[Elecraft] vibroplex bug

[Fred Jensen]

Scott McDowell wrote:
> Hi
> I presently own an Elecraft hex key and a speedex straight key, but have 
> been thinking
> about buying a vibroplex bug to use in contest that don't allow 
> electronic keyers.
> It's been 30 yrs since I have used a Vibroplex bug and was wondering 
> which way it
> operates. Do you send the dits with the thumb and the dahs with the 
> index finger?
> Or is it the reverse? I've been sending the dits with my thumb and the 
> dahs with
> the index finger too long to try doing the oppsite. Even using a 
> straight key tends
> to mess me up with the keyer.
> Thanks
> Scott N5SM

Standard bugs have dits on the thumb.  You could [maybe still can] get a 
"left handed" bug, but they were expensive.  Most lefties I knew, 
including me, just learn to use a bug or paddle right-handed.  We have 
to adapt to a right-handed world anyway :-) although current keyers and 
radios usually let you "switch sides" from a menu.

All of the Vibroplex bugs were/are notorious for high-speed dits.  As a 
teen, I couldn't afford one, but I did have a very proletarian looking 
WW2 surplus J-36 made by Lionel.  It was easily slowed to 7 or 8 WPM 
with the stock weight.  I took some heat from the OT's at the Coastal 
Marine Station I worked at while a senior in high school over it, and it 
was certainly not as sleek and shiny, nor did it have a wood carrying 
case like theirs, but I also didn't have to kludge weights such as you 
can see on the Vibroplex at radiomarine.org/historic-5.html

A friend who was a former USCG radioman, recently gave me his Vibroplex. 
   I try to use it on SKN, but it's a chore. Switching between a bug and 
keyer is harder than one might think.

73,

Fred K6DGW
- Northern California Contest Club
- CU in the 2007 CQP Oct 6-7
- www.cqp.org