[RTTY] SO2R Debate

[Tom Martin]

I had a first attempt at SO2R in the RU a few years back and it was a disaster!  I wasted the two hours trying to get used to the second radio on FSK and the main radio on AFSK.  If I had practiced several days before the contest, I would have had a better start.  The contest became my practice!  I should have just used the second radio for weeks before the contest.  The FT-990, the second radio, and the FT-1000MP are Yaesu rigs but there was a big difference between FSK and AFSK operation.  Also, I wasn't experienced enough with using the SO2R function in N1MM.  So, SO2R wasn't an advantage for me.  SO2R in the hands of an experienced operator IS a big advantage. 

Going from low power to high power is a huge advantage and takes ZERO skill.  Someone mentioned that skill was a factor, when using an amp.  What skill is there in hooking up an amp and tuning it for 1500 watts?  Yes, it takes a little skill to keep them in repair but none in the actual operation.

The big difference in contest scores comes from the antenna system plus LOCATION.  New Orleans is a prime location for radio, if you can keep the towers and antennas up. Kansas and Nebraska are fine locations.  The 1,2, 3, call areas have a pipeline to Europe.  Six and seven land used to be at the top of the list but, during the sunspot low, they have dropped behind the east coast.  Sadly, even single op stations on the east coast score better than multi-op stations in the Midwest.  ONE guy with one or two radios does better than 12 hams and 8 transmitters!!!  Like in real estate; LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!  

So, SO2R provides an advantage.  So be it.  It doesn't deserve a separate category.  If it does, then there should be a separate category for "Dollar per Contact."  I can see the listings in QST and CQ Mag now.  "$100,000 and UP", "$75,00 -$100,00", etc.   

73,

Tom W8JWN, V31TR, MJ/W8JWN

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