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Author Topic: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around  (Read 349 times)

K7MPZ

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Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
« on: March 14, 2023, 07:18:03 PM »

Ok, I guess I am a heavy fisted operator, but the key only has 3 little rubber bumpers underneath, and
it slides left and right on the smooth varnished desk top.  What more can I say?
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Dale Fiorillo
Sequim, Wa
K7MPZ

N8RKD

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Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
« Reply #1 on: March 14, 2023, 07:24:00 PM »

I use a rectangle of tacky shelf liner under mine.  Seems to help.
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W6QW

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Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2023, 08:03:10 PM »

Had the same problem with my Vibrokeyer.  Solved the problem by:
1. Replaced the rubber feet as they had hardened over time and became slippery on the bottom.  You can purchase new feet from Vibroplex or a third party.
2. Once you replace the feet, simply put the keyer on top of a PC mouse pad.
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AE0Q

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Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
« Reply #3 on: March 14, 2023, 08:17:05 PM »

Ok, I guess I am a heavy fisted operator, but the key only has 3 little rubber bumpers underneath, and
it slides left and right on the smooth varnished desk top.

These work great for paddles and a slippery desk :-)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/392734387530

Glenn AE0Q
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NA6O

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Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
« Reply #4 on: March 14, 2023, 08:54:28 PM »

Another miraculous cure is to coat the bottom of each foot with a film of rubber cement. Let it dry. It creates a very high friction layer, lasts a long time, and is easily renewed.

Gary NA6O
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AJ9C

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Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
« Reply #5 on: March 15, 2023, 05:21:17 AM »

I found that the best way to keep my Vibroplex to stop sliding was to sell it and buy a Begali. (tongue in cheek but yea that's what I did)
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AC9O

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Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
« Reply #7 on: March 15, 2023, 08:35:59 AM »

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K6CPO

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Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
« Reply #8 on: March 15, 2023, 11:42:26 AM »

I have an old telegraph sounder and key I play around with from time to time. It has metal feet on the bottom of the board it's mounted to so I put a small piece of rubber tool box drawer liner under it and it doesn't move at all now.
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N5CM

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Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
« Reply #9 on: March 17, 2023, 07:48:25 PM »

I use a rectangle of tacky shelf liner under mine.  Seems to help.

I'll admit to being a bit heavy-fisted as well.  I do a little lead casting every once in a while and have a few lead ingots handy.  I cut some of the tacky shelf liner a bit larger than the foot print of whatever key I'm using and place a small lead ingot on the shelf liner on either side of the key.  That seems to work for me.
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N2SR

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Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
« Reply #10 on: March 18, 2023, 04:56:19 AM »

Drill a hole in the paddle.  Drill a hole in the desktop where you want the paddle to sit.  Run a bolt from the paddle long enough to put a lock washer and nut on the under side of the desktop. 

Problem solved.

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K7JQ

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Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
« Reply #11 on: March 18, 2023, 06:48:00 AM »

DX Engineering sells non-slip pads for paddles/bugs. I got one free with the purchase of a new paddle…works well.
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WA3SKN

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Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
« Reply #12 on: March 18, 2023, 10:26:59 AM »

Add weight.
Add friction.
Through-bolt to desk, use fender washers!

-Mike.
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K7MPZ

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Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
« Reply #13 on: March 18, 2023, 12:56:00 PM »

Thank you all for the many suggestions, even the tongue in cheek ideas! 
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Dale Fiorillo
Sequim, Wa
K7MPZ

K7MPZ

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Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
« Reply #14 on: March 27, 2023, 02:29:09 PM »

Ok, I guess I am a heavy fisted operator, but the key only has 3 little rubber bumpers underneath, and
it slides left and right on the smooth varnished desk top.  What more can I say?
For small items like that I use jar opener grippers like these. They work for lots of uses when you can't "get a grip"!

https://www.amazon.com/LUTER-Grippers-Multi-function-Arthritis-Coasters/dp/B0B49Y68LF/ref=sr_1_5?crid=13E7TQ7XNPF77&keywords=jar+opener+pad&qid=1678894467&sprefix=jar+opener+pad%2Caps%2C108&sr=8-5

OMG- these were miraculous. Thank you for link. And they are thin so the paddle height is not changed.
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Dale Fiorillo
Sequim, Wa
K7MPZ
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