The function switch on the Heathkit DX-60 is the weak link. It gets a lot of use and is usually the first thing to fail on this transmitter. You'd have to buy a junker chassis to replace it, and who knows if the used one would be any better!

It is a common practice to bypass the function switch with a push-to-talk relay. The only schematic I have found on the web sacrifices the accessory plug on the rear, which wouldn't work for me because I use it for my VFO.

Does anyone know of a "minimally-invasive" schematic for adding a PTT relay to the DX-60 (B)? It would have to key the transmitter and also the antenna/receiver-mute relay.

73
drbill KF5BXG

I changed the mike jack to use the Heathkit two pin mike. I just stuck a golf tee in the CW key jack to open the contact and connected a wire from the PTT on the mike jack to the key jack and use the normal CW keying for PTT. That eliminates the need for rotating the switch back and forth.

Here is a link to a brief description of my DX-60 mods.
http://home.comcast.net/~suptjud/HomemadeHiFi.htm#Heathkit%20DX-60%20Audio%20Mods

" changed the mike jack to use the Heathkit two pin mike. I just stuck a golf tee in the CW key jack to open the contact and connected a wire from the PTT on the mike jack to the key jack and use the normal CW keying for PTT."


The question begs Terry.....

After you remove the golf tee, do you end up sending with a Black Bear CC or a Hiawatha Golf Club swing ....

Terry,
Many thanks for the schematics. In my mind's eye I see a way to do what you did on the DX60 plus adding a relay which will cover receiver muting. It is sure a good start.

drbill

I have torn down and rebuilt from scratch five DX-60's over the years. I guess that fulfills my kit ambitions with Heathkits. But that switch they used had to be the weakest link in those sets. Interesting, but three of the ones I rebuilt, the previous owner had installed a relay wired the same way as mentioned here to do the switching.
Curt

Here ya go

http://www.amwindow.org/tech/htm/dx60ptt.htm

A golf tee and a two pin mike is simpler... But I like it. May mod my DX-60... have the relays on hand.

W3GN,
Thanks!
drbill KF5BXG

There are other mods on that site for the DX-60 including one that vastly improves the modulation. Not quite as easy as the PTT mod though

I modified my DX-60 for PTT using JN's link and another for the audio, I think it was by W8JI.

It is sometimes used to tickle a Alpha 76 3 holer as a linear and gets great reports. The 1200W of available plate dissipation doesnt hurt

Carl