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KX Paddles

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Sid Frissell

KX Paddles

Well, I guess I've wrung all the opinions out of you re. KXPD 2 vs KXPD3. Seems like the KXPD2 is preferred.
Thanks to all who commented on and off list.

Sid, NZ7M

Sent From Sid Frissell's iPad
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Kurt Cramer-3

Re: KX Paddles

Anyone have a KXPD3 for sale? $135 just seems too much.

Kurt, W7QHD

> On Aug 4, 2016, at 10:22 AM, Sid Frissell <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Well, I guess I've wrung all the opinions out of you re. KXPD 2 vs KXPD3. Seems like the KXPD2 is preferred.
> Thanks to all who commented on and off list.
>
> Sid, NZ7M
>
> Sent From Sid Frissell's iPad
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

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Tom Francis

Re: KX Paddles

In reply to this post by Sid Frissell

I have both, am primarily a CW operator and this is my impression.

The KXPD2 has "issues" - at least for me. The contact posts keep
loosening up -
it doesn't matter how hard I tighten them (I'm afraid of over torquing
the screws
but they are snug), they loosen up. I tried non-hardening Loc-Tite on
the screws
to no avail. It only seems to happen in a long QSO - not sure if its
the vibration
or the fact that the contact points are at the top of the long contact
post which,
even with a light touch, gives some pressure to the posts. Or the
countersink
for the screws in the plastic is too big which could cause it. Or the
screws are
aluminum and the posts stainless - two different expansion rates in variable
temps.

Having said that, my good friend N3EWW doesn't have any issues with his
KXPD2 and hasn't had. I had his radio for an entire week using the paddles
and never once loosened up. So it might be a quality control problem.

The KXPD3 is a whole different construction. The contact posts are
shorter and
I have not had any issues with them loosening up even under heavy use. I
like
their overall look of them also.

As far as cosmetic things, they look good, feel good when properly
adjusted and
seem to work just fine (other than the contact post issue). I will say
neither one
is for the heavy handed CW op unless you have a way to secure the
radio. Then
again, if you are heavy handed, that could be an issue with respect to
the contact
posts.

Now if I had known at the time I ordered the KX2, I would have opted for
the KXPD3
with the shorter screws for the KX2. Why they designed a separate set of
paddles
for the KX2 I don't know, but it might have been a smarter idea to just
stick with what
worked rather than design a new set to help keep the costs down on the
KX2 options.

However, when I called Elecraft, my complaint was heard and they are
looking into
the issue. Hopefully they can come up with an answer.

Best regards,

Tom, W1TEF
Lexington County, SC

On 8/4/2016 1:22 PM, Sid Frissell wrote:

> Well, I guess I've wrung all the opinions out of you re. KXPD 2 vs KXPD3. Seems like the KXPD2 is preferred.
> Thanks to all who commented on and off list.
>
> Sid, NZ7M
>
> Sent From Sid Frissell's iPad
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

wayne burdick

Re: KX Paddles

Administrator

Hi Tom,

Your KXPD2 should not have any issue with contact screws loosening over time. Please return them for rework. Sorry about that.

We needed a new paddle was for the KX2 because it's a much smaller radio. Some operators using a KXPD3 with the KX2 find that they have to hold the radio in place, because the KXPD3 has much longer paddle arms. This is much less likely with the KXPD2.

The KXPD2 is also smaller, so it takes less room inside a small travel bag like our CS40.

Finally, some customers have asked if we could attach the adjustment wrench to the paddle for storage. We had a opportunity to implement this feature in the new design. The KXPD2 has a 3D-printed housing with clips built in for this purpose.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

On Aug 4, 2016, at 11:47 AM, Tom Francis <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I have both, am primarily a CW operator and this is my impression.
>
> The KXPD2 has "issues" - at least for me. The contact posts keep loosening up -
> it doesn't matter how hard I tighten them (I'm afraid of over torquing the screws
> but they are snug), they loosen up. I tried non-hardening Loc-Tite on the screws
> to no avail. It only seems to happen in a long QSO - not sure if its the vibration
> or the fact that the contact points are at the top of the long contact post which,
> even with a light touch, gives some pressure to the posts. Or the countersink
> for the screws in the plastic is too big which could cause it. Or the screws are
> aluminum and the posts stainless - two different expansion rates in variable
> temps.
>
> Having said that, my good friend N3EWW doesn't have any issues with his
> KXPD2 and hasn't had. I had his radio for an entire week using the paddles
> and never once loosened up. So it might be a quality control problem.
>
> The KXPD3 is a whole different construction. The contact posts are shorter and
> I have not had any issues with them loosening up even under heavy use. I like
> their overall look of them also.
>
> As far as cosmetic things, they look good, feel good when properly adjusted and
> seem to work just fine (other than the contact post issue). I will say neither one
> is for the heavy handed CW op unless you have a way to secure the radio. Then
> again, if you are heavy handed, that could be an issue with respect to the contact
> posts.
>
> Now if I had known at the time I ordered the KX2, I would have opted for the KXPD3
> with the shorter screws for the KX2. Why they designed a separate set of paddles
> for the KX2 I don't know, but it might have been a smarter idea to just stick with what
> worked rather than design a new set to help keep the costs down on the KX2 options.
>
> However, when I called Elecraft, my complaint was heard and they are looking into
> the issue. Hopefully they can come up with an answer.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Tom, W1TEF
> Lexington County, SC
>
>
> On 8/4/2016 1:22 PM, Sid Frissell wrote:
>> Well, I guess I've wrung all the opinions out of you re. KXPD 2 vs KXPD3. Seems like the KXPD2 is preferred.
>> Thanks to all who commented on and off list.
>>
>> Sid, NZ7M
>>
>> Sent From Sid Frissell's iPad
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Elecraft mailing list

Re: KX Paddles

> On Aug 4, 2016, at 3:37 PM, Wayne Burdick <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Hi Tom,
>
> Your KXPD2 should not have any issue with contact screws loosening over time. Please return them for rework. Sorry about that.

Mine arrived yesterday and I had to have Chris at Elecraft explain to me that, "Yes, it will fit the pins on the KX3. You just have to tilt it upward slightly and then shove it between the pins and the circuit board that blocks entry." and "No, I don't know why they turned the jack 90 degrees compared to the KXPD3."

But when I finally installed it on the KX3, I was surprised to hear dit dah dit dah no matter which paddle I touched. Those posts Tom mentioned (not contact screws) were wobbling severely between contacts whenever either paddle was pressed.

Nothing found in the brief instruction sheet, but I pulled the paddle back out of the hole and began inspecting. The Phillips screws in the countersinks behind the paddles, the ones attached to the contact posts, were loose. A #1 Phillips bit turned each one several revolutions before tightening. Smaller fingers would have helped hold the contact posts steady during that process.

I've only used the paddle for about 10 minutes of sending so far. I don't think the posts have loosened but it's easy enough to check with a pointed pencil. Just stab the tapped hole in the top of each post and press sideways. Or watch the post while keying normally.

Which is better, KXPD3 or KXPD2? The xx2 doesn't match aesthetics of the KX3 but it is superior in use. I make fewer errors at 40 wpm with it.

As to the earlier comment about the $135 cost of a new KXPD3: frankly the KXPD3 is an exceptionally good paddle. I own about 30 or 40 paddles, mostly high end, and these Elecraft creations compete well. I find them superior to the Palm and Begali models made to fit the front panel screw holes on the KX3. (Both are for sale if interested.)

Elecraft did repair (or replace, I'm not sure) one of my KXPD3s that had the intermittent contact problem. There's been no further problem at all, and I do use both frequently on my other 2 KX3s.

If it weren't for the angle of use issue with these paddles, they'd be ranked at the top of popularity lists, along with Profi, Diregent, 9A5N, N3ZN, Mercury, and Hex. The KXPD3 is that good. And if the posts stay stable, KXPD2 is even better.
--
Marc W8SDG

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Tom Francis

Re: KX Paddles

In reply to this post by wayne burdick

Wayne,

I am constantly amazed at the quality Customer Service Elecraft provides
it's customer base. How many people can say they got a reply from one
of the guys who owns the company?

Thank you very much - the paddles will be on their way tomorrow.

Thanks for the information - I appreciate it. I really like both my KX3 and
KX2 - I have a hard time choosing between the two if I'm going
somewhere. :-)

Thanks again - much appreciated.

Very best regards,

Tom, W1TEF
Lexington County, SC

On 8/4/2016 3:37 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

> Hi Tom,
>
> Your KXPD2 should not have any issue with contact screws loosening over time. Please return them for rework. Sorry about that.
>
> We needed a new paddle was for the KX2 because it's a much smaller radio. Some operators using a KXPD3 with the KX2 find that they have to hold the radio in place, because the KXPD3 has much longer paddle arms. This is much less likely with the KXPD2.
>
> The KXPD2 is also smaller, so it takes less room inside a small travel bag like our CS40.
>
> Finally, some customers have asked if we could attach the adjustment wrench to the paddle for storage. We had a opportunity to implement this feature in the new design. The KXPD2 has a 3D-printed housing with clips built in for this purpose.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
> On Aug 4, 2016, at 11:47 AM, Tom Francis <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
>> I have both, am primarily a CW operator and this is my impression.
>>
>> The KXPD2 has "issues" - at least for me. The contact posts keep loosening up -
>> it doesn't matter how hard I tighten them (I'm afraid of over torquing the screws
>> but they are snug), they loosen up. I tried non-hardening Loc-Tite on the screws
>> to no avail. It only seems to happen in a long QSO - not sure if its the vibration
>> or the fact that the contact points are at the top of the long contact post which,
>> even with a light touch, gives some pressure to the posts. Or the countersink
>> for the screws in the plastic is too big which could cause it. Or the screws are
>> aluminum and the posts stainless - two different expansion rates in variable
>> temps.
>>
>> Having said that, my good friend N3EWW doesn't have any issues with his
>> KXPD2 and hasn't had. I had his radio for an entire week using the paddles
>> and never once loosened up. So it might be a quality control problem.
>>
>> The KXPD3 is a whole different construction. The contact posts are shorter and
>> I have not had any issues with them loosening up even under heavy use. I like
>> their overall look of them also.
>>
>> As far as cosmetic things, they look good, feel good when properly adjusted and
>> seem to work just fine (other than the contact post issue). I will say neither one
>> is for the heavy handed CW op unless you have a way to secure the radio. Then
>> again, if you are heavy handed, that could be an issue with respect to the contact
>> posts.
>>
>> Now if I had known at the time I ordered the KX2, I would have opted for the KXPD3
>> with the shorter screws for the KX2. Why they designed a separate set of paddles
>> for the KX2 I don't know, but it might have been a smarter idea to just stick with what
>> worked rather than design a new set to help keep the costs down on the KX2 options.
>>
>> However, when I called Elecraft, my complaint was heard and they are looking into
>> the issue. Hopefully they can come up with an answer.
>>
>> Best regards,
>>
>> Tom, W1TEF
>> Lexington County, SC
>>
>>
>> On 8/4/2016 1:22 PM, Sid Frissell wrote:
>>> Well, I guess I've wrung all the opinions out of you re. KXPD 2 vs KXPD3. Seems like the KXPD2 is preferred.
>>> Thanks to all who commented on and off list.
>>>
>>> Sid, NZ7M
>>>
>>> Sent From Sid Frissell's iPad
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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
>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Re: KX Paddles

Administrator

Hi Tom - Before shipping the paddle, please make sure first to contact our
support team via [hidden email] or on the phone to get a return Service
Authorization (RSA) tracking number, return instructions and our correct return
shipping address information.

That will speed its repair and avoid any chance of losing it here.

73,
Eric
/elecraft.com/
===

On 8/4/2016 2:20 PM, Tom Francis wrote:

> Wayne,
>
> I am constantly amazed at the quality Customer Service Elecraft provides
> it's customer base. How many people can say they got a reply from one
> of the guys who owns the company?
>
> Thank you very much - the paddles will be on their way tomorrow.
>
> Thanks for the information - I appreciate it. I really like both my KX3 and
> KX2 - I have a hard time choosing between the two if I'm going somewhere. :-)
>
> Thanks again - much appreciated.
>
> Very best regards,
>
> Tom, W1TEF
> Lexington County, SC
>
> On 8/4/2016 3:37 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>> Hi Tom,
>>
>> Your KXPD2 should not have any issue with contact screws loosening over time.
>> Please return them for rework. Sorry about that.
>>
>> We needed a new paddle was for the KX2 because it's a much smaller radio.
>> Some operators using a KXPD3 with the KX2 find that they have to hold the
>> radio in place, because the KXPD3 has much longer paddle arms. This is much
>> less likely with the KXPD2.
>>
>> The KXPD2 is also smaller, so it takes less room inside a small travel bag
>> like our CS40.
>>
>> Finally, some customers have asked if we could attach the adjustment wrench
>> to the paddle for storage. We had a opportunity to implement this feature in
>> the new design. The KXPD2 has a 3D-printed housing with clips built in for
>> this purpose.
>>
>> 73,
>> Wayne
>> N6KR
>>
>>
>> On Aug 4, 2016, at 11:47 AM, Tom Francis <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>>> I have both, am primarily a CW operator and this is my impression.
>>>
>>> The KXPD2 has "issues" - at least for me. The contact posts keep loosening
>>> up -
>>> it doesn't matter how hard I tighten them (I'm afraid of over torquing the
>>> screws
>>> but they are snug), they loosen up. I tried non-hardening Loc-Tite on the
>>> screws
>>> to no avail. It only seems to happen in a long QSO - not sure if its the
>>> vibration
>>> or the fact that the contact points are at the top of the long contact post
>>> which,
>>> even with a light touch, gives some pressure to the posts. Or the countersink
>>> for the screws in the plastic is too big which could cause it. Or the screws
>>> are
>>> aluminum and the posts stainless - two different expansion rates in variable
>>> temps.
>>>
>>> Having said that, my good friend N3EWW doesn't have any issues with his
>>> KXPD2 and hasn't had. I had his radio for an entire week using the paddles
>>> and never once loosened up. So it might be a quality control problem.
>>>
>>> The KXPD3 is a whole different construction. The contact posts are shorter and
>>> I have not had any issues with them loosening up even under heavy use. I like
>>> their overall look of them also.
>>>
>>> As far as cosmetic things, they look good, feel good when properly adjusted and
>>> seem to work just fine (other than the contact post issue). I will say
>>> neither one
>>> is for the heavy handed CW op unless you have a way to secure the radio. Then
>>> again, if you are heavy handed, that could be an issue with respect to the
>>> contact
>>> posts.
>>>
>>> Now if I had known at the time I ordered the KX2, I would have opted for the
>>> KXPD3
>>> with the shorter screws for the KX2. Why they designed a separate set of
>>> paddles
>>> for the KX2 I don't know, but it might have been a smarter idea to just
>>> stick with what
>>> worked rather than design a new set to help keep the costs down on the KX2
>>> options.
>>>
>>> However, when I called Elecraft, my complaint was heard and they are looking
>>> into
>>> the issue. Hopefully they can come up with an answer.
>>>
>>> Best regards,
>>>
>>> Tom, W1TEF
>>> Lexington County, SC
>>>
>>>
>>> On 8/4/2016 1:22 PM, Sid Frissell wrote:
>>>> Well, I guess I've wrung all the opinions out of you re. KXPD 2 vs KXPD3.
>>>> Seems like the KXPD2 is preferred.
>>>> Thanks to all who commented on and off list.
>>>>
>>>> Sid, NZ7M
>>>>
>>>> Sent From Sid Frissell's iPad
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> 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
>>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> 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
>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Tom Francis

Re: KX Paddles

Will do - thank you.

Tom, W1TEF

On 8/4/2016 5:27 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote:

> Hi Tom - Before shipping the paddle, please make sure first to contact
> our support team via [hidden email] or on the phone to get a
> return Service Authorization (RSA) tracking number, return
> instructions and our correct return shipping address information.
>
> That will speed its repair and avoid any chance of losing it here.
>
> 73,
> Eric
> /elecraft.com/
> ===
>
> On 8/4/2016 2:20 PM, Tom Francis wrote:
>> Wayne,
>>
>> I am constantly amazed at the quality Customer Service Elecraft provides
>> it's customer base. How many people can say they got a reply from one
>> of the guys who owns the company?
>>
>> Thank you very much - the paddles will be on their way tomorrow.
>>
>> Thanks for the information - I appreciate it. I really like both my
>> KX3 and
>> KX2 - I have a hard time choosing between the two if I'm going
>> somewhere. :-)
>>
>> Thanks again - much appreciated.
>>
>> Very best regards,
>>
>> Tom, W1TEF
>> Lexington County, SC
>>
>> On 8/4/2016 3:37 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>>> Hi Tom,
>>>
>>> Your KXPD2 should not have any issue with contact screws loosening
>>> over time. Please return them for rework. Sorry about that.
>>>
>>> We needed a new paddle was for the KX2 because it's a much smaller
>>> radio. Some operators using a KXPD3 with the KX2 find that they have
>>> to hold the radio in place, because the KXPD3 has much longer paddle
>>> arms. This is much less likely with the KXPD2.
>>>
>>> The KXPD2 is also smaller, so it takes less room inside a small
>>> travel bag like our CS40.
>>>
>>> Finally, some customers have asked if we could attach the adjustment
>>> wrench to the paddle for storage. We had a opportunity to implement
>>> this feature in the new design. The KXPD2 has a 3D-printed housing
>>> with clips built in for this purpose.
>>>
>>> 73,
>>> Wayne
>>> N6KR
>>>
>>>
>>> On Aug 4, 2016, at 11:47 AM, Tom Francis <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I have both, am primarily a CW operator and this is my impression.
>>>>
>>>> The KXPD2 has "issues" - at least for me. The contact posts keep
>>>> loosening up -
>>>> it doesn't matter how hard I tighten them (I'm afraid of over
>>>> torquing the screws
>>>> but they are snug), they loosen up. I tried non-hardening Loc-Tite
>>>> on the screws
>>>> to no avail. It only seems to happen in a long QSO - not sure if
>>>> its the vibration
>>>> or the fact that the contact points are at the top of the long
>>>> contact post which,
>>>> even with a light touch, gives some pressure to the posts. Or the
>>>> countersink
>>>> for the screws in the plastic is too big which could cause it. Or
>>>> the screws are
>>>> aluminum and the posts stainless - two different expansion rates in
>>>> variable
>>>> temps.
>>>>
>>>> Having said that, my good friend N3EWW doesn't have any issues with
>>>> his
>>>> KXPD2 and hasn't had. I had his radio for an entire week using the
>>>> paddles
>>>> and never once loosened up. So it might be a quality control problem.
>>>>
>>>> The KXPD3 is a whole different construction. The contact posts are
>>>> shorter and
>>>> I have not had any issues with them loosening up even under heavy
>>>> use. I like
>>>> their overall look of them also.
>>>>
>>>> As far as cosmetic things, they look good, feel good when properly
>>>> adjusted and
>>>> seem to work just fine (other than the contact post issue). I will
>>>> say neither one
>>>> is for the heavy handed CW op unless you have a way to secure the
>>>> radio. Then
>>>> again, if you are heavy handed, that could be an issue with respect
>>>> to the contact
>>>> posts.
>>>>
>>>> Now if I had known at the time I ordered the KX2, I would have
>>>> opted for the KXPD3
>>>> with the shorter screws for the KX2. Why they designed a separate
>>>> set of paddles
>>>> for the KX2 I don't know, but it might have been a smarter idea to
>>>> just stick with what
>>>> worked rather than design a new set to help keep the costs down on
>>>> the KX2 options.
>>>>
>>>> However, when I called Elecraft, my complaint was heard and they
>>>> are looking into
>>>> the issue. Hopefully they can come up with an answer.
>>>>
>>>> Best regards,
>>>>
>>>> Tom, W1TEF
>>>> Lexington County, SC
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On 8/4/2016 1:22 PM, Sid Frissell wrote:
>>>>> Well, I guess I've wrung all the opinions out of you re. KXPD 2 vs
>>>>> KXPD3. Seems like the KXPD2 is preferred.
>>>>> Thanks to all who commented on and off list.
>>>>>
>>>>> Sid, NZ7M
>>>>>
>>>>> Sent From Sid Frissell's iPad
>>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>>> 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
>>>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>>>>
>>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>>> 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
>>>> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>>>
>>
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
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Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ

Re: KX Paddles

Administrator

The CS40 is the smaller padded soft-case for the KX2 that is just a bit larger
than the radio.
http://store.lowepro.com/viewpoint-cs-40

The CS60 soft-case is about twice the internal volume as the CS40.
http://store.lowepro.com/viewpoint-cs-60

73,
Eric
/elecraft.com/

On 8/4/2016 5:06 PM, Gerry leary wrote:

> What is a CS 40 travel bag?
>
> Sent from my iPhone this time
>
> On Aug 4, 2016, at 3:36 PM, Tom Francis <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Will do - thank you.
>
> Tom, W1TEF
>
>> On 8/4/2016 5:27 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote:
>> Hi Tom - Before shipping the paddle, please make sure first to contact our support team via [hidden email] or on the phone to get a return Service Authorization (RSA) tracking number, return instructions and our correct return shipping address information.
>>
>> That will speed its repair and avoid any chance of losing it here.
>>
>> 73,
>> Eric
>> /elecraft.com/
>> ===
>>
>>> On 8/4/2016 2:20 PM, Tom Francis wrote:
>>> Wayne,
>>>
>>> I am constantly amazed at the quality Customer Service Elecraft provides
>>> it's customer base. How many people can say they got a reply from one
>>> of the guys who owns the company?
>>>
>>> Thank you very much - the paddles will be on their way tomorrow.
>>>
>>> Thanks for the information - I appreciate it. I really like both my KX3 and
>>> KX2 - I have a hard time choosing between the two if I'm going somewhere. :-)
>>>
>>> Thanks again - much appreciated.
>>>
>>> Very best regards,
>>>
>>> Tom, W1TEF
>>> Lexington County, SC
>>>
>>>> On 8/4/2016 3:37 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>>>> Hi Tom,
>>>>
>>>> Your KXPD2 should not have any issue with contact screws loosening over time. Please return them for rework. Sorry about that.
>>>>
>>>> We needed a new paddle was for the KX2 because it's a much smaller radio. Some operators using a KXPD3 with the KX2 find that they have to hold the radio in place, because the KXPD3 has much longer paddle arms. This is much less likely with the KXPD2.
>>>>
>>>> The KXPD2 is also smaller, so it takes less room inside a small travel bag like our CS40.
>>>>
>>>> Finally, some customers have asked if we could attach the adjustment wrench to the paddle for storage. We had a opportunity to implement this feature in the new design. The KXPD2 has a 3D-printed housing with clips built in for this purpose.
>>>>
>>>> 73,
>>>> Wayne
>>>> N6KR
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> On Aug 4, 2016, at 11:47 AM, Tom Francis <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> I have both, am primarily a CW operator and this is my impression.
>>>>>
>>>>> The KXPD2 has "issues" - at least for me. The contact posts keep loosening up -
>>>>> it doesn't matter how hard I tighten them (I'm afraid of over torquing the screws
>>>>> but they are snug), they loosen up. I tried non-hardening Loc-Tite on the screws
>>>>> to no avail. It only seems to happen in a long QSO - not sure if its the vibration
>>>>> or the fact that the contact points are at the top of the long contact post which,
>>>>> even with a light touch, gives some pressure to the posts. Or the countersink
>>>>> for the screws in the plastic is too big which could cause it. Or the screws are
>>>>> aluminum and the posts stainless - two different expansion rates in variable
>>>>> temps.
>>>>>
>>>>> Having said that, my good friend N3EWW doesn't have any issues with his
>>>>> KXPD2 and hasn't had. I had his radio for an entire week using the paddles
>>>>> and never once loosened up. So it might be a quality control problem.
>>>>>
>>>>> The KXPD3 is a whole different construction. The contact posts are shorter and
>>>>> I have not had any issues with them loosening up even under heavy use. I like
>>>>> their overall look of them also.
>>>>>
>>>>> As far as cosmetic things, they look good, feel good when properly adjusted and
>>>>> seem to work just fine (other than the contact post issue). I will say neither one
>>>>> is for the heavy handed CW op unless you have a way to secure the radio. Then
>>>>> again, if you are heavy handed, that could be an issue with respect to the contact
>>>>> posts.
>>>>>
>>>>> Now if I had known at the time I ordered the KX2, I would have opted for the KXPD3
>>>>> with the shorter screws for the KX2. Why they designed a separate set of paddles
>>>>> for the KX2 I don't know, but it might have been a smarter idea to just stick with what
>>>>> worked rather than design a new set to help keep the costs down on the KX2 options.
>>>>>
>>>>> However, when I called Elecraft, my complaint was heard and they are looking into
>>>>> the issue. Hopefully they can come up with an answer.
>>>>>
>>>>> Best regards,
>>>>>
>>>>> Tom, W1TEF
>>>>> Lexington County, SC
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> On 8/4/2016 1:22 PM, Sid Frissell wrote:
>>>>>> Well, I guess I've wrung all the opinions out of you re. KXPD 2 vs KXPD3. Seems like the KXPD2 is preferred.
>>>>>> Thanks to all who commented on and off list.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Sid, NZ7M
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Sent From Sid Frissell's iPad
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