Operational help for KX1

[Mac McKee]

Elecraft,
    I need assistance with the operation of my KX1.  I cannot get the radio to key-up using a straight key or a set of paddles.  It works with the KXPD1.  My KXPD1 does not seem to operate as smoothly as expected, i.e. the dash paddle doesn't always make contact with normal(for me) pressure.  When I enter the menu at INP and set it at Hnd and plug in a hand key or paddles nothing happens (rig won't key).  Am I missing something in the instructions?  Bad J3 recepticle?  Wrong plug on my key or paddles(These do work elsewhere)?  
    I have the KXB30 and the KXAT1 installed.  The number on the enclosure is 01186, I did not build the rig and I appear to be the 3rd owner. I have RevB,Nov3,2003 w/errata sheet Rev B-4, Oct 15,2004.  
    Thank you in advance for any assistance you may provide.  

Sincerely, Madison McKee (Mac), W3MAC
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[Don Wilhelm-4]

Mac,

Since the KXPD1 works, there is no problem with the KX1 - try the KXPD1
again (you must connect the screw tightly to get a ground contact) - set
the INP menu to HND and it should key with the DOT paddle.
If that works as expected, check the plug from the hand key.  It must be
a stereo 3.5mm plug (it should not be loose in the jack) and have the
frame of the hand key connected to the shell (check with ohmmeter) - the
'hot' lead of the hand key must connect to the tip of the plug - no
connection to the ring.

For paddles, again the frame (or common) of the paddles connects to the
shell.  The dot paddle connects to the tip and the dash paddle connects
to the ring.  You can make those checks with your ohmmeter.

I don't know why they would work on other rigs but not on the KX1 unless
the plug size is wrong or you do not have the plug inserted all the way
- none of the sleeve should be exposed when the plug is fully inserted.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/20/2013 1:01 PM, Mac McKee wrote:
> Elecraft,
>      I need assistance with the operation of my KX1.  I cannot get the radio to key-up using a straight key or a set of paddles.  It works with the KXPD1.  My KXPD1 does not seem to operate as smoothly as expected, i.e. the dash paddle doesn't always make contact with normal(for me) pressure.  When I enter the menu at INP and set it at Hnd and plug in a hand key or paddles nothing happens (rig won't key).  Am I missing something in the instructions?  Bad J3 recepticle?  Wrong plug on my key or paddles(These do work elsewhere)?
>

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[Michael Babineau-2]

Mac :

In addition to Don's comments about ensuring that any external key (paddles or straight key) has a stereo plug,
I will add that if you are having some problems with the KXPD1, make sure that your finger and thumb are depressing
the KXPD1 paddles near the tips of the leaf springs.  When I haven't used the rig in a while I sometimes forget this and I do notice
a difference in the reliability  of the keying with the KXPD1.  

Oh yeah,  as Don also mentioned the screw holding the KXPD1 needs to be tight enough to ensure a good ground connection
between the KXPD1 paddle and rig.

Best of luck

Michael VE3WMB (KX1, K1 & K2 builder / owner)
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