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View Full Version : Vibroplex Vibrokeyer


NN4RH
05-24-2009, 01:34 PM
This is the single-lever paddle from Vibroplex. Purchased NIB.

There are a LOT of adjustments on this key! About eight or ten things to fiddle with. This seems unnecessarily complex for a single-lever paddle action. The adjustment screws are coarse thread. There is way too much slop and play and backlash in the adjustments. The only document that came with it was a parts blow-up schematic. No adjustment explanation.

As-received, it was useless. Everything loose and flopping around. Pivot arm rattling around. Contact pads not even lined up. It's like they just haphazardly threw it together as an afterthought, and tossed it into the box.

IF you ever get it adjusted to a setup that you like, try not to be too rough with it or the adjustment locks will work loose. I can never seem to be able to adjust this thing the same way twice.

On the other hand, when I do manage to get it to where I want it, its works well and action is smooth; and, at least until the adjustments work loose again, I like using it.

http://members.cox.net/nn4rh/Vibrokeyer.jpg

KB9BVN
05-24-2009, 01:45 PM
I'll give you $40 for it.

W5DQ
05-28-2009, 05:52 PM
I have the older version of the Vibrokeyer, the one with the gold model tag mounted length ways down the side instead of under the movement arm. The Vibroplex website serial number guide places the manufacture of my key around 1970. The website also has the exploded view of the parts as well as the tuning and alignment procedures for the key. I had no problems in setting up my key and it is rock solid. I wouldn't expect anything less from Vibroplex. Undoubtly you either got a unit that had been tinkered with prior to purchase since there wasn't any paperwork as it was NIB as you state or someone pulled a fast one and sold you a used unit as NIB. Not a real big problem (as I see it) so long as it can be adjuected correctly per instructions. I'd rate mine as a 8.5 out of 10, bought used off eBAY.

BTW I'll bid against KB9BVN and offer you $50 for it :)

Gene W5DQ

NN4RH
05-28-2009, 11:38 PM
Undoubtly you either got a unit that had been tinkered with prior to purchase since there wasn't any paperwork as it was NIB as you state or someone pulled a fast one and sold you a used unit as NIB.

No. It was purchased brand new from Ham Radio Outlet just about two months ago.

K7MH
06-01-2009, 04:26 AM
BTW I'll bid against KB9BVN and offer you $50 for it
$55 and I'll pay the $7.50 for USPS flat rate priority mail.:D