I have a Heathkit keyer that I bought and built nearly 20 years ago. It’s actually a pretty cool device. It’s processor-controlled and has a number of memories. The unique thing about this keyer is that it comes with built-in “”paddles.”” They’re not mechanically operated, but rather switch capacitively.
As I mentioned earlier, the output doesn’t seem to be working properly. When you touch the paddles, the output switches, but it latches up into an always on state.
I dug out the schematics and opened the case, but this thing was not designed for easy troubleshooting. The voltage regulator, for example, mounts to the base, and the leads poke up through the PC board where they connect to a header. To troubleshoot the board, you have to disconnect the voltage regulator, and once you do that, you have to figure out another way to power the board. I guess I’ll just connect 5V directly to that connector, bypassing the regulator altogether.
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