.S. you don't need to create a Yahoo account for this. You can use your google account (if you already have one) using OpenID. Check for that button on the Yahoo login page. Yahoo accounts get regularly broken in, so better avoid them ... Holger, DH3HS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3
Hello Thomas, where can i find the KX3 group you mentioned? Regards Mathias HB9DOU 2012/9/18 Thomas Horsten > Hi Robert, > > I posted two updates, one just after I got the KXPD3 upgrade kit and > another after I'd used it for a couple of days. These were posted on the > KX3 group (join if you are not there already, most of the KX3 talk goes on > there). Anyway, for those of you who haven't seen it, I'm copying the two > updates below: > > Hi all, > > I received the field tester upgrade kit this morning. It took about 10 > minutes to install. The only problem was the size of the screw hole in the > PCB was a bit tight, but I didn't need to drill as long as I carefully > tightened each of the mounting bolts one turn at a time (this is a known > problem and will be fixed in the final version). > > The kit consists of a new PCB with stainless steel fixed contacts, new > contact screws with rounded ends, and two alternative springs to choose > from with lower tension than the original. > > I selected the lowest tension spring and set the contact spacing at three > quarters of a turn from the inner (fully closed) position. > > The paddles feel completely different. I tried sending some of the text > from the upgrade instructions and didn't have a single missed dit or dah, > and both the spring resistance and the crispness of the action is improved > by an order of magnitude. I wouldn't say it rivals my Begali Sculpture but > it is much closer to that feel than it was before. > > Now I just hope it stays that way, I guess with a portable rig, dirt on the > contacts will be a bigger issue than for a home key, but out of the box, no > complaints at all, thanks to everyone at Elecraft, you've done a great job. > > I did a video of my upgrade, but unfortunately my phone ran out of memory > after 5 minutes, so the most interesting bits didn't get recorded. Maybe > I'll post it anyway just to show the unboxing and the kit content. > > WX for the weekend is looking like we're in for a bit of Indian summer, > with full sunshine and 27C, so I hope I'll be able to get some outdoor > operating done with the KX3, maybe a WFF activation on Sunday. I'll report > back after a while and see how it goes. > > 73, Thomas M0TRN > > > After posting my first impressions just after the upgrade, I've used the > upgraded KXPD3 for several real QSO's and I wanted to give an update. > > My KXPD3 already had the PCB mod performed which had greatly reduced the > intermittent contact problem. So I didn't expect the upgrade to make that > huge a difference (only compared to the unmodified PCB which was pretty > horrid in this respect). > > But I actually find that the upgrade kit does far more than that. It takes > the key and transforms it from a sub-Bencher feel to a near-Begali feel. > > To get reliable operation on the paddles before, the contact spacing needed > to be over 1mm. I think the main reason was the shape of the end of the > contact screws. Per the suggestions previously made on this list, I'd tried > filing down the ends of the contact screws to get them more rounded, but I > hadn't done a very good job at it. The new contact screws are stainless > steel and already rounded from the factory. Also the contact posts are now > stainless steel as well. Finally, the spring tension was too high for > comfortable operation at a very low spacing. > > So the spacing needed to be at least 1mm or so for the key to be workable. > > It's probably down to a combination of all the upgraded materials, > including the lower tension contact spring, but the key works perfectly now > with sub-mm contact spacing. I am using a spacing of about 0.3-0.5mm, which > corresponds to about three quarters of a turn of the contact screws, and > have locked them in that position. This, in combination with the lowest > tension spring, gives an unsurpassed feel that I have only before > experienced in my Begali Sculpture. > > I can now send clean code at 35 WPM with these paddles, something that was > unthinkable before. Although most of my QSO's are at 25 WPM, it is nice to > be able to send QRQ when the opportunity is there, and that's now possible > with the KXPD3. > > The only thing I am missing slightly is individual tension adjustment of > the left and right paddle. Since I use paddles with my left hand (but in a > default configuration with dits on the left), I tend to use my Sculpture > with a slightly higher spring tension in the left paddle. But in such a > tiny key I wouldn't expect that. > > In short it's now a paddle that works extremely well and where the > "precision" label is 100% justified. To be honest I thought that was > stretching it a bit in the original incarnation of the KXPD3. > > 73, Thomas M0TRN > > > On 18 September 2012 00:26, Robert Vargas (KP4Y) wrote: > > > How did field testing of the KXPD3 paddle upgrade turn out? I'm about to > > pull the trigger but want to make sure that the reported glitches have > been > > taken ca
Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3
Hi Robert, I posted two updates, one just after I got the KXPD3 upgrade kit and another after I'd used it for a couple of days. These were posted on the KX3 group (join if you are not there already, most of the KX3 talk goes on there). Anyway, for those of you who haven't seen it, I'm copying the two updates below: Hi all, I received the field tester upgrade kit this morning. It took about 10 minutes to install. The only problem was the size of the screw hole in the PCB was a bit tight, but I didn't need to drill as long as I carefully tightened each of the mounting bolts one turn at a time (this is a known problem and will be fixed in the final version). The kit consists of a new PCB with stainless steel fixed contacts, new contact screws with rounded ends, and two alternative springs to choose from with lower tension than the original. I selected the lowest tension spring and set the contact spacing at three quarters of a turn from the inner (fully closed) position. The paddles feel completely different. I tried sending some of the text from the upgrade instructions and didn't have a single missed dit or dah, and both the spring resistance and the crispness of the action is improved by an order of magnitude. I wouldn't say it rivals my Begali Sculpture but it is much closer to that feel than it was before. Now I just hope it stays that way, I guess with a portable rig, dirt on the contacts will be a bigger issue than for a home key, but out of the box, no complaints at all, thanks to everyone at Elecraft, you've done a great job. I did a video of my upgrade, but unfortunately my phone ran out of memory after 5 minutes, so the most interesting bits didn't get recorded. Maybe I'll post it anyway just to show the unboxing and the kit content. WX for the weekend is looking like we're in for a bit of Indian summer, with full sunshine and 27C, so I hope I'll be able to get some outdoor operating done with the KX3, maybe a WFF activation on Sunday. I'll report back after a while and see how it goes. 73, Thomas M0TRN After posting my first impressions just after the upgrade, I've used the upgraded KXPD3 for several real QSO's and I wanted to give an update. My KXPD3 already had the PCB mod performed which had greatly reduced the intermittent contact problem. So I didn't expect the upgrade to make that huge a difference (only compared to the unmodified PCB which was pretty horrid in this respect). But I actually find that the upgrade kit does far more than that. It takes the key and transforms it from a sub-Bencher feel to a near-Begali feel. To get reliable operation on the paddles before, the contact spacing needed to be over 1mm. I think the main reason was the shape of the end of the contact screws. Per the suggestions previously made on this list, I'd tried filing down the ends of the contact screws to get them more rounded, but I hadn't done a very good job at it. The new contact screws are stainless steel and already rounded from the factory. Also the contact posts are now stainless steel as well. Finally, the spring tension was too high for comfortable operation at a very low spacing. So the spacing needed to be at least 1mm or so for the key to be workable. It's probably down to a combination of all the upgraded materials, including the lower tension contact spring, but the key works perfectly now with sub-mm contact spacing. I am using a spacing of about 0.3-0.5mm, which corresponds to about three quarters of a turn of the contact screws, and have locked them in that position. This, in combination with the lowest tension spring, gives an unsurpassed feel that I have only before experienced in my Begali Sculpture. I can now send clean code at 35 WPM with these paddles, something that was unthinkable before. Although most of my QSO's are at 25 WPM, it is nice to be able to send QRQ when the opportunity is there, and that's now possible with the KXPD3. The only thing I am missing slightly is individual tension adjustment of the left and right paddle. Since I use paddles with my left hand (but in a default configuration with dits on the left), I tend to use my Sculpture with a slightly higher spring tension in the left paddle. But in such a tiny key I wouldn't expect that. In short it's now a paddle that works extremely well and where the "precision" label is 100% justified. To be honest I thought that was stretching it a bit in the original incarnation of the KXPD3. 73, Thomas M0TRN On 18 September 2012 00:26, Robert Vargas (KP4Y) wrote: > How did field testing of the KXPD3 paddle upgrade turn out? I'm about to > pull the trigger but want to make sure that the reported glitches have been > taken care of. I just heard one report around here and it was favorable. > How would the improved KXPD3 paddle compare to a Begali Traveler? > > 73s, > Robert-KP4Y > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/list
[Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3
How did field testing of the KXPD3 paddle upgrade turn out? I'm about to pull the trigger but want to make sure that the reported glitches have been taken care of. I just heard one report around here and it was favorable. How would the improved KXPD3 paddle compare to a Begali Traveler? 73s, Robert-KP4Y __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
