So this little radio wasn't fully done yet.
Turns out the CW key jack got melted up a bit during construction.
I know the radio and it's parts are from China, and I accept that parts aren't always going to be 100% awesome...
Yet, it sucks to find out that the jack was messed up after having it all put together.
Since I will not give up on things, especially on a $150 radio.
It's a good thing that for years I kept various computer parts and components around.
I salvaged a stereo jack from the front panel board of a PC case.
This little jack fit the holes perfectly...
Too bad it was just about 2mm taller than the other one.
I had to unsolder and reposition the transistor, since it's mounting screw didn't match up after putting in the new stereo jack.
Testing it out, it recognizes a straight key and paddle correctly now. It also doesn't stay keyed when I put the straight key plug all the way into the jack.
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