Vibroplex restoration This key is made of the same materials. J-36’s of the era were based on the Vibroplex ‘Lightning Bug’. It was the lowest-priced Vibroplex, handled well, and could send good code a bit slower than the round-pendulum models. mAT-TUNER automatic antenna tuners, Easy-Rotor-Control rotator controllers, DX Patrol receivers Vibroplex, Bencher, GHD and Hi-Mound Morse Code keys. Mar 11, 2024 · With a brief history of the development of Morse keys from simple circuit breakers . You'd be surprised how easy it is to put something simple together wrong. This new key Vibroplex Bugs In 1903, Horace Martin patented a unique telegraph key called The Autoplex that operated side-to-side rather than up-and-down and used an electromagnet and interrupter circuit to produce a continuous series of "dots" when the lever was moved to the right. I had great plans to restore it. mAT-TUNER automatic antenna tuners, Easy-Rotor-Control rotator controllers, DX Patrol receivers 1939 Vibroplex Martin Junior Base is a trim 3" by 6" Nice light action like a Blue Racer Restored by AB7R 1978 Vibroplex Lightning Bug Deluxe 1954 Vibroplex Blue Racer 1942 Bunnell J-36 The rarest of the three J-36 keys (Vibroplex and Lionel being the other two). I spotted this un-labeled bug on EBay and immediately recognized it as a scarce A-to-Z (aka ATOZ or AtoZ) Electric Novelty Company “Improved Vibroplex’ clone. Firstly, as its name suggests, it is a very fast key. A hobby of mine is to buy up old Vibroplex telegraph keys, repair them, clean them up and make them look brand new (or as close as I can get) and then resell them in my Etsy shop - RobsHobbies. Finally I got it down and started working on it. They are lovely instruments and first above all in telegraphy. The keyer will be sold "as-is Vibroplex Iambic Deluxe + homebrew Atmega 8 electronic keyerDots and Dashes are automaticSorry, the link : https://mega. Spiderbeam® is the most widely used Vibroplex, Bencher, GHD and Hi-Mound Morse Code keys. nz/#!8hpiVKbQ!IVhJ08itVhv1MT0Tr In this video we look at the contact bouncing that occurs during the DIT closure on a Vibroplex bug and describe how that might affect your radio. The time now is 1:09 am. 40-85 ft are suitable for temporary or permanent installation of wire and other lightweight antennas. Vibroplex Original Standard Telegraph Key (SN 168555) for Restoration ghz0712 (537) 100% positive Seller's other items Contact seller US $56. I will venture that this was for two reasons. Base and brass Vibroplex badge very clean and sharp. Although they also make straight keys and paddles, the name itself is automatically associated with one design in particular - the “Bug. R. Combo: A DVD showing all of the steps in the restoration of a 1914 Vibroplex Telegraph Speed Key and a book showing how to restore telegraph keys Real telegraphers know how to handle a bug, or semiautomatic key. The Logo Plate was laquered after polishing, now figures a light green "ocean" colour. 23 and 33 ft sizes are mini poles that can fit in a suitcase and travel anywhere with you. Par EndFedz EFHW antennas, Spiderbeam fiberglass poles. Serial number 2312. You should be able to describe your model and its age (determined via serial number). Ideal for collectors, CW operators, or restoration enthusiasts. He told me Vibroplex didn't start chrome Oct 18, 2016 · ← Previous Next → 1945 Vibroplex Lightning Restoration Posted on October 18, 2016 Reviews For: HOW TO RESTORE TELEGRAPH KEYS BY W. The purpose of this invention was to eliminate the problem of telegraphers' paralysis, also known as "glass arm" or Carpal VIBROPLEX BUG KEYS. His gaze is drawn magnetically to a Vibroplex Champion Semi-automatic Bug key THE VIBROPLEX DOUBLE LEVER BUG AFTER RESTORATION BY W. Martin of New York developed a new form of telegraph key that operated by a side-to-side lever and would send dots automatically as long as the lever was held in one direction, and send dashes manually when the lever was pressed the other way. co. Vibroplex says they only have parts for bugs made since 1945. Today, thousands of hams like me still enjoy using this classic tool for sending Morse code. This is a Vibroplex 1923 Bug, serial# 136452. My fastest key, nice light action! Standard Radio Co. If a tool isn't being used for it's intended purpose, it's no longer a tool. Many of the before photos were taken by the persons I purchased the keys from. Martin, a New York inventor filed a patent on May 7, 1904 for a completely mechanical semi-automatic morse code transmitting key, which he named the "Vibroplex. SMITH You may order WR's book: HOW TO RESTORE TELEGRAPH KEYS for $60. SMITH - W4PAL Category: Books/Manuals/Videos/Pod-WebCasts on ham radio I've restored loads of antique hand tools, especially planes (for use in my shop, not for collectors or for sale). INRAD headsets, microphones and filters. Invented in the early 1900s, they allowed operators to send faster by making the dots automatically, and with less strain on their wrists and arms due to the more natural side-to-side motion. Horace G. S. IF screws are stuck Mar 9, 2024 · Restoration of Vibroplex Champion Semi-automatic Bug Key Origin of Bug Keys I started my working life with GCHQ as a 16 year old trainee radio operator at Bletchley Park in1963, learning to receive Morse (CW) which I had to write down in at about 25wpm. A. Here are some examples of my work. In 1902, telegrapher and inventor Horace G. Several have passed through my hands on their way to a better life. 00. Mar 9, 2024 · Restoration of Vibroplex Champion Semi-automatic Bug Key Origin of Bug Keys I started my working life with GCHQ as a 16 year old trainee radio operator at Bletchley Park in1963, learning to receive Morse (CW) which I had to write down in at about 25wpm. . There were parts that couldn't be repaired so I contacted Stan, at Vibroplex, who was a great help finding what I needed. Apr 8, 2025 · Vibroplex Key. Hi Everyone! Up for auction is a antique Vibroplex keyer serial 90311 that is good for Restoration or parts and is from the 1920s. May I share with you some thoughts on the restoration of these flagship instruments THE VIBROPLEX DOUBLE LEVER BUG AFTER RESTORATION BY W. 00 plus $4. Refurbishing a 1990's Vibroplex Brass Racer Iambic Key with Missing Retention Ball and Spring Coax and Campstools 528 subscribers Subscribe Unlike Vibroplex and others, Lionel fitted a celluloid serial plate. This new key The damper arm, G, may be non-adjustable on some Vibroplex bugs, in which case D should be adjusted as follows: clear D, C, and E away so that the arm comes completely to rest against the damper arm G. Collapsible fiberglass support poles in 23, 33, 40, 46, 60, 72, and 85 ft sizes. Vibroplex Resurrection Some of my favorite projects have been the restoration of old, dirty, neglected un-loved telegraph keys. Take photos if you want as you go. New York U. Over time, these shrink and pull away from the rivets which hold it to the base-plate. The Champion was the “Chevrolet” of Vibroplex bugs. Consequently, Champions are probably the second most common The damper arm, G, may be non-adjustable on some Vibroplex bugs, in which case D should be adjusted as follows: clear D, C, and E away so that the arm comes completely to rest against the damper arm G. There is the usual wear and tear for being around 100 years old. , S/N My Vibroplex I finalize the restoration of a old Vibroplex key. Army during WWII. 00 (Priority Mail postpaid). straight keys to the foundation of the Vibroplex Company and the semi- automatic Bug in 1905 Chris leads us to the present day and the not previously- viewed arrival of a collection of old keys from a Stourbridge Auction house. Vintage Amateur and Military RadioAll times are GMT. A highlight of my process restoring classic morse code keys. My first bug was a 1963 Vibroplex Deluxe This is how I found this 1924 Vibroplex "bug". We demonstrate a simple solution for dealing with Practicing with the Vibroplex bug to eliminate the swing if you ain't got that swing that's a good thing The phrase I'm sending at the end of the video is a quote from Albert Einstein. ” The bug is a semi-automatic key which uses mechanical vibration to rapidly create the “dits,” thus allowing for faster sending speeds. It used the assembled frame and flat pendulum of the Lightning Bug, but had a simplified damper assembly and lacked a circuit closer (shorting switch). Pushing a paddle mounted on one end of the lever to the right caused a spring-mounted contact further along the Restoration of 1926 Vibroplex "Martin Junior" (ser #98244) "Before photos" Bottom view after restoration Parts to be cleaned, repaired, polished, and plated and after ready for assembly Original hardware all this will be replaced with new Cleaned, polished logo plate - the photo does not do it justice 1914 A-to-Z “Improved Vibroplex” Bug (First Stage Restoration – BEFORE on TOP | AFTER on the BOTTOM) Here’s another clone ‘misfit key’ that fell into my lap. Dissasemble. So, I took it apart, put it in a plastic tray and that's where it stayed, on a shelf, for 5 years. 1957 Vibroplex “Original” Semi-Automatic “Bug” Key restoration Every once in a while I like to have fun restoring old equipment, and last weekend I finally got around to restoring an 1957 Vibroplex “Original” Bug. If your bug is too old for Vibroplex to have parts and you are competent in soldering various materials you can simply order new contacts and solder them onto your existing adjustment screws. ANOTHER VIEW OF THE VIBROPLEX DOUBLE LEVER BUG AFTER RESTORATION BY W. Originalred finger paddle & jeweled damper intact. Like the XOGRAPH bug, it was completely covered in paint Oct 18, 2025 · VINTAGE VIBROPLEX TELEGRAPH KEY MODEL 89172 FOR PARTS OR RESTORATION Amateur Radio equipment Information & Service : Transceivers, Receivers, VFOs, Antenna Tuners, Speakers, Ham Projects, Technical Information, Schematics, Repair Procedures, Information about Vintage Kenwood Ham Radio equipment Vibroplex Vibroplex has been manufacturing telegraph keys since 1890. Wire verticals, inverted V's, end fed half wave supports, inverted L, many uses. Here's my process. SMITH You may order WR's book: HOW TO RESTORE TELEGRAPH KEYS for $55. The time now is 3:06 am. Made for the U. I bought it because it was inexpensive, unrestored and complete…and it was made the year I was born. Favorite among these are the venerable Vibroplexes. " The Vibroplex was based on a long horizontal lever that rotated around a vertical pivot. SMITH: ( Many of the techniques used in this restoration are described and explained in his new book. A report on identifying and dating Vibroplex Bugs by Paul Bock - K4MSG of Hamilton, Virginia. 00 Priority Mail = $59. (Also known as "Vibroplex Original"). Then advance D so that it slightly pushes away the lever, but not enough to clear the arm away from the damper arm. This vibroplex original bug key dates around 1956. Before photos and after photos are included in this group. "The Feb 25, 2011 · Vibroplex spares Vintage Amateur and Military RadioAll times are GMT. According to John Elwood, WW7P, this key was produced in 1944! All the parts where removed and sand-polished. There are initials etched on the base and penciled on the tag and there are some parts missing, you be the judge on what is missing as I am no expert on these keyers. 1gx cn d2 iy9 f0r5 ukybvy7 jequ16bp 8uuqzb lkyf xwglan