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Radio Telegraphy - Straight Keys to Bugs

- Straight Keys -
- Flame-Proof Keys -
 - Semi-Automatic Telegraph Keys (Bugs) -
- Telegraph Accessories -

by: Henry Rogers WA7YBS/WHRM

photo from: QST - Cover -  May 1942

Straight Keys, Hand Keys & Flame-proof Keys

Wireless Improvement Company

2KW Auxilary Hand Key-Type SE68A

Made for U.S. Shipping Board in 1920, these large keys used .625" diameter silver contacts to handle the high currents of spark transmitters. The brass ring around the lower contact is a "cooling ring." The base is made of hard rubber. Originally the SE68A was a "leg-key," that is, it had long threaded rods on the bottom of the key base that allowed direct mounting to a table with connections made to the rods from under the table. Unfortunately, someone in the past has cut off the "legs" on this key. Additionally, the key normally had the Navy "Finger Rest" as part of the knob but this example only has the knob.The SE68A was later sold as surplus to hams and are advertised in the back section of the 1937 ARRL Handbook (for $7.50.)

Signal Electric Mfg. Co.

Heavy Duty Key

Signal Electric started out in the 1890s as Menominee Electric Co. since they were located in Menominee, Michigan. The company built and sold telephone and telegraph equipment. The company also built some wireless items like loose couplers and other electrical parts. The name was changed to Signal Electric Manufacturing Company and they remained in business until the 1960s when they were purchased by a Thermos company. The hand key shown to the right is a Signal Heavy Duty Key. These were available with different size contacts depending on the service. This key has 5/16" contacts for medium duty spark gap applications. This particular style of hand key was also built and sold by other manufacturers, like Standard.

Hand Keys

The typical key used by ham operators and sometimes even professionals. The key on the left is a Speed-X Model 321 with a Navy "finger rest" type knob and chrome plating around the edge of the base. The next key is also a Speed-X in the standard base configuration with nickel plating. Both Speed-X keys are Les Logan manufacture (1937-1947.) The next key is a Depression era hand key that uses a lever and bearing support that are made from sheet metal stampings. These type of keys usually sold for about fifty cents during the thirties. The key on the far right is another "cheap" key relying on the "springiness" of the lever to provide the action with no bearings at all - really a cheap one but at least they did nickel plate the base.

The Lionel Corporation

U.S. Army Signal Corps  -  J-38  &   J-47

These are the standard WWII hand key. The J-38 and J-47 were found in many different environments during WWII. The J-38 typically was used in landline set-ups as noted by the secondary set of terminals at the rear of the key marked TEL and LINE. The lever switch must be "closed" for land line reception. Probably the most famous use of the J-47 was as the key used with the SCR-287, the airborne liaison radio station on bombers and transports during WWII. The keys were typically built under contract and most contracts went to Lionel but sometimes other contract manufacturers are found. The J-47 is typically found without the shorting lever installed even though the stationary part of the switch is present. This was because the J-47 was primarily a "radio key." J-38 keys always have the shorting lever since they were primarily a "land line key.". Both keys shown are mounted on their original bakelite bases which have the "L" embossed on the bottom to signify "Lionel." The J-38 and J-47 are known for their excellent action and feel. They are still very popular hand keys.

Signal Electric Manufacturing Company

M-100

Signal Electric had been making telegraph keys along with other electrical items since the turn of the century. During WWII, they produced hand keys for the military, like this Type M-100 key. This key is fitted with a rubber cable and PL-68 connector which indicates it was going to be used with military equipment. This M-100 was found in its original box as shown.  

Flame-proof Keys

Many of the military keys were used with transmitters that were cathode keyed and sometimes had significant voltage on the key itself. Also, other types of equipment may have voltage levels or current levels that could cause sparking when the key breaks contact. This could present a problem in areas where flammable fuel vapors might at times be present, such as airplanes, tanks or ships during or after an attack where fuel tanks or fuel lines may have been ruptured and leaking. The flame-proof key enclosed the contacts in a sealed chamber to prevent exposure of the possible sparking to any combustible vapors so it would be possible to radio for help. The J-5-A on the left is a Signal Corps key that was introduced in the thirties but was built for many years, in fact the one shown is from WWII - built by L.B. Brach Mfg. Co. The key in the center is a Navy flame-proof key, the CAQZ-26026 built by Brelco Co. The key on the right is a British "Bath Tub" flame-proof key that is made out of bakelite. The bale clamp holds the upper part of the key (which has all of the key parts) down into the tub. There are many other types of flame-proof keys but all accomplish the same thing, isolation of the key contacts to prevent exposure of possible sparking to a combustible vapor.

Semi-Automatic Telegraph Keys - Bugs

The Vibroplex Company

"Double Lever"

Vibroplex was the earliest of the bug manufacturers, producing semi-automatic keys in 1903. Horace Martin developed the basic idea for all "modern" bugs - the vibrating pendulum to create a dot stream with manual creation of dashes. The patent for the Original Single Lever dates from 1904 and this was the first (or earliest) model "bug" offered. Though Martin sued many patent infringers, his partner, J. Albright, licensed many other key builders to use the basic single lever patent. The Double-Lever was the second model to be offered with production starting about 1907. The Double-Lever went through several changes during its production history. The model shown is the last style made, called the "clover-leaf frame" style based on the shape of the frame's cut-out. It dates from around 1918 (SN:64103.) The dash lever is completely separate from the dot lever and allows the operator to either use the key as a "bug" or it can be used as a side action straight key. The Double-Lever was available up to the mid-twenties though it wasn't very popular after about 1920.

The Vibroplex Company

Model "X"

 In 1911, Vibroplex introduced the Model X (right). It was the third style of "bug" offered and its design objective was to eliminate the separate dot and dash contacts. The Model X was based on the later of two patents from 1911 and achieves the goal of a single contact "bug." The Model "X" was produced up to the mid-twenties. The Model "X" shown is from 1912 (SN:10551.)

The Vibroplex Company

The Original (Single Lever)

This was Horace Martin's first semi-automatic key design (not counting the Autoplex.) Almost all later "bugs" are based on this design that utilizes a vibrating pendulum to send a stream of dots the speed of which is determined by the placement of weights on the pendulum. The Original was called the Single Lever at first, then Horace Martin's Original and then just the Original. This example is from 1919 with the typical Japan Finish base with gold stripes.

Most of the early Vibroplex key bases are painted with lacquer called "Japan Finish" and then gold pin stripes were added. During the early thirties, special finishes could be ordered in Red, Blue or Green lacquer. Wrinkle finish came along around 1939, first in black. Then in WWII, some bugs were painted dark gray. Black wrinkle returned for a short time after WWII but the company went back to gray (though a lighter shade) sometime in the early fifties.

The Vibroplex Company

Martin Junior

The Martin Junior was introduced around 1934. It has a base that is smaller than the Original but a bit larger than the Blue Racer. The "Junior" was priced slightly less than the Original. The Martin Junior was only available for a relatively short time, up to about 1940.

The Lionel Corporation

Signal Corps Type J-36

During WWII, many items needed for the war effort were built under contract. This meant that a common design and specifications were used that might actually be the property of another company but the construction was actually the work of a contract company. Such is the case with the popular Signal Corps bug, the J-36. The key is actually based on the Vibroplex "Lightning Bug" with some minor changes to the paddle and to the identification tag. Vibroplex also made J-36 keys for the Signal Corps before and during WWII. Bunnell also made J-36 bugs during WWII. The Australian company Buzza also made a J-36 look-alike (photo and info further down this page.) The plastic identification tag on Lionel J-36 bugs is always in poor condition with the example shown being typical of the "better" condition tags. The plastic was prone to shrinkage and usually pulls away from the mounting pins and breaks. Many J-36s are missing their tags entirely. Fortunately, repro tags are available. J-36s are great keys to use and provide good action and precise sending.

The Vibroplex Company

Original

This is a typical Original - or is it? Note the wedge shaped paddle, the two small weights and the darker blue-gray used for the paint on the base. The serial number is most informative, 147,072 assigned in 1945. This is one of the Vibroplex Originals that has the gray paint used during WWII production. Though normally thought to have been used only on the Deluxe models as a substitute for Chromium plating, this example shows that it was also used on the Standard Original. For some reason, after WWII, Vibroplex quickly returned to painting the bases black wrinkle finish. Gray returned as the base color in the mid-fifties but it was a much lighter shade than the dark blue-gray of WWII versions.

The Vibroplex Company

Blue Racer

The Blue Racer was introduced as a small key to save space for the busy telegrapher. The base is much smaller than the Original and the mechanism proportions had to be reduced somewhat resulting in a pendulum that is shorter than the larger keys. The slight shortening of the Blue Racer pendulum makes the key a very fast sender. About the slowest a Blue Racer can send is 25wpm using the standard weights provided. The black wrinkle finish with "U" post damper dates this Blue Racer to about WWII.

The Vibroplex Company

Deluxe Original

Vibroplex began offering the Deluxe Original in 1940. The chrome plated base with red knobs made for an impressive key. Early versions have a regular bearing adjustment on the top of the frame as the Deluxe Original shown does. After WWII, the jewel bearing was introduced and a small red plastic "button" pressed into the bearing adjustment hole on top of the frame. There was also a Presentation model that had a gold-plated cover that was mounted to the top of the chrome base. In the late forties an adjustable main spring was introduced to the Presentation to allow fine adjustment of the speed of the dot stream. After about 1960 this feature was dropped and the Presentation became just a Deluxe Original with a gold-plated cover. Many of the Deluxe models suffer from pitting in the chrome plated base. Since the base was steel, it had to be copper plated first, then nickel plated and finally chrome plated. If any contamination was present on the steel surface, especially common in very small surface porosities, the plating process would be compromised at those small points. Most of the time the areas were so small they went unnoticed. After exposure to a humid area, corrosion begins at the small pin-point areas and it develops over time (under the chrome plating) into the condition as seen in the photo.

Vibroplex Carrying Case

There was a time when being a telegrapher was an important profession. The telegrapher at the local railway station provided communications outside of many small towns and others, like Western Union or Postal Telegraph ops on the lines or other ops via radio, provided world-wide communications via American Morse (landline) and International Morse (radio) Code. As a professional, the telegrapher usually had his own key - mainly because most railway stations would have only provided a simple straight key bolted to the table. The telegrapher would take his "bug" to work as any craftsman would bring his tools. A delicately adjusted Vibroplex would not be just carried around in your lunch pail,.....you had to have the official Vibroplex Carrying Case. These cases were always available from Vibroplex for around $5.00. They are leatherette covered on the outside and felt lined on the inside with a leather carrying handle. Usually, they will just fit the larger "bugs" like the Original or the Lightning Bug  - the Blue Racer would have ample room in the case. The latch keeps the "bug" safe during transport but the reason for the lock and key is a mystery since it obviously wouldn't protect against thieves taking both the "bug" and the case! Maybe it was just to deter the curious.

The Vibroplex Company

Deluxe Blue Racer

Probably the most beautiful of the Vibroplex Deluxe models, the Deluxe Blue Racer has just the right proportions that endear it to owners and collectors alike. The Deluxe version of the Blue Racer was not available for a long time, from the late forties up to about 1960. A great key to use and very fast.

Speed-X Radio Manufacturing Co.

Stewart Johnson

The Speed-X name is first associated with Electro Manufacturing Co. located in Fresno, California. In 1934, Stewart Johnson bought the Speed-X name and relocated the company to San Francisco. Johnson changed the name of the company to Speed-X Radio Manufacturing Company and the address was 30 Ninth St. in San Francisco. Johnson built Speed-X keys from 1934 until he sold the company to Les Logan in 1937. The Speed-X shown in the photo is similar to the later model 515 Speed-X but with a somewhat smaller base. Earlier Speed-X bugs will have the combination of knob and paddle but the later Speed-X bugs use two paddles instead. Although there is no identification on this bug, it was found in unused condition in its original Stewart Johnson Speed-X box. It is apparent that many of the parts used are identical to later Speed-X parts, e.g., the damper, the posts and the knurls used on the hardware are all typical of later Les Logan Speed-X keys.

Speed-X Manufacturing Co.

Les Logan

Les Logan purchased Speed-X Radio Manufacturing Co. from Stewart Johnson in 1937. Logan dropped "Radio" from the name, changing it to Speed-X Manufacturing Company and the location was moved to 646 Jessie St. in San Francisco. Les Logan's name is usually associated with Speed-X from 1937 up to 1947. Les Logan's bugs were well-built and quite popular. Logan's bugs use two paddles rather than a knob and paddle combination. The key on the left is the deluxe Model 500 in black wrinkle with nickel plated frame. Next to it is the deluxe Model 501, which was the 500 with nickel plated base. The next key is the Model 510, an odd key using a cast pot-metal base that is very small and light weight. The key on the right is the Model 515, Speed-X's standard model with black wrinkle base. The deluxe keys with the "T" handle allowed the key to be placed on its side and used as a straight key (not very practical but it works, somewhat) and it also allows an easy method for carrying. Les Logan sold the Speed-X line to E.F. Johnson Co. of Waseca, Minnesota in 1947.

Speed-X

E. F. Johnson Company

E. F. Johnson Company of Waseca, Minnesota became the last manufacturer using the Speed-X name. Johnson purchased Speed-X from Les Logan in 1947 and initially continued to produce basically the same type of keys. Eventually, a different weight design was used followed by a change in the fiber paddles to plastic. The last of the Johnson Speed-X bugs have chrome plating, different tags and other minor hardware changes. Johnson sold off all of their "ham line" to Wm. Nye Company in 1972 and this marked the end of the Speed-X name. The bug shown is an early Johnson Speed-X Model 114-501 that is nickel plated and probably dates from the 1950s.

T.R. McElroy - DeLuxe

Ted McElroy was a champion telegrapher having gone through the Candler system of learning the code. His receiving speed was over 70wpm. McElroy's connection with high-speed CW led to his forming a company that specialized in various types of code equipment manufactured between the mid-thirties and WWII. The McElroy keys are heavy, well-built units. The Deluxe Model shown features a "marbled" finish that is striking. The "T" handle allows the key to be placed on its side and used as a straight key. The decal label on this key dates it to the later production of McElroy DeLuxe keys in the 1940s.

Buzza Products

Automatic Key No. 100

This Australian made key is based on the Vibroplex Lightning Bug (or military J-36) design but changes the support of the dash lever by providing it with its own pivot and bearing. The damper also departs from the Lightning Bug design, requiring fewer parts. All No.100 Buzza keys have a red paddle and a black knob. A very heavy base makes the Buzza a sturdy key to operate and its dot action is very precise. Dates from around WWII.

Electrical Specialty Mfg.

 "Cedar Rapids Bug"

The Cedar Rapids Bug was perhaps the only bug to be offered either in assembled form or as a kit, (the price difference was minimal.) The rubber bumper on the damper is another unusual feature. The company name is cast into the bottom of the base. There are variations on the locations and quantity of rubber feet used. Since many were assembled kits, builders sometimes took liberties with custom paint colors and hardware. The example shown is the standard Cedar Rapids Bug. Dates from the late thirties up into the late forties. The company was located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

E.F. Johnson Co.

Speed-X

The E.F. Johnson Company of Waseca, Minnesota bought Speed-X in 1947 and continued to produce essentially the same line of keys that Les Logan (in San Francisco, California) had produced earlier. The keys were either black wrinkle finish or nickel-plated but some later models were also available in chrome plated finish. The key on the left is the Model 114-520 with later style plastic paddles. The key on the right is the Model 114-500 which was found in mint-unused condition still in its original box. Johnson did modernize their versions of the Speed-X bug and later versions will have plastic paddles, more modern tags, larger weights and chrome plating rather than nickel plating. E.F. Johnson sold all of their ham gear line to the Wm. Nye Co. in 1972.