[Elecraft] KX2 / KXPD2 shorting with stuck dots and "ERR KEY"

[Wayne Burdick]

I think we’re talking about two different pairs of screws: 

- The thumb screws in the KXPD2 are identical in length (with blunt tip). I’m sure that’s not Mike’s issue. 

- The other screws are the 2-56 pan-heads that hold the paddle together. These come in from the back side. It’s possible they’re shorting to the case when the paddle is cinched down. I proposed a workaround while he awaits a replacement paddle.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


> On Jun 17, 2018, at 8:57 AM, Nr4c <nr4c at widomaker.com> wrote:
> 
> I can’t remember, but are the screws IDENTICAL?  Are the ends the same?  
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> ...nr4c. bill
> 
> 
>> On Jun 17, 2018, at 2:37 AM, Michael Jarvis <michael at jarvis.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Hello, 
>> 
>> I'm a fairly new owner of a KX2 with a KXPD2 paddle, and I just noticed this evening that something is causing the paddle to get "stuck" sending dots. I have backed off the contacts and verified that the little wires aren't shorted, and I seem to have narrowed down the problem to how snugly it is attached to the KX2. 
>> 
>> If I tighten then thumb screws finger-snug, it starts sending dits as if it's shorted. Backing off the thumb screws a bit seems to help with the issue. Obviously there's a short somewhere, but I'm not sure where to check. I'm not sure why the tightness of the thumb screws on the KXPD2 would cause a short. 
>> 
>> Does anyone have any suggestions on what to try next? I'm leaving for a camping trip tomorrow, and I'm taking the KX2 with me. I had hoped to use the KXPD2 paddle, but it looks like I may be packing one of my other paddles for this trip just in case. 
>> 
>> Any suggestions will be appreciated! Thanks!
>> 
>> 73, Mike Jarvis - N5MAJ