Penny Paddles

KD9AIE Penny Paddles

This is a fairly easy to print model for Morse Code iambic touch paddles that use two U.S. Pennies as the touch plates. This works with my QRP QMX and my IC-7300! https://youtu.be/DNE1g4LSKfw 

Inspired by the touch feature on the DL1CR QMX Carrot!

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

Creality

Printer: 

Ender-3 v2

**Rafts:**

No

Supports: 

No

**Resolution:**

0.2mm layers, 0.6mm nozel

Infill: 

15-20%

Notes:

Since the U.S. mint is talking about getting rid of the U.S. Penny, I decided to incorporate a couple into an iambic paddle. The paddle should be printed on its side, and does not need supports as long as you pause the print after 7 layers (1.4mm) and place a penny in the printed circle. You will need: 

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1 x 3.5mmm stereo jack 

2 x 2N7000 Mosfet Transistor 

2 x 1M Ohm and 10 Ohm Resistors

2 x 330pF Capacitors

I probably should have used a small board to lay out the components, but I used a dead-bug arrangement instead. This all fits inside the 3D printed enclosure, and the pennies press fit into the circles slots. I soldered the pennies to the 1M resistors after the circuit and jack where in place and tested operation. The pennies need quite a bit of heat to get the solder to flow, but some flux and cheap 60W soldering iron work well. Hot glue, or silicone caulk can be used, but is not required to hold the pennies in place and protect the electronics.

This works on my QRP QMX and my IC-7300 radio in iambic / paddles mode. This will not work as a straight key. The links above are Amazon affiliate links, and helps support my efforts!

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Category: Electronics