Looking for a bug! - CW Forum at eHam.net

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eHam.net Forum : CW : Looking for a bug!

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Looking for a bug!	Reply
by KN1W on September 7, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
I am getting bored playing with Iambic paddles. At one point time in the early 70's I am sure I was using a Vibroplex, I don't recall the experience, but I am certain it was a bug attached to my TS520 Kenwood. After getting burned on an Ebay purchase of a Vibroplex last week, I am ready to buy a new bug. What should I get for a bug? I know the question has been asked before, but the answer is always going to be different depending on what is out there in the market. I don't want to pay too much, but I want to have fun with it. Thanks in advance for the help, de KN1W

RE: Looking for a bug!	Reply
by W4YA on September 8, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Before you chuck the Vibroplex that you bought on eBay, you might look into replacing a few parts that are available from Vibroplex on their website. I think they also offer a service where you could send them the old unit, and they will recommend steps to bring it back to "original" condition. In any event, a Vibroplex is the only real choice that makes any sense. And there will be a serious cost involved.

RE: Looking for a bug!	Reply
by KN1W on September 8, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Great advice, I will contact them tomorrow. I like to hear Vibroplex is still the way to go. Tnx de KN1W

RE: Looking for a bug!	Reply
by KB1OOO on September 8, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Bored? How about trying iDitDahText :) http://iditdahtext.com 73, Marc

RE: Looking for a bug!	Reply
by KN1W on September 8, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Hi Marc, It looks amazing!!! I will jailbreak one of my iPhones and give it a shot. Couldn't believe the text input at 50wpm, faster that I can do on my Profi2. Thanks much! de KN1W

RE: Looking for a bug!	Reply
by KB1OOO on September 9, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
KN1W, Thanks Luis, if you want to hook it up to your rig you can try one of the circuits in this thread: http://qrqcwnet.ning.com/forum/topics/what-circuit-for-computer I've been so busy that I haven't gotten a chance to try. 73, Marc

RE: Looking for a bug!	Reply
by VA7CPC on September 9, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
There are a gazillion Vibroplexes in the field. Like the Bencher paddle, if it has so many users, it can't be _all_ bad.<g> If you give up on the Vibroplex (for whatever reason), there are a bunch of favorable reviews of the Vizkey bug on this site. It's a nice brass concoction, in a few variations: www.vizkey.com There are some other bugs on the Morse Express website. Charles

RE: Looking for a bug!	Reply
by KN1W on September 11, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Thanks to the advice of all who answered my posting. Looks like there is a missing part on the Vibroplex, I have contacted the "nice" folks at Vibroplex to order the missing pieces. Hopefully the 11 dollars will bring my key back to life. Tnx agn to all de KN1W

RE: Looking for a bug!	Reply
by KE4MOB on September 14, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
Vibroplexes have their own personality depending on the model and the era of manufacture. Early ones up to about the 1960's were faster than those that came later. For the record, my favorite is the early 60's Blue Racer, followed by the late 1950's Lightning.

RE: Looking for a bug!	Reply
by AB8ZX on September 23, 2009	Mail this to a friend!
I love bugs, I don't use paddles (except when I'm camping), just bugs and straight keys. they have so much personality on the air and they all sound different to my ear. working a fast cw contest with a bug is an awesome feeling. I have 7 Vibroplexes from different years and different models. I love swapping them out and I keep track in the log which one I used at different times. my favorite is a 1957 Lightning Bug, so smooth and efficient in its movements. I love buying an old bug, stripping it down, cleaning/lubing it and getting it on the air, one of my favorite things. as with anything you buy on Ebay, be careful, ask questions if the pictures don't always show. people are almost always clueless about whether it's all there or not I've found. it is sort of an obscure thing, bugs. I've had problems with Vibroplex in the past, getting my parts orders wrong, etc. I don't mind though, they are good people and I'm just glad they are still around. buy one of their Tshirts, I have one, I wear it to hamfests, people always comment on it. my next bug purchase will be a Begali. I think I'm ready.

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