[CQ-Contest] DX Doubler and contesting

[Rowland.Archer at gxs.com]

Steve,

The RigBlaster Duo certainly looks nice but I don't see any mention of SO2R and I don't see anything in the specs that indicates you could use it with contesting software to toggle between radios A & B.   There doesn't seem to be an LPT port input, which would be the common way to do that.  I hope there is something like that -- maybe a command through the USB port -- but then the contest software vendors would have to add support.

Or did I miss something in the specs?

At Dayton, Microham was also passing out a spec sheet for a new SO2R box to be available "in the Fall" that seemed to be priced in the same ballpark as the RigBlaster Duo.  I asked what was different between it and the MK2R / MK2R+ and was told "it is more stripped down."

I'm in the middle of implementing a used EZmaster, and it is hobbling along but seems rather flakey.  Maybe when I get everything configured it will settle down.  Current hairpulling is over trying to get full break-in QSK working.  Semi break-in works OK, but when I set it up so it keys the Icom 756ProII with full break-in, I get horrible CW with chopped characters.

73,
Rowland K4XD


-----Original Message-----
From: cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com [mailto:cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Steve Lott
Sent: Wednesday, July 30, 2008 4:08 PM
To: cq-contest at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] DX Doubler and contesting

I would hold out for the New RigBlaster Duo   (SO2R BOX)

I had a DXD awhile back since then I used a MicroHam mk2r+ but our dollar is
so weak today that MK2R+ would cost you well over 1k !

The new rigblaster box should be just under $350

steve
kg5vk

On Wed, Jul 30, 2008 at 2:44 PM, Kenneth E. Harker
<kenharker at kenharker.com>wrote:

> On Wed, Jul 30, 2008 at 12:30:26PM -0700, Michael Dinkelman wrote:
> > Hello All
> >
> > Reviewing the documentation on the Web page, how do others
> > handle using this device with two audio sources (soundcard DVP
> > and the microphone)?
>
> Probably the easiest approach is to use a RigBlaster-like interface between
> the rig and the DXDoubler.
>
> > The diagram in the manual seems to indicate putting them
> > in parallel. That doesn't look right. My homebrew SO2R
> > box uses switches a relay between the sources and I
> > transformer isolate the DVP audio.
> >
> > Also, does anybody modify their DX Doubler so you can use
> > a remote switch box to switch the receive audio? Don't like
> > the idea of reaching up to throw the switch for
> > left/right/both. (I like mine on the desk.)
>
> At the station I sometimes operate from that uses a DXDoubler, it
> sits to the left of the keyboard, on the desk.  This seems to be a
> good location, as my logging program (TR) can send a DVK message
> with an ENTER key press.  My right hand homes on the keyboard,
> and the left hand homes more often on the DXDoubler.
>
> With a remote switch, you could put it anywhere, of course.
> I think the biggest challenge might be to make sure the cable to
> the extended switch doesn't pick up RF - maybe put some toroids
> at either end.
>
> > Looks like a great device, just a couple issues of concern
> > before I spend that kind of money.
> >
> > While we are at it, are there other common mods to
> > the device?
> >
> > 73
> > dink, N7WA
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > CQ-Contest mailing list
> > CQ-Contest at contesting.com
> > http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/cq-contest
>
> --
> Kenneth E. Harker WM5R
> kenharker at kenharker.com
> http://www.kenharker.com/
>
> _______________________________________________
> CQ-Contest mailing list
> CQ-Contest at contesting.com
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