Note
The HD-1410 replaced the HD-10 in 1975. It features self-completing iambic operation. The HD-1410 isn’t quite as versatile as its predecessor insofar as it will not support semiautomatic operation or the use of an external paddle, but it can be used with a straight key, and the keying mechanism does not rely on microswitches, so that it can be adjusted with somewhat greater precision.
The HD-1410 is fully solid state and can be wired for one of two speed ranges (from under 10 to over 35 WPM or under 10 to over 60 WPM), as well as right- or left-hand operation. The dot/dash weighting is good but is not adjustable. Note that because of imitations in mechanical adjustment, some operators may find the keyer hard to control at speeds much about 25 WPM.
The front panel includes a pilot light and controls for on/off/volume and speed. The speed control pulls out to provide a “tune” mode.
Audio from the receiver can be routed through the keyer to headphones.
Features include a built-in 120 VAC power supply, a built-in speaker, and adjustable sidetone frequency (from inside). The keyer provides negative and positive line to ground keying.
Rear panel connections include a 12 VDC power input for battery operation, keyer out, headphones, receiver audio in (routed to headphones), and external key. The two-tone green wrinkle cabinet is nicely weighted for mechanical stability.
Note: Stray RF may cause erratic operation.
The HD-1410 was the most popular of Heath’s keyers and arguably one of the most popular keyers ever made by anyone. They are frequently seen at swap meets and many of them are are still on the air.
References:
Review. QST. Mar 1978, p. 38.
Improved weighting. QST. Nov 1979, p. 57.
Use with solid-state rigs. QST. Nov 1979, p. 57.
External paddles for. QST. Oct 1980, p. 25.
Improved speed control / paddle adjustments. QST. Dec 1980, p. 52.
Use with external paddles. QST. Dec 1980, p. 52.
Curing RF interference to keyer. QST. Dec 1980, p. 52.
Speed: approximately 10 to 30 WPM, or 10 to 60 WPM
Keyed output:
Positive line to ground: maximum open circuit voltage or spikes: 300 volts maximum current: 200 mA
Negative line to ground: maximum open circuit voltage or spikes: 200 volts maximum current: 10 mA
Audio: internal speaker or high impedance ( > 500Ω headphone jack)
Sidetone: internally adjustable from about 500 to 1000 Hz)
Operating temperature range: 32 F to 105 F (15 F to 105 F typical)
Power requirements:
AC: 120/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 3.5 watts
DC: 10 to 14.5 volts, 150 mA, negative ground
Photos, general information and specifications from "Heathkit: A Guide to the Amateur Radio Products," by Chuck Penson, WA7ZZE. Used with permission.
