[Elecraft] kx1 and single-lever paddles?

[W0rw at aol.com]

This is a simple conversion of the KX1 iambic paddle (KXPD1) to a single 
lever paddle.

i never was able to convert over to iambic keying since i learned to
send CW with a regular Vibroplex bug. i have always been able to send faster 
and with fewer errors on a single lever paddle. When i have to use any iambic 
paddle i must keep my fingers spaced really far apart. 
The conversion uses an exoskeleton plastic case over the KXPD1 iambic levers.
The exoskeleton case prevents the operation of both levers at the same time.

i found an old 9 Volt NiCad battery (Eveready type CH22, really 7.2V, that 
has the 2 snap clips on the top), i took all the NiCad cells out and the case 
fits right over the iambic paddles. This case is made of a one piece plastic 
shell.
You must remove the KXPD1 rubber boots and shorten the plastic battery case a 
little.  Fine spacing adjustments can be made by taping thin
pieces of postage stamp size cardboard (3x5 card stock) inside the plastic 
case.

Now the last task is to hold the case in place and to get the case to pivot 
around the levers.
i placed a long uninsulated terminal lug under the top left paddle PCB screw 
and formed it up to the top of the key. This made a little peg for the case to 
pivot on.
Then i epoxied an Exacto knife to the top of the case. The hole in the Exacto 
blade fits over the peg. The case can now easily be attached for single lever 
operation or taken off for iambic operation.
(You could drill and tap a small hole in the aluminum block and put in a 
small screw to make the pivot but it isn't as adjustable as the lug).
The plastic case doesn't fall off when you are walking around Pedestrian 
Mobile either...

i have a photo of the final paddle conversion in the W0RW photo section of 
HFPack2. Try this link 
http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/hfpack2/vwp?.dir=/W0RW+-+Paul&.dnm=KXPD1+Mod.jpg&.src=gr&.view=t&.hires=t
The photo makes the conversion very easy to understand.
Now after using it and it adds 15 wpm to my sending speed.

Necessity is the Mother of Invention !
Paul  w0rw at aol.com

       Paul Signorelli   w0rw at aol.com
       P.O. Box 6069
       Colorado Springs, CO  80934