Re: OT: CW Operators - Semi-Automatic Bug Dot Stabilizers availabe again

[James Beitchman]

Last time this appeared on the reflector there was a good deal of
skepticism. Consider this an unsolicited testimonial. I am an inveterate bug
user and I bought one of these dot stabilizers for my old Vibroplex.  If you
are a bug user - not many of us left, I think - this little device really
can make a great difference in the signal quality and uniformity of the dots
generated by your bug.  The clean break of the contacts of the bug
dot-forming mechanism is clearly noticeable - no "scratchiness" from the
zero tension break, more uniform dot lengths and easier control result.

 

It does not, however cure the lovely artifacts of bug sending that disturb
some purists and decoders.

 

Try it

 

73

 

Buzz

W3EMD

     

 

Semi-automatic "BUG" key Dot Stabilizer Information:

 

Back in the late 1920's early 1930's, T.R. "Ted" McElroy (Morse copying

World Champion) who also manufactured telegraph keys, came up with a

nice innovation he called his "Dot Stabilizer" which pre-loaded the

vibrating dot contact spring by a very small amount, effectively

ensuring better dot weighting and came very close to completely

eliminating the contact bounce which creates what many call "scratchy

dot syndrome".  This device required replacing the existing dot contact

assembly with his stabilizer and fit only the McElroy manufactured keys.

  For some unknown reason, most information on this device was either

lost or ignored during the WW2 years and after.

 

After accidentally rediscovering it a couple of years ago, I undertook a

slight redesign of McElroy's original device to eliminate the necessity

for replacing the vibrating dot contact assembly.  This makes the device

easily installed and removed at any time with simple tools. I also came

up with a further variation on McElroy's design that can be used on even

the "Flat Pendulum" bugs such as the Vibroplex Lightning Bug, Military

J-36 and Champion models as well as various copies of them and even the

Japanese Hi Mound "Coffin" bug.

 

I currently make "Dot Stabilizers" for the Vibroplex, Speed-X and

McElroy keys having the round pendulum and bugs with the flat pendulum,

such as the Vibroplex Lightning Bug, Champion and WW2 military J-36 bugs

(including the Lionel models) which are based on the Lightning Bug

design. I can also manufacture them for other bugs such as the Japanese

Hi Mound ("Coffin") bug, European made (metric sizes) bugs, etc. as long

as you can supply me with the diameter (round) or thickness (flat) of

the pendulum and a sharply focused digital photo of the actual bug you

want it for.  (I only need photos and pendulum dimensions for bugs other

than the McElroy and Vibroplex models.)

 

They can be made out of either aluminum or brass though aluminum is the

preferred material as it is far less expensive. They mount to the arm

with a socket head set screw and the proper Allen wrench is included

along with a printed set of instructions explaining installation and

proper adjustment. Also, they are made entirely by hand so there may be

slight differences between each one (won't affect the operation at all).

 

The prices are $25 post paid for the aluminum and $35 for the brass ones

to domestic USA customers. Due to large postage increases, International

prices are $45 for the aluminum ones and $55 for the brass ones.  This

does include international First Class shipping.

 

If you decide to order one or more, I will need the make/model of the

bug(s) you want stabilizers for, whether they are "left" or "right"

handed (the bug, not you) and be sure to include your mailing address as

well.

 

I take personal checks, USPS money orders (made out to Aubrey J.

Sheldon) sent to my QRZ listed address (2029 East Evanston Dr., Park

City, KS 67219-1618) or PayPal to  [hidden email] .  International

customers MUST, repeat MUST use PayPal as it is the only form of payment

I can accept from customers in countries outside of the United States.

 

I'll be happy to answer any further questions you may have.

 

Please email inquiries direct to [hidden email] rather than through the

reflector to keep the list clutter down.

 

Jim Sheldon - W0EB

2029 East Evanston Dr.

Park City, KS 67219-1618

 

email to [hidden email]

 

 

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