Re: [Elecraft] KX3 / KXPD3 "hanging"?

[Thorpe, Jeffrey]

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
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 / KXPD3 "hanging"?

[David Box]

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[Elecraft] KX3 / KXPD3 "hanging"?

[Thorpe, Jeffrey]

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
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[Elecraft] KX3 - KXPD3 Paddles For Sale

[Jim Sheldon]

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





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alphabet soup agencies that might be listening/reading/tracking my email 
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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 
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - KXPD3 Paddles For Sale

[Jim Sheldon]

The KXPD3 has been sold -- thanks for the replies.

Jim - W0EB

-- Original Message --
From: "Jim Sheldon" <w...@cox.net>
To: "Elecraft Mailing List" <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
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




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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 KXPD3 FS

[Roger Marrotte]

The paddle has been sold pending payment.

 

Thanks,

 

Roger, W1EM

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[Elecraft] KX3 KXPD3 FS

[Roger Marrotte]

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

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[Elecraft] KX3 KXPD3 FS

[Joe Carter]

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
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[Elecraft] KX3 - KXPD3 paddles

[Peter E. Beedlow]

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



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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - KXPD3 Socket, Plug, and Schematic Questions

[Lou Voerman W2ROW]

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
 
 
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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.
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - KXPD3 Socket, Plug, and Schematic Questions

[Richard]

Hello Lou,
  Thanks for the helpful information!
 Richard, AI4SH
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[Elecraft] KX3 - KXPD3 Socket, Plug, and Schematic Questions

[Richard]

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


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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 - KXPD3 Socket, Plug, and Schematic Questions

[Lyle]

It is for unspecified possible future use.

73,

Lyle KK7P

 ...Why is source 3V3D connected to Pin 3 of the KXPD3?
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[Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3 intermittent keying

[Cady, Fred]

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
 

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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3 intermittent keying

[T Gahagan]

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


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[Elecraft] KX3, KXPD3, intermittent keying

[Jim Sheldon]

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
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3 intermittent keying

[hawley, charles j jr]

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 wa7...@gmail.com 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
 
 
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3 intermittent keying

[Cady, Fred]

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 wa7...@gmail.com 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
 
 
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft KX3, KXPD3, intermittent keying

[Dennis Mennerich]

 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 

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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3

[Mathias Krüger]

Hello Thomas,

where can i find the KX3 group you mentioned?

Regards
Mathias
HB9DOU


2012/9/18 Thomas Horsten tho...@horsten.com

 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) k...@yahoo.com 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 

Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3

[Holger Schurig]

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
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3

[Thomas Horsten]

Hi Mathias,

The group homepage is here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/KX3/

73, Thomas M0TRN

On 18 September 2012 10:27, Mathias Krüger mathias.krue...@sunrise.chwrote:

 Hello Thomas,

 where can i find the KX3 group you mentioned?

 Regards
 Mathias
 HB9DOU



 2012/9/18 Thomas Horsten tho...@horsten.com

 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) k...@yahoo.com wrote:

  How did field testing of the KXPD3 paddle 

[Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3

[Robert Vargas (KP4Y)]

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
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Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXPD3

[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) k...@yahoo.com 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
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