BUGS, BUGS, and more BUG Keys.

Semi Automatic keys, or Bugs as they are sometimes known, send dashes normally and dots automatically. Try this Virtual Bug key animation by Geoffrey Noles / AE4RV : Virtual Bug Project v.2

222..... MECOGRAPH Bug Key circa 1908/09. First bug to beat the Vibroplex patent. Horace Martin's Vibroplex design created dots by tensioning a spring, but this design of morse code key creates dots by releasing tension on the spring and was invented by William Coffe. Stamped on the side of the base is the serial number 05596. On the shorting lever mechanism is printed: Mecograph Co. Cleveland, O, U.S.A. Patented FEB 13,06. MAY 28,07. MAY 5,08. A true gem, and in original box!


 
 
 

082..... Australian Bug THE BUZZA Type 100 circa 1940s. Used at Sydney Maritime Coast Station "VIS".

  • Australia's Radio Services History

    Here is info on the man and company called BUZZA: During its existence, ‘Buzza Products Sydney’ made a variety of keys from simple learners set to a very good straight key (Triumph or J-38 style), a not so very good straight brass key (an inferior copy of the PMG brass key) and a good bug key, the Buzza 100. The company also made buzzers, oscillators, etc. The word BUZZA is derived from the word buzzer. It all started when German Engineer AUGUST A. KRAUS migrated to Sydney in the 1930s. After working for someone else, he started his own business, making Morse sets at a location near Clarence Street Sydney. When war was declared on Germany, Kraus was interned at Sydney’s Long Bay Gaol , but was released to design and oversee the manufacture of Morse keys for the Australian Army and Navy. After the war he kept on making keys, but at a reduced capacity. In 1955 Buzza Products moved into new premises at 80 Hotham Parade Artarmon NSW. Here the production were mainly the now popular and relatively cheap toy Morse trainers. But here Buzza Products also made toy xylophones, toy Meccano sets, pipe cleaners and spinning wheels for potters. The company ceased to exist in 1977, two years after the death of Mr Kraus.

    083..... Australian Jigger Bug. The Simplex Auto was invented in 1920 and made by Leo Cohen in Melbourne, Australia. This is a Simplex Auto Standard Model in nice shiny all nickel plated finish, serial number 4170, so made in about 1941.


     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    084..... Australian Jigger Bug. Here is another great Australian Simplex Auto Standard Model semi automatic key with a black base. Serial number 5192. The brass label reads "THE SIMPLEX AUTO No5192 (REGD) MANUFACTURED BY LEO G. COHEN MELBOURNE VIC". Melbourne telegraphist Leo Cohen stopped making Simplex Auto jiggers after he went into the Army on 13th Nov. 1939, but his name appears on the Simplex Auto labels up to about S/No 5xxx.

    Simplex Auto Info


     

    524..... Australian Simplex Auto Key with great history! This key S/No 4135 circa 1940/41 was used from 1990 - 2006 in the radio shack of HMAS Vampire / VK2CCV by Wireless Operators of the NSW branch of the Royal Naval Amateur Radio Society (RNARS NSW). The Vampire is permanently alongside the wharf at Darling Harbour, Sydney, Australia and is one of the many attractions of the Australian National Maritime Museum. Just think of the QSO's made on this little beauty! Never did I think when I saw this key in the radio room of the Vampire in December 1996, that I would one day be its proud owner !

  • Vampire is a Daring class destroyer built in 1956 at Cockatoo Island Dockyard, Sydney. 3,950 tonnes.

    Information re HMAS Vampire


     
     
     

    085..... French Bug Key. Vibro Mors Type A circa 1950s.

    Here is some information courtesy of Maurice / F5NQL :

  • "The story of the Vibro Mors was short. When the US signal Corps came to Normandy after the June 6th 1944 landings, they brought some bugs made by Lionel and Martin's Vibroplex, some were sold on the black market to European op's. In Paris, there was the French School of Radio in the rue de la Lune. A lot a of CW operators issued from this school had heard about the bugs but it was quite impossible to find one, and buying them from the States plus customs fees was costly, even when purchased through the free taxes French Overseas Territories". "So some operators and amateurs, got in touch with "Radio-Lune", a Radio Store, in the same rue de la Lune and around the 50's appeared the Vibro-mors. It seems that only one model exists, the Type A. No information were given about the constructor, even to day we know the seller not the fabricant". Maurice / F5NQL


     

    087..... Canadian Bug made for the Royal Canadian Air Force by Wilson, Toronto. Circa 1940.


     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    088&089. A Canadian Vertical Bug and a MINI Bug, both made by Merric of Ontario. The vertical bug known as the "MERRICK VERTICAL BUG KEY" can be seen on the front cover of Morsum Magnificat Nr77, Sept/Oct 2001. The photo shows the vertical without it's paddles fitted, my mistake.


     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    090..... American Bug. "Hole In THe Wall" Made by Telegraph Apparatus Co. Circa 1930s.


     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    091. .... American Bunnell Martin Flash Bug Type 5-48. Circa 1930s.


     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    092..... American Logan Speed X Bug. T-Bar Model 501. Circa 1920/30s. The label reads "SPEED X. MODEL 501. MFD BY LES LOGAN CO. SAN FRANCISCO. CALIF. U.S.A." An all chrome finish to this key with rounded corners to the base and 1/4" dot and dash contacts.


     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    093..... American Logan Reverse Frame Bug. Circa 1930s. A LOGAN/SPEED X TRANSITIONAL. Has similar looks to the early Speed X of Les Logan, with a 6 1/4" by 3 1/2" nickel plated base and a reverse frame where the arms extend to the rear to carry the pivots. Three feet held on with pins and not screws. Also has the 1/4" contacts.


     
     
     
     
     
     

    094..... American Logan Speed X Model 510. Circa 1930/40s. This is a smart little bug with a nice black and gold finish. The base is hollowed out cast metal with the three feet on pins, the base measures 5 3/4" by 2 1/2". The label reads "SPEED X. MODEL 510. MFD BY LES LOGAN CO. SAN FRANCISCO. CALIF. U.S.A."


     
     
     
     
     
     

    095. .... American Bug (half mystery / half Vibroplex). With a base measuring 6 1/4" by 2 1/2", one piece very squared design frame, a circuit closer (part missing), grey painted base (non original). The Dot post, dash post and damper all seem to be Vibroplex parts. This bug key is a mystery. All ideas most welcome.


     
     
     
     
     
     

    096..... American Bug Speed X 114-520 by E. F. Johnson. (Successor to Logan). This model is like the 515 but with a circuit closer added and a new E. F. JOHNSON nameplate.


     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    097. .... American Bug made by Hess Manufacturing Co. The base is completely gold plated (pity it's not solid gold), there is an "I" type damper and a shorting lever. The label reads "HESS MFG. CO." in large letters. The dot spring has a wire dot tamer and the base measures 7" long by 2 & 1/2" wide and 3/8" thick. Apart from the label, the screw heads are cross head types.

  • Here is some info from Herman Willemsen / VK2IXV: Doug Seneker bought out the parts inventory from Jim Hess in 1994. Jim Hess made "Cedar Rapid bugs". Hess bought out the inventory from the Wilson family in the late 1950s. A bit more on Hess. "The Vail correspondent" no.14 January 1996: N0WAN (Doug) bug check list. Cedar Rapids Specialty Bug N.O.S. Electric Specialty ceased production of keys and paddles in 1957. Inventory sold to Jim Hess, who produced "New Old Stock" bugs and paddles, using 3/8 steel basis. Other variants by Doug Seneker, owner since 1957.

    098..... A very old bug - possibly an early unlicensed Vibroplex circa 1905/10. It could have been made by the "A To Z Electric Novelty Company" of Chicago Ill, USA. (ATOZ). Or could it possibly be a Horace G. Martin serial number "2" Vibroplex ? The dash lever to pivot is of the very old pinned design, the base measures just over 6 & 1/2" by 3& 1/2" by 1/2" thick, plus there is the serial number "2" stamped on the underside of the damper mechanism, on the arm near the knobs and on the arm near the mainspring.
    The dot & dash pillars are quite ornate, plus the screws have the knurled ends brazed on rather than made in one piece. This may give a clue to the manufacturer.


     
     
     

    099..... American J-36 Bug made by The Lionel Corp., for the US Army 1942.


     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    100..... Rare British Bug Key serial Nr 004. This key can be seen on page 36 of Morsum Magnificat issue number 77. It was purchased from Webb's Radio, Soho, London in 1939. It is stamped with the serial number 004 and it is believed that only ten were ever made. Could this just be the dashed elusive ADGIL BUG mentioned by George Robbins in MM76 page 46?


     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    101..... Limited Edition British Bug Key made for Icom, Herne Bay, Kent. Circa 1960/70.


     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    105-6..... Japanese Hi-Mound Bug Keys circa 1960's. Two slightly different models - the top one has a black & chrome label and a gray base. The other one has a cream & gold label + an orange coloured base.


     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    107..... Original Japanese Hi Mound Bug Key produced before the introduction of the top cover. Circa early 1960's.


     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    514..... A superb example of a Japanese "Swallow" bug key "BK-50". This bug was not designed with a cover. In as new condition in it's original box. Circa 1960's.


     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

        "BK"