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Author Topic: Bug for Portable  (Read 527 times)

K3ZD

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Bug for Portable
« on: April 17, 2022, 06:23:29 PM »

Now that I'm used to the bug I find I can't go back to automatic electronic keying with a paddle.  So if any of you bug users go portable like POTA, do you bring your nice bug with you or do you use something else?  For portable I use a Yaesu FT-450 but it does not have an option for semi-automatic electronic keying.
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AE5X

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Re: Bug for Portable
« Reply #1 on: April 18, 2022, 05:36:23 AM »

So if any of you bug users go portable like POTA, do you bring your nice bug with you or do you use something else?

I'd love to have a more portable bug than those typically available. I can't remember the callsign but a few years ago there was a W9??? who was a machinist - he made a small collection of circular bugs that would have been perfect.

Another guy (forgot his callsign) makes wooden bugs but is unwilling to sell them.  :'(
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KA2DDX

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Re: Bug for Portable
« Reply #2 on: April 18, 2022, 05:37:47 AM »

you may want to ask Yaesu that question -

https://www.yaesu.com/?cmd=ContactUs&DivisionID=65

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AE5X

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Re: Bug for Portable
« Reply #3 on: April 18, 2022, 05:38:18 AM »

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NI0C

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Re: Bug for Portable
« Reply #4 on: April 18, 2022, 08:12:21 AM »

Back in 1914, the Vibroplex Company started selling their No. 4 model (Blue Racer) that was more compact (2.5" wide base versus 3.5" on the Original).
This was to make it easier for telegraphers to carry them in a coat pocket when they traveled to and from work.

I wouldn't carry my bugs around like that-- besides I prefer using a keyer for portable operations. There are a lot of good miniature keyer paddles that are far more compact.


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W6MK

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Re: Bug for Portable
« Reply #5 on: April 18, 2022, 12:30:38 PM »

Leave your bug at home. Take any straight key; most will be light enough and sufficiently trauma-resistant.
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KA2DDX

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Re: Bug for Portable
« Reply #6 on: April 22, 2022, 03:28:39 PM »

Manual, rear panel key jack, three contact plug only, for bug, straight key or paddle.
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KL7CW

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Re: Bug for Portable
« Reply #7 on: April 22, 2022, 06:20:37 PM »

You may be able to find a keyer chip which includes bug mode, at least in the past some offered this option.  You would use a single lever, or dual lever paddle and automatic dots would be generated, but you would make your dashes manually.  You could buy a keyer chip and use only the dot function and make your dashes manually.  I have heard of folks doing this.  You would plug the paddle dash wire and also the dot output from the keyer into the rig like you would a hand key.  You would option your rig for manual hand key operation.  Many good small portable paddles which I have found VERY satisfactory and light weight.  A single lever paddle would be best. Many portable operators like the PALM paddles if you can find one, but the company has been out of business for a few years now.  I really like the dual lever paddle I have on my KX2, it is small, light weight, and works about as good as my much more expensive paddles.  There are even good paddles for much less than the KX2 paddle, which may mount easily on your travel transceiver.  Begalli, and others make expensive, relatively small, travel paddles.  For portable operation I have found lesser paddles very satisfactory for my expeditions.               Good Luck   Rick  KL7CW
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KL7CW

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Re: Bug for Portable
« Reply #8 on: April 23, 2022, 11:02:38 AM »

I just googled MFJ CW Paddles, and many came up on E bay, etc.  Some as little as about $25, and many less than $100.  Some were very small and light weight, and I suspect most would be satisfactory for casual field operation.  For regular operation at home, you may prefer better options.  I have found minimal paddles very satisfactory for this operation even at over 25 WPM, but I just tend to adapt to nearly any old key or paddle.  If you search, you may find some single lever portable paddles.  Another idea is to use a touch keyer, some folks build them into rigs and only need to touch the dot or dash pad which is nearly flush with the outside of the rig.  It has a different feel to me, but think I could send good code at well over 25 WPM.  These are just ideas I am throwing out, not suggestions.  I would buy an inexpensive paddle (used ?) and fool around with it for awhile before spending mega bucks on a gold plated 23 jewel movement masterpiece.  I would not take an expensive key on my expeditions.
              Rick  KL7CW
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VE3WMB

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Re: Bug for Portable
« Reply #9 on: July 10, 2022, 09:20:18 AM »

So if any of you bug users go portable like POTA, do you bring your nice bug with you or do you use something else?

FWIW, sometimes when I am car camping I will bring along my Hi-Mound BK-100 (aka Coffin Bug). These are pretty robust bugs and there are lots of them around on the used market. You should be able to find one (used) for less than $100, although the price is creeping up.  They have a rather crisp feel and are somewhat clackey but I find that it is less noticeable when they are used outdoors. They can also be slowed down to quite a bit less than 20 wpm by adding one of the square Vibroplex weights intended for the Zephyr/Champion/Lightning. To do so however requires partial disassembly of the bug to get the weight under the pendulum arm.

I transport my BK-100 in a small wooden box purchased from a hobby shop and fitted with a couple of pieces of foam to keep the bug from bouncing around. I also suggest using a twist tie to secure the pendulum arm to the damper during transport to avoid damage to the pivot. 

Most BK-100s that you find for sale will have either a yellowed or cracked clear cover (sometimes both). Even though Morse Express is now closed, they still appear to be selling off inventory and they did carry replacement covers for the B-100 so if you need one it would be worth inquiring.

http://morseexpress.com/himound/

Cheers

Michael VE3WMB
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AE0Q

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Re: Bug for Portable
« Reply #10 on: July 10, 2022, 10:15:24 PM »

Leave your bug at home. Take any straight key;

Waaay too slow...
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KH6AQ

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Re: Bug for Portable
« Reply #11 on: July 13, 2022, 07:25:47 PM »

Like VE3WMB, I think the best bug for portable use I know of is a Japanese BK-100 bug, preferably with the plastic cover. It has a wide speed range and the cover protects it when portable. There are several on Ebay for $80.

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VA7CPC

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Re: Bug for Portable
« Reply #12 on: July 14, 2022, 11:52:09 PM »

Now that I'm used to the bug I find I can't go back to automatic electronic keying with a paddle.  So if any of you bug users go portable like POTA, do you bring your nice bug with you or do you use something else?  For portable I use a Yaesu FT-450 but it does not have an option for semi-automatic electronic keying.

A K1EL WinKeyer (or Winkeyer USB) run on battery power, and supports "bug mode" (automatic dits, manual dahs).  It's quite small and light.  If things are as they were 10 years ago when I got mine, you'll have to spend an evening or two soldering thru-hole components into a small circuit board.  You could use a single-lever paddle with it, and pretend you were running a bug.

.    Charles
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N4MJG

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Re: Bug for Portable
« Reply #13 on: July 26, 2022, 09:59:57 AM »

I  don't use bug it's too heavy to carry around i rather use smallest key i have eiter mfj paddle very small strieght key very small only 2 i have to carry around
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