[Elecraft] [KX3] Sideswiper mode for internal keyer (also K3)

[Fred Jensen]

On 1/10/2012 1:31 PM, Bruce Beford wrote:
> Understood, Thomas. I just thought I would post what Wayne had
> already stated on the other list. perhaps as more people indicate
> interest in this type of configuration, a firmware change will add
> that option. 73, Bruce, N1RX

We seem to have advanced [?] to the point where every perceived problem, 
need, want, or nice-to-have can be solved only by a firmware change at 
Elecraft, preferably by Wayne.

All the sideswipers I've ever seen in 58 years as a ham and a couple 
more as a really interested little kid, aside from some being real works 
of art, had the two stationary contacts tied together.  They went to the 
"hot" side of the key plug, the base went to the sleeve.  Plug it into 
your Heath AT-1, Viking II, or whatever, and send away.  If you've never 
seen a real one, think of two J-38 hand keys mounted base-to-base on 
edge.  So:

1.  Procure a plug appropriate to your rig.  For a K3, a 2 ckt [tip, 
ring, sleeve] 1/4" phone plug will work really good and probably last a 
long time.

2.  Carefully connect the two stationary contacts on the key together 
[if they are not already connected] and connect that to one wire in a 
1-pr [2-wire] cable.

3.  Connect the other wire to the base contact on the key.

4.  On the other end of the cable, connect the first wire to the tip 
contact of the plug.  Connect the second wire to the sleeve contact. 
Don't connect anything to the ring contact.

5.  Now, say "Oh crap," undo what you did in step 4 and feed the plug 
cover onto the wire, back of cover first.

6.  Redo Step 4, and tighten the plug cover.

7.  Insert the plug into the KEY jack on the back of the K3.

8.  Put the K3 in CW on the band of choice.

9.  Call CQ.

Zero lines of code and Wayne can go back to all the re-engineering 
requests for the KX3.

If you have a K2 or a KX1, the appropriate plug is a 2-ckt [tip, ring, 
sleeve] mini-stereo.  There are several sizes, take your radio to the 
store and see what fits.  You have to go into the menu and select "Hnd". 
  I don't have a K1, but I'll bet money it's the same.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2012 Cal QSO Party 6-7 Oct 2012
- www.cqp.org