[Elecraft] KX3 - ERR KEY when using hand key

[Mike Parkes]

Thank you Jim!
I figured that was the case. Well... I think I found a solution although it
is a little gangsta... I just wrapped the "ring" area on the 1/4" plug with
some scotch tape to make sure the ring isn't keyed, only the tip. And that
works! I am able to key the rig, however now whenever hold the key down it
wants to send a series of dots. I have CW KEY2 set to "HAND" but it is
still trying to send a series of dots?
Mike

On Fri, Dec 14, 2018 at 5:33 AM Jim Sheldon <w0eb at cox.net> wrote:

> It has to be a stereo plug -- both the TIP and RING on the KX3's key
> jack key the rig when in Hand Key mode.  This means unless you have a
> stereo plug on the end of your Key, even an adapter won't work as the
> MONO plugs SHELL (Ground) will short the "RING" terminal on the KX3 to
> ground causing it to key all the time.  Change out the cable on your
> hand key to one with a 1/8" stereo plug, and hook ground to the "SLEEVE"
> and the KEY contact to the "TIP" of the stereo cable.  All will work.
>
> Jim, W0EB
>
> ------ Original Message ------
> From: "Mike Parkes" <mspmail2 at gmail.com>
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Sent: 12/14/2018 7:18:16 AM
> Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 - ERR KEY when using hand key
>
> >Hi everyone. Trying to get set up here with a hand key for the first time
> >with the KX3.
> >I acquired a key that came with a 1/4" plug, so I thought I could buy an
> >adapter that would take this down to a 1/8" plug and avoid having to
> solder
> >anything. The 1/8" plug is stereo, and the meter shows that TIP is being
> >keyed and the base and ring are common. Turning the rig on with the key
> >plugged in throws a KEY ERR message. I am guessing the ring can't be
> common
> >to the base of the plug for a hand key? Thanks, 73's Mike AB7RU
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