[CW] Vibrokeyer question for David N1EA...

[Steve Kallal]

Hi David,
 
I found your little CW reflector the other. I have a question/observation
about the Vibrokeyer.
 
You saw the Vibrokeyer I have. I posted a photo for you on one the Yahoo
reflectors. It is a 1965 vintage model with a beige base and jeweled
bearings. After considerable practice, I do see its merits as a sideswiper.
I think using some other keys gave me the correct idea on how to send
properly, that is rolling the wrist.
 
But the Vibrokeyer feels clunkly to me. A search of the eham.net reviews,
reveals other many hams feel the same way. It simply doesn't have a smooth
feel no matter how I adjust it. That said, it has the widest range of adjust
of any single lever paddle out there. I send some of my best sideswiper code
with, and with the most comfort. But I can't help but sense the key feels
like it is about to fall apart. I have the trunion adjusted to the sweet
spot, that is the most tension without binding. There is no vertical slop. I
do have to readjust the trunion often, even with the set pin tightened.
 
Also it makes a lot of noise while sending. A good pair of headphones
removes most of the noise. But it distracts me from hearing the sidetone.
 
Do I have a lemon? Or is that the nature of the Vibrokeyer?
 
73,
 
Steve N6VL