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
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