[Elecraft] KX Paddles

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Tom,

Your KXPD2 should not have any issue with contact screws loosening over time. Please return them for rework. Sorry about that.

We needed a new paddle was for the KX2 because it's a much smaller radio. Some operators using a KXPD3 with the KX2 find that they have to hold the radio in place, because the KXPD3 has much longer paddle arms. This is much less likely with the KXPD2.

The KXPD2 is also smaller, so it takes less room inside a small travel bag like our CS40. 

Finally, some customers have asked if we could attach the adjustment wrench to the paddle for storage. We had a opportunity to implement this feature in the new design. The KXPD2 has a 3D-printed housing with clips built in for this purpose.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


On Aug 4, 2016, at 11:47 AM, Tom Francis <w1tef at swsports.org> wrote:

> 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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