I have the same issues with my KXPD3. With maybe 100-125 CW qsos logged using the KX3 and KXPD3 I have now accepted the fact that I must compromise and use a more coarse paddle adjustment. I have also had issues with random dropping of the first "dah", which is further complicated when a "dah" is supposed to break up a string of "dits" as it does in iambic keying. I initially thought I had it fixed after cleaning the KXPD3 contacts with Deoxit and further adjustments, but the problem still surfaces occasionally. My sending becomes a bit embarrasing at times as a result. (not to imply that I have a "great" fist, which I do not) BUT, in my mind, the advantages of having the KXPD3 conveniently attached to the rig far outweigh these minor inconveniences. I bought my KX3 for portable operation, and am willing to accept the many compromises associated with that.
Another minor KXPD3 issue .... The way the paddles themselves are machined there are sharp right angle margins adjacent to all of the finger and thumb contact areas. If those edges were rounded and smoothed moderately they would be much more comfortable to use .. In my hands at least. Don, N5LZ KX3 S/N 125 -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Bill Gerth Sent: Monday, July 02, 2012 9:12 AM To: Sid Leben Cc: [email protected] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Questions Sid, Regarding your KXPD3, I have had similar experiences. I, too, prefer small gap spacing and also had the same experiences that you did regarding a string of dits or dahs. I may be imagining this, but I think it may have to do with thermal expansion / contraction of the metal components. I think I can correlate paddle performance at tight gap spacing with temperature changes. My shack tends to cool off overnight when my equipment is off and the HVAC gets ahead of the heat load. Then during the day it heats up. I should probably get out my feeler gauges and prove or disprove my theory. But, I now have a gap setting that works 24/7. It is a bit wider than I'd like, but I have adapted easily and I really like the KXPD3. When you're outdoors this afternoon, maybe you can detect the same thermal effects that I experienced. Good luck and stay cool! 73, BILL GERTH, W4RK Jefferson City, MO First Licensed 1954 CWOPS #459 KX3 (S/N 112) On Jul 2, 2012, at 9:51 AM, Sid Leben wrote: > I received my KX3 a few days ago & we are getting acquainted. > Similar to my K3, but not the same.. > I downloaded the newest Beta, 1.06. > As I understand it, there is some form of DSP installed. When I > invoke "NR" the screen reads "tbd" I assume that more is to come, > as there are no levels to adjust as in the K3. The AGC left at the > default Threshold of 7, is not sufficient. I will try lower levels > to stop the overload from strong stations. > I am trying to use the APF mode. A little complex, but it tends to > ring when peaked in mode II. > > XPD3 paddle. Mechanically a very nice match to the rig. I prefer a > tight (little movement ) paddle. I adjusted the paddles until > constant contact & then backed off, then tightened. Still more > movement then I like, but I can acclimate. Sometimes in the middle > of a transmission, I would get a string of dits or dahs, generally > happens when settings too tight. I have opened the settings more, > inducing more travel, & I still get the "stuck" condition. I am > wondering if this is a mechanical problem with the key, or a > software pblm with the encoder circuit ???? > > I will take it portable this afternoon & give it a workout. I would > appreciate comments. > > Sid > KC2EE > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[email protected] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
