Spirit Mk2 Dual Paddle Morse Key Instructions



Basic Setup

Connecting to your Equipment

Included in the box with the key were a 3ft long audio cable and an adaptor.


1. Connect the 3.5mm /1/8th inch lead to the socket in the back of the key.

2. Connect the other end to your electronic keyer or radio, using the 1/4 inch adaptor if required.

3. You may need to configure your electronic keyer or radio for proper function.  Please refer to your equipment instructions for this step.



Basic Adjustments

Paddle Travel - Contact Gap Spacing

Included in the box with the key were two hex wrenches.



These two hex wrenches should be everything you need to adjust the key to your preferences.

1. Remove the lid with the four screws.

2. Loosen the contact set screw on top of the paddle half a turn.

3. Using the long arm of the same hex wrench, pass it through the smallest hole on the OPPOSITE side of the base to the paddle you want to adjust. The key passes through the nearest paddle to engage the contact in the other paddle.


4. In the picture above, the smaller wrench is inserted into the right side of the key to adjust the travel of the left paddle.  Clockwise rotation makes the contact travel smaller, for less movement. Anti-clockwise for more movement.

5. Once you have it adjusted just as you like, tighten the set screw on top 1/2 turn to lock it in place.

6. Repeat for the other paddle if required.

7. Replace the lid and its four screws.

NOTE:  If you have an intermittent contact issue with either paddle, this is usually due to the paddle set screw being left too loose.  Please carefully tighten the set screw a little more - the contact below it needs to make good contact with its thread to make a consistent electrical connection.  






Adjusting the paddle pressure

The Spirit Morse Key uses rare-earth magnets to provide consistent paddle pressure and return.

The magnet holders are adjustable using the larger hex wrench.



There is no need to remove the lid for this operation (the picture above shows it removed for clarity).

1. Insert the larger wrench into the large magnet holder socket as shown above.

2. Clockwise rotation makes the magnet move nearer to the paddle for increased pressure. Anti-clockwise rotation moves the magnet further away for reduced pressure. 

We set the magnets to three complete turns out from completely seated when assembling keys.  

(Try not to wind it out more than seven or eight full turns from fully seated - don't go past the point where the magnet holder is flush with the surface, shown below.  If you do, please see the note below.)



Each magnet holder is also held in place with a set screw and a small silicone tube.  Early versions of the Spirit Morse Key may have red tubing or even a solid plastic insert.



The small silicone tube and set screw accessible from the underside of the key as shown by the red arrows below.




NOTE: If you wind the magnet screw out significantly, more than 7 or 8 complete turns, the small silicone tube mentioned above may come loose and drop inside.  If the large magnet holder is wound out further than flush with the edge, remove the magnet holder completely, remove the set screw from that side, and remove the silicone tube. It may need a push with the small Allen key. Then replace the magnet holder all the way in, replace the silicone tube, and retighten the set screw until just snug. Readjust the paddle pressure as required.