My latest sniping on eBay is paying off, as I recently scored big on a couple of keys — a couple of Speed-X keys — that were listed together.
I was pleased to open a box that had two Speed-X keys — one an oval-base bakelite practice-type key, the other a Model 500 Speed-X T-bar Les Logan bug!
The Speed-X bug is a great, great find. Per the photo, it is black wrinkle paint with bright chrome parts. The key is fantastic shape (the photo is not of the key I purchased, but mine is nearly as nice, and probably would be once it is cleaned). I haven't cleaned mine up yet.
It shows some very minor wear on a few corners and edges, but nothing objectionable. The fun part? I hooked the key up to an oscillator, adjusted it to my likings, and damn, it played just fine! Probably one of the easiest bugs to get adjusted “out of the box” I've run across in quite some time.
I don't know why, but I love these Speed-X Les Logan “t-bar” bugs. There's something nifty about the “T” that appeals to me — more so than the usual Vibroplex bug. Speed-X bugs weren't the rarest of bugs, but I still enjoy finding them.
The keys I bought weren't listed as “a bug and a straight key” but simply as “2 Speedx Keys.” Most Speed-X keys on eBay are straight keys, and unless you took time to inspect the listing, you probably wouldn't thing much about it. I look at all Speed-X listings, as I have picked up several additional straight keys for a nice price. Speed-X keys are getting more scarce, it seems that the William Nye Co. is a very sporadic supplier these days, and there's no guarantee of new ones coming available to hams. I've wondered if they aren't all going to Iraq, but that's just me wondering.
Once I saw what the listing included, I put it in my watch list and waited. I snagged both for less than $30! The bug alone is worth substantially more than that (it is to me, anyway).
I've not used the Speed-X on the air yet. I want to clean the contacts up, maybe lube the pivot points first. I wouldn't mind cleaning it gently either.
Right now I'm also waiting on the arrival of my Vibroplex Junior and 1958 Original. I don't expect them really until next week, particularly if they come UPS ground.
I've got my 1961 Original Deluxe back on the desk now, and I might try a QSO tonight before bed. I best get off the computer and do it, eh??
73 es CUL …. de KY4Z SK …. dit …. dit …..