[SCCC] SO2R Box - Suggestions Appreciated

[Bill Ralston]

Jacques KN6VQ wrote:
> Having both radios feeding my headphones at the same time is confusing at
best,
> and if I try to juggle AF gain from one radio to the other it's
unworkable at worst.

I think the real art of SO2R is being able to simultaneously deal with a
radio in each ear, and that is the mode I operate in 90% of time time (I
also run LP CW).  I use both ears on one radio only in heavy QRM or bad
conditions (or SSB).  So I encourage you to keep at it - it took me many
years to get proficient at SO2R, and I spent the first couple with exactly
the setup you describe - snagging my first sweep in ARRL SS by having the
second radio for multiplier hunting!

I presume you are looking for the SO2R controller to provide the ability to
switch audio from either radio to both ears, but I've found that not to be
very helpful when doing RUN (radio 1) + S&P (radio 2).  For me, it takes
too long to mentally re-sync on the S&P radio to be efficient.  Yes, I am
frequently adjusting the audio gain on both radios.  The SO2R
controller will allow you to switch between hearing radio 1, radio 2, or
both with the touch of a button which is helpful, but when listening to
both you still have to deal with differing levels between radios.  The SO2R
controller (when configured with your logging software) is also helpful in
automating the switching of which radio is transmitting when in ESM mode
and allowing efficient interleaving of QSOs.  The more you can automate
things, the better, but of course that comes with more complexity.  I use
the Microham u2R and am really happy with it.  It was a bit of work to
build the interface cables to my radios and configure everything (u2R
software + logger), but once I got it set up, it has worked flawlessly.

Happy to chat further on the subject.  If being an efficient contest
operator takes X level of effort, efficient SO2R might take X-squared level
of effort!

--Bill N7VM


On Wed, Apr 9, 2025 at 8:04 AM Jacques Behar <jacques.a.behar at gmail.com>
wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> Jacques, KN6VQ here. As a LP CW contester I have plenty of free time while
> trying to squeeze my way through a pileup or while waiting for S&Pers to
> call me. I've experimented with SO2R, and feel like with the correct setup
> it could help my rate.
>
> My current solution is not ideal. It actually seems counterproductive at
> times. I'm using a Y splitter from my headphones to the two radios, with
> the left-ear cable cut for one radio and the right-ear cable cut for the
> other. Having both radios feeding my headphones at the same time is
> confusing at best, and if I try to juggle AF gain from one radio to the
> other it's unworkable at worst.
>
> It seems like my two options for a new SO2R box are the RigSelect from DXE
> or the micro2R. I'd rather not spend $900 on the RigSelect, so the micro2R
> seems like the better option.
>
> I was hoping to get some suggestions from you much more experienced
> operators on the best next steps. Should I buy new? Wait for an eHam or QRZ
> sale? Any advice, or even an offer of selling an unused SO2R box, would be
> greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks, and hope to cu soon.
>
> 73,
>
> Jacques
> KN6VQ
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