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KX3 - ERR KEY when using hand key

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Mike Parkes

KX3 - ERR KEY when using hand key

Hi everyone. Trying to get set up here with a hand key for the first time
with the KX3.
I acquired a key that came with a 1/4" plug, so I thought I could buy an
adapter that would take this down to a 1/8" plug and avoid having to solder
anything. The 1/8" plug is stereo, and the meter shows that TIP is being
keyed and the base and ring are common. Turning the rig on with the key
plugged in throws a KEY ERR message. I am guessing the ring can't be common
to the base of the plug for a hand key? Thanks, 73's Mike AB7RU
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Mike Parkes

Re: KX3 - ERR KEY when using hand key

Thank you Jim!
I figured that was the case. Well... I think I found a solution although it
is a little gangsta... I just wrapped the "ring" area on the 1/4" plug with
some scotch tape to make sure the ring isn't keyed, only the tip. And that
works! I am able to key the rig, however now whenever hold the key down it
wants to send a series of dots. I have CW KEY2 set to "HAND" but it is
still trying to send a series of dots?
Mike

On Fri, Dec 14, 2018 at 5:33 AM Jim Sheldon <[hidden email]> wrote:

> It has to be a stereo plug -- both the TIP and RING on the KX3's key
> jack key the rig when in Hand Key mode. This means unless you have a
> stereo plug on the end of your Key, even an adapter won't work as the
> MONO plugs SHELL (Ground) will short the "RING" terminal on the KX3 to
> ground causing it to key all the time. Change out the cable on your
> hand key to one with a 1/8" stereo plug, and hook ground to the "SLEEVE"
> and the KEY contact to the "TIP" of the stereo cable. All will work.
>
> Jim, W0EB
>
> ------ Original Message ------
> From: "Mike Parkes" <[hidden email]>
> To: [hidden email]
> Sent: 12/14/2018 7:18:16 AM
> Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 - ERR KEY when using hand key
>
> >Hi everyone. Trying to get set up here with a hand key for the first time
> >with the KX3.
> >I acquired a key that came with a 1/4" plug, so I thought I could buy an
> >adapter that would take this down to a 1/8" plug and avoid having to
> solder
> >anything. The 1/8" plug is stereo, and the meter shows that TIP is being
> >keyed and the base and ring are common. Turning the rig on with the key
> >plugged in throws a KEY ERR message. I am guessing the ring can't be
> common
> >to the base of the plug for a hand key? Thanks, 73's Mike AB7RU
> >______________________________________________________________
> >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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Don Wilhelm

Re: KX3 - ERR KEY when using hand key

In reply to this post by Mike Parkes

Mike,

Plugging a mono plug into a stereo adapter will ground the ring contact
of the adapter's stereo plug.
The ring contact of the end with the stereo jack will contact the shell
(base) of the mono plug.

Holding either paddle contact grounded when you power on will cause an
ERR PTT or KEY ERR message.

Easiest solution is to change the plug on the key to a stereo 1/8 inch
plug. Connect only to the tip and the shell. You will be able to use
it not only with the KX3, but also with other transceivers you might have.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/14/2018 8:18 AM, Mike Parkes wrote:
> Hi everyone. Trying to get set up here with a hand key for the first time
> with the KX3.
> I acquired a key that came with a 1/4" plug, so I thought I could buy an
> adapter that would take this down to a 1/8" plug and avoid having to solder
> anything. The 1/8" plug is stereo, and the meter shows that TIP is being
> keyed and the base and ring are common. Turning the rig on with the key
> plugged in throws a KEY ERR message. I am guessing the ring can't be common
> to the base of the plug for a hand key? Thanks, 73's Mike AB7RU
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Nr4c

Re: KX3 - ERR KEY when using hand key

In reply to this post by Mike Parkes

Lift the Ring.

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill

> On Dec 14, 2018, at 8:18 AM, Mike Parkes <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Hi everyone. Trying to get set up here with a hand key for the first time
> with the KX3.
> I acquired a key that came with a 1/4" plug, so I thought I could buy an
> adapter that would take this down to a 1/8" plug and avoid having to solder
> anything. The 1/8" plug is stereo, and the meter shows that TIP is being
> keyed and the base and ring are common. Turning the rig on with the key
> plugged in throws a KEY ERR message. I am guessing the ring can't be common
> to the base of the plug for a hand key? Thanks, 73's Mike AB7RU
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]