That's right, I'm in bug heaven tonight!
Today my Electro Bug arrived via USPS Priority Mail. The seller did an excellent job packing it — it arrived without a scratch, something I can't say about every guy whose shipped me a morse code key.
The Electro Bug truly looks like the father of the Speed-X “T-Handle” bugs. I have one at my operating position, and side by side, the family resemblence is too strong to be coincidence.
The Electro Bug wasn't too far out of adjustment, right out of the box. I only had to tweak it slightly to my tastes, and it was ready to play. The dot contact is still dirty, so I'll have to clean that before I really put it on the air.
This bug was the “mistake” purchase I made on eBay. I paid waaay too much for this bug. I really should resell the thing and get my money back … which I might do. For now I'm going to enjoy the key.
It looks very simple and unassuming compared to the similar Vibroplex keys of the day. It has a really nice feel to it. It was a very inexpensive, utilitarian key, nothing special. I think they sold quite inexpensively in their day.
The Electro Bug started in the 1920s and lasted until Stewart Johnson formed Speed-X and took over the company, adopting the Electro Bug and tweaking its design.
The Electro Bug label says it is “Patent Pending.” I would like to know if a patent was granted. Somehow — considering its similarity to the Vibroplex — I doubt a new patent was granted.
It's a marvel to use, but an expensive one. If my wife finds out, I'm sure to catch hell, lol!