Of course, the bug must be properly adjusted. Whoever said they truncate dits doesn't really know about bugs, matter how many years they've been using them. Bugs are mechanically capable of virtually machine-perfect code. The fact that they don't send machine perfect code is all in the operator. It's just like the fact that no musical instrument is exactly on key or played with perfect timing. If you want perfect music, let a computer and synthesizer generate it. If you want perfect code, let a computer or keyer logic generate it. I've no argument with those who do that. It's just not my "cup of tea".
When adjusted right, a bug makes clean, consistent dits for at least as many as the longest Morse character. When the operator wants to end the dits, it's necessary to do so *after* the last dit is finished or it is possible to truncate the last dit by releasing the lever or moving it to the dash side too quickly. Doing that will jerk the pendulum over against the damper and stop it whether it's in the middle of a dit or not. The human factor is what makes bugs challenging and fun. I'm not a metallurgist or a chemist so I can't offer a professional judgment, but many ops have told me that the fact that modern rigs do not run significant current through the contacts is a big part of the problem. The theory is that while arcing is bad and should be avoided, significant current during closure is helpful. It's supposed to help prevent the buildup of material on the contacts that produces intermittent behavior. Have fun with your bug!! Ron AC7AC -----Original Message----- From: Alexandra Carter [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 9:46 PM To: Ron D'Eau Claire Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Begali contacts - old thread reprise... Interesting post on the DeOxit...... I just got a bug and was told, "They're not as good as modern keyers, they truncate their dits". But maybe some DeOxit and paper burnishing will change this. Thanks for the info, 73 de Alex NS6Y _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
