KC9GF
Ambassadors to the World
My Morse Code Keys
Vibroplex Bug
As Found
This is how I found this 1924 Vibroplex "bug". I had great plans to restore it. So, I took it apart, put it in a plastic tray and that's where it stayed, on a shelf, for 5 years. Finally I got it down and started working on it. There were parts that couldn't be repaired so I contacted Stan, at Vibroplex, who was a great help finding what I needed. He told me Vibroplex didn't start chrome plating until the 1930's. Quality Plating Company in Sterling, Illinois did the plating on the two bugs I was working on. They plated all the parts in nickel to keep them as original as possible.
For the base I decided to try powder coating. It turned out beautiful, but, for me, the cost is prohibitive.
I took some pictures of the pin striping and carefully measured. My daughter, who is the teacher, repainted the the pin striping. She did a great job on this one and the second one I restored.
Vibroplex Bug
After Restoration
This is the finished key. In this image you can't quite see the Vibroplex logo, but I was able to remove most of the solder a previous owner splashed on it.
Vibroplex Dust Cover
Serial #: 93180 - 1924
In 2016 I took the finished bug to the Dayton Hamvention to show it off to Stan from Vibroplex. Not to brag, but Stan was impressed.
Two booths down I found Tom, from Gifts4hams.com, had a selection of really cool laser etched/cut items. The custom dust covers caught my eye. I had to have one for my newly restored bug. Tom doesn't glue these together. The sides are cut to press together. Quite cool!
Vibroplex Simi-automatic keyer
Serial #:161476 – 1949
I bought this "bug" from an auction sight. When I got it there was shipping damage. I am happy to say the seller made it good. This one didn't need much more than a good cleaning.
Navy Key
Flame proof
As a novice I needed a key and I found this one. I wish I could remember where I picked it up. Maybe it came with my first radio.
I made the base from a steel bar, chamfered the top edges and then had it chrome plated. It weight 2.66 pounds (calculated). I won't move on the desk.
CTE-26003A Navy key: The first three letters indicate the manufacturer: Telephonics Corp.
Flame proof for on board ship.
2.66 pound base.