It was basically a switch with a knob mounted on a spring-loaded lever. This Web page is intended to help owners identify their Vibroplexes, determine when they were built, and learn about the interesting company and people that made them. Production peaked in the Fourties and Fifties along with the popularity of ham radio, but the Vibroplex Company is still making them - be sure to visit the Vibroplex Co.
Beginning in the Twenties, commercial, military and amateur wireless operators began using Vibroplexes. Vibroplexes were by far the most predominant bug on land line telegraph systems like Western Union, Postal Telegraph, the railroads, and hundreds of others. Martin made the first Vibroplex in oraboutVibroplexes have been made, and the Original model Vibroplex is still being made after more than 90 years. Thanks for your interest, and I hope you find it interesting and informative.