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                          SLOWING DOWN A BUG
   
      An often-heard complaint about bugs is that the minimum speed is 
   too high for beginners who are just learning the instrument, or for 
   QRS operation.  Adding extra weight between the damper and frame 
   can slow a bug down but also make it "sluggish." The solution is to 
   extend the pendulum arm a little and add weight beyond the damper. 
   By using this method and adjusting the location of the weights you 
   can easily slow the bug down to 14-15 WPM (or even slower if your 
   bug has a thin mainspring).
   
      I worked up a device to accomplish this speed reduction which I 
   call "Slo-Bug."  The idea behind it is certainly not new, but there 
   didn't seem to be any commercial product available to do the job so 
   I made my own.  When I tested it on my 1996 Vibroplex Original 
   (which has a 0.018"-thick mainspring and the largest Vibroplex 
   speed weight installed) the following speed ranges resulted:
        
                               Original only:  23-35+ WPM
                w/Slo-Bug & one extra weight:  18-22 WPM
               w/Slo-Bug & two extra weights:  14-17 WPM             
        
        Now, I am *NOT* really in the business of manufacturing these 
   devices, but since no one makes them commercially I will do either 
   of the following for interested CW afficianados:
   
   (1) Send you a copy of my drawings so you can make your own;
   
   (2) Make them on my lathe at home on a time & materials available 
   basis, including nickel-plating them.  I am investigating 
   commercial plating (in case there's any quantity demand; I hate 
   plating the things), but that will probably raise the price. 
   
        Here's what it is.  The price is completely arbitrary and 
   reflects material costs and my labor to make 'em, plus postage:
   
           Slo-Bug Model B:  A "universal" adapter for any round-shaft 
   Vibroplex with up to 7/16" of "free shaft" beyond the damper wheel. 
   Nickel-plated brass, attaches with a set screw;  supplied with two 
   nickel-plated brass round speed weights (modeled on the smallest 
   Vibroplex round weight)  with large, easy-to-operate knobs for 
   quick weight installation & removal.  Works on any round-shaft 
   Vibroplex bug of any vintage (Original, Blue Racer, Junior,         
   Presentation) regardless of how short the shaft length is beyond    
   the damper wheel.  A slight readjustment of the lever arm stop      
   screws and dot contact screw are necessary when first installing    
   Slo-Bug, but it may be left installed and weights added or removed  
   with no further adjustments.   $15.00 ppd in the U.S. 
        
        Extra speed weights only, nickel-plated brass.   $6.00 each

        There is an earlier version (Model O) but it doesn't fit quite 
   as nicely as the Model B and only works on bugs with at least 5/16"
   of free shaft behind the damper wheel.  However, I have several
   lying around and they'll go for $12 with two weights included.  Sorry,
   I don't have one for flat-shaft Vibes yet, but I'm working on it!

        Incidentally, the newer-style molded Vibroplex case will carry 
   a bug *with* Slo-Bug and two weights installed, with no case        
   modifications.        
   
        If you're interested, drop me an e-mail to let me know in      
   advance and then just send a check to:

                             Paul Bock, K4MSG
                             38661 Pheasant Hill Lane
                             Hamilton, VA 20158
*EOF*