[CQ-Contest] SO2R

[Tom Haavisto]

Hi Lee
 
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 at swbell.net>
Date: Monday, January 21, 2008 3:27 pm
Subject: [CQ-Contest] SO2R
To: CQcontest Reflector <cq-contest at 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?
> 
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