What goes around, comes around.

Kevin is being rewarded for his own generosity.

I hadn't said anything in public before only because I didn't want
anyone thinking, "Why didn't Keving do that for me," but when I was new
to the SKCC and Yahoo group, and he didn't know me from Adam, but I
expressed an interest in learning to use a bug, and Kevin made me a
ridiculously generous offer to acquire on his bugs.  He even gave me a
choice - I could have a classic 1940-something model, or a late model
Vibroplex Standard.  I was more interested in using than collecting, so
selected the like-new late model bug for which parts are available.

I am thrilled with the bug and dumbfounded at Kevin's generosity toward
me, and I am thrilled that someone showed this generosity toward Kevin!

Well, folks, this is it - the last RFTB for 2006.  This is a busy one
too, so I hope and pray that the ionosphere will calm down enough that
we'll actually be able to hear one another!

First, in addition to the normal 1st, 2nd and 3rd place certificates
that will be issued, the winner of the December RFTB will be receiving a
special Holiday Piggie treat courtesy of Jeff K3OQ.  Second, after this
RFTB, the "Big Pig of the Sty", "El Numero Uno Hog" will be determined.
This fine porkster will achieve a Certificate of Achievement as well as
a special Piggie memento.  Second and third place point accumulators for
the year will receive something special also.  And for those of you who
participated in at least 10 RFTBs throughout the year will receive a
"Piggie Attendance Award"  So, here and forthwith begins the formal
announcement.  Roll the tape!

(Dramatic Pause)

This Sunday evening, the Flying Pigs Amateur Radio Club International
will be holding its monthly Run For The Bacon.  This is a friendly, two
hour QRP CW Sprint, which is open to ALL radio amateurs, will last from
9:00 - 11:00PM EST (0200-0400 UTC Monday).

You may work stations once per band on 160, 80, 40, 20, 15 or 10
Meters.  Suggested starting frequencies are 1.812, 3.562, 7.044, 14.062,
21.062, and 28.062 MHz.

The exchange is RST, S/P/C (State, Province, Country) and Flying Pigs
membership number.  If you're not a member of the Flying Pigs, and would
like to be; then please click on the "membership" hyperlink on
http://www.fpqrp.com/.  Otherwise, non-members can just use their output
power figure.

You can report your score via the Autolog page which can be found at
:http://www.fpqrp.com/fpqrprun.html;
or you can mail your logs to the address given on the Autolog page.  The
deadline for logs is December 24th at 2400 UTC.

Hope to catch you on the air Sunday evening!

72 es "oo"
Larry W2LJ   FP#612

--
Larry W2LJ
QRP - When you care to send the very least!

http://www.w2lj.qrpradio.com
http://w2lj.blogspot.com/

Hi,

I am new to this group though I been on some other CW groups recently.

I have an old Vibroplex Champion bug # 270463. That dates it around
1973 I believe. I have been trying to slow it down. I got into the 15
to 18 wpm range. Of course that depends on the dot to dash ratio which
is highly fists dependent.

I am fairly new to CW. Been practicing the past 10 weeks or so. My
copy speed is up to 15 wpm on a good day. So I don't need to be
sending any faster. So I far I been using a nice Bencher Hex Key
paddles with an K1EL WinKeyer USB and a Bencher RJ-1 straight key.

I have having a problem sending fast dashes sequentially. This
includes the straight key and the bug. I am fine with the straight key
up to 15 wpm with a reasonable fist. That means I think someone on the
other end could copy me FB. Of course it does not mean perfectly timed
code. My dashes seem to be long compared to my dots and and dots are
no the short side. The dot issue does not directly affect bug sending,
but the dash issue does.

I find that making a fast series of dashes on the bug is a little
easier if I avoid the knob and stay on the oval piece. It is hard for
me to send a good series of dashes say at 20 wpm, such as the number
0. This also makes certain characters like Q, Y, P, J, and many of the
number sound strange.

I have played with various bug settings. Setting the dash space too
narrow interferes with sending dots for some reason.

Some of this could be due to how I am trying to slow the bug down. I
put a brass mending brace under the weight screw and point it in a
general direction away from the arm. My bug has a single weight for
the flat arm and only gets down to about 22 to 25 wpm. I am measuring
the speed by comparing a string of dits with my electronic keyer which
is can in specific wpm speeds. I am wondering if one or two extra flat
weights from Vibroplex will give me the speed reduction I desire.
Actually 17 wpm would work for me. For lower speeds, I would simply
space out the characters. I am aware of Vari-Speed and Extendadot, but
would rather use extra weights if they would work.

These are enough questions for now. I look forward to any good advice.

73,

Steve N6VL
FISTS 12707
SKCC 2383

Steve,
  The way I did a slow down was to make an extension arm for the pendulum
just behind the damper for my Blue Racer. I used a scrap of auto antenna
tubing and a pull knob from an old faucet. This, along with a Vari-speed
and one medium weight slowed it down without messing with the "balance".
  Several have recommended using one of the free software packages (like
CWget) to see if the program can copy your fist. Sounds like a good way
to practice sending.
  We are almost neighbors (I'm in Redlands), so if you are in the
neighborhood stop in and I'll show you how my Blue Racer is set up.
Troy

n6vl wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I am new to this group though I been on some other CW groups recently.
>
> I have an old Vibroplex Champion bug # 270463. That dates it around
> 1973 I believe. I have been trying to slow it down. I got into the 15
> to 18 wpm range. Of course that depends on the dot to dash ratio which
> is highly fists dependent.
>
> I am fairly new to CW. Been practicing the past 10 weeks or so. My
> copy speed is up to 15 wpm on a good day. So I don't need to be
> sending any faster. So I far I been using a nice Bencher Hex Key
> paddles with an K1EL WinKeyer USB and a Bencher RJ-1 straight key.
>
> I have having a problem sending fast dashes sequentially. This
> includes the straight key and the bug. I am fine with the straight key
> up to 15 wpm with a reasonable fist. That means I think someone on the
> other end could copy me FB. Of course it does not mean perfectly timed
> code. My dashes seem to be long compared to my dots and and dots are
> no the short side. The dot issue does not directly affect bug sending,
> but the dash issue does.
>
> I find that making a fast series of dashes on the bug is a little
> easier if I avoid the knob and stay on the oval piece. It is hard for
> me to send a good series of dashes say at 20 wpm, such as the number
> 0. This also makes certain characters like Q, Y, P, J, and many of the
> number sound strange.
>
> I have played with various bug settings. Setting the dash space too
> narrow interferes with sending dots for some reason.
>
> Some of this could be due to how I am trying to slow the bug down. I
> put a brass mending brace under the weight screw and point it in a
> general direction away from the arm. My bug has a single weight for
> the flat arm and only gets down to about 22 to 25 wpm. I am measuring
> the speed by comparing a string of dits with my electronic keyer which
> is can in specific wpm speeds. I am wondering if one or two extra flat
> weights from Vibroplex will give me the speed reduction I desire.
> Actually 17 wpm would work for me. For lower speeds, I would simply
> space out the characters. I am aware of Vari-Speed and Extendadot, but
> would rather use extra weights if they would work.
>
> These are enough questions for now. I look forward to any good advice.
>
> 73,
>
> Steve N6VL
> FISTS 12707
> SKCC 2383
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I've found many ways to slow the pendulum.  The easiest was just to add more
weights to the pendulum.
                                             73,
                                                  Rich KF2V

"Troy,W6HV" <w6hv@...> wrote:
           Steve,
The way I did a slow down was to make an extension arm for the pendulum
just behind the damper for my Blue Racer. I used a scrap of auto antenna
tubing and a pull knob from an old faucet. This, along with a Vari-speed
and one medium weight slowed it down without messing with the "balance".
Several have recommended using one of the free software packages (like
CWget) to see if the program can copy your fist. Sounds like a good way
to practice sending.
We are almost neighbors (I'm in Redlands), so if you are in the
neighborhood stop in and I'll show you how my Blue Racer is set up.
Troy

n6vl wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I am new to this group though I been on some other CW groups recently.
>
> I have an old Vibroplex Champion bug # 270463. That dates it around
> 1973 I believe. I have been trying to slow it down. I got into the 15
> to 18 wpm range. Of course that depends on the dot to dash ratio which
> is highly fists dependent.
>
> I am fairly new to CW. Been practicing the past 10 weeks or so. My
> copy speed is up to 15 wpm on a good day. So I don't need to be
> sending any faster. So I far I been using a nice Bencher Hex Key
> paddles with an K1EL WinKeyer USB and a Bencher RJ-1 straight key.
>
> I have having a problem sending fast dashes sequentially. This
> includes the straight key and the bug. I am fine with the straight key
> up to 15 wpm with a reasonable fist. That means I think someone on the
> other end could copy me FB. Of course it does not mean perfectly timed
> code. My dashes seem to be long compared to my dots and and dots are
> no the short side. The dot issue does not directly affect bug sending,
> but the dash issue does.
>
> I find that making a fast series of dashes on the bug is a little
> easier if I avoid the knob and stay on the oval piece. It is hard for
> me to send a good series of dashes say at 20 wpm, such as the number
> 0. This also makes certain characters like Q, Y, P, J, and many of the
> number sound strange.
>
> I have played with various bug settings. Setting the dash space too
> narrow interferes with sending dots for some reason.
>
> Some of this could be due to how I am trying to slow the bug down. I
> put a brass mending brace under the weight screw and point it in a
> general direction away from the arm. My bug has a single weight for
> the flat arm and only gets down to about 22 to 25 wpm. I am measuring
> the speed by comparing a string of dits with my electronic keyer which
> is can in specific wpm speeds. I am wondering if one or two extra flat
> weights from Vibroplex will give me the speed reduction I desire.
> Actually 17 wpm would work for me. For lower speeds, I would simply
> space out the characters. I am aware of Vari-Speed and Extendadot, but
> would rather use extra weights if they would work.
>
> These are enough questions for now. I look forward to any good advice.
>
> 73,
>
> Steve N6VL
> FISTS 12707
> SKCC 2383
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





  __________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam?  Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Troy,

It does look like you have tried CWGet yourself. I already tried the
CWGet method and like it. I have a sound card interface to my 756 Pro
2 already. The sidetone from the rig works just fine with CWGet. I
have only one issue with CWGet. The speed sensing algorithm seems off
sometimes. I got send 15 wpm with my K1EL keyer and get an accurate
reading. But with a straight key or bug sending at about the same
speed (by my ear), the reported speed can be very different. I wonder
if it has to do with the characteristics of my fist. I also notice
CWGet has a speed lock feature which I haven't tried yet. It is not
perfect. A bad fist or a poor S/N ratio will break it. It is a lot
better than the CW decoding in MixW.

I had been using the keyer and paddles but have recently put them
aside. I have some code copying issues. I still count dots and dashes
and find a keyer is reinforcing it. The straight key feels more
intuitive like a whole body experience. Yes I can send better code
with the keyer. But a straight might better help me recognize
characters by rhythm. I am at 15 wpm now on a good day and have broken
through that nasty barrier at 10 to 12 wpm through daily practice. But
I fear I am getting faster using the slower mental lookup table, and
need to progress into the rhythm. I feel like the straight key is much
better at this. The bug is somewhere between a straight and a keyer in
respect to the whole body experience.

Do you have any thoughts about bug adjustments for better dashes? My
dashes are a bit too long for the dot lengths, a little over 3 to 1. I
have been able to get the dot weight set OK using CWGet and looking at
  the pulse train for a 50 % duty cycle.

Right now I can sending better code with my RJ-1 straight key than
with the bug according to CWGet. A lot of the problem with the bug is
getting the dashes the correct length and with the correct gap before
and after each dash. Characters without sequential dashes are less of
a problem for me.

73,

Steve N6VL
FISTS 12707
SKCC 2383

Steve,
  Sure sounds as though you're getting your Champion set up in fine shape. I had
a lot of help from two old- time professional ops and  also from reading many of
the adjustment articles you can find on-line. One you might like to read is at
http://www.qsl.net/n4xy/PDFs/vibroadj.pdf<http://www.qsl.net/n4xy/PDFs/vibroadj.\
pdf> . The article does address both dot and dash spacing and there is a labeled
diagram of a "bug".
  A program I use to practice copy, when the bands are dead, is the one available
at http://www.g4fon.net/CW%20Trainer.htm<http://www.g4fon.net/CW%20Trainer.htm>
. Also, there is a QCWA net on 7.034 at 11 AM PST, Sundays, that I participate
in. Join in, they are a friendly, small group.
Troy, W6HV
  FISTS #6847
  SKCC #920

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hello Steve,

Welcome aboard.

Keep sending with the straight key, it will develop your rhythm.

You'll find instructions for adjusting the keys various places on the
internet including at www.morsex.com and by reading the on-line (and
downloadable) "Art and Skill of Radiotelegraphy"
http://www.qsl.net/n9bor/n0hff.htm

I find the bug far too difficult to send with at speeds below about 22 wpm.

The "standard" speed range of an Original bug is about 25 to 35 with the
standard two small weights on it - which is what it should be as the top
speed of a hand key is about 25 wpm.

The Champion and Lightning Bug which have a flat bar go slower around 20
wpm.

73

David N1EA
----- Original Message -----
From: n6vl
To: cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2006 7:15 PM
Subject: [cw_bugs] New to group with questions...


Hi,

I am new to this group though I been on some other CW groups recently.

I have an old Vibroplex Champion bug # 270463. That dates it around
1973 I believe. I have been trying to slow it down. I got into the 15
to 18 wpm range. Of course that depends on the dot to dash ratio which
is highly fists dependent.

I am fairly new to CW. Been practicing the past 10 weeks or so. My
copy speed is up to 15 wpm on a good day. So I don't need to be
sending any faster. So I far I been using a nice Bencher Hex Key
paddles with an K1EL WinKeyer USB and a Bencher RJ-1 straight key.

I have having a problem sending fast dashes sequentially. This
includes the straight key and the bug. I am fine with the straight key
up to 15 wpm with a reasonable fist. That means I think someone on the
other end could copy me FB. Of course it does not mean perfectly timed
code. My dashes seem to be long compared to my dots and and dots are
no the short side. The dot issue does not directly affect bug sending,
but the dash issue does.

I find that making a fast series of dashes on the bug is a little
easier if I avoid the knob and stay on the oval piece. It is hard for
me to send a good series of dashes say at 20 wpm, such as the number
0. This also makes certain characters like Q, Y, P, J, and many of the
number sound strange.

I have played with various bug settings. Setting the dash space too
narrow interferes with sending dots for some reason.

Some of this could be due to how I am trying to slow the bug down. I
put a brass mending brace under the weight screw and point it in a
general direction away from the arm. My bug has a single weight for
the flat arm and only gets down to about 22 to 25 wpm. I am measuring
the speed by comparing a string of dits with my electronic keyer which
is can in specific wpm speeds. I am wondering if one or two extra flat
weights from Vibroplex will give me the speed reduction I desire.
Actually 17 wpm would work for me. For lower speeds, I would simply
space out the characters. I am aware of Vari-Speed and Extendadot, but
would rather use extra weights if they would work.

These are enough questions for now. I look forward to any good advice.

73,

Steve N6VL
FISTS 12707
SKCC 2383






No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.15.23/591 - Release Date: 12/17/2006
3:17 PM

On page 62 of the January 2007 QST there is a note from W4PA about an
obsolete contester skill. He's referring to paddles but I tried it with my
bug and was real surprised it worked.

He says... "Right-handed ops, take the paddle and turn it around 180 degrees
so the back of the paddle faces you. Place your left hand on top of the
paddle, so your left thumb rests on the dit paddle and your left index
finger on the dah paddle."

Give it a try... it works! The code wasn't as clean and it certainly isn't
comfortable with the bug backwards but it is an interesting experiment. I
wonder if that means if I get a left-handed bug, then learning to send good
CW with the left hand might not be as difficult as I thought.

73,
Kev, K4VD
SKCC 605 C 4
FISTS 11712 CC 1798
HYPERLINK "http://k4vd.net/"http://k4vd.net/


--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.15.25/593 - Release Date: 12/19/2006
1:17 PM



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

David,

My Champion does not goes down to 20 wpm with the single weight it
came with. It is somewhere around 23 - 25 wpm comparing a stream of
dits with my keyer. Can the Champion get down to 20 wpm with a single
weight. It is probably a 0.8 oz weight. Betsy at Vibroplex says that
is standard weight it came with. Is moving the weight the only way to
set the speed? Do any of the other adjustments affect speed? I would
love for it to get down to 20 wpm without any changes like the
Vari-Speed. Maybe an additional 1 oz weight will work.

I have found a temporary method to slow down the bug. I put a mending
brace on top of the weight using the screw extending the arm.

22 wpm??? I can't make dashes fast enough for that speed.

For now I am sticking to the straight key. Picked up a Bencher RJ-1.
It has a manufacturing flaw. The bearings bind if the pivot housing is
bolted snuggly to the base. Loosening 1 of the 4 screws fixes the
problem. Once I figured it out, the key is smooth as silk. Too bad,
because I will have to send it in for service. Obviously there was a
machining defect. Otherwise I like the RJ-1 much better than the Speed-X.

If I could get the dashes down pat, I think I'll like the bug. Once I
found the binding problem in the RJ-1, dashes are a lot easier to
send. I am sure the bug needs proper adjustment, and practice of course.

73,

Steve N6VL

At 08:12 AM 12/19/2006, Kevin der Kinderen wrote:
>On page 62 of the January 2007 QST there is a note from W4PA about an
>obsolete contester skill. He's referring to paddles but I tried it with my
>bug and was real surprised it worked.

          I saw the note, too.  I can assure you that it works with a
paddle, but I've never tried it with a bug -- I've always been afraid
I'll forget and try to rest my left hand on the pendulum!

          7 3
          Earl

KD5XB
Clovis, New Mexico DM84jk
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cw_bugs

Could probably turn some bugs upsidedown to use left handed.. Might be able
to get the Vib Lightning to do that. I think the McElroy was also designed
to turn on it's side so it could be used as a straight key. It had a lock
for the dot arm.

73,
Don, NN8B


On 12/20/06, Earl Needham <needhame1@...> wrote:
>
>   At 08:12 AM 12/19/2006, Kevin der Kinderen wrote:
> >On page 62 of the January 2007 QST there is a note from W4PA about an
> >obsolete contester skill. He's referring to paddles but I tried it with
> my
> >bug and was real surprised it worked.
>
> I saw the note, too. I can assure you that it works with a
> paddle, but I've never tried it with a bug -- I've always been afraid
> I'll forget and try to rest my left hand on the pendulum!
>
> 7 3
> Earl
>
> KD5XB
> Clovis, New Mexico DM84jk
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cw_bugs
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Steve, it sounds like you may be trying to make dashes with your fingers. 
Dashes are EZ to make up to about 35 wpm, and it is quite doable up to perhaps
50 wpm.

Your wrist should be off the table.  Your elbow may be on the table, though I
sometimes do it with the whole arm flying.

Dashes are a nervous twitch against the dash spring resistance, a reflexive
action, NOT a controlled expression of muscle contraction and relaxation, that
process is much too slow.

73,  Fred kt5x
49 years of all CW.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

* Yes, putting the left hand over the top of bugs set backwards is a well known
and long used technique for sending left-handed with a right-handed bug.  It was
commonly used while logging in a contest with the right hand while sending at
the same time.

No, you would not do that with a paddle.  Turn the paddle around correctly and
tell the keyer, "reverse!"

* You can easily increase the weight on a Champion by stacking washers between
the screw and the weight.  A longer screw may accomodate more washers.  Weights
on the pre-1930 Lightnings were bigger than after.

* the slowest bug ever made may be the Simplex-Auto.  It is a right-angle bug
made from 1922 to about 1955 in Australia.  It uses a release mechanism like the
Mecographs.

slow speeds are useful for learning, but there is a reason bugs are called
"speed-keys."

* the vari-speeds, originally made by Hills in the early fifties when they were
known as "speed-changers," are terrific for slowing down bugs, especially the
older Racers with the U-shaped dampers.  On that bug, the vari-speed can be
directed straight back, unimpeded by the damper, providing speeds down into the
single-digits.  Ragardless of slowing them down, they are very convenient for
changing speed.

* using a straight key...  I think some are using a straight key incorrectly. 
dots and dashes are NOT made with a muscle expression of the fingers.  Place one
or two fingers on top of the finger piece, arch the wrist upward off the table,
elbow on the table.  The code is created with a pumping action of the wrist. 
High speed dots and dashes are made with a reflexive or spasmadic expression of
the tendons, not with any muscle contraction and relaxation which is much too
slow and inaccurate.  It is the curved wrist and the tension on the tendons that
led to carpal-tunnel.

* making dashes with a bug ... I think some are trying to do this with the
muscles of the fingers.  No, no.  Elbow on the table, wrist off the table, swing
fromt he wrist or elbow, dashes are made with a spasmadic or reflexive action of
the tendons, not muscle contractions which are too slow and too inaccurate.

* controlling a paddle... use the lightest resistance and smallest gap you can
handle.  This is done with the wrist ont he table and relaxed, the fingers
squeezing, barely moving at all.  OT's who learned the bug first, often never
learn to do this because they swing at it like a bug.  works, but not the best.

Good luck!

73,  Fred - kt5x



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

A bug isn't adjusted like a paddle is.  The spacing and swing of the
vibrating flat rod must be vigorous enough to engage the return "U" shaped
spring which pushed the lever back and causes oscillations.

Remember the Vibroplex was designed to take over from the top speed of the
hand key - which is about 23 to 25 wpm - except for a few and remarkably
skilled operators who reach 25 to 35 wpm on a hand key.

Progress on a hand key after 20 wpm is agonizingly slow - it is held that
the time taken to get from 20 to 21 wpm is TWICE the time it took to get
from 19 to 20 wpm.  Or simpler - each additional one wpm increase in sending
will take twice the effort and time as the previous one wpm increase.

This is a very steep curve.

Adjust the vibrator on your bug so that the contact travel is a half inch
from resting position to where it hits the dot contact on the dot contact
post.  Then  adjust the dots so that they are "full" - this will allow the
"U" shaped spring to compress and push back.  Radio dots were always fuller
because of static when compared with the dots on the wire lines of Western
Union and others.

73

DR
----- Original Message -----
From: n6vl
To: cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 2:16 AM
Subject: [cw_bugs] Re: New to group with questions...


David,

My Champion does not goes down to 20 wpm with the single weight it
came with. It is somewhere around 23 - 25 wpm comparing a stream of
dits with my keyer. Can the Champion get down to 20 wpm with a single
weight. It is probably a 0.8 oz weight. Betsy at Vibroplex says that
is standard weight it came with. Is moving the weight the only way to
set the speed? Do any of the other adjustments affect speed? I would
love for it to get down to 20 wpm without any changes like the
Vari-Speed. Maybe an additional 1 oz weight will work.

I have found a temporary method to slow down the bug. I put a mending
brace on top of the weight using the screw extending the arm.

22 wpm??? I can't make dashes fast enough for that speed.

For now I am sticking to the straight key. Picked up a Bencher RJ-1.
It has a manufacturing flaw. The bearings bind if the pivot housing is
bolted snuggly to the base. Loosening 1 of the 4 screws fixes the
problem. Once I figured it out, the key is smooth as silk. Too bad,
because I will have to send it in for service. Obviously there was a
machining defect. Otherwise I like the RJ-1 much better than the Speed-X.

If I could get the dashes down pat, I think I'll like the bug. Once I
found the binding problem in the RJ-1, dashes are a lot easier to
send. I am sure the bug needs proper adjustment, and practice of course.

73,

Steve N6VL






No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.15.25/593 - Release Date: 12/19/2006
1:17 PM

David,

What do you mean by the U shaped spring? Is it the little piece with a
contact one and bolted to the vibrating arm on the other end?

Gosh, the contact moves half and inch! I do have it real close.

Is there any reason why I would not want to use a bug below 20 wpm? I
can use the hand key up to about 15 wpm or so right now and can
probably go faster.

73,

Steve N6VL

Happy Holidays to all of my ham radio friends on the CW_Bugs List !

73,

Frank N. Haas KB4T
SKCC 981C/Centurion 31
A1-Op RCC BPL
FISTS 10283
SOC 706
ARS 1862
FP 881
WRRL 127

Let me tell a short story.

          Years ago, when the VE program was in its infancy, the club
I was a member of at the time was putting together a VE team.  I was
present at the meeting, and at the time, one requirement to be a VE
was to have the Amateur Extra license.  At the time, I held an
Advanced class license, but I volunteered to help anyway.  I had in
mind that perhaps I could help with announcements, paperwork, or
whatever.  In other words, I was just offering to help, if I could.

          You should have heard the screaming!  "YOU HAVE TO BE AN
EXTRA!!!"  And the loudest one was, at the time, a
Technician.  (Guess he wanted to make sure the new VE team didn't get
any help.)

          Because of that, I never took part in any VE program in any
way whatsoever, until this past summer, when I finally upgraded to
Extra.  These people completely soured me on the whole idea.

          Now, some 20 years later, I have seen several emails on
these lists in which the writer is planning to turn in his VE
credentials and send a letter telling the ARRL what the writer thinks
of them due to the ending of the CW requirement for amateur radio
licensees.  This is disappointing, to say the least.  If enough
people do this, it will mean the end of amateur radio, and a lot
quicker than any conspiracy that people think might be out there.  I
wish these people would reconsider.

          I came to a decision last night that I am going to take on
the Obligation of becoming a VE.

          Folks, without VE's, there will be no amateur radio.  Let's
not help ANYBODY end our great hobby and service.

          7 3
          Earl

KD5XB
Clovis, New Mexico DM84jk
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cw_bugs

At 09:27 AM 12/21/2006, I wrote:


><snip>
>          I came to a decision last night that I am going to take on
>the Obligation of becoming a VE.

          I dropped the paperwork into the mailbox this morning.  Now
for the REAL learning experience... :-)

          7 3
          Earl

KD5XB
Clovis, New Mexico DM84jk
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cw_bugs

Don't forget that New Year's Eve has a tradition of saying good-bye to the old
year with nostalgia.  For radio operators that means older mechanical keys and
equipment   In addition to those using straight keys you will find many using
antique bugs.

If you are so inclined, look for bug activity around 14.025, 7.025, and 3.525.

Have fun.  That's what it is all about.

73,  Fred KT5X

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Listen for K1Y, the Straight Key Century Club Special Event callsign
starting during SKN and working throughout the month from each call
district. SKN marks the first anniversary of SKCC.

Also, please submit your entries for SKN to the ARRL. Last year they
reported they broke a record with only 300+ contacts. We need to blow the
roof off that record this year!

73,
Kev, K4VD
http://k4vd.net/


-----Original Message-----
From: cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
KT5X
Sent: Tuesday, December 26, 2006 2:37 PM
To: cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [cw_bugs] New Year's Eve

Don't forget that New Year's Eve has a tradition of saying good-bye to the
old year with nostalgia.  For radio operators that means older mechanical
keys and equipment   In addition to those using straight keys you will find
many using antique bugs.

If you are so inclined, look for bug activity around 14.025, 7.025, and
3.525.

Have fun.  That's what it is all about.

73,  Fred KT5X

--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.15.28/604 - Release Date: 12/26/2006
12:23 PM

At 12:37 PM 12/26/2006, KT5X wrote:

>Don't forget that New Year's Eve has a tradition of saying good-bye
>to the old year with nostalgia. For radio operators that means older
>mechanical keys and equipment In addition to those using straight
>keys you will find many using antique bugs.
>
>If you are so inclined, look for bug activity around 14.025, 7.025, and 3.525.
>
>Have fun. That's what it is all about.
>
>73, Fred KT5X

          Fred, thanks so much for those frequencies!

          I've never operated SKN before, and I had imagined just
tuning around to see who I could find.  Having set frequencies should
make it a lot easier.

          I plan to use my 1956 Presentation and perhaps my new LTA
SKCC key, if it arrives in time.  That's starting to look doubtful --
DHL says it's been in Aurora, Colorado for a week!.

          7 3
          Earl

KD5XB
Clovis, New Mexico DM84jk
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cw_bugs

Nice bug QSO's with K8MFO, N0SS, KF7E, K2UFT, N5KA, and others...

K8MFO and I both used a Standard Radio Co bug, for a first two-way for each of
us.  Don said he had never used his on the air, and was delighted by its very
nice feel.

HNY,

Fred - kt5x

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

At 12:05 PM 1/1/2007, KT5X wrote:

>Nice bug QSO's with K8MFO, N0SS, KF7E, K2UFT, N5KA, and others...
>
>K8MFO and I both used a Standard Radio Co bug, for a first two-way
>for each of us. Don said he had never used his on the air, and was
>delighted by its very nice feel.
>
>HNY,
>
>Fred - kt5x

          I worked W9KGY, using my '56 Presentation and had a nice
long chat.  He's been a ham since the '40's!  Quite a lot of fun.

          I think I'm going to try for one more before midnight UTC --
where you at, Fred?

          7 3
          Earl

KD5XB
Clovis, New Mexico DM84jk
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cw_bugs
"Just say NO to DHL"

I heard you both just when you started.  Don was loud and you were
weak here, but I could break in to wish you both HNY which I'll do now.

Hope you have a great year - QSP to Don if you hear him - I've not
heard him for a while and I'm sorry I missed his QSO last night.

73

David N1EA


--- In cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com, "KT5X" <KT5X@...> wrote:
>
> Nice bug QSO's with K8MFO, N0SS, KF7E, K2UFT, N5KA, and others...
>
> K8MFO and I both used a Standard Radio Co bug, for a first two-way
for each of us.  Don said he had never used his on the air, and was
delighted by its very nice feel.
>
> HNY,
>
> Fred - kt5x
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

I'm rolling around on the floor laughing at the picture on
the case for this bug!

          http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180070688512

          7 3
          Earl

KD5XB
Clovis, New Mexico DM84jk
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cw_bugs
"Just say NO to DHL"

Hi All, this is my first post to the group.
Yesterday, I backordered my first bug. My elmers helped me pick the
Vibroplex 100th Anniversary bug. When I called I thought I might be
getting one of the last of the 250 made, but they told me they are
making another run up to serial number 500.

I thought it was pretty cool to be able to choose the serial number
that I wanted. I picked 263, the month and yr I was born. The next
batch is supposed to due in abt 2 weeks.

I've never tried a bug. 30+ yrs with a str key. I bought my first set
of paddles a few months ago but now want to learn how to send with a
bug. I look forward to torturing you all while I learn.
73 NT9K - Bill
http://www.nt9k.com

At 01:16 PM 1/3/2007, nt9k_skcc wrote:
>Hi All, this is my first post to the group.
>Yesterday, I backordered my first bug. My elmers helped me pick the
>Vibroplex 100th Anniversary bug. When I called I thought I might be
>getting one of the last of the 250 made, but they told me they are
>making another run up to serial number 500.

          That's sure a pretty one!  Maybe next time I'll get a new
one.  The newest bug I have was made in 1953!  :-)

>I thought it was pretty cool to be able to choose the serial number
>that I wanted. I picked 263, the month and yr I was born. The next
>batch is supposed to due in abt 2 weeks.
>
>I've never tried a bug. 30+ yrs with a str key. I bought my first set
>of paddles a few months ago but now want to learn how to send with a
>bug. I look forward to torturing you all while I learn.

          That's funny!

          Seriously, I looked at your web site, and it looks like
you've used paddles.  I hope I'm not alone in this experience -- but
I feel like a bug is similar to using paddles, just that you need a
bit more movement than with paddles.  Once I had mine adjusted, I
found I can send with it acceptable, but it's REAL easy to get too
fast with it, HI!

          7 3
          Earl

KD5XB
Clovis, New Mexico DM84jk
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cw_bugs
"Just say NO to DHL"

I've never used the paddles on the air. I've been using them to warm
up for my straight key, get my timing in sync, my mojo working. hi

I was looking at 3 different bugs, the LTA-GMSO, the Blue Racer 2k and
the 100th Annibug. I couldn't find any info on the LTA other than it
sure would look sweet sitting next to my new skcc str key.

What's the difference between a bug with jeweled movements vs. one
without? Is there a huge difference? Bill - NT9K


--- In cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com, Earl Needham <needhame1@...> wrote:
>
> At 01:16 PM 1/3/2007, nt9k_skcc wrote:
> >Hi All, this is my first post to the group.
> >Yesterday, I backordered my first bug. My elmers helped me pick the
> >Vibroplex 100th Anniversary bug. When I called I thought I might be
> >getting one of the last of the 250 made, but they told me they are
> >making another run up to serial number 500.
>
>          That's sure a pretty one!  Maybe next time I'll get a new
> one.  The newest bug I have was made in 1953!  :-)
>
> >I thought it was pretty cool to be able to choose the serial number
> >that I wanted. I picked 263, the month and yr I was born. The next
> >batch is supposed to due in abt 2 weeks.
> >
> >I've never tried a bug. 30+ yrs with a str key. I bought my first set
> >of paddles a few months ago but now want to learn how to send with a
> >bug. I look forward to torturing you all while I learn.
>
>          That's funny!
>
>          Seriously, I looked at your web site, and it looks like
> you've used paddles.  I hope I'm not alone in this experience -- but
> I feel like a bug is similar to using paddles, just that you need a
> bit more movement than with paddles.  Once I had mine adjusted, I
> found I can send with it acceptable, but it's REAL easy to get too
> fast with it, HI!
>
>          7 3
>          Earl
>
> KD5XB
> Clovis, New Mexico DM84jk
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cw_bugs
> "Just say NO to DHL"
>

Bill,

Jeweled bearings are supposed to be better at higher speeds. I think Betsy
told me over 30 wpm they would be of benefit.

73,
Don, NN8B


On 1/3/07, nt9k_skcc <nt9k_skcc@...> wrote:
>
>   I've never used the paddles on the air. I've been using them to warm
> up for my straight key, get my timing in sync, my mojo working. hi
>
> I was looking at 3 different bugs, the LTA-GMSO, the Blue Racer 2k and
> the 100th Annibug. I couldn't find any info on the LTA other than it
> sure would look sweet sitting next to my new skcc str key.
>
> What's the difference between a bug with jeweled movements vs. one
> without? Is there a huge difference? Bill - NT9K
>
> --- In cw_bugs@yahoogroups.com <cw_bugs%40yahoogroups.com>, Earl Needham
> <needhame1@...> wrote:
> >
> > At 01:16 PM 1/3/2007, nt9k_skcc wrote:
> > >Hi All, this is my first post to the group.
> > >Yesterday, I backordered my first bug. My elmers helped me pick the
> > >Vibroplex 100th Anniversary bug. When I called I thought I might be
> > >getting one of the last of the 250 made, but they told me they are
> > >making another run up to serial number 500.
> >
> > That's sure a pretty one! Maybe next time I'll get a new
> > one. The newest bug I have was made in 1953! :-)
> >
> > >I thought it was pretty cool to be able to choose the serial number
> > >that I wanted. I picked 263, the month and yr I was born. The next
> > >batch is supposed to due in abt 2 weeks.
> > >
> > >I've never tried a bug. 30+ yrs with a str key. I bought my first set
> > >of paddles a few months ago but now want to learn how to send with a
> > >bug. I look forward to torturing you all while I learn.
> >
> > That's funny!
> >
> > Seriously, I looked at your web site, and it looks like
> > you've used paddles. I hope I'm not alone in this experience -- but
> > I feel like a bug is similar to using paddles, just that you need a
> > bit more movement than with paddles. Once I had mine adjusted, I
> > found I can send with it acceptable, but it's REAL easy to get too
> > fast with it, HI!
> >
> > 7 3
> > Earl
> >
> > KD5XB
> > Clovis, New Mexico DM84jk
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cw_bugs
> > "Just say NO to DHL"
> >
>
>
>


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]