[Elecraft] KXPD1

[DYARNES@aol.com]

I suppose someone has already discussed the KXPD1 paddle at length, but if 
so, I missed it.  I didn't order one initially, but the more I thought about it 
and looked at the pictures on the website, the more I thought it might just be 
the right thing.  To be honest with you, I thought it was a bit overpriced 
(and still do), but now that I have one I don't think it is that much 
overpriced.  

It goes together very easily (yes, it is a kit).  The only trick is that you 
must follow the directions about making the contact wires FLAT on the PC 
boards.  Even the slightest curve in those two wires is enough to create a small 
problem when you try to key up.  But it isn't hard to get it right, so don't 
worry.  

The paddle is really pretty ingenious.  I've never seen anything like it, and 
I wonder how they figured all this out.  Somebody with a very sharp mind 
created this little jewel.  You will be impressed with the quality of the parts.

Once the paddle is assembled, you just plug it in and you are ready to go.  
It locks in with a thumb screw which gives it a fairly solid feel.  As others 
have already pointed out, you must get used to using the far end of the paddle 
rather than just banging it anywhere, which is my usual procedure.  Since the 
wire contacts are at the very end of the paddle on both sides, that is where 
you need to apply pressure.  It's a little complicated to explain, but both 
sides of the paddle have precision curved sheet metal (I'm sure I'm describing 
this incorrectly) which makes contact with the wire on the paddle board when you 
apply pressure.  I was very surprised at how effectively this works.

It doesn't take an excessive amount of pressure either.  For me, the touch is 
pretty darn good.  Once you get used to making sure you strike either side of 
the paddle near the far end, you will be sending very good CW.  And you can 
go just about as fast as you want too.  I tried it up to speeds of appox. 35 
wpm, and it worked fine.  Typically I run about 20-25 wpm, and this is a breeze 
with this paddle.

One thing I noted, which probably doesn't affect very many of you, is that 
the instructions are definitely RIGHT HANDED!  Now, lefties like me might want 
to make a little revision in the instructions, but only if you are a lefty that 
uses a right handed paddle!  That's my situation, and because of that I wired 
the paddle incorrectly for me, but in accordance with the instructions 
nevertheless.  You see, I send dashes with my thumb and dots with my index finger.  
But being left handed, I like to have the paddle angled to the left.  If you 
look at the pictures showing the paddle attached, you will see what I mean.  
Well, wiring the paddle according to the instructions, and locking in the paddle 
angled to the left, you get the dashes on the wrong side for oddballs like 
me.  But not to worry!  The slick little KX1, and most other rigs (including 
other Elecraft rigs) allow you to set the paddle in reverse, usually because some 
rigs have a different setup for the plug. 

Earlier I said I thought the paddle might be a bit overpriced.  Well, that's 
just my opinion.  There is a heck of a lot of engineering that went into this 
little gizmo, so I may very well be wrong.  After using one, I don't think the 
difference between what I paid and what I thought I should have paid is 
really that significant.  Besides, these guys have to make a living selling these 
things, and I don't mind contributing a little to their 401(k).  

But I also (think) I know that not that many people are ordering this 
accessory.  I've worked a bunch of others who have the KX1, but not one of them had 
the paddle.  This is not a scientifically correct sample, but from a marketing 
standpoint (which was not my major in college by the way), I think they could 
have sold the heck out of these things if they had priced it under $50.  Being 
an old Sears Roebuck part timer, I think $49.99 would be terrific.  And let's 
face it!  Hams are pretty darn tight when it comes to spending money!   But 
maybe they are doing just fine at this price point.  Anyway, what I'm telling 
YOU is to go ahead and spend the extra few bucks if you really want the most 
convenient way of sending good CW.  I don't think you will be that unhappy about 
it after you get it all put together.  What I'm telling ERIC and WAYNE is, 
that if sales are not that good for this accessory, try runnig a "blue light" 
special!  

So, in short, the KXPD1 is a definite winner!  It allows you to send darn 
good CW, and it really is a fine piece of workmanship.  As someone else pointed 
out, it is not a Schurr Profi, but for my money it is a bunch better than just 
about any other option for taking a rig to the field.  If you are much of a 
traveler, this is the ticket!  I'm happy!

Dave W7AQK


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