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LINKS ... LINKS ... LINKS

On this page are a few links to other key collector's web pages. But first...

Briefly, on Key Nomenclature

A "bug" is a semi-automatic telegraph key; it can make several dots with one press of the lever (sideways) using a vibrating pendulum.
A "straight key," also called a "hand key," is the ordinary, old-fashioned up-and-down lever key -- press the knob for each dot or dash.
A "sideswiper" or "double-speed" key is worked side to side, making contact either way. It is a simple single-pole, double-throw switch. Whether a dot or a dash is created depends on how long the lever is held against the contact.
Finally, a "paddle" is a modern key, used with electronic keyers. Like a sideswiper, it is worked side to side, but on either side is a separate contact, one for dots and one for dashes. Depending on which contact the lever is held against, the electronic keyer creates a string of dots or dashes. "Iambic" paddles have separate dot and dash levers.

WANTED BY TOM FRENCH, W1IMQ

As you might have guessed by some of the books I've written (Vibroplex Collector's Guide, the McElroy biography, etc.), I'm interested in telegraph keys. I've collected them for over a dozen years. I'm interested in all makes and models, but especially those made by Ted McElroy -- he called them "Mac Keys." I have what I believe is the world's most complete collection of McElroy telegraph instruments. You can help make this collection even better. Here are some Mac Key models I'm still looking for: 

                1934 model (has cantilevered dot contact)
                Junior model, a sheet-metal bug
                1936 left-handed model (cast as such)


I also need certain models of McElroy code practice oscillators. If you have one of these items, contact me for further information. Of course, I'm also interested in other makes and models of unusual telegraph instruments. If you have a key (even a whole collection) you would like to trade or sell, write or email... see our home page for addresses.

Now, here are the links. You can learn about telegraph instruments and see photos of keys on the following web pages. I will also include links of interest to ham and vintage radio collectors. I don't list all of the wonderful pages out there on the web, but on those listed below you will find many links to additional sites and other collector's pages.

Russ Kleinman: The Sparks Telegraph Key Review. Includes many great links!

Tom Perera: The Telegraph On-Line Cyber Museum. Everything you wanted to know about keys!

Randy Cole: The Vibroplex Collector's Page. A veritable Vibroplex encyclopedia!

Brown Brothers keys. Jim Zimmerman's (KG6VI) article from TVC no. 2 (on Steve Massey's N6TT website).

Morse Telegraph Club. Much information on landline and railroad telegraphy.

SCARD, the Signal Corps Association Reenactor's Division (1860 - 1865). As it was over a hundred years ago.

The Insulator Collector's page. Click on Books Online and check out Pope's "Modern Practice of the Electric Telegraph" (1871 ed.) -- the complete book on line! (Also check out our antiquarian communications books for a listing of the editions of this book.)

The RadiolaGuy. Vintage Radio & early Television & related items for sale + information & photo galleries.

Telegraph-history.org John Casale's fabulous website on definitively researched articles.

Telegraph Lore, Greg Raven's site of telegraph information.

Spark Museum, John Jenkin's site of rare instruments.