1. Single-op Two Radio Not Just for Contesting
Gary Hembree
N7IR

2. Single-op Two Radio (SO2R)
One operator using two radios
as efficiently as possible
almost always with computer assistance
Why would you do it?
How do you do it?
When would you do it?
Familiar concept: we listened to a VHF/UHF radio for spots while chasing DX. Now we watch a packet or telnet screen instead. Both activities mean that you time share your concentration between two (or more) data streams.

3. SO2R – Why? Contesting DX hunting on two bands at once
Improve QSO rate by using idle time
DX hunting on two bands at once
Get that rare DXpedition on two bands!
Monitor conditions on a higher/lower band
Keep an ear on another frequency while chasing DX

4. N7IR “SO3R” June 2004 ARRL VHF QSO Party
A typical single-op multiple radio setup. Note three microphones, one headset, three speakers and two paddles. We need a way to share and quickly switch the I/O devices between at least two of these radios.
Our auditory systems are hardwired to work in stereo, that is to locate the origin of sounds in space. We can use that ability to our advantage if we use headphones to listen to two audio data streams originating from radios located to our left and right.
June 2004 ARRL VHF QSO Party

5. SO2R – How? Hardware Logging Software Two radios: A and B
Two antennas for each band (or a complex switch)
A/B switch for TX/RX audio, PTT and keying
Two band switches for antennas and filters
Logging Software
Controls an output line to switch from A to B
Reads data from and writes commands to the radios

6. Minimal Hardware Add a cheap transceiver to existing station
Add an all band vertical antenna
Site this antenna as far as possible from main station antenna
Buy or build a SO2R controller
Use band-pass filters or stubs as necessary
To control interference between radio A and B

7. Radio A Radio B SO2R Controller Band Switch 80 meter Dipole All Band
Vertical
2el 40
Tribander
Keyer
Footswitch
Headphones
Microphone
Computer
PTT
TX Audio
RX Audio
Keying

8. DX Doubler
Top Ten Devices $195

9. Array Solutions $275 (Out of Production)
SO2R Master
Array Solutions $275 (Out of Production)

10. Super Combo Keyer
ZS4TX $340 (2002 price)

11. W5XD MK-1100 Multikeyer
WriteLog K5DJ $215

12. EZ Master
Ham Radio Solutions $599
(USB port compatible)

13. The “all singing, all dancing” solution
EZ Master
The “all singing, all dancing” solution

14. SO2R Modes Full Manual – set panel switches by hand
Auto TX – logging program selects TX only
Auto TX, PTT Audio – listen to non-TX radio
Full Auto – logging program selects TX, RX

15. SO2R Audio Tricks
Mix a small amount of each audio channel into the other
Use phase reversal switch on Heil Proset to create spatial separation of signals
Practice, practice, practice

16. SO2R Ergonomics Spatial arrangement – logical to you
Run radio on left, mult radio on right
Keep all frequently used controls close
Minimize head movement and neck strain
Place computer monitor at eye level

17. K7UP SO2R QRP
Homebrewed SO2R interface

18. N6TR SO2R QRO
Tree, author of TRLog also uses a homebrewed SO2R interface. His design is available on the TRLog web page. Note the audio mixing board in the upper left, we’ll have more to say about that later.

19. CN2R
An example of the SO2R Master in a neat station layout.

20. PY5EG
DX Doubler in a well thought out station. Note that the radio dials are not behind the keyboard. A necessity if you search and pounce a lot.

21. ZS4TX
The designer of the Super Combo keyer also laid out his station so that the most used controls are on the right.

22. N7IR SO2R June 2005 VHF QSO Party
Real SO2R comes to the N7IR portable station! Note one headset, one keyer and the footswitch are now used with both rigs. The FM dual band rig didn’t get used this time.
June 2005 VHF QSO Party

23. SO2R Contest Software DOS WIN
CT: Good SO2R but broken a lot; v9.74 best - free
TR Log: Reputed the best; steep learning curve! - $60
NA: Good reputation - $60
WIN
CTWin: Character mode only - free
N1MM: Very sophisticated; the best support - free
WriteLog: Good reputation; very good SO2R - $30/yr
Win-Test: Full integration with EZ Master - 50€

24. SO2R Logging Software Dxbase - $99
Win-EQF: DOS program ported to Win - $60 (through GoList)
LOGic 7: Claims support for 8 radios at once, separate log sheets for each - $129

25. SO2R – When? Slow QSO rate periods during contests
Sunday afternoon; comb the bands for QSOs
While the run radio is CQing
Find a multiplier or another QSO point
Chasing a Dxpedition on multiple bands
Work them on two bands at a time
Find band openings
Monitor two bands at a time

26. Bottom Line Reasons for SO2R
To be more competitive in contesting
Have more fun with existing equipment
Within its limitations
Stay challenged to improve your operating skills