Australian Bugs
Australia has produced some of the most interesting bug designs. Some bugs like the Simplex Auto operate at right angles like the Mecograph. The Pendograph has a vertical pendulum. And then there's the Automorse, one of the most complicated bugs around, that has 3 levers !
For more pictures and information about Australian bugs, please visit Ron McMullen's Australian Telegraph Office Pages.
(Click on the pictures below to see larger versions of the photo)
Simplex Auto
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The Simplex Auto was a right angle bug made by Leo G. Cohen of Melbourne between 1920 and 1939.
Simplex Auto Special Model
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A very rare Simplex model previously only seen in advertisements until this one example surfaced recently.
The Automorse
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Made by the Hitchcox Brothers of Adelaide around 1920. Visually the most impressive bug around, the Triple Lever Automorse had a lever for automatic dots, one for manual dashes, and a third to produce automatic dashes. It is quite a difficult key to master !
Pendograph
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Made by MacDonald of Adelaide, South Australia. Has an upright pendulum. Actually quite smooth to operate.
On the left is an early version with a rectangular nameplate and on the right is a later version with a round nameplate.
Right Angle Pendograph
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Has a vertical pendulum like the regular Pendograph but the lever operates at right angles like the Simplex Auto.
Unknown Bug--Possibly Pendograph
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An unusual Australian bug with a frame and pendulum similar to the Pendograph, but on a horizontal axis. (Claudio Ruggieri, IZ0KRC Collection).
Piergraph #2
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Made in the 1920's By Robley & Tough. A very rare double lever bug. On the left is an original Piergraph #2 and on the right is a perfect copy made by Phil Boyle, G0NVT.
Triple Lever Simplex
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A triple lever Simplex bug, not unlike the Automorse .
BMR Codemaster
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The B.M.R. Codemaster Bug made by B.M.R. Products, New South Wales. Very similar looking to the Simplex Auto. (Claudio Ruggieri, IZ0KRC Collection).
Levenson Radio Bug
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Buzza Bug Model 100
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The Buzza Model 100 came in 2 versions. The 3 keys on the left have 2 separate pivot pins for the dot and dash portions of the lever. The version on the right uses a single pivot pin for the lever with another small pin through the main lever for the dash lever to pivot, like a Vibroplex.
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A rare version of the Buzza Model 100 with Vibroplex Lightning Bug style damper assembly.
The Autoplex
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Not the same as the well known Autoplex by Horace Martin. The Australian Autoplex was made in the 1950's by John Vaile, VK3PZ. Somewhere between 50 to 100 were made.
The Masterkey
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The Masterkey Bug by HC Ingram, Perth Australia. Not sure when these were made. If you have any info, let me know.
Double Lever Masterkey
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A very rare double lever version of the Masterkey.
The Hobart Autobug
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The Hobart Autobug is a very small bug, made in Hobart, Tasmania. The key has fold-out legs that can be opened so the bug rests on a platform and gives the key more stability.
AWA Bug
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A rare bug by Amalgamated Wireless Australasia (AWA) made in the Wellington, New Zealand workshop in the 1970s. Supposedly only 3 or 4 were made by the workshop manager.
