Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: Johnson Speed-x 114-500 bug

Category: Keys & Paddles

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : Johnson Speed-x 114-500 bug
Reviews: 3MSRP:
Description:
Bug key built by E.F. Johnson from 1947 to 1972. Black wrinkled base with shorting bar.
Product is in production
More Info: http://
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0034.7
W9SA Rating: 2021-06-23
Rare but good. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had this key for a little over a year. I've used it with a Vibroplex bug tamer to slow it down to about 20wpm. It is very smooth and does feel different than a Vibroplex but is easy to get used to. I have it on a DX Engineering CW mat because it does tend to walk around the desk. If you can find one get it, you will be glad you did.
W0EAJ Rating: 2008-11-30
Rare but fun Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I've had one since 1963. It was given to me by my Master Chief, while a US Navy Radioman at COMTRAPAC SDIEGO. I had to pass a "speed key" exam to use it on Navy circuits... 25 wpm for 10 mins SOLID - NO mistakes (sending OR receiving).

I used THIS VERY KEY to send msgs relating to the death of President Kennedy, The Tonkin Gulf "Incident", and our "official" entry into the Vietnam war. It's light, so will "walk around" on the op-posit, unless you screw it down or hold it, but trouble-free and will really FLY. To slow it down, you need a second weight (they didn't come with 2 - only one), or a big alligator clip to hook onto the end of the shaft.

They came in several versions, the differences being mostly in paddle material and shape - really early ones had a different style of yoke, too. Johnson also made a Speed-X STRAIGHT KEY series as well, but it's the bugs that are really rare.

TC Dailey - WØEAJ
W2BLC Rating: 2006-10-24
Easy to use bug Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I bought this E.F. Johnson SpeedX bug on eBay for $40 about a year ago from a ham in Canada.

I have owned, but never became friends with several Vibroplex bugs. This bug is different. It will slow down to 18 wpm with no problem. Construction is similar to a Champion - mostly bolt-together, rather than castings. It is heavy enough to stay put on the desk.

I have never seen one at a hamfest, but if I did - I'd buy it to have a spare.

It is in a class of its own, harkening back to less flashy times.