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| Reviews Summary for Hi-Mound BK-100 Bug |
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You can
write your own review of the Hi-Mound BK-100 Bug.
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WB5AGF
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Rating: 4/5
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May 16, 2008 21:14
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The dream of my early teenage years
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I had to make a review of the old Hi-Mound semiautomatic key. This is going to be purely personal and non-technical but perhaps it will give somebody a good laugh.
When I was an early teenager, probably about 1964, Lafayette Electronics sold the BK-100 under their name. I wanted one so bad but money was in short supply.
I didn't realize it but that desire apparently got stored in long term memory and was just waiting to surface.
When I went to Dayton in either 1994 or 1995 I decided to use the 'technique' for hamfesting expressed by my friend Dr. Fun Fong (W5FS). His belief is that if you're not waiting at the gate at an insanely early hour .... then you're going to miss out on something.
When the gate opened, and the crowd surged forward, I was near the front. I broke left about as early as possible and within not more than 30 seconds I saw a guy set up to sell stuff from the back of his pickup.
I cruised over and was going to take a quick look when my eyes were riveted to a leatherette box. It had a certain 'look' to it. I reached out, picked-up the box, and when I turned it over there was the Lafayette sticker, identifying it as a key. I opened the box (by that time I was getting pretty excited) and ... yes ... it was the key I'd dreamed of as a kid.
I asked the guy how much and he said $35; I didn't even try to haggle, just pulled out my wallet.
I know it will sound silly to somebody who hasn't experienced the sensation but I've enjoyed owning that key as much as anything ever found at a hamfest .. it made that Dayton trip for me.
73;
Paul, WB5AGF
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KA2JIZ
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 11, 2005 09:54
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VERY nice bug
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I bought this bug perhaps 15 years ago at a hamfest. I liked it then and I like it now. It has been uncovered in a damp basement for 10 years while I was QRT and I just resurrected it. Gee, this is a nice bug and in perfect condition. In fact, I think I like it better than all my Vibroplexes. To look at it, it looks like it might have come from the local "Just a Buck" store, but looks can be deceiving. It is a solid, well constructed key. Once adjusted it sends easy, wonderful morse. If you come across one, don't hesitate to buy. I'm looking for the cover but doubt if I will ever find one. This bug is going to be the one I take on my overseas trip.
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KE4MOB
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Rating: 4/5
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Jan 16, 2004 18:48
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Version #3
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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This version is very similar to the 2nd version I reviewed before, with the exception that the label is black with silver lettering, the steel weight in the bottom is battleship gray rather than orange, and the yoke has a radius on each end rather than the squarish yoke.
I've played with these three bugs over a period of about a month, and all of them send rather well once they are properly adjusted. This version is exactly the same speed and quality wise as the second version.
The ball bearing versions have a slightly different feel than the non-ball bearing version...call it smoother with less tactile feedback. The ball bearing versions look like they are of cheaper quality in the little details, however. The embossing on the pendulum (which is stamped, not machined) is uneven, the thumbscrews are a lot bigger/clunkier, and the threads on the various adjustments just aren't as "polished" as on the ball bearing versions.
Cover fits vary among the three...my first version had a loose fit, the second version was snug, and the third version was delivered with vertical cracks on the front corners due to the cover being way too small. (Note all of these were used bugs when I got them, so I don't know if the covers are original or not).
So in looking at the three, if I had to pick one, I'd probably pick the first one. Why? The low end speed is very good, and quality/appearance is there, even though I think it is a much older bug than the other two.
The feel of the ball bearing models is slightly better, but I rather prefer the feedback in the non-ball bearing model. Plus, when I take it apart to clean/inspect it, I don't have to worry about chasing 1 to 1.5 mm steel balls all over the desk...
At any rate, any of these are good useable bugs once they are cleaned, lubricated and adjusted.
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G0CJM
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 27, 2003 19:17
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Excellent key.
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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In 1985 i bought my key because i wanted something similar to the Vibroplexer that i could afford. It was not cheap at £89ukp. I soon got to work with it but it was too fast for me so i set the weight at its furthest point and added a piece of blu-tack for extra weight and it soon became clear that here was a key i could really work with. My style of sending soon became recognised from the many other hams who use this key. I find it so easy to use and ive noticed that my speed has increased too, i have nowt but praise for the lad who made this great key and heartily recommend it to all other *key-people* 72/73 Reb G0CJM
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W7IS
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 11, 2003 01:44
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Hard to adust
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I found a hardly used Skillman bug that came from an estate sale. Its the CalRad Radio Shack version of the Himound D100. These of course were sold by both Radio Shack and Laughette. And I considered those outlets low end CB radio outlets, and not ham quality. But after all these years, I had read these Japanese made bugs did send good code. So I waited till a good one showed up on ebay. I spent several days messing with the adjustments on this key. My goal was to be able to send code that sounded just as good as an electronic keyer. And thats difficult with a bug. Most bugs cant be adjusted for proper weighting on the dots and therefore have the twang of a bug. And I almost gave up with this key. But after talking it apart and examining it in detail I was determined to get it adjusted properly. Its actually a well machined work of art. Even though it might look like a coffin!! I was surprised to find that all the finally machined parts are nickle plated brass except for a small length of spring steel for the dot arm. What I ended up with is very close spacing on the dot contacts, less than 1/32 inch. And then if the stablizer weight at the rear is set just in the correct spot, there is a combination that allows for perfect code. Now that I found the correct combination, there is no way you can tell its code from a bug. And the speed is acceptable from about 15wpm to as fast as you can send. I recommend this product to anyone who is interested in a fine working bug as well as a piece of art. The plastic base is weighted with a large piece of steel. So it holds the desk without moving around as long as you dont have a large spacing in the contacts. But good luck on finding the perfect settings for the dot spacing.
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VE3WMB
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Rating: 4/5
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Aug 25, 2002 17:48
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Good Beginner Bug
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I bought one of these used on Ebay a year ago. I decided that after 20 years of using an electronic keyer it was time to learn to send using a bug. Mine would only slow down to about 18wpm so I installed a large square Vibroplex weight(made for the Champion/Lightning Bug) and was able to get the speed down to somewhere between 12 and 15wpm. The bug has a nice crisp feel to it and works quite well. Inevitably the used ones have cracks in the clear covers. Morse Express does sell replacement covers, but beware the fit may not be perfect if you have an older version of this bug. Overall a decent working key, great for field day or an outing where you don't want to drag along your shiny Vibroplex.
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N4EKV
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Rating: 4/5
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Jan 11, 2002 17:36
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Lil clunky, but sends good CW
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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This particular example is branded "Skillman" but it was clearly OEM'd by Hi-Mound and is the older version (see http://www.alpha-net.ne.jp/users2/morse/key4.htm for differences).
Morsex describes the speed range as 12-40 WPM, and it's ability to send slow-speed dits is amazing. Even at its slowest setting mine will pump out 20+ dits before winding down.
Mechanically, the parts are of a high quialty and they seem more resistant to corrosion than some other old bugs I've come across. Though the feel is heavier and clunkier than my Vibroplex, this bug does send good CW once you get the feel for how it likes to be treated. Moving the weight is a one-handed operation which is nice, except that you have to remove and replace the clear plastic cover in the process.
The downside is that it's kind of loud, particularly when the dah contact is actuated. Still, I'm happy to have it in my collection.
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