Elecraft KXPD3 User Manual

Elecraft® KXPD3 Precision Keyer Paddles

Revision D, September 21, 2012

Copyright © 2012, Elecraft, Inc., All Rights Reserved

The KXPD3 paddles are designed for use with the KX3 transceiver. They mount directly on the KX3 to provide
smooth, stable and compact operation anywhere with the KX3 sitting flat or standing on its tilt feet. Each paddle
features fully adjustable contact spacing.

Figure 1. KXPD3 Paddles Mounted on KX3.

Parts Included

Included with your fully assembled KXPD3 paddles are the following wrenches and springs that you can use to
customize the feel of your paddles. Full instructions for doing so are included on the following pages.

KXPD3 Tension Springs

Your KXPD3 Paddles are supplied with a medium weight spring (E980240) installed. A firmer spring
(E980218) and a lighter spring (E980239) are supplied (see Spring Replacement, pg 3).

KXPD3 Wrench Set

The wrench set (E850522) includes one 0.035” hex wrench and one 0.050” hex wrench for adjusting the
contacts (see Contact Spacing Adjustment, pg 3).

Also included is one 3/32” hex wrench required for changing the tension springs.

Elecraft, Inc. • www.elecraft.com • 831-763-4211

Mounting the Paddles

Before attaching the paddles to the KX3, be sure the thumb screws are installed so that the screw with the blunt
end is on the right hand side when looking down at the top of the paddles side shown below. Reversing the
screws will eventually cause a short circuit inside the KX3.

Plug the paddles in carefully, taking care not to bend the pins of the connector inside the KX3, until the paddle
housing is flat against the KX3 enclosure. Screw in both thumb screws until they are finger tight.

Figure 2. Checking the Mounting Screw Orientation.

Enabling the Paddles

The paddles may be used in right hand, left hand or manual key mode selected in the KX3 menu as follows. See
the KX3 Owner’s manual for complete CW setup and operating instructions.

 Turn the KX3 on and tap the MODE switch to select CW.
 Set PWR to 0.0 or connect a dummy load to the KX3
 Hold the MENU switch to access the menu.

been accessed since power was turned on.

 Rotate the OFS / B knob (above the MENU switch) to locate

separate key jack on the KX3 side panel).

 Rotate the VFO knob to choose either

produces dashes) or

 Tap MENU to exit and test your paddles.

If one or both paddles fail to key the KX3, first check the contact spacing adjustment below. Also, the keyer

will not respond if the thumb screws are not tightened to provide a ground return path.

HAND (either paddle keys the KX3 as long as it is held closed).

BKLIGHT will appear on the display if the menu hasn’t

CW KEY 2. (CW Key 1 controls the

LFT = DOT (left paddle produces dots), LFT = DASH (left paddle

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