[RTTY] SO2R

[Robert Chudek - K0RC]

Joe,

I agree with you, everything else is not always equal. My point is a second 
radio adds a significant (measurable) advantage to radiosport - in itself. 
Here's what I mean...

What killer antenna system will give me a 40% scoring advantage? What legal 
power amplifier will give me a 40% scoring advantage? What better (single) 
receiver will give me a 40% scoring advantage?

None!

What is getting lost in the discussion is what the second radio *really* 
provides. Multiplexing. None of the other tools you mention provide 
multiplexing. SO2R is just like a duplex circuit which gives you more 
capacity (in a unit of time) compared to a simplex circuit. It doesn't 
matter what gauge the wires are, how long the wires are, or how high the 
wires are, there's a basic, inherent advantage when using a duplex circuit.

But in radiosport, there's an additional ingredient... and that's operator 
skill. If an operator doesn't have the skill to operate SO2R effectively, 
the score could plummet instead of increase!

I understand creating dozens of classifications to satisfy every whim is not 
the answer. On the other hand, how long would you stay interested in playing 
golf when you knew *every* time you stepped on the course you would be 
buying the beers after the game was over?

Dividing SO1R and SO2R into separate classifications is clear in my mind. 
Subdividing all the other tools is not.

73 de Bob - K0RC



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Joe Subich, W4TV" <w4tv at subich.com>
To: "'Robert Chudek - K0RC'" <k0rc at pclink.com>; <rtty at contesting.com>
Sent: Friday, July 21, 2006 8:14 PM
Subject: RE: [RTTY] SO2R


>
> K0RC wrote:
>
>> That said, I would support SO1R and SO-multi-radio in separate
>> classifications. There is no debate that having a second (or
>> more) radio available is a signification advantage when all
>> else is equal.
>
> Unfortunately, everything else is not always equal.  AA5AU wrote
> that he turned to SO2R to help overcome an antenna disadvantage.
> Don does a superb job now but I don't think even Don would
> consider his antenna farm to be equal to that of K4GMH (to pick
> an example).
>
> Each operator picks those tools, techniques and equipment that
> best fit his situation.  One may use SO2R to make up for a less
> than killer antenna farm ... another may choose big antennas over
> power ... still another may choose to operate more hours (within
> the rules) ... finally another may feel that a better receiver is
> the best use of his resources.  Will some use all the options -
> of course.  That's what puts them consistently at the top of the
> "leader board."  It's no different than a golfer who has the very
> best clubs money can buy, who lives in a country club community
> in Florida so he can play every day of the year and who spends
> a hours a day on the driving range videotaping and studying his
> swing ... he will beat me every time we play but that doesn't
> mean I won't have fun or do the best I can within my limitations
> when I'm out there.
>
> 73,
>
>   ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
>
>