I have the gold anniversary bug that I originally purchased in the late 60s. Love this piece. I was QRX for several years in the 80s and the bug was packed away. After I relocated from from Glendale ( you know that place) I broke it out and it needed rebuilding. I contacted Vibroplex, sent it in for repair and got it back in beautiful shape. They even replaced the gold plate on the top of the base. Great people and a great bug. Thanks for the memories! I did get hold of someone on UA-cam that has a mod for the spring that can slow it down since my speed is not what it used to be. Works great. Bob WB6TIS now in the Idaho Falls area.
Dave. I love to use and collect Vibroplex bugs. Mr Martin did telegraphers a great service when he invented them. The first step to adjusting a bug is to use the screw so the pendulum just touches the damper. Then make your other tension and gap adjustments. 73 WA9SWW . .
I was pretty good with one of those when I was a Novice. When they came out with the electronic keyer I got one and never looked back. They are difficult to master and I can tell when most people are using them.
I really want a McElroy bug style key, rather than another Vibroplex. I think the higher end McElroy bugs are vastly superior to the Vibroplex keys. If you cannot use a bug, the McElroy has a pair of cast lugs on the main pivot and sometimes (depending on the model) two more lugs on the aft mass damper assembly that allow the McElroy to simply be flopped over onto it's left side and very easily used as a high quality straight key. Gravity disengages the spring dits and you just use it as a straight key. If someone walks in and wants to use the McElroy as a bug again, flip it 90 degrees to the right back on its base and it's a working bug again.
Dear Dave, thank you so much for giving me an insight into how to setup and use my brand new 2024 Vibroflex Original key. I have wanted one since I did my morse training as a boy soldier in 1994 but when it arrived I didn't have a clue how to set it up and thought it might become a very expensive paper weight. Then I discovered your UA-cam channel and can't wait to start practicing. 73's and kind regards. David G4TPA.
I’m glad you’re enjoying it. There are lots of different ways to set it up. There is a way that came with my key, which I got directly from vibroplex. Send your email address to ask Dave all one word@arrl.org. I’ll reply with a copy of the instructions I got from Vibra Plex
@@davecaslerMany thanks Dave. I watched your UA-cam video a few times and re-read the paperwork that came with my Vibroplex key and I am now happily playing with it. Kind regards, David, G4TPA.
It is true that we easily recognize the OM's who use a VIBROPLEX and when they know how to use it well, it is pleasant music to the ear but a little special for decoding. For my part, like you, I'm too used to paddles (SCHURR, HI-MOUND, BENCHER). But it is true that the VIBROPLEX is endearing and sounds good. Thanks for the video.73/F8MGW
I started out with a straight ket. Then I went to a Vibroplex it Dom time to learn but we'll worth it. I never used paddles. My transmitter is a Viking Valiant. 73
Dave, really enjoyed this video on the Vibroplex keyer. Have a Blue racer at the operating desk here and several other Vibroplex products. Enjoy them all. CW has always been my favorite mode. The fascination of Morse code got me started in Ham Radio, and continues to provide hours of exciting contacts, domestic and DX. CW the intentional language. 73 from AAØJK Arvada, Colorado. (CFII A&P)
I don't know which I am most excited about, this video? Or the follow-up video you are making to talk walk in the inventor's footsteps! GLORIOUS!!!
I have the gold anniversary bug that I originally purchased in the late 60s. Love this piece. I was QRX for several years in the 80s and the bug was packed away. After I relocated from from Glendale ( you know that place) I broke it out and it needed rebuilding. I contacted Vibroplex, sent it in for repair and got it back in beautiful shape. They even replaced the gold plate on the top of the base. Great people and a great bug. Thanks for the memories! I did get hold of someone on UA-cam that has a mod for the spring that can slow it down since my speed is not what it used to be. Works great. Bob WB6TIS now in the Idaho Falls area.
Excellent video Dave, very informative and easy to digest. Keep up the good work. 73 de G2ML
Dave. I love to use and collect Vibroplex bugs. Mr Martin did telegraphers a great service when he invented them. The first step to adjusting a bug is to use the screw so the pendulum just touches the damper. Then make your other tension and gap adjustments.
73
WA9SWW . .
I enjoyed seeing the Bug. Thanks.
Could you elaborate about the E and I 90% phase shift for the HWD. N0QFT
I was pretty good with one of those when I was a Novice. When they came out with the electronic keyer I got one and never looked back. They are difficult to master and I can tell when most people are using them.
I started with a J-37, but not too long after that, I got a paddle set, which I loved. I'm not sure I will ever be fast enough to use one of these!
I really want a McElroy bug style key, rather than another Vibroplex. I think the higher end McElroy bugs are vastly superior to the Vibroplex keys. If you cannot use a bug, the McElroy has a pair of cast lugs on the main pivot and sometimes (depending on the model) two more lugs on the aft mass damper assembly that allow the McElroy to simply be flopped over onto it's left side and very easily used as a high quality straight key. Gravity disengages the spring dits and you just use it as a straight key. If someone walks in and wants to use the McElroy as a bug again, flip it 90 degrees to the right back on its base and it's a working bug again.
Dear Dave, thank you so much for giving me an insight into how to setup and use my brand new 2024 Vibroflex Original key. I have wanted one since I did my morse training as a boy soldier in 1994 but when it arrived I didn't have a clue how to set it up and thought it might become a very expensive paper weight. Then I discovered your UA-cam channel and can't wait to start practicing. 73's and kind regards. David G4TPA.
I’m glad you’re enjoying it. There are lots of different ways to set it up. There is a way that came with my key, which I got directly from vibroplex. Send your email address to ask Dave all one word@arrl.org. I’ll reply with a copy of the instructions I got from Vibra Plex
@@davecaslerMany thanks Dave. I watched your UA-cam video a few times and re-read the paperwork that came with my Vibroplex key and I am now happily playing with it. Kind regards, David, G4TPA.
@@davidwaddingtontherapist8738 Super!
I just remembered I have a Vibroplex (circa 1970s)! I look forward to bringing it out of storage.
It is true that we easily recognize the OM's who use a VIBROPLEX and when they know how to use it well, it is pleasant music to the ear but a little special for decoding. For my part, like you, I'm too used to paddles (SCHURR, HI-MOUND, BENCHER). But it is true that the VIBROPLEX is endearing and sounds good. Thanks for the video.73/F8MGW
1938 vibroplex want to see it? :-)
Looking forward to the history of the vibroplex
I started out with a straight ket. Then I went to a Vibroplex it Dom time to learn but we'll worth it. I never used paddles. My transmitter is a Viking Valiant. 73
Dave, really enjoyed this video on the Vibroplex keyer. Have a Blue racer at the operating desk here and several other Vibroplex products. Enjoy them all. CW has always been my favorite mode. The fascination of Morse code got me started in Ham Radio, and continues to provide hours of exciting contacts, domestic and DX. CW the intentional language. 73 from AAØJK Arvada, Colorado. (CFII A&P)
Most fascinating -
Thanks Dave, can't wait for the second part and an example of your mastery of it (Hi)
AA7VA
Very informative, Dave. Thank you. 73 de K0WHW Bill
That is the worst code practice oscillator I have heard in a long time. I absolutely love Vibroplex keys.
Este cara fala mais que o "Homem da cobra"!!...
I think you just talked me into a bug.
Why doing you keep calling it "The Vibroplex"? The company makes a variety of keys. What you're demonstrating is a Bug.
Este cara conversa fiado demais!!!
This was great Dave. Loved it! kf0gpx