Vibroplex Bugs
The Vibroplex Company has been manufacturing semi-automatic, mechanical telegraph keys for over 100 years. Their founder, Horace G. Martin, invented this type of key sometime around 1902. These keys are usually referred to as "bugs."
This is either a 1919 or 1920 Vibroplex Blue Racer. It was built in Vibroplex's New York City factory. The Blue Racer is thinner than the full sized bug, it was designed to be carried in the operator’s pocket. Blue Racers are still made today.
A classic Standard Vibroplex mechanical bug. According to its serial number, this key was manufactured in 1958. It works fine and looks great! This key came from my friend John, KC1XM.
This Vibroplex Bug has a black base with gold pin striping. This is a 1933 Lightning Bug model. It was owned by George Hart, W1NJM, of Newington, CT. George worked for the ARRL for over 40 years and he was Communications Manager when he retired. He sold me this key.
A 1941 J-36 Vibroplex J-36 Military bug. This key was made at the Vibroplex factory on Fulton Street in Brooklyn New York. It is very similar to the Lightning Bug key above. This is the "small label" J-36. The reddish-pink handles are not original but they do demonstrate that the key was probably heavily used and the operator who replaced the handles wanted a distinctive looking J-36! To learn more about J-36 keys: Sparks Telegraph Keys The J-36 Bug Census Project
This is a 1977 Vibroplex Original Bug. It was made at 833 Broadway, New York, New York factory. These keys are still in production. Here's the Vibroplex Web Site. This key was obtained from an estate sale.
Other Semi-Automatic Bugs
This mechanical bug was marketed widely by Lafayette Radio and Radio Shack in the 1960s. It was manufactured from 1953 to 1968 by Dentsuseiki that later became Hi-Mound Electro Company. The word ''Japan'' is usually found molded into the bottom of the base. It has an excellent ''crisp'' feel when it is properly adjusted -Tom Perrera
This is a 1938 Mac-Key. This semi-automatic mechanical bug is distinguished by the black "U" shaped bar that supports the contacts. This key has the factory 'standard" black crackle finish paint. It was built by McElroy Manufacturing Company, then located in Boston, Mass. It is in near perfect condition and it was obtained from the estate of my friend, fellow key collector and author, Dave Ingram K4TWJ, SK. (Also listed under "McElroy keys") Enlarge
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