All -
I just realized I haven't posted much of an update on the new 2BSIQ
features.
This journey started for me six months ago when I started working with the
SO2R mini and my own Arduino firmware. The first contest that really
started showing how powerful this could be was the August NAQP CW contest.
Since then, I have used the new operator interface for a handful of
contests - including the recent JARTS RTTY contest. I had the rate meter
around 150/hour running JAs on 15 and 10 meters!
Yes - it is working in RTTY as well as SSB and CW.
George, K5TR, used it for his CQP effort where he had the top score outside
of W6.
I feel that the code is mature enough to encourage other people to start
using it. It can be found in the tr2b branch.
For me personally, I will be using this interface for all of my contesting
efforts, including the CW Sprint. We had an area wide power outage due to
high fire danger in September, so operating the Sprint QRP was a good way
to test the new interface without the pressure of a high-power effort. I
am excited to be using it in the upcoming SS CW and CQ WW contests and
can't wait for the January NAQP contest.
Basically, the program looks the same - except for the six or so lines
below the editable log window. Here, the screen is split into half and
each side is dedicated to one radio. Two USB keyboards are used - so that
each keyboard is also dedicated to one radio. The basic look of the half
screen is the same as the "classic" interface - just compressed a bit.
There is full lockout to prevent simultaneous transmissions and a message
cueing process on CW that works really nice. Dualing CQs are supported in
all three modes (if using K3/K4 radios).
The band map pretty much works the same as it does in the classic mode -
with whichever radio is S&Ping getting the focus.
Full automatic audio switching is supported although I find for me, just
leaving one radio in each ear works better. You can use your existing YCCC
SO2R box - or the SO2R mini with my own firmware.
One limitation is that some of the SSB/RTTY features will require you to be
using Elecraft radios (K3/K4). There hasn't been any work done to make
things work smoothly with other radios. Perhaps that will be added in the
future.
Tree
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