I suspect you're experiencing "scratchy" or intermittent dits, not chirp.
("Chirp" is when your frequency shifts up or down during the initial
milliseconds after the key closes)
As others pointed out, a good low resistance contact is *required* by modern
rigs that key a low voltage/low current line, which is a problem with
mechanical contacts, especially contacts that just "bump" with little
pressure like the dit contacts on a bug.
I've also found the K3 much better at sensing the contact closure than my
K2.
I have had great success with my bugs on the K2 by keeping the contacts very
clean with a drop of Caig "deoxit". It removes the dust and oxidation from
the contacts that accumulates very quickly and leaves a residue that helps
slow new oxidation. I've tried "burnishing" and wiping and all sorts of
stuff that used to work on vacuum tube gear, but the deoxit is by far the
best, keeping the contacts clean for weeks at a time. I let a drop sit in
the gap for a few minutes, then wipe it with a piece of paper between the
contacts as they are held gently together.
While the vacuum tube rigs could burn key contacts if too much current
passed or they were allowed to spark, properly set up vacuum tube keying
circuits actually helped keep the key contacts clean. The current flowing
through them helped break down oxidation as fast as it formed. We're missing
that with modern rigs.
Ron AC7AC
-----Original Message-----
Hello group
Was wondering if anyone had the same experience as I have.
Got a Vibroplex Classic a few months ago and took quite awhile to get the
adjustments right and it is sounding very decent on the K3. No secondary dit
chirp, contacts clean and all is good.
I then put it on the K2 and all those chirpy dits like an intermittent show
up and really sound like a lid on the air. Tried the K1 also with same
results.
go back to the K3 and all is normal.
All I can figure is the keying circuit must need more time/better contact
than the K3?
Hate to adjust the bug for fear it will be whacked out and take me hours to
get it set to the K3 again.
Not a show stopper but a ponder.
Thanks
73es
Werner N8BB
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