Single-op Two Radio Not Just for Contesting Gary Hembree N7IR

Single-op Two Radio (SO2R) One operator using two radios as efficiently as possible almost always with computer assistance Why would you do it? How do you do it? When would you do it? Familiar concept: we listened to a VHF/UHF radio for spots while chasing DX. Now we watch a packet or telnet screen instead. Both activities mean that you time share your concentration between two (or more) data streams.

SO2R – Why? Contesting DX hunting on two bands at once Improve QSO rate by using idle time DX hunting on two bands at once Get that rare DXpedition on two bands! Monitor conditions on a higher/lower band Keep an ear on another frequency while chasing DX

N7IR “SO3R” June 2004 ARRL VHF QSO Party A typical single-op multiple radio setup. Note three microphones, one headset, three speakers and two paddles. We need a way to share and quickly switch the I/O devices between at least two of these radios. Our auditory systems are hardwired to work in stereo, that is to locate the origin of sounds in space. We can use that ability to our advantage if we use headphones to listen to two audio data streams originating from radios located to our left and right. June 2004 ARRL VHF QSO Party

SO2R – How? Hardware Logging Software Two radios: A and B Two antennas for each band (or a complex switch) A/B switch for TX/RX audio, PTT and keying Two band switches for antennas and filters Logging Software Controls an output line to switch from A to B Reads data from and writes commands to the radios

Minimal Hardware Add a cheap transceiver to existing station Add an all band vertical antenna Site this antenna as far as possible from main station antenna Buy or build a SO2R controller Use band-pass filters or stubs as necessary To control interference between radio A and B

Radio A Radio B SO2R Controller Band Switch 80 meter Dipole All Band Vertical 2el 40 Tribander Keyer Footswitch Headphones Microphone Computer PTT TX Audio RX Audio Keying

DX Doubler Top Ten Devices $195

Array Solutions $275 (Out of Production) SO2R Master Array Solutions $275 (Out of Production)

Super Combo Keyer ZS4TX $340 (2002 price)

W5XD MK-1100 Multikeyer WriteLog K5DJ $215

EZ Master Ham Radio Solutions $599 (USB port compatible)

The “all singing, all dancing” solution EZ Master The “all singing, all dancing” solution

SO2R Modes Full Manual – set panel switches by hand Auto TX – logging program selects TX only Auto TX, PTT Audio – listen to non-TX radio Full Auto – logging program selects TX, RX

SO2R Audio Tricks Mix a small amount of each audio channel into the other Use phase reversal switch on Heil Proset to create spatial separation of signals Practice, practice, practice

SO2R Ergonomics Spatial arrangement – logical to you Run radio on left, mult radio on right Keep all frequently used controls close Minimize head movement and neck strain Place computer monitor at eye level

K7UP SO2R QRP Homebrewed SO2R interface

N6TR SO2R QRO Tree, author of TRLog also uses a homebrewed SO2R interface. His design is available on the TRLog web page. Note the audio mixing board in the upper left, we’ll have more to say about that later.

CN2R An example of the SO2R Master in a neat station layout.

PY5EG DX Doubler in a well thought out station. Note that the radio dials are not behind the keyboard. A necessity if you search and pounce a lot.

ZS4TX The designer of the Super Combo keyer also laid out his station so that the most used controls are on the right.

N7IR SO2R June 2005 VHF QSO Party Real SO2R comes to the N7IR portable station! Note one headset, one keyer and the footswitch are now used with both rigs. The FM dual band rig didn’t get used this time. June 2005 VHF QSO Party

SO2R Contest Software DOS WIN CT: Good SO2R but broken a lot; v9.74 best - free TR Log: Reputed the best; steep learning curve! - $60 NA: Good reputation - $60 WIN CTWin: Character mode only - free N1MM: Very sophisticated; the best support - free WriteLog: Good reputation; very good SO2R - $30/yr Win-Test: Full integration with EZ Master - 50€

SO2R Logging Software Dxbase - $99 Win-EQF: DOS program ported to Win - $60 (through GoList) LOGic 7: Claims support for 8 radios at once, separate log sheets for each - $129

SO2R – When? Slow QSO rate periods during contests Sunday afternoon; comb the bands for QSOs While the run radio is CQing Find a multiplier or another QSO point Chasing a Dxpedition on multiple bands Work them on two bands at a time Find band openings Monitor two bands at a time

Bottom Line Reasons for SO2R To be more competitive in contesting Have more fun with existing equipment Within its limitations Stay challenged to improve your operating skills