Iambic Paddles (Base Mountable Version)

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. I could have made the overall width narrower if I removed the key end stops from the base and built them in to the top cover, but I wanted to have the option of removing the cover and mounting the key to a heavy base plate. The <b>narrow version</b> of this key can be found <a href="http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2055829">here</a>, and a <b>mini version</b> can be found <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2333019">here</a>.

<b>Hardware Used:</b> <ul> <li>3x 6-32 x 1 inch phillips flat pan head screws for paddle pivots and ground contact</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>4x 6-32 1/4 inch phillips flat pan head screws for attaching the cover</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. Mlogith has also designed this <a href="https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3502010">3D printable spring</a>. Arm travel to contact is adjustable but the resting point is fixed. Using springs in place of the nuts on the paddle contact screws can make adjustments faster and easier. 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>.