How to Properly Adjust and Use a Vibroplex Bug

The Vibroplex "Bug," also known as a "semi-automatic" key or "speed key," has gained a poor reputation amongst some radio amateurs because many who try to use the device have not learned how to properly adjust and manipulate it. When properly adjusted and manipulated, a bug is capable of producing good, clean, well balanced Morse. This video provides a brief set of instructions on how to properly adjust and use a bug.

If you are new to using a Vibroplex bug or an equivalent device, it is strongly recommended that you follow the adjustment steps and practice recommendations outlined in this video. This will aid you as you develop the proper technique needed to be a first-class radiotelegraph or Morse operator.

Print instructions on how to properly adjust a Vibroplex bug are also available in the "Michigan Net Public Service Communications Handbook," available at no charge as a pdf file via the QMN Net web page at: www.michigannet.org

Thank you for watching and 73!

Jim, WB8SIW

www.morsetelegraphclub.org
www.michigannet.org

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Vibroplex
• Bug
• radiotelegraphy
• Morse
• telegraphy
• Amateur Radio

[JimWB8SIW]

In reference to the viewer  (ID "grnzbra") recommendation to set the gaps to 1.5 thousandths; this is too small. I recommend viewers stay with the gap spacing recommended in the video. Thanks! Jim, WB8SIW

[grnzbra]

This is an excellent video for adjustment of the bug. However, I believe that the 15 thousandths gaps are far too big. I feel like I'm slamming the thumbpiece back and forth. I set it back to where I had originally set it and checked the gaps. They turned out to be about 1.5 thousandts.

As I said, it's an excellent video, It is very clear what is being done and how to do it. But I prefer a much smaller contact gap.

[JimWB8SIW]

@grnzbra Hello: Thank you so much for your interest in the video, but I am a bit confused by your post. You are suggesting the 11 to 15 thousandths is a large gap and you are recommending 1.5 thousandths. Are you sure about your measurements? An ordinary piece of 20 lb bond paper is 0.003 to 0.004 inch thick and you are recommending a gap of one half the width of an ordinary piece of paper! This is certainly not recommended. Viewers should stay with the recommendations in the video

[JimWB8SIW]

Thanks for the nice comments and question about learning both codes. It's a bit like knowing two different languages and I rarely mix them up. There are many men and women active on the Morse Telegraph Club "land-line" networks (MorseKOB and KB or HN Telegraph Hubs) who use both codes. I agree with your elmer. Become proficient with a standard (straight) key, develop a good sense of rythm and spacing, then learn to use a bug. Have fun and think "CW forever!" 73, Jim, WB8SIW

[sw55345]

This is the best tutorial I have ever seen on this topic. Well done.

[only20notes]

Jim, thanks for sharing the adjustment method. Great video!

dit dit dit dah dit dah dit dit

[sharonsscrappyspace]

Excellent! Thanks. I was in the midst of bug-adjustment woes (S/N 193899 ca. 1956). I have used it for forty years, and the "bug gremlins" have somehow recently gotten it all out of adjustment. Thank you for concise, straight-forward, practical instructions!

[mattwithastrat]

Thanks for taking the time to post this video! I'm very new to CW so the bug is out of my league for the most part but I'm using the dash as a straight key until I get faster.

.

[tomandlisadean]

Best tutorial I've seen so far, I've linked to my CW website! Thanks! Tom K7TPD

[grnzbra]

@JimWB8SIW

I'm not recommending anything. I set up the bug according to the video with a .015 feeler guage. When I tried it, it felt much too large. So I reduced it 'til it felt "right" and checked it. The .0015 guage just fit. Then I took the electronic keyer in the 756ProIII and adjusted it to about the speed of the dits I was getting and then adjusted the dit contact until the weight of the dit string on the bug matched the weight of the dit string on the electronic keyer.

[grnzbra]

@JimWB8SIW

Just curious about why such a big gap.

Lind, WA2WMR

[grnzbra]

This is an excellent video for adjustment of the bug. However, I believe that the 15 thousandths gaps are far too big. I feel like I'm slamming the thumbpiece back and forth. I set it back to where I had originally set it and checked the gaps. They turned out to be about 1.5 thousandts.

As I said, it's an excellent video, It is very clear what is being done and how to do it. But I prefer a much smaller contact gap.

[ttyradio]

I followed the instructions you gave and am now making progress in practicing with my J-36,just when I was about to give up....Thank you so much