Tom, this is a really GREAT synopsis of SO2R now how about MO2R? The same
thing as SO2R but with multiple ops. Some contests state multi-op, but only
1 transmitter on the air at a time - thus MO2R. I have never seen a thread
on this, but MO2R IS happening.
It will be interesting to see the resulting thread of this query.
Paul K2DB
> First off, I don't think there is a book on SO2R, and no, I didn't write
> it. I have been away from ham radio and contesting for a number of years,
> and upon returning was hit with all this talk of SO2R. I did quite a bit
of
> research on the Internet to get up to speed. With that out of the way, I
> recently joined the ranks of SO2R, and will be happy to share my
> experiences.
>
> First off - SO2R - as its name implies - Single Operator, 2 Radio. The
> first thing you need to know going in is - this is somewhat of a money
pit.
> Just when you think you have all the pieces, you will need a few more.
And
> then a few more. Not trying to discourage you, but think - two radios,
two
> amps, audio switching, filters, along with additional antennas and
> feedlines. It is a big step - make sure you are using one radio for all
its
> worth before adding in a second one. If you want the best bang for your
> buck - think better (and more) antennas FIRST.
>
> SO2R is not a magic bullet to improve your score. It is a tool that you
> need to learn how to use. When you get good at it, your scores will
> improve. At the same time, you will be a more proficient operator - also
> leading to improved scores.
>
> The first thing you will need is a second rig. Naturally, it will need an
> antenna - even a long wire will do for starters. Next, we need a way to
> listen to it, and the main rig at the same time. This is where stereo
> headphones come in. Several people developed a variety of home-made boxes
> to handle audio, but the easiest is to buy a commercial box. The box
> connects both radios to a headset and your computer. Next, we need a way
to
> select the antenna(s). Most people use a box call a Six Pack. This is a
> six port antenna switch with two outputs (one for each radio). There is a
> built-in interlock so you cannot connect both radios to the same antenna
> (think blown front end).
>
> Next, we need some filters. When transmitting on one radio, the antenna
> on the second rig will pick up some RF. Too much RF = blown front end.
To
> prevent this from happening, you need some filters - either coax stubs, or
> commercial filters. Naturally, you need one for each radio, and a way to
> automatically select the right filter at the right time for each radio.
You
> will need a band decoder to help automate the process.
>
> If you want to run high power, you may want/need a second amp. See what I
> mean about a money pit?
>
> Last, but not least, once you put it all together, you need to train your
> brain to use it. One radio (usually the one on the left) will be your run
> radio. Ideally, you can run stations proficiently on it. While doing
that,
> start listening to the second radio and hunt for multipliers.
>
> The first time you try, you will make a mess of it. I ended up hunting
> with both radios - while waiting for one guy to finish, I would hunt with
> the other. I think my score went down instead of up! It takes time, and
> practice, practice, practice. The really good SO2R ops have been at it
for
> years. Don't try and get fancy - just try and get the hang of it, and
> develop your own style.
>
> But - as Jose CT1BOH commented - after you do SO2R, there is no more SO1R!
> It is addictive and adds a whole dimension of fun to contesting. The
trick
> is to become good at it. In reading some stores, some folks are running
150
> plus QSO's on the run radio (2-3 QSOs/minute) while hunting/working with
the
> second. Naturally, this comes after much practice, and is just one more
> tool in the proficient operators toolbox.
>
>
> Hope this helps!
>
> Tom - VE3CX
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Lee Buller <k0wa@swbell.net>
> Date: Monday, January 21, 2008 3:27 pm
> Subject: [CQ-Contest] SO2R
> To: CQcontest Reflector <cq-contest@contesting.com>
>
> > Who wrote the book on SO2R and where can I find one?
> >
> > I am looking for information concerning building and operating
> > such a station....not a mega station...but one that is modest in
> > size. Well, it needs to fit on a city lot.
> >
> > Lee - K0WA
> >
> >
> > In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short
> > supply. If you don't have any Common Sense - get some
> > Common Sense and use it. If you can't find any Common
> > Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common
> > Sense. Is Common Sense divine?
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > CQ-Contest mailing list
> > CQ-Contest@contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/cq-contest
> >
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