Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 — Since my last update, I have increased my level of radio-activity and tried to spend more time in the shack, rather than attempting to operate from my listening post here in the library.
The library is best as a listening post — at least in the evenings when family is home and trying to watch the Olympics, etc. Besides, my key collection resides in the shack, and its nice to pull a different key off the shelf you haven’t used in a while and put it on the air.
For the most part, I’ve continued to use the Hi-Mound BK-100 coffin bug from the SK estate of W7LNG (see earlier post). I love how smooth the kid operates, though I add an alligator clip as a little bit of additional weight to slow the key’s action a bit. Because its range runs slower than most bugs, it operates better and slower speeds, and let’s face it — I’m never going to have a 30-words-per fist.
Anyway, I’ve been prepping a recent addition to the collection which I may have previously mentioned, a McElroy Model 600, also known as A-600, the deluxe version (marbelite finish) of the Model 500 Mac Key standard finish.
This version Mac Key lacks a metal nameplate; instead, there were two decals placed on the key — one on the base and one on top of the T-bar. As you can see in the photos, neither of the decals on mine are complete. However there’s no mistaking it for what it is. Most collectors date the Model 600 to 1940.
Some of the A-600s I have seen have a dot stabilizer; mine does not. The key has the correct weights, but not the correct weight screws. Beyond the obvious dirt and dust bunnies visible in the photos, the key is relatively complete. I used the key a couple of times this past 
week after cleaning the contacts. It plays well, very similar to other Mac Keys in my collection.
SPEED-X 501. Tonight I was ready to use the Hi-Mount BK-100, but decided to switch things up — one of my Model 501 Speed-X bugs has been sitting at the operating position without use, so I had time to put it in line. I must sound like a broken record, whatever key I’m using is my favorite, hi hi!
I’m doing more operating in the shack lately, and I plan to rotate through some of my unused keys for my CW net contacts and check-ins. That’s the plan, anyway!
73 es CUL de KY4Z SK …. dit dit ….