K3 Keyer Cable Connection Problem

[W5KXX]

I have been unable to get my new BY-4 paddle keyer to work with my new K3.
The BY-4 paddle is connected to the K3 using the Bencher Universal Hook-up
kit cable as follows:

Black:  ground

White: right paddle

Red: left paddle

 

The K3 seems to be configured correctly. Tone volume level and keyer speed
have been set. The transceiver is in Test mode, per directions in the
owner's manual.

The Bencher factory cable is wired to a 1/8" plug. The cable kit includes a
1/4" adapter. When sliding the 1/4" plug into the paddle jack of the K3 I
noticed that I first hear a series of continuous dashes, then  continuous
dots and alternating dashes, and then nothing after the plug is fully seated
into the jack. When the paddles are touched afterward nothing is triggered.

Is something wrong with the Bencher cable plug or its adapter? The adapter
works fine when using it with a 1/8"plug for headphones. Perhaps the way the
1/8" plug (or 1/4" adapter) is factory wired it does not work with all keyer
jacks? If so, what should I buy to replace the cable and plug? How should it
be wired?

Thank you for your help.

 

Mark

W5KXX

 

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[ve3dvy]

Check the continuity from the connector to the paddle     tip to the dit
contact on the paddle   ring to the dash contact and the sleeve to
ground.   in your case I am suspicious that ground may not be made.

On 1/8/2013 10:55 PM, Mark Kopec wrote:

> I have been unable to get my new BY-4 paddle keyer to work with my new K3.
> The BY-4 paddle is connected to the K3 using the Bencher Universal Hook-up
> kit cable as follows:
>
> Black:  ground
>
> White: right paddle
>
> Red: left paddle
>
>  
>
> The K3 seems to be configured correctly. Tone volume level and keyer speed
> have been set. The transceiver is in Test mode, per directions in the
> owner's manual.
>
> The Bencher factory cable is wired to a 1/8" plug. The cable kit includes a
> 1/4" adapter. When sliding the 1/4" plug into the paddle jack of the K3 I
> noticed that I first hear a series of continuous dashes, then  continuous
> dots and alternating dashes, and then nothing after the plug is fully seated
> into the jack. When the paddles are touched afterward nothing is triggered.
>
> Is something wrong with the Bencher cable plug or its adapter? The adapter
> works fine when using it with a 1/8"plug for headphones. Perhaps the way the
> 1/8" plug (or 1/4" adapter) is factory wired it does not work with all keyer
> jacks? If so, what should I buy to replace the cable and plug? How should it
> be wired?
>
> Thank you for your help.
>
>  
>
> Mark
>
> W5KXX
>
>  
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

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[W5KXX]

I resumed troubleshooting by going back to the basics. First, I cut off the
connectors on one end of the Bencher factory cable. Instead of using the
Bencher keyer, I then connected the red and white wires to a post on my
Vibroplex Original keyer, and the black wire to another post on this keyer.
Using the 1/4" adapter, I inserted the plug into the Keyer port on the K3.
Instant success! It worked perfectly. Yet another reason to keep a reliable
bug in the shack.

Next, I created a second cable for the Bencher keyer by reworking a factory
made patch cable with 1/4" plugs. While doing that I discovered the sources
of trouble I had previously with this keyer. The other cable had not been
securely attached to ground, and the keyer was shipped from the factory with
both paddles in contact with their posts.

If I had to do it over again, I would make my own cable from another patch
cable. In fact, that is exactly what I plan to do soon, because I recently
received a new Bencher ST-1 keyer for my collection.

Mark
W5KXX

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