User Manual
Complete instructions for setting up and using your 9A5N Solid State CW Paddle
Product Overview
Technical Specifications
- Sensing Technology: Capacitive Touch
- Sensitivity Levels: 5 adjustable levels
- Power Source: 2 × AAA batteries
- Battery Life: Up to 12 months with typical use
- Dimensions: Varies by model
- Weight: 1.5 - 1.8 kg (3.3 - 4 pounds)
Key Components
- Finger Pieces: Touch-sensitive levers for sending Morse code
- Sensitivity Adjustment: Button for changing touch sensitivity
- Base: Heavy, stable foundation (material varies by model)
- LED Indicator: Shows power and activation status
- Output Jack: 3.5mm stereo connection to your radio/keyer
- Battery Compartment: Located on the underside of the base
Advantages of Solid State Design
No Moving Parts
Stationary levers eliminate travel time and moving inertia, allowing for faster and more precise keying.
Silent Operation
Completely silent keying eliminates clicking sounds, perfect for quiet environments or late-night operating.
Adjustable Sensitivity
Software-adjustable pressure from 10-50 grams allows customization to your preferred touch.
Setting Up Your Paddle
1 Install Batteries
The 9A5N Solid State CW Paddle requires two AAA batteries for operation:
- Turn the paddle upside down to access the battery compartment on the base.
- Slide open the battery compartment cover in the direction of the arrow.
- Insert two AAA batteries, ensuring correct polarity as indicated in the compartment.
- Slide the battery compartment cover back into place until it clicks.
Note: Use alkaline batteries for best performance and longevity. The paddle will automatically enter a low-power standby mode when not in use to conserve battery life.
2 Connect to Your Radio
To connect your paddle to your transceiver or keyer:
- Ensure both your paddle and radio/keyer are powered off.
- Connect one end of the included 3.5mm stereo cable to the output jack on the paddle.
- Connect the other end to the key input on your transceiver or electronic keyer.
- If your radio requires a different connector, use an appropriate adapter.
Connection tip: The paddle's outputs correspond to standard paddle connections: tip = dots (right paddle), ring = dashes (left paddle), sleeve = ground.
3 Placement and Stability
Proper placement of your paddle is important for comfortable operation:
- Place the paddle on a flat, stable surface at a comfortable height.
- Position it so your arm and wrist can rest naturally without strain.
- The heavy base design helps prevent movement during keying, but on very smooth surfaces, you may want to use a non-slip mat underneath.
- For most comfortable operation, the paddle should be positioned so your forearm is parallel to the desk surface.
Operating Your Paddle
Basic Operation
The 9A5N Solid State CW Paddle works just like a traditional paddle but with capacitive touch technology instead of mechanical contacts:
- Right finger piece (usually operated with thumb): produces dots
- Left finger piece (usually operated with index finger): produces dashes
- Touch both simultaneously: produces alternating dots and dashes (if supported by your keyer)
Unlike mechanical paddles, you don't need to physically move the levers. Simply touch them with slight pressure to activate.
Adjusting Sensitivity
Your paddle has 5 sensitivity levels to accommodate different operating preferences:
- Press and hold the sensitivity adjustment button for 2 seconds until the LED flashes once.
- Press the button again to cycle through sensitivity levels (1-5). The LED will flash to indicate the current level.
- Once you've selected your preferred level, wait 5 seconds without pressing anything, and the paddle will save the setting.
- The LED will flash three times to confirm the sensitivity has been set.
Tip: Start with level 3 (medium sensitivity) and adjust up or down based on your preference. Higher levels require less pressure, while lower levels require more deliberate touch.
| Level | LED Flashes | Sensitivity | Touch Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 flash | Very Low | ~50g |
| 2 | 2 flashes | Low | ~40g |
| 3 | 3 flashes | Medium | ~30g |
| 4 | 4 flashes | High | ~20g |
| 5 | 5 flashes | Very High | ~10g |
LED Indicators
The LED indicator provides important status information about your paddle:
- Solid green: Paddle is powered on and ready
- Blinking green: Paddle is in sensitivity adjustment mode
- Brief flash with touch: Confirms touch detection
- Slow blinking red: Low battery warning (batteries should be replaced soon)
- No light: Paddle is off or batteries are depleted
Operating Tips
Proper Touch Technique
Use a light touch with the pads of your fingers/thumb rather than fingertips. You'll find that less pressure results in less fatigue during long operating sessions.
Battery Conservation
The paddle automatically enters low-power mode when not in use, but for extended periods of non-use (more than a few days), consider removing the batteries.
Maintenance & Care
One of the major advantages of the 9A5N Solid State CW Paddle is its minimal maintenance requirements. With no moving parts to wear out or contacts that need cleaning, the paddle requires very little upkeep.
Cleaning
- Keep the finger pieces clean with a soft, dry cloth
- For stubborn dirt, lightly dampen cloth with water (never use chemical cleaners)
- Ensure the paddle is completely dry before use
- Periodically dust the base with a soft cloth
Protection
- Store in a dry environment away from extreme temperatures
- Avoid placing in direct sunlight for extended periods
- Consider a dust cover when not in use for long periods
- Keep away from liquids and high humidity
Battery Maintenance
- Replace batteries when LED shows low battery warning
- Remove batteries during long periods of non-use
- Clean battery contacts periodically with a dry cloth
- Always use fresh batteries of the same type and brand
Inspections
- Periodically check the cable for damage or wear
- Ensure connection points remain clean and free of debris
- Check that the base remains stable and level
- Verify sensitivity settings are still optimal for your touch
Important Warnings
- No Disassembly: Do not attempt to disassemble the paddle. There are no user-serviceable parts inside and doing so will void your warranty.
- Avoid Liquids: Keep all liquids away from the paddle. Though externally sealed, the paddle is not waterproof and liquid damage is not covered by warranty.
- Environmental Conditions: The paddle is designed for indoor use in normal station environments. Avoid using in extreme temperatures, high humidity, or dusty conditions.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Paddle doesn't respond at all (no LED) |
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| Paddle activates without touch (ghosting) |
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| Paddle requires too much pressure |
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| No output to radio/keyer |
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| Paddle works intermittently |
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Contact Support
If you're experiencing issues not covered in this troubleshooting guide, please contact us for assistance:
Warranty Information
Your 9A5N Solid State CW Paddle comes with a 2-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
What's Covered
- Manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship
- Electronic components failure under normal use
- Sensor malfunction
- LED indicator failure
What's Not Covered
- Damage from misuse or abuse
- Normal wear and tear
- Water or liquid damage
- Damage from unauthorized repairs
- Cosmetic damage that doesn't affect functionality
- Damage from improper storage or transportation
For warranty service, please contact us through our support channels with your proof of purchase and a description of the issue.