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You can
write your own review of the Vibroplex Origional Bug.
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W6PRI
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Rating: 4/5
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Aug 1, 2008 10:58
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GOOD KEY
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have had the Original Standard gray base bug (1974 Model) for several years. It has always performed well. Recently, I tried lubricating the pivit points with graphite lubricant. It works at least as well as the watch oil I previously used. Once you get the adjustments correctly set, these keys sound great. Congratulations to Vibroplex.
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N0NV
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 6, 2008 00:47
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Pride in Ownership
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I spent my 1960s childhood years in fascination while watching my dad use his Vibroplex Original and Lightning bugs. Sometimes he'd let me "play ham" with the bugs, enabling only the sidetone oscillator in his rig. It was a strong seed to be planted during my formative years.
To make a long story short, I was a ham using a Bencher paddle for 23 years before I decided to challenge myself. I purchased a new Original bug, and fortunately I also had the excellent guide written by Brian Murphy, VE2AGO.
http://www.vibroplex.com/original_bug_adjustments.pdf
After much fine-tuning of the adjustments and some sidetone practice, the seed finally germinated.
I purchased mine direct from the factory to obtain one from a recent production run, even though it costs more than through a dealer. In my opinion, the quality at Vibroplex had slipped prior to the current management. I believe that under the new owner, W4OA, the Original bug has been restored to its former quality level, and even beyond. The parts in my new bug just seem to fit and line up better than on bugs I've seen which were made in the 80s and 90s. I also purchased the Vari-Speed attachment, which extends the speed range for QRS or QRQ, depending on where it's placed on the lever arm.
If you find yourself bored with paddle-sending, I highly recommend this retro-alternative.
--... ...--
Jack, N0NV
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G6XCJ
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 18, 2006 09:27
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Excellent
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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My Original Bug is a few years old now, bought direct from Vibroplex it cost a few quid plus VAT on the doorstep. Its not an easy key to master, there is a lot of fiddling about to be done, but once set up it seems to run ok but i add plenty of 3in1 to the main spindle just to ensure good work. I use mine with a tamer as sometimes i am not awake enuf to handle its 20 plus wpm. But it is a good keyer and i would recommend it to others. It took about two weeks to arrive and Betsy really looked out for me.
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NE4TT
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 9, 2006 15:49
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One Nice Bug
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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My CW elmer, Charlie KO4GZ, presented me with his Original Deluxe bug after passing my test.
He also included a custom hardwood case, similar to the old Vibroplex cases.
Wished the company still made the old style cases.
Other than having to clean the trunion pin, due to intermittant dashes, it has been a joy to use.
I do own a Vibroplex Iambic, and a Vibrokeyer, but really enjoy the Bug.
73 Jamie NE4TT
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KI4BDS
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 14, 2006 19:55
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5/5
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Awesome,beautiful,and I have the chrome one.I wax it once a year and people come to visit and always ask questions. Have gotten several interested in Ham. I also cleand up old ones and polish and refurbish them. Taught by an old hand (K3CN) how to tune one.Buy a used one and I'll make it look like new if it isnt pitted for a small pittance.KI$BDS
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VR2AX
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 25, 2006 18:06
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Excellent Bug
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Bought my Deluxe version new in around 1989. Before that, in the late 60s and early 70s, I tried (and unintentionally wrote off) several cheap imitations which were available in the UK market. This is an exceptional piece of engineering. It has a great feel. The only negative think I can think of about it is the inability to send at slow speed. A couple of years back I bought a Bug Tamer direct from Vibroplex and that, in combination with the bug, works fine at slower speeds, albeit with a slight degradation in the feel. Very reliable and has been round the world with me several times.
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W7IS
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 29, 2005 23:50
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Outstanding
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've used Vibroplex Original line of speed keys since 1958. I really enjoy using the older keys from the early part of 1900. Take a look at the Journal I made up on all types of Speed Keys at the below web link. There are many pictures and interesting information for speed key users.
http://journals.aol.com/w7is/TELEGRAPHKEY/
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IK0XCB
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 15, 2004 17:35
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Precision and regularity
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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An excellent Bug,
it doesn't grant a lot of space to the dexterity of the operator, for these things the Lightning is best, but the operator rewards with a great stability and regularity of operation
Clay IK0XCB
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VE7BGP
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 14, 2003 13:45
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Original Standard
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Recently I picked up a really nice Mint Gray based circa 1968 Original Standard. Like my Chrome Lightning & Real Blue Racer this big is really nice to use and this Original is beautiful down to the 15 wpm ballpark with it's stock weight. Most say the Lightning is slower My Lightning needs extra weight to get it to about 18 WPM. I agree with a friend a jewelled movement is not any better feel to it then the non jewelled Bugs. Just remember a drop of oil in the bearings once in a while they will be fine. I now have 3 Bugs and looking for contacts on 40 & 15 for the H. G. Martin Centennial Award. See you on the Air.
73
Gerry
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W3JY
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Rating: 4/5
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Jan 5, 2002 18:14
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Original Presentation
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I learned CW on a straight key, then bought a Lightning Bug at a hamfest in Ephrata for $30. Used it ever since, never bothered to learn CW with a keyer.
I like my Original almost as much as my Lightning Bug, but it's not capable of sending as slowly. I have a straight key in parallel for QRS.
As others have noted, it is IMPERATIVE to clean the contacts, oil the pivots and carefully adjust the mechanism. IT AIN'T EASY! But it's worth it. Too much spacing and it will sound choppy, especially between dits and dahs, where the pivot angle is at its maximum. But if you take your time, and carefully analyze how it all works, it is a joy to behold! Solid, lovely, handmade Morse that is to die for!
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