[Elecraft] Re: [QRP-L] KXPD1 cold WX operation?

[W0rw at aol.com]

Hi Steve.
Yes, i use the KX1 in cold conditions.
But i have removed the rubber lever covers on the KXPD1 for my Single Lever 
modification.
So, i have never noticed the low temperature issue that you have found.
You just need to find a lower temperature silicon rubber for the lever covers.
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Here is the description of the conversion of the KXPD1 iambic paddle to a 
single lever paddle.
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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 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 it fits 
right over the 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
(3x5 card stock) pieces of postage stamp size cardboard 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 mounting hole in 
the Exacto blade fits over this 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. 
The photo makes the idea very easy to understand........
Send request...to  Paul:  w0rw at aol.com
Now after this modification i can send a lot faster.
Paul  w0rw