Iambic Paddles (Mini Version)

thingiverse

<h2>If you like what you see here, consider leaving a tip.<br></h2> Remixed from an excellent design by Thingiverse user and certified amateur radio operator <a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/vo1pwf/designs">Loren Butler (V01PWF)</a>, the intent of this project was to make a set of 3D printable iambic paddles that were as portable as possible, while still comfortable enough to use at a desk. This is the mini version, designed to use 6-32 screws but as compact as possible. Unlike the previous two designs, all screws will need to be cut to the correct length detailed below. The narrow version of this key can be found <a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2055829">here</a>, and the base mountable version <a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2054230">here</a>. <b>Hardware Used:</b> <ul> <li>2x 6-32 x 1 inch phillips flat pan head screws trimmed to 18mm thread length for paddle pivots</li> <li>1x 6-32 x 1 inch phillips flat pan head screw trimmed to 21mm thread length for the ground contact/cover </li> <li>2x 6-32 phillips flat pan head screws trimmed to 11.5mm thread length for paddle contacts</li> <li>2x 6-32 nuts/springs and washers for paddle contact screws</li> <li>Optional 2x 6-32 1/4 inch phillips flat pan head screws for attaching the cover</li> <li>Optional 3x #6 ring terminals for joining wires to the paddle and ground contact screws</li> <li>1x 1/8 inch stereo jack or hot glue</li> <li>1x Spring from a retractable pen (3.5mm outer diametre, 10mm length)<br> or 2x neodymium magnets<br> or 1x <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3502010">3D printable spring</a> designed by Mlogith</li> <li>3x short lengths of stranded wire</li> </ul> The paddles use a spring from an empty retractable ball point pen, and are tension adjustable via a set of pockets along the inside of each arm. A suggestion from <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/wz2prich/about">wz2prich</a> is to use neodymium magnes glued to the arms instead of a spring. Arm travel to contact is adjustable but the resting point is fixed.If you want the paddle travel to be adjustable while the cover is in place, use springs in place of the nuts on the paddle contact screws. The plug at the rear of the paddles is a 1/8" stereo jack which could lead to an electronic keyer, radio, or pc interface. A tip from Thingiverse user <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/KD9AYE/about">KD9AYE</a> is to glue the wires in place, eliminating the need for a stereo jack. Photos of his build of the narrow and base mountable versions of these paddles can be found <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/make:338276">here</a>. The cover is held in place by the ground contact screw. Two optional screws at the rear of the case can also be used to hold the cover in place, but are not necessary.