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Author Topic: How to easily add weight to current bug weight  (Read 455 times)

K7IOL

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How to easily add weight to current bug weight
« on: June 23, 2021, 09:07:26 AM »

Hi, I'm a new ham. I just got my license in December 2020.  I love CW and have been practicing daily and having QSO's with my Vibroplex Straight Key.  I've been reading EHam.net about Bugs and finally found a Vibroplex Lightning Bug.  It has the standard square .8 oz weight with the knurled screw on top.

I found it to be a bit faster than I am comfortable sending or receiving.  I read all the post I could find on Eham.net about slowing the Bug down. Including using a clothes pin, the sleeve of a PL259 taped over the weight, an alligator clip and then a unique idea to extend the Bar.  I thought I was going to try to extend the Bar and went to the Garage to see what spare parts I might have to complete the project.

While standing near my Reloading Bench I had an idea.  I took a 45ACP empty brass, (actually this one was nickel plated and shiny, made by federal some time ago), and took a 200gr copper plated lead projectile and pounded it in the casing upside down with the flat side up, with a punch. I rushed to my Lightning Bug to see if it fit and it fits perfectly.  Just snug enough to allow you to use it to unscrew the knurled screw to adjust it back and fourth as I get faster.  The Brass 45 ACP and 200gr Lead Projectile weigh .07 oz for a total of 1.5 oz with the standard weight.  It seems enough to slow it down to 13-15 wpm and looks like it belongs there.

I don't suggest that anyone who doesn't reload go and buy brass and a box of 200gr projectiles.  But likely, you know someone who does reload, who would be more than happy to give you one piece of brass and one projectile. 

Obviously, this added weight idea will work for any bug with a standard knurled screw on top of their stock weight.

I hope this might help someone.  It has sure helped me!

Jim / K7IOL

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K7MEM

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Re: How to easily add weight to current bug weight
« Reply #1 on: June 23, 2021, 10:58:43 AM »

If you haven't found about 100 suggestions, you just haven't looked around very well. Bug users have used everything imaginable to slow down their bugs.

Have you checked with the SKCC? There are lots of bug users there that slow their bugs down.

While it's out of stock right now Vibroplex sells a Vari-Speed accessory.

I have a 1916 Blue Racer and I have used lead fishing weights to slow it down a bit. But I found that, at slow speeds, a bug is very clumsy and sloppy. It stops being crisp and sharp like it's suppose to be. I would suggest that you get comfortable with the bug's natural operation and just use the straight key for slower sending. Maybe a side slapper (cootie) would be a better way to go than slowing down a bug?

« Last Edit: June 23, 2021, 11:00:54 AM by K7MEM »
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Martin - K7MEM
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W6MK

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Re: How to easily add weight to current bug weight
« Reply #2 on: June 23, 2021, 02:53:13 PM »

Maybe a side slapper (cootie) would be a better way to go than slowing down a bug?

No doubt.

It shouldn't take long for a beginner to get his speed up to whatever minimum a bug can produce, 20 to 22 wpm, perhaps.

Cooties are very versatile keys, although they're a challenge, even greater than a bug, to master. On the other hand they can be used at very slow speeds and at quite high speeds. No adjustments needed.
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KD1JT

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Re: How to easily add weight to current bug weight
« Reply #3 on: June 25, 2021, 08:33:14 AM »

There was a reason they dubbed it the "Lightning Bug".  I opted for a KN4YB dual paddle bug that easily works from 10wpm to "oh hell that's fast!".  I'm usually set at a comfortable 22wpm, and just go to my straight key for really slower speeds.
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K5TEN

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Re: How to easily add weight to current bug weight
« Reply #4 on: October 13, 2021, 11:29:55 PM »

One of the best "Hints An--d Kinks" I ever proposed was (go ahead and laugh, it's OK) is "Plasti-Tack".

It's cheap (usually used to put up teen posters and photos on a wall without tacks, nails, or staples). 

Place it on the bug weight a few small dabs at a time to get it to be comfortable for your fist.  Practice into a dummy load if you have to.  You will find a fit when you can send your call perfectly ---- no errors----at your comfortable listening speed.

Rock on!    Good Luck!   Hope to meet you on the air,

I am an Straight Key Century Club Elmer!

73


K5TEN
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