[Elecraft] M1-M4: Can a CW Paddle that has four memory switches be wired directly to the K3?

[Wayne Burdick]

Short answer is: not a good idea.

The K3 front panel PC board has top-surface gold-plated "landing pads"  
for each of the pushbutton switches. It might be possible to find  
appropriate vias (holes) at which to attach discrete wires to activate  
the switches externally. But this could introduce noise into the A-to- 
D switch read channels, and also cause radiated noise (RFI) to  
increase into the receiver.

A better approach would be to use an external pad of some kind to send  
commands via RS232 to the K3.

Better yet: An Elecraft accessory keypad that plugs into the front- 
panel jack under the VFO B and RIT controls. That's certainly  
something we're considering.

73,
Wayne
N6KR