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RE: [CQ-Contest] SO2R boxes

To: <eric@k3na.org>, <cq-contest@contesting.com>
Subject: RE: [CQ-Contest] SO2R boxes
From: "Jeff Maass" <jmaass@columbus.rr.com>
Reply-to: jmaass@columbus.rr.com
Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2003 18:07:44 -0400
List-post: <mailto:cq-contest@contesting.com>
Eric:

When you're not contesting, do you use Writelog for 
*all* your logging?

I use Writelog for contesting and DX4Win for casual 
logging, which seems to be a fairly common situation. 

Can I use both radios, as I could with the Top Ten 
device, to monitor DX pileups on two bands with the 
two radios, or can I SO2R with the W5XD box *only* 
when using Writelog?


73,

  Jeff Maass  K8ND

  Caribbean Contesting Consortium - PJ2T
        http://www.pj2t.org
http://home.columbus.rr.com/jmaass/Radio/PJ2T_Aerial.htm
 

> -----Original Message-----
> From: cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com
> [mailto:cq-contest-bounces@contesting.com]On Behalf Of Eric Scace K3NA
> Sent: Saturday, September 06, 2003 11:08 AM
> To: cq-contest@contesting.com
> Subject: RE: [CQ-Contest] SO2R boxes
> 
> 
>    I am using the W5XD Multi-keyer+ SO2R box (and WriteLog).  I 
> can't compare them to the other commercial boxes on the market since
> I've never tried them.  The W5XD box worked perfectly right away 
> and was easy to set-up.
> 
>    I think the W5XD box is unique in several respects:
> 
> 1)  Nothing sits on the desktop!  There are no lights or manual 
> controls that the operator must manipulate during the contest.  This
> was very appealing to me: less distractions and desktop clutter.
> 
>    W5XD accomplishes this by running the box under software 
> control from the logging PC.  For headphones, one may choose to:
>    -- listen to just one radio or split: a menu selection which 
> can be accelerated with a keyboard macro.
>    -- run in "latch" mode, which places both ears on the radio 
> that is NOT transmitting at the moment.  Ctl-X switches latch mode on
> or off.
> 
>    Microphone, key, and pre-programmed messages are transmitted 
> on the radio with the transmit focus in WriteLog.  No switches to
> throw.
> 
> 2)  Doesn't consume any additional COM ports.  The commands to 
> the W5XD box are sent over one of the COM ports used for radio
> control.
> 
> 3)  Will key the PTT line of the appropriate radio N milliseconds 
> before transmission begins to allow cold-switching of amplifier,
> etc.  N is selected by the user in WriteLog.
> 
> 4)  Works fine when the computer is off.  The box simply 
> remembers its last configuration and that is what you hear.  Step on the
> footswitch or hit the key and transmission begins.
> 
> 5)  Includes a little box with a knob and switch, the "CW remote" 
> control.  Mine lives on my CW key.  The switch allows you to force
> the paddle to either the left or right radio, in case you want to 
> send on a radio different from the WriteLog's transmit focus is
> indicating (or the PC is off).  The knob allows you to change the 
> CW keying speed (either for manual sending or pre-programmed
> message sending).  The knob and WriteLog's SpeedUp/SpeedDown 
> keyboard commands work seamlessly together.
> 
>    If one is using WriteLog software, then the W5XD box is the 
> way to go for SO2R control.
> 
> -- Eric K3NA
> 
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
>     The world's top contesters battle it out in Finland!
> THE OFFICIAL FILM of WRTC 2002 now on professional DVD and VHS!
>        http://home1.pacific.net.sg/~jamesb/
> ---------------------------------------------------------------
> 
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---------------------------------------------------------------
    The world's top contesters battle it out in Finland!
THE OFFICIAL FILM of WRTC 2002 now on professional DVD and VHS!
       http://home1.pacific.net.sg/~jamesb/
---------------------------------------------------------------

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