An Introduction to SO2R

1
An Introduction toSO2R

• Central Texas DX Contest Club
• Robert Brandon, K5PI
• October 22, 2007

2
Whats SO2R?

• Single operator, two radio contesting
• Generally this means
• Two radios on two different bands
• Headphone and paddle/microphone switching
• One computer
• Contesting software setup for SO2R
• Fun!

3
Whats the basic idea?

• Generally, it means calling CQ on one radio, SP
  on the other
• Keep busy, keep the rate up
• Cover more than one band at a time to catch
  openings, increase multipliers

4
SO2R is not . . .

• Listening to two signals at the same time
• Something only radio mutants can do
• Something that requires a lot of hardware
• Essential for a competitive entry
• Guaranteed to improve your score
• Learning curve
• Most improvement for LP, QRP

5
How could I get started?

• Get a second radio!
• Whatcha got IC-706?
• Only one amp? So what!
• Computer control for both is best
• Get a second antenna, even a modest one
• Vertical, dipole, sloper
• Separation is good, but less important for LP
• Get going!
• Troll another band (10/15?)
• Find a new run frequency
• Grab the hand mike or keyer and work in a QSO

6
That was fun whats next?

• Get some switching
• CW takes the least gear, maybe just a headphone
  switch
• RTTY can be done with one TNC and a sound card
• For SSB, youll want a voice keyer and microphone
  switch
• Learn the software all support SO2R

7
Interleaving QSOs

• Automate CQs (e.g., DVK) and dont listen to them
  (no monitor, sidetone)
• Find a station on second radio, dupe check and
  load on deck
• Get in sync with your target
• On unanswered CQ, pounce!
• After 2R QSO, return to CQ
• Working loud, snappy ops on 2R easier

8
SO2R traps

• Know your rate limit
• If youre getting an answer (or 2 or 3) to every
  CQ, does it make sense to work the 2R?
• If youre fumbling QSOs on your run frequency, it
  may be best to back off the 2R
• May be best just to map 2nd band with
  placeholders, or listen for pileups (juicy mult,
  fresh meat)
• If conditions are marginal (e.g., low band QRN),
  it may be best to focus on 1R
• Since youre always busy, its possible to lose
  sight of the best bands watch rate
• Logging more 2R Qs? Change run band?

9
Some finer points

• Priority should usually be run radio
• Especially if you have a good run frequency
• Unless you find a really good mult
• Casual ops may pass by if lots of aborted CQs
• Fills can be a hassle SS tough for SO2R
  beginners. Have fill-on-2R messages programmed.
• Short, long CQs
• Advanced goal 100 duty cycle on transmit
• Launch CQ while receiving exchange
• Dueling CQs
• Automated headphone switching? Maybe. Lots of
  SO2R aces dont switch much. Try volume, pitch
  differential.

10
Moving mults

• Very effective technique (esp. NAQP)
• Best candidates
• Someone you know
• Casual op
• Known SO2R op
• How to ask
• Be assertive - Can you work me on 21442?
• Ask running SO2R ops - 28?
• Dont move blind if at all possible
• Call short CQs on move frequency, dueling CQs

11
Typical station layout
12
Another station layout
13
Station layout considerations

• Simplify band changing with automation
• Design so either can easily be run rig
• Ergonomics youll always have a hand on a rig
• Radios on the table
• Forearms on the table
• SO2R switch very close at hand (foot switch?)
• Visual indicators important
• Which is run radio (slide keyboard?)
• Which rig is ready to transmit? (software)
• Which rig is transmitting? (watt meters?)
• What is being sent? (memorize!, watch speed)

14
References

• K8ND SO2R resource page Techniques, pictures,
  equipment, etc. http//www.k8nd.com/Radio/SO2R/K8N
  D_SO2R.htm
• AA5AU http//www.rttycontesting.com/so2r.htm