Back when I was considering learning Morse Code, I wanted to avoid spending hundreds of dollars on a ‘Brand Name’, Iambic Paddle Style Key before I was sure I’d even like using Morse On-Air. Especially since I liked using the Voice and Digital Modes, which I was already familiar.
A quick search online, for ‘3D Printed Morse Keys”, pointed in the direction of many relevant 3D Printable download files, available then & now. Most of these were FREE from those who had already made Morse Keys for themselves.
However, with access to a Computer Aided Application (CAD), also available free online,
I chose to sketch out my own. This brought a 3rd hobby passion to bear; providing an opportunity to experiment with various design approaches.
The video offers images of my CAD work; and the 6+ hours of 3D Printing Process for each approach. Each time, I was presented with the PLA parts to assemble and test. The 1st set of test first parts consumed 36 grams of material; and the 2nd used 52 grams. Not very expensive, since 1000 gram PLA Filament roll runs about $25 in Canada.
Assuming success, a main advantage of this approach was an endless source of cheap replacement parts; created when I needed them.
Originally, I was going for a spring loaded return, between the paddles.
Sadly, the 1st design’s paddle action did not feel quite right when used, so I needed something better than a simple spring. Using opposing magnets seemed a potential alternative worth trying; so I taped some to the paddles.
This proved a positive improvement worthy of ‘designing in’; therefore new parts were designed and 3D Printed.
This video illustrates very simple Contacts, created from carefully spaced bolt ends. I am sure there may be better approaches to these, but in a pinch, they worked.
As another improvement, a connector has been added to eliminate the previous ‘wired in cable’ approach. With access to 3D Printing you can change the design anytime you like.
The Paddle ‘Feel’, of the newly assembled parts, was greatly improved; but the unit needed more weight, to keep from moving around while used.
My quick solution was to use an ‘on-hand’ Washing Machine Tub Wrench, which cost more than the rest of this Morse Code Key. I put an old speaker magnet in the center to mate with magnets embedded in a separate 3D Printed mount. Clearly there are cheaper solutions.
As an alternate to the weight, one could screw the Iambic Key to a plate, that could then be screwed to a table. My design had some extra mounting hole options; and I have the flexibility to re-jig the mounting anytime I like.
Snapped together for testing; my Iambic Style Paddle worked great during a local HAM Club meeting, show & tell gathering.
Hopefully, I have been able to demonstrate the value of 3D Printing, for making your own gear and to avoid some of the higher Entry costs for the HAM Hobby.
Worth noting in this case, is that a multi-use 3D Printer can cost less than some ‘Brand Name’ Morse Paddles; with a bonus that you can use the 3D Printer to make many other things; while learning a new skill to complement your HAM Hobby.
Produced with CyberLink PowerDirector 21 by cache4pat
27 авг 2024
