This is my take on a magnetic iambic paddle.
For a demo click the following like: https://1drv.ms/v/s!AnVoR6zEVAnDpdU-3a5iHmETETuGXw?e=P3bwG2
The following parts are all 3D printed. The table below details the part, the colour, the infill, and the approximate length, and weight, of PLA required. If parts seem too 'bendy' then you may like to increase the infill percentage when printing.
| Part | Colour | Quantity | Infill % | Total Length | Total Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | Grey | 1 | 20% | 6.62m | 20g |
| Binding Post | Black | 3 | 20% | 0.33m | < 1g |
| Dah Lever Arm | Black | 1 | 80% | 1.62m | 5g |
| Dih Lever Arm | Black | 1 | 80% | 1.62m | 5g |
| Lever Plate | Red | 2 | 20% | 1.56m | 4g |
| Main Frame | Black | 1 | 20% | 4.90m | 15g |
| Short Contact Post | Black | 2 | 20% | 1.14m | 4g |
Total length of PLA required 17.79m, total weight 53g.
The table below details all the additional hardware, nuts & bolts etc.
| Part | Quantity | See Note |
|---|---|---|
| M2 Bolt 6mm | 2 | 1 |
| M2 Nut | 2 | 1 |
| M3 Bolt 6mm | 4 | 1 |
| M3 Bolt 16mm | 7 | 1 |
| M3 Bolt 30mm | 2 | 2 |
| M3 Knurled Bolt 20mm | 4 | 6 |
| M3 Knurled Thumb Nut | 3 | 5 |
| M3 Knurled Nut | 6 | 4 |
| M3 Nut | 17 | 1 |
| M3 Solder Tag | 15 | 1 |
| M3 Washer | 3 | 1 |
| Neodymium Magnets Rare 8mm Diameter by 3mm | 2 | 3 |
Notes:
- Bought from BitsBox. https://www.bitsbox.co.uk/
- Bought on ebay. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pan-Head-M3-Machine-Screws-A2-Stainless-Steel-Phillips-Head-Bolts-Pozi/192055137207?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=491899070145&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
- Bought on ebay. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Neodymium-Magnets-4mm-5mm-6mm-8mm-10mm-12mm-15mm-neo-magnet-discs-craft-hobby-UK/153421329186?hash=item23b89fb322:m:m1juFoeEcHYjNZV4bkC5ueA
- Bought on ebay. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Carbon-Steel-Leveling-Round-Knurled-Thumb-Nut-Zinc-Ni-Plated-M2-M2-5-M3-M4-M5-M6/283734043425?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=585141799600&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
- Bought on ebay. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/M2-M2-5-M3-M4-M5-M6-High-Knurled-Thumb-Nut-Stainless-Steel-Hand-Grip-Knob-Nuts/123896017185?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=424649684015&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
- Bought on ebay. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Stainless-Steel-Knurled-Thumb-Screws-Hand-Grip-Knob-Bolts-M2-M2-5-M3-M4-M5-M6/283734090984?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=585141867619&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
Assembly is quite easy. Below are the steps to follow. The only required tools are a screwdriver and small pliers.
Install 3 binding posts. These provide connections to the keyer. Each post requires:
- M3 Bolt 16mm * 1
- M3 Solder Tag * 1
- Printed Binding Post * 1
- M3 Knurled Thumb Nut * 1
- M3 Nut * 1
- M3 Washer * 1
Expect to bury the nut within the body of the binding post. See the images below for the detailed construction.
Build the two arms. Each arm requires:
- Arm * 1
- Lever Plate * 1
- M2 Bolt 6mm * 1
- M2 Nut
- M3 Bolt 6mm * 2
- M3 Nut * 2
- M3 Solder Tag * 1
- Neodymium Magnet * 1
Expect to bury the nuts within the arms. If you have a problem inserting the nuts into the arm then simply use a longer bolt to pull them in to the arm. See the images below for the detailed construction.
Assemble the two magnet attraction bolts. Each bolt requires:
- M3 Knurled Bolt 20mm * 1
- M3 Knurled Nut * 2
- M3 Nut * 2
See the images below for the detailed construction.
Assemble the two signal contacts and attach the frame to the base place. Each side requires:
- M3 Bolt 16mm * 2
- M3 Nut * 1
- M3 Solder Tag * 2
The M3 bolt goes through an M3 solder tag, through the base plate into the body, though an M3 solder tag and then through the M3 bolt. See the images below for the detailed construction.
Assemble the DIT and DAH short contact posts. Each post requires:
- M3 Knurled Bolt 20mm * 1
- M3 Knulred Nut * 1
- M3 Solder Tag * 2
- M3 Nut * 2
- M3 Bolt 16mm * 1
- Printed Short Contact Post * 2
Starting at the top put the knurled nut onto the knurled bolt and screw it all the way down. Pass the bolt thought the 3mm hole in the side of the contact post and put one M3 solder tag and 3mm nut on the other size and screw home so that the nut is pulled into the contact post. At the bottom push the hoop end of a 3mm solder tag into the contact post and above that push in a M3 nut. Screw the M3 bolt up through the bottom until it has passed through the nut. You should then be able to bend the bottom 3mm solder tag over the M3 nut so that it makes contact with the upper M3 solder tag. The solder tag can then be soldered together. This can be done in situ, but it is best to disassemble and solder them separately. See the images below for the detailed construction.
Attach the DIT and DAH short contact posts to the base. Each post requires:
- M3 Solder Tag * 1
- M3 Bolt 16mm * 1
Pass the bolt through an M3 solder tag and up through the base and into the base of the short contact post. Tighted as required. See the image below for the detailed construction.
Attach the DIT and DAH short arms to the body. Each post require:
- M3 Bolt 30mm * 1
Align the hole in the arm with the hole in the body and drop in the M3 bolt. When adjusted there is sufficient friction to keep the bolt, and hence the arms in place. There is provision in the bottom of the body for nuts on these two bolts but they were found not to be necessary. You may need to slightly enlarge these holes with a 3mm drill. If required try to follow the pilot hole as closely as possible. See the image below for the detailed construction.
Add hook up wires. This requires:
- Assembled keyer * 1
- Short lengths of hook up wire, preferably multi strand.
This is best described by the images below.
