Vibroplex

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Undoubtedly the most popular side-to-side mechanical Morse keys is the semi-automatic key or "bug". The most popular brand was (and still is) the Vibroplex key, made by the company with the same name. The Vibroplex was first manufactured in 1905.

The most common Vibroplex models have a single lever, with a flat thumbpiece, or paddle, on the left side and a fingerpiece, or knob, on the right side.

When the knob is pressed from the right it makes a continuous contact suitable for sending dashes (or dahs, as most operators call them). When the paddle is pressed from the left, a horizontal pendulum at the opposite end of the lever is set into motion, intermittently closing a set of contacts, which sends a series of short pulses (dits) at a speed that is controlled by the position of the pendulum weight. A skilled operator can achieve sending speeds in excess of 40 words per minute with a bug.

[edit] External links

• Vibroplex Co., Inc.
• The Vibroplex Collector's Page
• Virtual Vibroplex, Flash-based bug demonstration by AE4RV

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