[CQ-Contest] SO2R-SO1R from The Yukon??

[Randy Thompson]

Even though everyone loves to talk about SO2R and the advantages it brings,
but it is not easy (or always an advantage).

SO2R works best when you have a slow and steady run on one band and want to
be able to chase multipliers or QSOs on a second band.  It also makes it a
little easier to change bands since you can stay on top of propagation and
find a clear frequency before you jump.

I made a comment in the Contest University at Dayton this year that needs to
be said.  If you aren't getting everything you can out of one radio, then it
isn't worth the effort to add a second radio. How can you tell?  If you find
that you are bored while running people and have brain capacity left to read
a magazine or watch TV, then you are ready to add another challenge.  SO2R
can give you something to do and it is fun to learn.

Step 1 is to get SO2R capable.  This means two radios and a switching sytem
for headphones and keyer/mic.  You will need antennas with some separation
or some filters/stubs to keep from blowing up receivers.

Once you have the infrastructure, then you can proceed to getting used to
doing two things at the same time.  I recommend RTTY as a great way to learn
SO2R and practice since it removes the brain function of copying and lets
you focus on the mechanics of moving between radios.

There is no web site or book you can read on how to do SO2R.  It is a
learned skill that requires some practice.  But, it is a great way to make
contesting more fun.

Randy, K5ZD



> -----Original Message-----
> From: cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com 
> [mailto:cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of J. Allen
> Sent: Sunday, November 25, 2007 4:51 AM
> To: cq-contest at contesting.com; nccc at contesting.com
> Subject: [CQ-Contest] SO2R-SO1R from The Yukon??
> 
> Hello All,
> 
> -Would it be of any advantage to try to set up the FT-990 and 
> the TS450, as an SO2R station for CQP, and the SS pair from The Yukon?
> -Is the hardware setup for S02R much like what is required 
> for multi-multi?
> -Does someone know of a good website which will show what is required?
> -What are the standard operating tricks, if any?
> -Would struggles with concentration and memory remove the 
> SO2R benefits?
> 
> Help?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> J., VY1JA
> vy1ja (at) northwestel (dot) net
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