My long-awaited Speed-X bug arrived today by Priority Mail. It appears just as it did in the auction photos, and arrived well packed and unmolested.
So now I have decisions to make about this rather not-so-common bug.
1. The key was converted some time in the past from a bug to a single lever keyer that operates much like the Vibroplex Vibrokeyer does. Thankfully they did NOT whack off the keying lever! Since the key was not going to operate as a bug, the adjustment screws and knurled locknuts are absent. The weights and circuit closer switch are also missing. I might not be able to find exact replacements, but I believe Vibroplex adjustment screws and locknuts will work to replace the missing parts. Is it worth the trouble in getting this key going again?? Or should I chose my second option:
2. For several years I've owned the “deluxe” version of this same early Speed-X key with a chrome plated base. Unfortunately, the plating on the base is in horrible condition; about a third of the chrome on the base peeled off leaving rusty steel showing beneath, and the chrome has lifted and preparing to lift over most of the rest. I had planned to have the base rechromed, since the rest of the key's parts are in good shape. Wouldn't it make more sense to simply put those parts on the new key's base? I could have a complete and functioning early Speed-X key and leave the rusty base for a future rechroming project.
I hesitate to part-out any key, but the chances of finding “extra” correct parts for this old Speed-X are slim, and frankly, I'm not sure there's that much demand for a restored key. Collectors would find this key interesting, though none found the key worth bidding on. I was the sole bidder — though I knew I had a key just like it with the deteriorating base.
I probably could swap the parts from one base to the next and then resell the key on eBay and get my money back. That might be worth trying to see if it works. The key was cheap enough, so it wouldn't take much to recoup my investment so far.
The missing adjustment screws and nuts are nearly identical to the later labeled Speed-X keys, so perhaps I may find the correct replacements if I keep an eye out for Speed-X parts. I must remind myself that this isn't the Holy Grail of telegraph keys. I could sell it for scrap and the history books would never miss it.
LOOK WHAT FOLLOWED ME HOME. Yeah, my wife didn't believe that for a minute, either. In my auction-watching, I noted a 1955 Vibroplex Original about to sell for a pittance. Darn, the key sure looked lonely, and I'm sure I could explain it to my wife how much money I saved us by buying this used key rather than a brand new one (she uses that strategy all the time and expects it to work).
I bid on the key and won, and its been on my desk sharing space with half-a-dozen other keys. I had to evaluate the key, of course!
It's the usual 1950s grey, and the key arrived in better shape and adjustment than most. I didn't need to clean the contacts, but I did need to replace the thumb piece (the large paddle). The finish on the base is chipped in a few spots, but the rest of the key is excellent. The chrome on the frame, damper and the rest of the parts is excellent. The action is smooth, and it plays quite well. I've used it to check in on a couple of CW nets already.
Sometimes I think the longevity of their product may someday kill the company. No one wears out a Vibroplex key these days. Heck, 50 year old keys play like new ones — who you gonna sell to??
Actually, they could sell to me. I have two Vibroplex keys that I consider fairly “new”. One is a Blue Racer (with the blue color base) and the other is the 100th anniversary Original with the old style painted base.
When I go to Dayton I would like to try a new Presentation or Original Deluxe on for size, just to determine if those new keys have anything over on the “aging” counterparts in my shack. The key I'm interesting in trying isn't a Vibroplex but a Vizbug — handmade keys by N4VIZ. He has a right-angle key and an upright, both made of solid brass.
Of course, if I get by the Yaesu booth and try on another FT-2000, you never know what I might walk home with! We'll see.. .LOL.
BAND BETTER. The 80 meter band has been much improved the last few nights. Tonight I could hear the KSN NCS booming in 20 over S9, and I could still hear the NCS for the Idaho-Montana Net operating 500 Hz below us. He wasn't booming in, but good enough to have worked him.
The KEN was much improved this week, with signals well heard from all over the state. Maybe winter conditions have arrived.
Tonight I fired up my Heathkit HW-8 that I've mostly neglected since Spring. I knew the dial was off on the far ends of the scale, but I hadn't tried it since the CW band was reduced in size. I decided I should figure out the “indicated vs. actual” frequency so I don't call CQ on 3.495 MHz thinking I've got a nice unoccupied slice of the band.
The HW-8 tuned up fine and has a good CW note. I'll have to give it a try over the next few nights, see what I can stir up on QRP. I think I'm going to miss my RIT, lol.
73 es CUL … dit dit ….