I Learned How to use a Bug! 🔥 1969 Vibroplex Original Standard 🔥 Left-Hand Model

Please join me as I demonstrate my:
1969 Vibroplex Original Standard Semi-Automatic Key (Bug). This is a Left-Hand model.
At the time of this video I have been using bugs for about 2-years.
Thank you for viewing.
73, Jim
W6JIM

[@jeffreybray4473]

A pleasure to hear you send Jim. It’s all in the spacing isn’t it!

[@W6JIM]

Jeff, thank you very much for the compliment. My goal is to be easy-copy. I heard a wise CW op once say that you have to mentally send a space. Sometimes I tap my foot in between words just to make sure! Thanks again.

[@cwhamradio3515]

A real beauty! Excellent bug fist as well!

[@W6JIM]

Thank you CW Ham Radio👍

[@captbart3185]

I got my first bug back in the ‘60s. Every photo of a shack had a Vibroplex on the desk so I thought I had to have one. I still have the Original deluxe and it is a joy although I find I like my Zephyr or Blue Racer better now. I look forward to meeting you on the air. De WB5JWI

[@W6JIM]

Thank you for the nice info Captain! I have several makes of bugs and love them all. But, I do keep returning to my Vibroplex. I look forward to a QSO with you!

[@marcelbenhur6230]

Mon année de naissance…😊

[@StanFerris]

So cool, Jim!

[@W6JIM]

Thank you Stan. How is your restored-bug doing?

[@StanFerris]

I have it on my desk wired up along with a straight key and a single paddle running through the CMOS-4 you gave me. The only work I did on it was to stick a small piece of foam on the dit contact spring, and add an extra weight to slow it down a bit. To be honest, the straight key gets the most use.

[@mikesmithg0rfd356]

looks nice

[@W6JIM]

Thank you Mike. It is very shiny! I like that 🙂

[@jeffdyer2393]

I have the same bug but right handed. I purchased it with the intention of getting fast enough to use it ha hasn't happened. If you put a piece of heat shrink over the end of the rod where it contacts the damper it will be a little quieter.

[@W6JIM]

Thank you for the tip Jeff! When it is late and my XYL is sleeping, I have to put the bug away. Maybe if I quiet it down like this I can use it into the night 🙂

[@MadGoat]

Apparently you’re not really supposed to use the knob unless you’re doing “straight key” at least on the righty allows you to form a fist. Otherwise both your fingers are supposed to rest on each side of the paddle.

[@W6JIM]

Thank you for your comment MadGoat 😀. I have not heard that before, but bugs have been around for over 100 years, and I'm sure there are many techniques. I just do what is most comfortable for me. Thanks again for your comment 👍. dit-dit

[@n1rbd]

Just curious...why a lefty bug when it appears you're right hand is dominant?

[@W6JIM]

Good eye Rich! Well, it's all my fault. I learned the code on my own and when it came time to hook-up the key I had a 50% chance to get it right. I got it wrong 🙃 So, I am right-handed, but, I send the Dahs with my thumb and the Dits with my finger...backwards. So, A left-handed bug works just right! 😆 I have met two other ops that send like this. Thanks for the question and good catch!

[@n1rbd]

@@W6JIM That makes perfect sense! :)

[@JayN4GO]

Just picked up a bug yesterday. The dits sound raspy sometimes. Has the begali ruined me?

[@W6JIM]

That is normal. Adjust it from scratch. There are some good videos here on KZbin. And make sure to come off the dit-paddle quickly. What make and model and year?

[@JayN4GO]

@@W6JIM it’s a 63 lightning. I’ll try to locate the video

[@markanderson8066]

Like some others (not my idea) I added a little foam inside the curve of the dit spring to stiffen it. On my portable bug (I do POTA) I only had a napkin handy - that still works fine after several months. Clean dits now.