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eHam Forums => Misc => Topic started by: K7MPZ on March 14, 2023, 07:18:03 PM

Title: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
Post by: K7MPZ 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?
Title: Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
Post by: N8RKD on March 14, 2023, 07:24:00 PM
I use a rectangle of tacky shelf liner under mine.  Seems to help.
Title: Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
Post by: W6QW 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.
Title: Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
Post by: AE0Q 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
Title: Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
Post by: NA6O 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
Title: Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
Post by: AJ9C 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)
Title: Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
Post by: AC2KV on March 15, 2023, 06:31:39 AM
I use these pads for keeping mobile rigs from sliding off my desk when I stretch the mic cable. Works very well and the tackiness gets renewed when you wash them. Should work with keys too.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMDQ8P92/ref=sspa_dk_detail_7?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0BMDQ8P92&pd_rd_w=5jCBH&content-id=amzn1.sym.88097cb9-5064-44ef-891b-abfacbc1c44b&pf_rd_p=88097cb9-5064-44ef-891b-abfacbc1c44b&pf_rd_r=3BFA9KEH3F9T51HPF8R4&pd_rd_wg=T7rsx&pd_rd_r=c3e89a26-ba51-4c3b-9bda-ba1bd487f4e8&s=automotive&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFFMzNTQk9KUDBMTlomZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA1MzY1MjkxM080NkpYRjBHOVU1JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4OTI0NzMzUlFJQjhDMTk4UjZMJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMDQ8P92/ref=sspa_dk_detail_7?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0BMDQ8P92&pd_rd_w=5jCBH&content-id=amzn1.sym.88097cb9-5064-44ef-891b-abfacbc1c44b&pf_rd_p=88097cb9-5064-44ef-891b-abfacbc1c44b&pf_rd_r=3BFA9KEH3F9T51HPF8R4&pd_rd_wg=T7rsx&pd_rd_r=c3e89a26-ba51-4c3b-9bda-ba1bd487f4e8&s=automotive&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFFMzNTQk9KUDBMTlomZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA1MzY1MjkxM080NkpYRjBHOVU1JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4OTI0NzMzUlFJQjhDMTk4UjZMJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==)
Title: Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
Post by: AC9O on March 15, 2023, 08:35:59 AM
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
Title: Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
Post by: K6CPO 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.
Title: Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
Post by: N5CM 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.
Title: Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
Post by: N2SR 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.

Title: Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
Post by: K7JQ 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.
Title: Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
Post by: WA3SKN on March 18, 2023, 10:26:59 AM
Add weight.
Add friction.
Through-bolt to desk, use fender washers!

-Mike.
Title: Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
Post by: K7MPZ on March 18, 2023, 12:56:00 PM
Thank you all for the many suggestions, even the tongue in cheek ideas! 
Title: Re: Stop Vibroplex from slidding around
Post by: K7MPZ 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.