How to install PTT Push to talk Heathkit DX-60 Tube Ham Transmitter

This video demonstrates installation of the D-lab K1 PTT module into a Heathkit DX-60B. Many of these radios are still in use. Most have stressed/bad operate switches from years of operation. Unfortunately the replacement switch is nearly impossible to locate, so Hams rely on parts machines to keep their rig going. The K1 PTT module eliminates wear via a relay to control key up of the transmitter. Fairly easy to install. No holes to drill. You will have to choose your preferred mic jack and add it since the original did not have keying terminals. I am attempting to make this a universal module for many models of transmitters that lack PTT. I have modules on hand ready for your rig. If the project is successful, D-lab will maintain inventory. If not, theres always a new project on the horizon! Hope you like this idea. Special thanks to Dan, N8ZBA for allowing me to use his radio for the video.

[@tommybewick]

Great mod Terry! Looking forward to installing this into my DX-60. Thanks so much for everything you do to help the ham community. 73, Tom k2bew

[@jimgiordano8218]

This was my first transmitter, along with the HR-10B receiver. I built them both in 1971 when I was 14 years old and they both worked great. Heathkit was my favorite, I built a lot of their kits.

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

Thanks Terry! Mic (Mike) - that's funny. I am getting old also. Getting old sucks except for watching my grandbabies grow.

[@destijl7414]

Excellent! Thanks for sharing this upgrade tutorial.

[@preiter20]

I can certainly relate to "old parts wearing out" problem, lol. Another great video Terry!

[@nor4277]

It has a bunch of old caps in ,I like heath kit stuff built pretty well.thanks for another great video

[@n8nkqrp595]

Excellent mod! No shorting jumper needed for CW: these old-fart AMers seem to have no problem laying a brick on their mic PTT sw. Or wrapping duct tape around their post. I'm not an AMer... but I'm an old fart like you.. (sorry, couldn't resist). Heck, I don't do phone at all. I'm a cw guy. But I liseten to the old goats...... 73 & TU!

[@rciancia]

Excellent DLab Mod.... I hope you sell hundreds of them..... awesome job Terry

[@msaradio7455]

Excellent Terry! Thank you.

[@multicyclist]

Secure mounting suggestion for your DX-60 kits. Provide one hole centered on each of the long sides of the board and provide 2 standoffs with screws and/or nuts. This would require drilling only two small holds and would securely mount the circuit board. Personally, I would not trust adhesive tape in tube equipment where things can get hot. Nice kit otherwise!

[@hitekredneck109]

What if the standoffs were put right on the two nuts that are where he mounted the board? Or easier yet,mount 2 terminal strips off of those screws and solder the ground side of the board to the terminal strips.

[@HD7100]

I wonder if you would use a 1/4" jack for the key input that has a normally open set of contacts. You could use that normally open switch to short the microphone relay contacts. In other words when you plug in the key the contacts for your relay close. I have a DX-60 so I might explore this. Great video!

[@hitekredneck109]

Cw would be super easy...just put a mox button or switch inline with the mic.....or right on the mic or set it up like a "breakout" right off of the 4 pin connector. Lol....or just wire the ptt module on the am lug on the selector switch......? Maybe?

[@RobertKohut]

Too funny, the Mic jack is named Mike.... :-)

[@RobertKohut]

Nice!!

[@JohnRaschedian]

Hi Terry! Thank you for the great videos. I know how hard it is to shoot while working. I think most of the credit for shooting would go to your dear wife as well. I'm not old enough to remember these Heathkit radios when they were still being sold but is there still some deal like this where you could buy a kit and build it yourself, where you'd end up with a functional good radio? And of course something with not too many chips in it. Preferably, mostly analog circuits that you could put together yourself to understand how the radio actually works. Thank you!

[@tekoppentekoppen761]

Most of us likes a tight fit.

[@nor4277]

I like two sides tape,I bought some.two sides tape that made for holding on body part to cars or trucks ,is suppose to be that strong, I wonder have you or any of your viewers ever tried to kind of two side tape ,and would you think it's a good Idea missing tape that's that strong,thank you Terry for your videos

[@carlburgess9635]

Tks de N6NZX, only thing I don't like is the two sided tape, it will be forgotten over the years and "may" dry out. Say that this rig is in a motor home and is subject hard bumps, will it be safe? Sorry to be so finnicky, but it may happen. Carl

[@w7hrcgreg]

Terry, Can you not just dis-connect the 1/4 CW key wire, and just run a jumper from the 1/4 inch CW jack to the Mike plug key line?

[@d-labelectronics]

Yes, however you still need to activate the 120vac for the Antenna change over relay. This mod is intended to eliminate turning the function switch, thus wear or failure.

[@dennisperusse3837]

Wow! Will future versions work on a Heathkit DX-35?

[@d-labelectronics]

Yes, This module will work on the DX-35. I believe the rotary function switch is the same. I can determine the pinout. Can you install it OK?

[@dennisperusse3837]

Sure, I just overhauled mine last year. Should be easy. :)

[@TheUzizero]

I have one I hope mine can be modified aswell. dv1ww

[@dannyfreitas5725]

hi could we splice the of key line with pin 8 of the relay ,? Dan

[@tomastaylor]

Do you have a link where I can order the K1 PTT kit?

[@d-labelectronics]

Hi Tom, Shoot me a e-mail: [e-mail]

[@blazinSpike]

Did they ever make a tube CB radio?

[@jeromegrzelak8236]

yes