[CW] Early vibroplex bug info

[1oldlens1]

The original up to about 1921 has a different method of hinging the dash lever. I think better but the later method, covered by a patent, was probably cheaper to make.  I have a 1944 original that has very sloppy machining, possibly made from reworked rejected parts.   After some work on my part it works very well.  The springs develop a white powder which makes me think they were zinc plated.  Never seen this on another bug.  My 1961 original has chrome plated springs but seems to work well.My 1921 original is a bit worn but is the best of the bunch. Sent from my Galaxy
-------- Original message --------From: "D.J.J. Ring, Jr." <n1ea at arrl.net> Date: 4/6/23  10:50 AM  (GMT-08:00) To: CW Reflector <cw at mailman.qth.net> Subject: Re: [CW] Early vibroplex bug info Those old bugs are fabulous, but usually the others up to about 1970 are very good to excellent but there are exceptions.I'd either look for a basket case piece of junk from 1940s that has the mainspring and dot spring intact and junk the existing parts after swapping them.There was a period where Vibroplex started chrome plating the mainspring and dot spring and this changed the quality of the dots. People on the MorseCode at mailman.qth.net key collectors reflector speculate that just the thickness of the plating over the previously unplatted springs was enough for them to become stiffer and less flexible.I don't know how Scott Robbins of Vibroplex is manufacturing these springs now but in all great telegraph keys an enormous amount of time, research and money was spent on getting exactly the right characteristics in the springs including such legendary keys as the PS-213, the Junker keys, the German Maus keys and the Baumuster T1 keys (shown in attachment).Maybe the perfect springs could be made by simply omitting the chrome plating of these parts which would be a cost savings to Vibroplex.73DR On Thu, Apr 6, 2023, 12:00 Donald Chester <k4kyv at charter.net> wrote:I have two Vibroplex Originals.  One was made circa 1947, with flat black finish and  chrome plated mechanism. The thing is stiff and uncomfortable, and  contact bounce is intolerable.  I have tried numerous measures to fix the bounce problem,  to no avail.  The other one dates back to the 1920s, with the classic black Japan finish and gold stripes.  Other than the base and springs, all metal parts are  nickel plated brass.  It is velvet smooth, with practically zero contact bounce.  It is well-worn, with plenty of slop in all the pivots, which is probably what makes it comfortable to use, kinda like wearing an old shoe.  It’s now the only key I ever use.  <snip>Don k4kyv.
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