I've been using STEP files instead of STL as outputs, but really one of the values of this one is the parameterization available using FreeCAD. For example, the hole in the back can be smaller if you want to just run a wire into it, or you can choose the diameter to fit a 1/8" stereo jack, and print it that way.

But I can send you STLs.

What type of plastic will you print in?

Do you like a light touch or heavy touch for your keys?

Do you have an m3 tap to cut threads in the plastic?

Hardware required to complete the key:

• Wire
• 1/8" TRS jack if you want
• 3 M3 or M4 ring terminals
• 1 M3x8 or M3x10 cap-head stainless steel (or brass) screw (common terminal)
• 2 M3x20 (or longer) stainless steel (or brass) screws (dit and dah)
• 2 m3 nuts (thumb nuts preferred for easier adjustment

Hardware for the swivel base:

• 2 M3x8 or M3x10 countersink screws
• 2 M3 nuts (thumb nuts preferred for easier adjustment)

@field94Mop I've done a lot of updates. See the README and all the STEP and STL files I built in the project releases.

Please let me know how it goes!

README.md · main · Michael K Johnson / Single-Paddle-Key · GitLab

GitLab.com

^GitLab

@field94Mop Ah, always either fun or "fun" fixing the broken printer, depending on whether part of the 3d printing hobby is the fiddling with the printers themselves...

(I have one nearly-stock printer, and one that is my playground for trying out new 3d printer ideas on, which is currently about 90% repaired from a redesign of the head after a giant blob of death.)

@stu I first tried FreeCAD in January 2016. I was so confused. I went straight to OpenSCAD, which made lots of sense to me.

Simple fillets and chamfers were what eventually won me over to FreeCAD four or five years ago. But also my machining hobby and making technical drawings, which FreeCAD is good for

FreeCAD can actually integrate OpenSCAD, and I've used that a few times.

so while my local club sits around and talks about how one of the key contributors to WiFi and spread spectrum had great tits, Raleigh is out there creating new things!

Nice!

If you have a local ham club with several people interested in this key, you can buy brass hardware, and with the links in the README can buy enough to make 5 keys for $50 (with a bunch left over because of different multiples, of course). I did this because I intend to make several of these keys for testing and display.

But it works fine with far cheaper stainless hardware; brass just looks nicer. As far as I can tell, most hardware stores even in the US have M3 metric hex socket screws in bins, so you don't have to buy 10-packs or 50-packs of hardware. This works perfectly fine. You just need a hex wrench and a small box-end wrench or needle nose pliers or forceps/hemostats or something to tighten the nuts when you adjust spacing.

My goal here is to help make it cheap and easy to have a really usable key.

And if you run into any problems, please please ask for help! The whole point of the beta release is to get feedback so I can improve both the models and the instructions before posting this more widely.

#AmateurRadio #HamRadio #CW #MorseCode

The second third beta release of my #HamRadio #MorseCode single-paddle key is out. The spring weights have been adjusted based on some feedback. Each key has an identifier associated with the weight on the bottom to make it easy to tell them apart. There is now a separate mounting plate for a clipboard or forearm plate like Dan WY3O brought to the RARS meetup.

It's not actually necessary to use ring terminals, especially while experimenting. You might want them on a final version, but while testing, bare wires under the lock nuts and center screw are probably good enough. If I were carrying this POTA or SOTA, though, I'd want the ring terminals for durability.

I'm eager for feedback, and if I get time to print off a new batch tomorrow, I might bring a set to RARSfest Saturday.

#AmateurRadio #CW

Looks like the labels were too big, resulting in some corner lifting in my test print, which will make them not interface with with the holders. Oops.

So I made the labels a little smaller and made a new beta release. I also put some example hold-down screws in the assembly showing the new mount.

Hopefully that print goes better. I hate creating waste. 🤞