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Hi-Mound BK-100 "Bug" June 17, 2008

Posted by N9IK in : keys , trackback

I’ve recently acquired a Hi-Mound BK-100, "new" version (the trunion has ball bearings).  It needs some serious adjusting before it can be used, but in general it seems to be in fine shape.  The plastic cover has two cracks in it – one on each corner at the "business end" where the paddle lever is.  It looks to me as though the plastic cover fit a bit too tightly, which is why there are cracks.

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There were two versions of the BK-100 made by High-Mound, as far as I know; the early version did not have ball bearings in the trunion, and the later version does.  This one is a later, or "new" version.  I’d read in the Straight Key Century Club’s (SKCC) mail list that, at least for Vibroplex bugs no lubricant ought to be used in the ball bearings, but this bug has grease in it.  I need to find out if the Hi-Mound bugs should be greased or not.

I also would like to get my hands on a copy of any manual or user guide that the bug came with, if it did.  In the mean time, once I get it adjusted (and degreased, if need be), that I’ll get some practice with it before getting on the air.

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Comments»

1. Bill - June 17, 2008

My BK-100 also has grease on the bearings. I don’t know about the manual, but I seem to recall seeing some of the skillman bugs on ebay saying they included the box and manual.

You can still get a replacement clear plastic cover from Marshall at Morsex. Its 14.95 and you can find it here:
http://www.mtechnologies.com/himound/

Yours looks in good shape. I have been considering scrapping mine out for parts. Might cut the bottom off and re-use the parts on a home brew bug. My only gripe about the BK-100 is the noise. It is without a doubt the loudest bug that I ever did hear.

2. Thor - June 17, 2008

Thanks Bill.

I just might get a new new cover from Marshall, but not immediately. I knew the cover was cracked when I first bid on it on eBay.

I’ve never used a bug before, so I have no idea how they sound, aside from watching some Vibroplex and other bugs being used in videos on YouTube (none were Hi-Mound bugs). Those sounded pretty loud.