[SECC] So2R assistance

[AA4GA]

On Tue, Jul 23, 2019 at 10:55 AM RJ Hubbard <rj.wf4w at gmail.com> wrote:


> I've begun to notice that many of the reported scores on 3830 have the
> SO2R checked so it seems to be an earmark of the top scorers. My operating
> time is often limited so the only way to get that score higher is to work
> more Q's and get more Multis. . . SO2R seems to be the way to do that.
>

SO2R *can* increase your score, but it's definitely a skill that must be
learned over time.


> My lack of knowledge is around SO2R operation... let's take last weekend's
> NAQP RTTY contest as an example...  I assume SO2R ops are on a run freq. on
> Rig1 Band A and using Rig2 Band B to S&P. Given spotting is not permitted
> in SO category.  the proper way to do that is decode and only work needed
> multipliers?
>

I have no experience with RTTY, but assume it's basically the same as CW.

Basically, you listen on the second radio whenever the first is
transmitting.  Most often, and probably most effective, is to tune a second
band looking for QSOs and mults while you're CQing on the first band.  You
can run S&P on both rigs, but it's nowhere near as productive.  I do that
some, since I'm QRP and often have to "wait in line" for a QSO while
S&P...but it's better to CQ on one band and S&P on the other.

It's important to not have the 2nd radio slow down the first radio - if
you're running at 100/hour with one radio and then start using a second
radio and your run rate drops to 85, you would need to be making 15/hour on
the second radio just to stay even.  Plus or minus mults.  Your run rate
*will* drop on the run radio - the object is to make it drop as little as
possible...and further, to know when the rate is so good running that you
bag the second rig for a while.

You'll also want to keep the sidetone or SSB monitor off when transmitting,
so as not to interfere with your listening on the second rig.  This means
that you need to be really well-versed in your logging application and
know/pay attention to what it's sending.

And generally, you're not using the second radio just for new mults, but
for any new QSOs.  That may vary, depending on the contest rules, but it is
the general case.


> What about in contests , like the IARU HF Championships, where you can
> only change bands every 10 mins or so? I assume that negates SO2R operation
> (aside from monitoring 2nd band)?
>

If you have a contest with band change restrictions, you treat it as you
would a multi-single with those restrictions:  Tune the second band and
load the bandmap up with needed/workable stations, then change the band and
blitz through those as quickly as possible....simultaneously loading the
bandmap on another band.  Once you're through those, decide if you want to
stay on that band, or go to the band you've been monitoring in the other
ear.

It may take a while to get good at SO2R, but even in the meantime, I find
it fun to do, even if it doesn't boost my score.  I've just recently gotten
a second rig and am setting back up for SO2R - QRP in my case - and am
re-learning how it all works.  I'm sure eventually it will have a net
positive effect on my score.

Also, don't rule out the Assisted categories.  If you're wanting to
maximize total points in a given time, having clusters feed your band map
can help, both SO1R and SO2R.  But again, to do it properly takes practice
- they don't call it "Single Op Distracted" for nothing!  ;-)

GL!

73 de Lee, AA4GA
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