[Elecraft] KXPD3 and KX3 questions related to learning CW

[pirey4]

I'm finally learning CW using my KX3 with the KXPD3.  

I adjusted the paddles a number of times but it seemed like the left paddle
would periodically miss a dit.  Sometimes I could hit the left paddle
several times with no response. I found a post from KE7X which said that he
changed the orientation of the pivot pins
(http://www.ke7x.com/home/miscellaneous-k3-information/kxpd3-paddle-intermittant). 
When I opened my KXPD3, the left paddle had the necked down end of the pivot
pin facing down and right paddle had the necked down end of the pivot pin
facing up.  Following KE7X's suggestion, I reversed the direction of the
left pivot pin (so that the neck down end is facing up).  Since I had the
unit apart, I also changed to the firm spring.  The changes made have
significantly improved (if not totally fixed) the problem.  Figure 5 on page
4 of the KXPD3 manual shows the non-necked-down end of the pivot pin facing
up.  Is there a correct orientation of for pivot pins or should it not
matter which way they are inserted?

I've also seen posts about adding a grounding jumper wire to the side screws
(http://wv0h.blogspot.com/2013/09/kxpd3-mod.html).  Is this necessary?

Is there a setting that will keep the decoded text on the VFO B display? 
When I finish keying, I like to look to see if I made any mistakes.  The VFO
B display often switches back to the VFO B frequency before I have a chance
to finish reading the text.

I'm practicing sending in a location outside my shack so I don't have an
antenna connected.  I have the output power set to 0 watts.  Sometimes when
I try to turn off the KX3 I don't hit the "Band -" and "ATU TUNE" button at
exactly the same time and it tries to tune with no antenna.  Will this hurt
the KX3 since it changes the output power to 3 watts when it is tuning and
appears to exercise all the relays inside?

If so, is there a setting to use a power on/off button combo that doesn't
use the "ATU TUNE" button?

The fact that I sometimes have trouble pressing the on/off button sequence
within the allotted time window is probably indicative of a lack of
coordination on my part.  This could be related to the intermittent dit as
well.  

Thanks,

phil K4PMI



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