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Introducing CW
Learning CW
The Straight Key
The Paddle
The Sideswiper

Key Gallery

The Bug

Schema di un Bug tipo
The BUG is essentially the mechanic father of the paddle and can be compared to a paddle like an electronic keyboard can be compared to a piano. The sound of a Bug is unique, as unique is the conception of this key:  this mechanical device allows speed up to 50 WPM without killing your muscles (Glass Arm).
Dinamica del Bug

A Bug is essentially an horizontal pendulum, (ARM), kept together by a mainframe (A) and controlled by a Damper (G).
The operator pushes the dot contact (E) and a spring counterreacts with an ad-hoc force, which in conjunction with a weight on the arm produces mechanically a series of dots. Dashes are made manually by the operator using the (B) contact.Vibroplex Presentation Bug

Here is the procedure I use (thanks to Claudio IK0XCB, also):
  1. Clean contacts B, E.Vibroplex Lightning Bug - Vai alla Vibroplex
  2. Put some oil on the pivot points between (ARM) and mainframe (A).
  3. Loosen the H spring and register C.
  4. Tighten spring H of  a couple of turns.
  5. Tighten register D so the arm touches slightly the damper G.
  6. Tighten of one turn and an half the spring H,  check the arm to slightly touch the damper.
  7. Comparing with a paddle and an electronic  keyer, tune-up contacts C and E until the bug produces a series of dot which are identical in duration and spacing.
  8. Tune register B until you obtain the desired distance.
  9. Tune the dash spring J so you are able to produce a series of distinct dashes
To purchase a Bug search on  eBay
Scarica il filmato di manipolazione del Bug
This film (195KB, needs Apple Quicktime) shows an example of manipulation.

When manipulating a bug, try to stay as close as possible to the 3:1 ratio dash/dot.