The Vibroplex CW Key - How does it work?

A very basic look at how the famous Vibroplex CW key actually works. This model is essentially unchanged for over 100 years and the design and engineering of this piece of machinery is fascinating.
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[@kenzpenz]

I am 77 years old and one of my brothers now 79 was in the navy back in 1954. He was a radioman on a ship and used a similar device to transmit code. He got so good at it, during a competition he placed first and received a three day pass to come home for a visit. He called the award the "golden fist" and the person on the receiving end, had to record the message and then slow it down to decipher the message. Those were the good old days, now one simply picks up a cel phone and makes the call. Now, everyone and anyone could tune into your transmission, which of course was in code, so the receiver had to decipher the message as it was being received, and type it out and hand it to the impatient supervisor who was standing nearby. He liked that type of device over the one that was pressed down, because it was much faster. Thanks for sharing, I will forward this to him. Ken ...retired US Army Cpt. Inf.

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

+Kenneth Bartlett Ken, thanks for watching and for sharing that nice story. Also thanks for your service to our country. ~John

[@wbrown7167]

Thanks for the video explaining how these keys work. I've been a ham for many years but never learned Morse code. Starting to remedy that and looking about what kind of key to use. Having never really seen a Vibroplex live but read about them, i just wasn't able to picture it in my mind. Your video did a great job showing how they work. Thank you

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

Thanks for stopping by and for your kind comments. Glad you enjoyed the video. Hope to meet you on the air with CW 73/John

[@joemahoney1221]

Listening to a skilled bug op is like listening to great music. I find I can copy faster cw when the op can produce words with a rhythm instead of just letters. Very nice video

[@trueopsimath]

Thanks for making this video. Recently, my father gave me my grandfather's bug key that he had from his days as a telegrapher for the railroad. I've cleaned it up a bit and identified it as a Vibroplex manufactured between 1910 and 1914. I really enjoyed your video showing how a unit like this works. Mine appears to have all the parts and, although it is dirty, appears to function like it is supposed to. It is fun to own a little piece of history like this

[@MrJbezzz]

My dad used the same Vibroplex key while he was in the Air Force stationed in Okinawa! I have it proudly displayed in a bookcase in my home!

[@geraldmahle9833]

Thanks for a unique video, John. It demonstrates that if you learn something wrong to start with, you'll spend the rest of your life revisiting it trying to correct it, but if you learn it right to start with, you only have to reach down in your kit bag and use it. So simple. Now all your viewers will be armed with real knowledge.

[@johnwest7993]

Thank you. I got a Vibroplex Zephyr Bug key from a Silent Key friend and I'm determined to figure it out and put it back on the air. Your explanation helps a lot.

[@JohnHowieson]

Very well done! I appreciate your effort. Especially the overhead view; very easy to see. I've been a ham since 1978, and have a home built electronic keyer, built from a plan in one of the 1981 QST's and love it. The new love of my life is taking the ham course, where the club had a few recent Silent Keys, and she brought home a Vibroplex and a standard key. Mucho Gracias de John, VA3JO

[@hudsonriverlee]

The Vibroplex company is Now 115 years old. . I ordered parts for my own Virbroplex on 27Apr2020. Cool machine..

[@johnvanzandt7726]

Such a great video, and a help for the well preserved, new/old Champion model that i received in the mail, recently (made in 1942). Keep sharing videos for hams, please!

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

John, thanks for watching and for your comments. ~John

[@sketchyAnalogies]

KK6FXF, liked the switch analogy. The way you said “rather sophisticated switch” had me laughing. A $150+ dollar fancy switch.

[@MatthewMcClellan]

What a brilliant concept. Thanks very much for the terrific explanation.

[@gvet47]

That looks like the telegraph key my dad used working for the railroad when I was just a little kid. Back when one man kinda run the whole local depot. I just remember him calling it a double key. It was like magic to me how fast he could send a message and understand what was being sent to him, the code was sent so fast. There was very little movement to his hand as like you show it just takes a very light touch. Thanks for making remember. I was only 9 when he pasted away from polio.

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

+gvet47 Galen, one of my fondest memories of growing up in a very small town was the depot. I was a "pest" to the agent there and was always hanging out with him. He would sort the mail and then hang bags for the trains to grab as they passed by. As you say it was a one man show, but that is where I first heard Morse code and from that point on wanted to learn how to do it. ~John

[@KillerStephen]

That was a great explanation. Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.

[@tomhensarling5890]

I learned on a straight key in Navy radioman school. We had to be proficient at 25 wpm to graduate class. A couple of years later aboard the USS North Hampton communication ship, I graduated to the vibroplex that we just referred to as a "speed key". A speed key doesn't work well under 25 wpm and better around 30 wpm. All this was back in the '60s for me.

[@RadioSATX]

Great video! I have a terrible time copying people that send using a bug. With that being said your sending towards the end of the video was very clear and copyable so it has to be the technique and proper adjustment that makes it or breaks it. Good work!

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

+W5MRM Marty, thanks for your comments and for following along. Hope to meet you on the air. 73/John

[@carolmartin7042]

Thank you. I learned Morse code as a Scout from the U.S. Marines. Used the straight key and was able to send much faster than I could ever receive. My receiving varied between 5 and 15 WPM. My sending around 50 to 75 WPM. The Marines would have fun with their colleagues on the radio, and have me blast away at 50 WPM or more. My hand would hurt after a long sending session. Serious cramping in my fingers, palm and wrist. I wish I had learned to use a bug! Glen, N0QFT

[@1432CW]

Not necessarily. When you hear guys having a conversation at 50 or 60 WPM, they are almost all of them copying in their heads, but sending with a keyboard because they can't send at the speeds they are receiving with a paddle, single lever key, or bug. I can copy comfortably at about 37 WPM but can't send cleanly much faster than about 32-35 WPM on my bug.

[@DesultoryDilettante]

Yes, indeed! The "speed" key (semi-automatic key) was created to alleviate the physical problem caused by the straight key. Moving the paddles side-to-side caused fewer problems than banging up & down. Forearms had less stress when rocking side to side. There is a word for the forearm problem, but I forget it 🤔.

[@fredlodden1538]

@@DesultoryDilettante I think the terms relating to stress from operating a straight key originated from the telegraphists who sent messages for hours each day using a straight key. Today it is known as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, commonly referred to as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). In the days of the telegraphists having issues, it was colloquially called 'glass arm' or 'telegraphists lock'. Interestingly the issue was much more prevalent in North America than Europe. In Europe the straight key sending style had the key at the edge of the desk and the forearm in space. That way it isn't just an up and down movement of the hand from the wrist, but involves the forearm too. The North American style had the knob of the key usually on a bent arm to lower the height, with the key placed to the rear of the desk and it was almost all wrist movement, leading to the RSI issues. Bug development was initiated in North America in an attempt to get around the health issues. Me? I prefer iambic paddles. 🙂

[@TrystansWorkbench]

What a wonderful explanation - many thanks. I'll give you 10 out of 10 for that video. I'd give you a bonus point (yes, the impossible 11/10) if you could have showed how long the dits would have gone on for! Superb. Thank you.

[@neilbundle5112]

Thanks John - great explanation! 73 Neil … SW UK

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

Neil, thanks for stopping by and for your comment. 73/John

[@Toad1973.]

Thanks for sharing this. I'm thinking about picking one up at our next ham fest. Not sure if I well ever use it. But they are a beautiful piece of ingenuity.

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

+Andy Peltola Andy, Thanks for watching and for your comments. ~John

[@dauphinrailmuseum9485]

thanks for the demonstration. Very interesting

[@kristopherpdavis]

Thank you for making this video!

[@wanderer3088]

Thanks for the explanation John.

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

+Tom Vaughan Tom, thanks for watching and for your comments. Always good to hear from you. ~John

[@combatjm89]

Thanks for explaining this bug. All I ever used was a straight key or leg key, and the last time for me was 1990 in the Army. Got up to 20/18, couldn't even do 5/5 now it seems... I need to get back on it. My problem will be conversation, all I ever learned was sending coded messages in groups. 73

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

+combatjm89 Thanks for watching and for your comments ~John

[@jb1122ka4wyc]

John, thank you for your video!!! I'm just seeing it for the first time, 11-11-19. I was looking for a way to wire an old (1962 ) Original Vibroplex up. GREAT video on how it physically works. I've never seen the vibrations before...! Now if only I can find how to wire the plug to my ICOM 746 Pro. 73 Jeff KA4WYC

[@hudsonriverlee]

Incredibly well explained. Love the video. Well lit, easy voice to understand.

[@isidoropascualmolina7381]

Hi John. Tnx for your nice explanation. It is very clear and wide. 73´s

[@jonathoncary4109]

Very good John I listen to Denice Stoops on 'Night of Nights'sometimes as it good music.Now I know she had help from the key😉

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

Thanks for watching and for taking a moment to comment. ~John

[@KM6VV]

I'm a little late, but nice hearing about the bug! Never could afford one. I made one (tried) back in the late 60's while I was in college. I'd like to design and build something like a Kent key.

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

Thanks for taking a moment to comment. The bug is a nice key, but I admit I'm not that good at using it and seldom use it on the air. :) ~John

[@tommybewick]

Great explanation. I have a Mac Deluxe Key, I don't use it much either because I am just learning on a paddle and not ready for it yet. I did buy a kit made by a guy that adds length and different weights to the end of the pendulum to slow it down and that works great. I like to practice with it on an oscillator. 73, Tom

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

+Tom k2bew Tom, Thanks for taking a minute to leave your comment and for following along. ~John

[@5Perf65mm]

Thanks for posting this! I had always wanted to know how these could automatically generate dits. Thanks.

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

Henry, thanks for watching and for your comments. ~John

[@queuerious]

Lovely example of an Original Standard bug, John. I am looking to get a similar bug as my experience keyers and paddles leaves me cold with the need for extra electronics to make dits and dahs. A straight key is fine, but the bug seems perfect to reduce the key strokes through mechanical brilliance. 73 (Matt) de M0NJX

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

Matt, thanks for watching and for your comment. The bug is a very interesting key, however it takes some practice to use effectively. I still prefer the straight key or paddles Hope to meet you on the air someday. 73/John

[@jesusreverte2971]

Thank you for that video. As clear as water! Congrats for that explanation. 73 DE EA3HVG

[@jackiegreen9810]

John I have1973 champion. Bug like new from ebay takes lot of practice to learn the bug ! Thank good videos’

[@jfangio9260]

Fantastic video.

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@stephenmoore2754]

Nice video TJ. I will certainly C U on the next video ;). What were you sending with at the end? It sounded like manual code but extremely well sent. This is a bit off topic, but if you can find the book "Battleship Sailor" you might enjoy it. It is about how the Navy trained its CW ops and put them online onboard ships prior and up to Pearl Harbour. I got it from Audible as an audio book, but I am sure it would be available elsewhere as a hard copy. Take care and 7 3.

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

+Stephen Moore Stephen, thanks for watching and for the book suggestion. I was sending "Bens Best Bent Wire" at the end. It's a warm up exercise in CW. ~John

[@Man0fMeans]

Love this video! Thank you for making it. I now understand the difference between a straight key, an iambic and a bug. Question: Why is it called a bug?

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

Thanks for stopping by! ~John

[@joeblow9126]

Because there is a bug on the label

[@donaldshields2483]

Very nice are use a paddle but I am trying to look at something else are used to use a street key many years ago but I don’t do that anymore like I said I use the paddle enjoy the information God bless

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Tnx John great expanation, and video on the bug, Me? I have a love hate relationship with them. be at cw for over 60 yrs and still learning, its a never ending cycle for some of us. I'm not a devout cw man. use it to get the job done and for some enjoyment. I prefer an electronic keyer. I've tried bugs but never liked them rather use just a straight key or the keyer. and they are a beast to listen to in the wrong hands. or should I say fist. I've heard some swingers that,? well lets let that rest. thanks for taking the time to explain it, I'm sure lots of people had no idea how a bug worked. 73 gud dx! agn thanks for sharing.

[@SusanCallHutchison]

What a great video! This answers the question of why it's traditional to set the thumb as "dit" and the index finger as "dah" when sending right handed. Love your enthusiasm for the engineering and the mechanical solution of this invention! As a new ham, I'm fascinated with learning from the past, as well as applying current technology. ~KI7BSF

[@Mikael5732]

John, how do you get that beautiful soft sidetone? I have an Omni D and its sidetone makes me feel I'm at the dentist getting some cavities drilled out. Mike kj4pom

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

Thanks for following along. The sidetone is the Icom 7200 set at 600 Hz. ~John

[@1432CW]

The Omni C and D have an obnoxious sidetone. Most rigs sound better. Have you tried adjusting the pitch?

[@user-cv3vh4ib9h]

Thank you!

[@joeblow9126]

Fun fact The wife of Martin vibroplex inventor Was cousin to VP of the Confederate states Alexander Stevens

[@samgrieg2542]

Wonderful video. What makes the pendulum swing indefinitely? It seemed like it never comes to rest as long as you keep the pressure on.

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

Sam, thanks for watching. The pendulum will eventually run of of stored energy and stop. However, it is not uncommon to get up to 50-60 "dots" before stopping. ~John

[@thestingyham1188]

It's a magnet on the end, isn't it?

[@Mikael5732]

@@thestingyham1188 no magnet, but the pendulum will stop swinging eventually.

[@gettingpast4391]

Cool keys but I can never seem to copy one

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

You're correct about copying. I seldom use the bug and often cannot copy a bug user that does not space correctly. Mostly straight key or paddle for me. 73

[@warplanner8852]

John, it is a nice video from a mechanical/technical aspect (given your machinist perspective) and I marvel at your progress from your first CW QSO video. The last few minutes when you were "playing" with the bug showed you have an excellent rythm. You ought to practice more with your bug and try it out on the air. Not a lot of us old timers can do that well but you'd be good! Best of luck! de k6whp dit..dit

[@mje3055]

Very nice

[@eogg25]

I remember when you started your video's on you tube, your Morse code has improved quite a bit. in fact bens best bent wire sounds good.

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

+eogg25 Thanks for watching and for your comment. I'm almost 100% CW now, I've got a long way to go before I'm where I would like but I'm sure having fun along the way. 73/John

[@zeljkocurkovic6016]

Thank you for the video. Best 73 from Croatia. 73 de 9a4na

[@Tom-pc7lb]

What does the CW stand for?

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

Tom, CW stands for continuous wave. ~John

[@1432CW]

Using a bug as shown, on a base, disturbs the ergonomics built into it. The bug should rest flat on the operating surface.

[@richard-fy2mu]

Hello John, Enjoy your projects. I have damages to hand. Bug, Iambic work straight is not possible

[@DirkPA1BD]

Thanks for explanation John,great video! 73 de Dirk PA2C

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

+DirkPA2C Dirk, Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. 73/John

[@MoTown44240]

John, check the Vienna Wireless Society you tube videos with WA6YOU. I just watched a couple videos last night where he shows how to use the bug. I was amazed. 73 KB8AMZ

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

Terry, thanks for the link. ~John

[@ViezeVingertjes]

I thought it would work like a tattoo machine, which uses a coil and the magnetic effect to keep it going.

[@esquehill]

Hmm... Why does it keep making dots forever; why doesn't it stop? (like a bouncing ball) Where is the energy to keep going coming from?

[@cwqrpportable]

+esquehill It will eventually stop!

[@wadepatton2433]

The secrets of ancient engineering! (aliens of course!) I think some ops use the "run-down" of the dits as a balance/setup check. They will stop, but the moment they begin to slow down, bad code is happening. Five is the most we normally use in CW.

[@rogercrier]

I once sent my mate an entire letter written in morse code and even addressed the envelope in morse code! It got to him ok, so some poor postal worker must have been tasked to translate it! They probably got several a week from like minded idiots back in the day..

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

+Roger Crier Roger, thanks for following along and for your comment. I agree, the mailman must have had a hard time with that letter! 73/John

[@jamilsouzagodoisouzagodoy1099]

"Que Gringo Chato!!!"

[@wadepatton2433]

Good video, they are fascinating machines. I had a longer comment written but lost it, so FB OM 73 de W1ADE

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

Wade, Thanks for watching and for leaving a comment. 73/John

[@PintDrinker60]

good video, John. I've been a CW op since 1982. Use exclusively bugs and old WW2 keys. Check this video out. I think that as a machinist/toolmaker AND a CW op, you'll get a kick out of it. 73, Bob VA3IF (subscribed) kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4qWl4echsqda5o

[@TinkerJohn_W5CYF]

Bob, thanks for the link to the video and for following along. ~John