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Reviews For: KN4YB Dual Lever Right Angle BUG Model DL-150

Category: Keys & Paddles

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Review Summary For : KN4YB Dual Lever Right Angle BUG Model DL-150
Reviews: 4MSRP: 150
Description:
This is an all-brass dual lever right angle semi-automatic
(BUG) key with a broad speed range of 9 to 40 wpm with the
three supplied weights. It employs bearings for smooth
and reliable operation. Initial set-up is uncomplicated
and straightforward. This key is uncommonly quiet in
operation.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.kn4yb.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0045
KD1JT Rating: 2022-01-24
Nice bug! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Simple design, very adjustable, speed range is wide from 10 wpm to OMG. It's my first bug after 30 years of operating CW. I took to it in a couple of hours. I'm looking now at Tom's other offerings.

Update: now more than a year in I’m more than pleased! It is my very first bug after many years of CW operation. Not knowing exactly how it SHOULD work and feel it took some time to get it set up. It’s my “go to” key in the shack now. The only downside … I’m hooked on bugs!
NZ8J Rating: 2020-02-28
Super easy to use!! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I was a little hesitant to try this bug due to the different design, but as soon as I started using it my fears were gone. I have tried several bugs over the years and have always had less than optimal success. The closest I've come is with my Vibroplex Lightning Bug. I thought it was as good as it gets for me until I tried KN4YB's right angle dual lever bug. It was simple to adjust and very easy to adapt to the dual lever design. Qso's now are much more comfortable as I'm not constantly trying to remind myself that I am using a bug. The KN4YB bug just seems seamless in operation.
I like it so much I just ordered a second one for another station. NZ8J
KZ3J Rating: 2020-02-27
What a great bug!! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have used and still own the Johnson Speed-X bug, the Hi-Mound "coffin" bug, and the Classic Vibroplex Deluxe bug, but my newest -- the DL-150 -- is definitely my new (instant!) favorite semi-automatic key. Why? The main reason is that I can send with this dual lever key without scratchiness and without cutting off my dits; it simply makes me a better, clearer bug operator. (And everything WB2LQF stated in his in-depth review below I concur 100%.)
WB2LQF Rating: 2019-07-13
Superbly performing key in every regard! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
If a ham wants to learn to operate a bug, this is the key to learn on. From that point on, it's also the key that will continue to satisfy the CW bug operator for a lifetime. Why? Well, first it is incredibly QUIET. The racket that many bugs make can pretty rapidly drive away a newcomer because it's a distraction to learning as well as a detriment to pleasurable operation. Next is the absence of "scratchy dits." Some bugs have enough contact bounce that software "de-scratchers" are used, or foam is stuffed into the U-spring or a version of the McElroy "dot stabilizer" is added. This key demonstrates no perceptible bounce and hence no scratchy dits. The speed range is 9 wpm to 40 wpm with the three weights supplied with the key. I verified this with a paddle by comparing dit rates. At the slowest speed the dits completed with as much accuracy as at higher speeds. There was no sluggishness noted. The dual lever design seemed to make my sending consistently more accurate and comfortable. I found that the 90 degree key was inherently more stable on the operating desk as compared to an inline key. I'm no expert but it would seem that this has a lot to do with physics and the direction of force to mass. The four rubber feet were a nice soft vinyl/rubber and the key remained in place on a polished wooden desk without benefit of a non-skid pad underneath. The small size - it's about 5x2 inches takes up less desk space. This is a lot of key in a small package! This bug is smooth - very much so! It uses F685 ball bearings - a popular type and readily available. I mention this because the mechanical construction of this key is elegantly simple. It comes with a set of hex wrenches that can be used to make all adjustments and most dis-assembly/assembly. About the only other thing needed is a 1/4" open end wrench. So if the owner ever wants to disassemble it for refinishing, for example, or perhaps wants to replace the bearings at some distant point in the future, he or she can do so. It's a "key for life." In my opinion, the $150 price tag is a worthwhile investment.