How to use a Straight Key on the kenpro KP100

 

FOR A LONG TIME, I’VE WANTED TO SWITCH EASILY AND QUICKYLY FROM KP100 TO STRAIGHT KEY OR OTHERWISE, DURING THE LONG- QSO
DS2JEK/4 WHO IS ONE OF MY BEST HAM FRIENDS, ALREADY HAD AN EXACT ANSWER ABOUT IT.
HE HELPED ME TO INSTALL A Ø3.5 STEREO-FEMALE-JACK ON THE BACK SIDE OF KENPRO KP-100.
THAT’S IT. IT WAS SO EASY WAY TO USE STRAIGHT KEYS AND THE PADDLE KEY OF KP-100 AT
THE SAME TIME.
SO, I MADE UP MY MIND TO TRY IT
ALL I HAVE TO DO IS GETTING PARTS BELOW THIS
PART LIST
1. Ø3.5 STEREO (OR MONO) FEMAIL JACK :  1EA
2. Ø3.5 STEREO (OR MONO) MALE JACK :  1EA
3. EXTRA ELECTRIC WIRE : 10CM OR MORE
4. DRILL MACHINE FOR THE SAME SIZE OR BIGGER OF JACK HOLE
5. SODERING IRON
6. RIPPPER TOOL

  

 

This is a female jack for 3.5 stereo

 

 

That O-washer is also needed to fix the jack to back panel.

 

 

 

Make a hole in the back panel of KP100.

You need to use a hole cutter or normal bit for drill (Take care not to scratch PCB!!!!) 

 

 

It's done. it fits well for 3.5 jack. 

 

 

Well fixed :)

 

 

 

 

Prepare for wires and ready to solder

 

 

 

Here's a tip!!!!

That red is connected to GND (Any GND spot will be OK but I recommend that spot for easy soldering)

And that white is dah bit(long signal) and connected to center terminal of SEMI-AUTO switch.

Before soldering, Be sure to test if it's going well with your straight key.

When using straight key, turn SEMI-AUTO switch to "AUTO".

 

 

Soldered jack side first.

White line is connected to under terminal of 3.5 jack after testing. (It depends on your straight key wiring)

 

 

 

It's done!

Very easy 

 

 

After soldering, screw the washer. 

 

 

Finally, covered the top.

Because of this easy work, I change my key very easily between KP100 and straight key when QSO.

Any advise or tip would be OK.

 

Enjoy CW QSO, 73

DS4QXF