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Paddle and SK to "key" jack ?

Andrew O'Brien
Andrew O'Brien Member ✭✭✭
in Peripherals & Station Integration
Screenshot 2023-08-20 at 2.31.20 PM.png

I operate in one room of the house and the Flex is in another room . There is a hardwire connection direct from the Flex to the CW keys in the "shack".

How can I wire a TRS type connector to the "key" jack on back of the Flex so that I can choose a paddle or SK at the operating position ? The instructions diagram the necessary connection for either a SK or a paddle but I would was wondering how to do both so that I do not have to go from my operating position in to the place the Flex is located and mess around with the plug each time .

Andy K3UK

Answers

  • Andrew O'Brien
    Andrew O'Brien Member ✭✭✭
    Screenshot 2023-08-20 at 2.31.20 PM.png


  • Stan VA7NF
    Stan VA7NF Member ✭✭✭

    The plug doesn't change, just the radio setting on how to handle the 'dash' side; either as electronic keying dashes or manual (bug or straight key).

    Alternate is run two cables, one connected to the auxiliary jack - Need another opinion on whether the aux pin connects to the keyer or keys directly.

    p.s. Avoid 'SK' as "straight key" - It more strongly represents "Silent Key".

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    Hi Andy, I do exactly what you are suggesting. I connect my paddles to the key jack and turn on Iambic. I connect my straight key to pins 4 and 5 of the acc jack (check the manual to be sure that I have the correct pins).

    With this set up, I can use either key without changing anything. When I send cut zeroes, I reach my little finger over to the SK to send long dashes. Some folks think I am using a bug 😄.

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    Another thing that you could do is wire the SK across either the dot or dash line and turn off Iambic to use the SK or turn it on to use the paddles.

  • Gord-VA7GP
    Gord-VA7GP Member ✭✭✭
    edited August 2023

    One more idea:

    I often jump, mid-QSO, between Bug, straight-key, and VibroKeyer.

    I do this by connecting my VibroKeyer (single-paddle, but same approach works for paddles too) to a WinKeyer. The output of the WinKeyer is essentially "straight-key".

    I built a Junction box, with 5x 1/4" jackes and 2x 3.5mm (1/8") jacks. I plug in as many keys / WinKeyers as I wish, and I plug a straight-through 3.5mm - 3.5mm cable from my Junction-box to my Flex 6400. All the jacks in my Junction box are simply parallelled ... very simple, and any jack can be used for key input, or output to my Flex.

    Thus, my Flex only ever thinks it's being straight-keyed. I make no alterations or adjustments to my Flex as I shift between various keys.

    HTH!

  • Andrew O'Brien
    Andrew O'Brien Member ✭✭✭
    https://community.flexradio.com/discussion/comment/20605111#Comment_20605111

    I have achieved the goal , thanks for the suggestions. I made a terminal block, of sorts, and wired the ethernet CAT cable wires to the block and then three wires to the paddles and two wires to the SK in parallel . All is good, after a year with no key in the shack , I am now enjoying a sidetone and key in same room!

    Thanks for your help,


    Andy K3UK

  • KD0RC
    KD0RC Member, Super Elmer Moderator

    I'm glad you got it working Andy!

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