[Elecraft] KX3 Questions

[Donald Butler]

I have the same issues with my KXPD3.  With maybe 100-125 CW qsos logged
using the KX3 and KXPD3 I have now accepted the fact that I must
compromise and use a more coarse paddle adjustment.  I have also had
issues with random dropping of the first "dah", which is further
complicated when a "dah" is supposed to break up a string of "dits" as
it does in iambic keying.  I initially thought I had it fixed after
cleaning the KXPD3 contacts with Deoxit and further adjustments, but the
problem still surfaces occasionally.  My sending becomes a bit
embarrasing at times as a result.  (not to imply that I have a "great"
fist, which I do not)  BUT, in my mind, the advantages of having the
KXPD3 conveniently attached to the rig far outweigh these minor
inconveniences.  I bought my KX3 for portable operation, and am willing
to accept the many compromises associated with that.

Another minor KXPD3 issue .... The way the paddles themselves are
machined there are sharp right angle margins adjacent to  all of the
finger and thumb contact areas.  If those edges were rounded and
smoothed moderately they would be much more comfortable to use .. In my
hands at least.

Don, N5LZ
KX3 S/N 125

-----Original Message-----
From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill Gerth
Sent: Monday, July 02, 2012 9:12 AM
To: Sid Leben
Cc: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Questions


Sid,

Regarding your KXPD3, I have had similar experiences. I, too, prefer  
small gap spacing and also had the same experiences that you did  
regarding a string of dits or dahs.  I may be imagining this, but I  
think it may have to do with thermal expansion / contraction of the  
metal components.  I think I can correlate paddle performance at tight  
gap spacing with temperature changes.  My shack tends to cool off  
overnight when my equipment is off and the HVAC gets ahead of the heat  
load.  Then during the day it heats up.  I should probably get out my  
feeler gauges and prove or disprove my theory.  But, I now have a gap  
setting that works 24/7.  It is a bit wider than I'd like, but I have  
adapted easily and I really like the KXPD3.

When you're outdoors this afternoon, maybe you can detect the same  
thermal effects that I experienced.

Good luck and stay cool!

73,

BILL GERTH, W4RK
Jefferson City, MO
First Licensed 1954
CWOPS #459
KX3 (S/N 112)

On Jul 2, 2012, at 9:51 AM, Sid Leben wrote:

> I received my KX3 a few days ago & we are getting acquainted.   
> Similar to my K3, but not the same..
> I downloaded the newest Beta, 1.06.
> As I understand it, there is some form of DSP installed.  When I
> invoke "NR" the screen reads "tbd"  I assume that more is to come,  
> as there are no levels to adjust as in the K3.  The AGC left at the  
> default Threshold of 7, is not sufficient.  I will try lower levels  
> to stop the overload from strong stations.
> I am trying to use the APF mode.  A little complex, but it tends to  
> ring when peaked in mode II.
>
> XPD3 paddle.  Mechanically a very nice match to the rig.  I prefer a
> tight (little movement ) paddle. I adjusted the paddles until  
> constant contact & then backed off, then tightened.  Still more  
> movement then I like, but I can acclimate.  Sometimes in the middle  
> of a transmission, I would get a string of dits or dahs, generally  
> happens when settings too tight.  I have opened the settings more,  
> inducing more travel, & I still get the "stuck" condition.  I am  
> wondering if this is a mechanical problem with the key, or a  
> software pblm with the encoder circuit ????
>
> I will take it portable this afternoon & give it a workout.  I would
> appreciate comments.
>
> Sid
> KC2EE
>
>
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