[TenTec] OT: Bug maintenance

[Robert & Linda McGraw K4TAX]

I use a very small dab of fishing reel grease on mine.  It is applied to the 
pivot with a toothpick.  Never had any known problems that resulted.  I've a 
half dozen or so of those critters here but prefer my Vibroplex Original 
Iambic paddle for day in and day out CW work.

There's a couple of good papers around on the web that spells out how to 
properly adjust the bugs.  In my case I use a automotive dwell meter to set 
the fixed contact spacing for the dits at about 50%.  Properly adjusted one 
should be able to age about 35 to 45 dits on one swing.

73
Bob, K4TAX


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <Able2fly at aol.com>
To: <tentec at contesting.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 02, 2005 1:02 PM
Subject: [TenTec] OT: Bug maintenance


> T-T group,
>
> I'm assuming there are a few Vibroplex bug users  around here.   Wondering 
> if
> the pivot points of  an old "Original" (non jeweled) should be lubed, or
> would that just attract  dirt or otherwise lead to problems? I see no sign 
> of
> lubrication on this  one.
>
> I just picked up a 60 yo Original Standard and find it fun to  use after
> quite a bit of practice. A problem now is that my iambic  timing seems to 
> have
> gone to hell. Wonder if I'll be able to recover  ??
>
> Bill  K3UJ
>                    PS  Is there a list/reflector more suited a discussion
> such as  this?
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