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Bug Advice

March 22, 2007 By Dan KB6NU 2 Comments

On the qrp-l.org mailing list, Doug K4DSP offered the following advice for using a bug:

  1. Get a decent bug. A piece of junk will sound like a piece of junk and you’ll get frustrated very quickly. You can still buy new bugs from Vibroplex for less than $200. You only buy quality once.
  2. Whether you buy a new one or a used one (and especially if you buy a used one!) download the Vibroplex adjustment guide from Vibroplex and read it.
  3. Get or make an additional weight so you don’t send dits at a ridiculous rate.
  4. Practice.

This is good advice. #1 especially resonated with me. I bought a cheap one off EBay, and I regret it. I can’t seem to adjust it properly and it generates flakey code.

Related posts:

  1. I’m Going Buggy
  2. Some Good Advice on Learning Morse Code
  3. Do you have any advice for someone starting a code class?
  4. Got Advice for a New Ham?

Filed Under: CW

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. david miller says

    March 28, 2007 at 9:10 pm

    i have a vibroplex w/ a #63307 double lever………have any info on them?

    Reply
  2. Dan KB6NU says

    March 29, 2007 at 1:54 pm

    Take a look at https://www.kb6nu.com/my-first-vibroplex.

    Reply

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