[CW] T.R. McElroy Bug

Mon Nov 19 13:53:41 EST 2018

Thanks much, David. The guy who sells the spring pre-tensioners is Jim, 
W0EB.  I bought a couple for Vibroplexes and they work OK (i.e., 
"reduce" but not "eliminate").  I found that a piece of foam works about 
as good but doesn't LOOK good.  The best and most complete solution I've 
found is a WB9KZY $12.00 kit called the "Bug Descratcher."  I built two 
and they work to totally eliminate contact bounce.  The kit is cheap and 
easier than searching for a circuit diagram and ordering the parts.  
Runs a couple years on a 9 volt battery but NG for direct boat anchor 
use, of course.

http://wb9kzy.com/bugde3.htm

Regarding the MAC Deluxe, I'm going to mix myself a rum and coke (former 
sailor here), start a fire and give this some real serious thought this 
afternoon.

ONE LAST QUESTION:  HOW HEAVY IS IT COMPARED TO A VIBROPLEX?  I'M A REAL 
SLAPPER which is why I bought a right angle bug because the direction of 
force favors me.

73, Stan

On Mon, Nov 19, 2018 at 01:14 PM, D.J.J. Ring, Jr. wrote:

The first Mac key looks like it has the dot pre tensioner.  This loads 
the U shaped dot spring do the dots don't sputter.

Excellent bug, can send very fast effortlessly.

I have one and I brought it to sea and it slid off the desk during a big 
storm.

I used my Vibroplex Original since then, but the Mac Deluxe is a better 
key.

73

DR

On Mon, Nov 19, 2018, 12:40 stan levandowski <sjl219 at optonline.net 
<mailto:sjl219 at optonline.net>  wrote:
I have never owned a true vintage bug, assuming that modern day

equipment would be far superior in terms of operation and reliability. 

I presently  use a KN4YB right angle bug and I'm entirely satisfied with

it.

There are two McElroy bugs presently on eBAY.  They are talking to me...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/183537880447?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649 
<https://www.ebay.com/itm/183537880447?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649>

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1939-TR-McElroy-MAC-Deluxe-Telegraph-Key-Bug-in-Original-Box-Near-NOS/153266745299?epid=8018368966&hash=item23af68efd3:g:LJ0AAOSwZ~ha2123:rk:1:pf:0 
<https://www.ebay.com/itm/1939-TR-McElroy-MAC-Deluxe-Telegraph-Key-Bug-in-Original-Box-Near-NOS/153266745299?epid=8018368966&hash=item23af68efd3:g:LJ0AAOSwZ~ha2123:rk:1:pf:0>

Questions:  Is it likely that an 80 year old instrument will hold up to

daily use?  Do these vintage keys present with lots of contact bounce? 

Does any lister own one of these and is it heavy enough to withstand a

heavy hand?  Does it like the speed range 18-25 wpm?  

Comments and opinions from those of you who know about these things

would be very much appreciated.

Thanks and 73,

Stan WB2LQF

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