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Reviews For: QRPGuys Iambic Mini Paddle (KIT)

Category: Keys & Paddles

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Review Summary For : QRPGuys Iambic Mini Paddle (KIT)
Reviews: 5MSRP: 15 plus shipping
Description:
The QRPGuys Iambic Paddle will allow you to mount this paddle directly to the front or side of your existing chassis. It is only 1.75”W x 2.25”L x .62”H and at .65 oz. (18 grams), it is light weight and ideal for portable or field operations. You construct it from the individually routed PCB pieces, and after soldering forms a strong mechanical assembly. All the electrical circuitry is embedded into the pieces and forms the needed connections upon assembly. The paddle is a dual lever design with all stainless steel levers and contact hardware.
Product is in production
More Info: http://qrpguys.apps-1and1.com/iambic_mini__paddle
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0054.8
G4VRR Rating: 2020-03-19
KX3 Variant of This "Iambic" Paddle Key Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
As per the title, this review concerns the Elecraft KX3 variant of this product.

Once soldered together, the PCBs make a sturdy structure. The instructions are faultless always provided you RTFM thoroughly. A lot of care and thought has gone into these instructions. You are encouraged to use a flat work surface, but I used the radio as a build jig. Why struggle and try to build freehand and then expect it to fit when you can build in the fit in the first place? In addition, I used "Plasticene" to align the PCBs while tack soldering. Good luck doing it without a spare pair of hands. Keep in mind that modelling clay leaves an oily residue that has to be cleaned off before any subsequent soldering. I intend to apply some "Araldite" or similar to beef up the radio connector around the wires because there is strain on the four tiny legs when inserting and removing the key. The #2 screws, nuts and various washers are really fiddly but necessary for the application.

I have deducted one star only because the attachment thumbscrews are not captive. They are relatively small and they WILL inevitably be dropped onto grass at the intended deployment scenario, especially with old and cold fingers. A dual layer base plate and circlips might work here, but would require a redux of the connector panel to allow for the extra thickness. I guess if something already works then don't "fix" it!

Once on the radio, the "feel" is more than acceptable to me although I'm a long way from being a CW expert ... I would definitely buy this key again if it became necessary, although probably the single lever offering. Based on my experience with this project, I have the impression that these guys really know how to configure a self build kit. Put another way- if anyone can louse it up I can, but this was plain sailing.
DL4AC Rating: 2019-09-29
Works great Time Owned: N.A.
It's a fun to built this well designed kit. It works very well. But you have to spend some time to align it.
K5WTS Rating: 2019-03-06
Excellent kit for KX3 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Iambic Mini Paddle KX is for the KX3 only.
1. It's a kit (very small parts)Use small tools.
2. Assembled in about 30 minutes.
3. Blown away how smooth is functions.
4. Fit is very good . . required no major modifications. Good instructions.
I bought it for backup on the KX3. It's moved into number 1 slot. It is a rugged little key but I made a case for transport. I love it. Wish I had gotten it sooner.
W5GND Rating: 2019-01-10
Great addition to my QRP setup! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This is a small meticulous kit. Finding the parts for building one of these on your own is difficult for many of us that can't readily find small hardware locally.

I read the instructions thru a couple of times and sorted all the hardware so I'd know where each went BEFORE I started the assembly. It paid off.

Take the advice of the manual (downloaded on-line) and assemble the hardware over a cookie sheet, cuz you WILL be chasing them down when they fall out as you try to put the washer & nuts on the paddle pieces!

I cheated and had my (small hands) wife help me assemble the 4 screws on the paddle pieces.

It is a great bargain for a small qrp paddle. I didn't want to take a full-sized Vibroplex with me to operate portable cw!

When complete, it's well worth it! As the previous reviewer said, TAKE YOUR TIME.

NOT for the impatient potato-fingered ham!
NW9T Rating: 2017-05-21
Works Well Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
First of all be aware this is a KIT, it's a bag full of parts, that you need to assemble. They give a difficulty rating of 4 out of 5 to assemble this kit. The 4 pieces of PC Board that need to be soldered together need fairly accurate attention to measurements to make sure everything lines up correctly. Many of the mechanical parts such as screws, washers, nuts, etc are VERY TINY, and there are times you'll wish you had an extra pair of arms/hands to keep everything from falling apart as you assemble it. However I did it and very happy with the results, so it can be done! Basically take your time, measure twice before doing anything and take your time. It's not something you'll toss together in an hour or less, plan on at least a few hours. It's designed to be mounted to the case of your radio. I'll be using mine with several different radios so mounted it to it's own box, which also holds an electronic keyer I built.

They also have suggestions of how to modify it, such as if the paddle leafs are too light of a touch, you can using thicker metal, or the size and shape of the contact washer can be changed for different feels or reactions. In my opinion it's worth the small investment and it's light weight adds to the portability of a QRP rig being used in the field.

Visit the page in the link above and near the bottom you will see a link to "Click Here For The Assembly Manual", click on that. That is the manual you'll use to assemble this kit. Look it over and make sure it's something you can handle before ordering the kit, to save you from any frustration or disappointments.