[Elecraft] KX Paddles

[Tom Francis]

I have both, am primarily a CW operator and this is my impression.

The KXPD2 has "issues" - at least for me.  The contact posts keep 
loosening up -
it doesn't matter how hard I tighten them (I'm afraid of over torquing 
the screws
but they are snug), they loosen up.  I tried non-hardening Loc-Tite on 
the screws
to no avail.  It only seems to happen in a long QSO - not sure if its 
the vibration
or the fact that the contact points are at the top of the long contact 
post which,
even with a light touch, gives some pressure to the posts.  Or the 
countersink
for the screws in the plastic is too big which could cause it. Or the 
screws are
aluminum and the posts stainless - two different expansion rates in variable
temps.

Having said that, my good friend N3EWW doesn't have any issues with his
KXPD2 and hasn't had.  I had his radio for an entire week using the paddles
and never once loosened up.  So it might be a quality control problem.

The KXPD3 is a whole different construction.  The contact posts are 
shorter and
I have not had any issues with them loosening up even under heavy use. I 
like
their overall look of them also.

As far as cosmetic things, they look good, feel good when properly 
adjusted and
seem to work just fine (other than the contact post issue). I will say 
neither one
is for the heavy handed CW op unless you have a way to secure the 
radio.  Then
again, if you are heavy handed, that could be an issue with respect to 
the contact
posts.

Now if I had known at the time I ordered the KX2, I would have opted for 
the KXPD3
with the shorter screws for the KX2. Why they designed a separate set of 
paddles
for the KX2 I don't know, but it might have been a smarter idea to just 
stick with what
worked rather than design a new set to help keep the costs down on the 
KX2 options.

However, when I called Elecraft, my complaint was heard and they are 
looking into
the issue.  Hopefully they can come up with an answer.

Best regards,

Tom, W1TEF
Lexington County, SC


On 8/4/2016 1:22 PM, Sid Frissell wrote:
> Well, I guess I've wrung all the opinions out of you re. KXPD 2 vs KXPD3.  Seems like the KXPD2 is preferred.
> Thanks to all who commented on and off list.
>
> Sid, NZ7M
>
> Sent From Sid Frissell's iPad
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