[Elecraft] vibroplex bug

[Vic K2VCO]

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:

> When I do use a keyer these days (e.g. my KX1 in the field) I use it like a
> 'bug', tapping the dash lever for each dash, etc. Not an ideal solution, but
> it helps avoid my reverting to keyer muscle memory and 'forgetting' how to
> use a bug again. For me, that happens very quickly. If I let myself, it only
> takes a few minutes to be whizzing along with an Iambic keyer again, then it
> takes hours to regain some semblance of decent timing on the bug. 

I've found that squeeze keying is different enough from side-to-side bug 
operation that only a small amount of practice is needed to get the 
ability to use the bug back. This was not the case when I used to use a 
single-lever paddle.

> Years ago I suggested a "bug mode" in the Elecraft keyers in which they
> would simply produce the outputs a bug does: key down as along as the dash
> paddle is closed and a string of dots at the speed set when the dot paddle
> is closed. It never happened. I suppose there aren't enough of us
> bug-oriented masochistic curmudgeons around to make it worthwhile ;-)

I've tried such things and they never work because (at least for me) the 
tactile feedback from the momentum of the bug weight is important to my 
timing.
-- 
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco