AW: [Dx4win] Mid-confusion stage of SO2R setup

[Dean St. Hill]

Hi Guys,

This is an interesting issue.

I use a pair of FT1kmpMkV's for SO2R mainly in SSB and RTTY but with some 
CW.

I have both the DXD and the W5XD (and also for good measure a USB 
Micro-Keyer)

In my view, each does most things well, but not everything. So, depending on 
the specific contest, I make a determination on what my set-up will be.

For example, the DXD handles switching of headphone audio very well, but it 
does not have a keyer --  so you'd need an external keyer (a la W5XD or 
Micro-Keyer) if you want to send CW by hand with a paddle.

On the other hand, the W5XD works exceptionally well, switching headphone 
audio, cw etc. BUT only within Writelog. this also happens to be my 
preferred contest software, but of course, sometimes I also use N1MM which 
handles SO2R essentially with soundcards without the NEED for an external 
box.

The MicroHam Micro-keyer is also supposed to bring out an update (as an 
outboard box that connects through a mini-6 pin connector)  that will allow 
it to do SO2R. I'm very curious about this box, since I like the micro-keyer 
a great deal because it uses USB and can therefore be used very effectively 
with a laptop to provide all modes including FSK RTTY.

So -- What's the answer to your question... It's like the answer to "what's 
the best antenna??" -- It depends on exactly what you intend to do, with 
what software and whether you want to do it for "fun" or competitively.

I've done SO2R without such boxes for years... with radio 1 running with 
heil headset etc, and radio 2 using hand mic... was it perfect absolutely 
not. Was it effective -- for sure - added maybe 10% to score everytime.

So, play with what you've got and determine where you want to go before 
pulling out the CC to buy more stuff... it may not be what you need.

That's just my $ .02 (four cents in Barbados dollars)


Regards,

Dean


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bob Naumann - W5OV" <w5ov at w5ov.com>
To: "Sauvageot Christoph" <christoph.sauvageot at siemens.com>; "Stan Staten" 
<stan.staten at verizon.net>; "DX 4 Windows" <dx4win at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Friday, August 05, 2005 11:31 AM
Subject: Re: AW: [Dx4win] Mid-confusion stage of SO2R setup


> DL5NAM said:
>
>> DX4WIN is a log soft - no SO2R possible
>
> Not correct.  DX4Win has supported SO2R since version 6.01 through an
> LPT port to devices like the DXD, ZS4TX SCKII, SO2R Master, etc.
>
>> I am using DX4WIN ( V6 !! ) or Writelog (with MultiKeyer from
> Writelog).
>
> What functions of the W5XD Multikeyer are you using with DX4win?
>
> N3HS said:
>
>> While it would be nice to have the computer automate the switch
> between radios, it is not a requirement for me as I tend to use the
> dual VFOs in my MP as a dual radio sort of thing.  <
>
> It is not clear what it is you are asking to do.  Do you have two
> radios or not?
>
> If you are using the two VFOs in one radio, just press the A<>B button
> to switch between them.
>
>> 1. The DXD docs say it works with Writelog, but the ham who
>> responded to my questions addressed to the link on their web site uses
>> CT and does not have personal experience with Writelog.
>
> Writelog, CT, TR, and DX4win all support the same LPT port
> configuration.  One setup should work on all software.
>
>> 2. The interfacing of the DXD to Writelog seems dependant on use of
>> the W5XD keyer which itself is listed as a SO2R box.
>
> Not correct.  You would use either the DXD or the W5XD box, not both.
> The W5XD box only works with Writelog.
>
>> 3. From what I can tell from the W5XD keyer stuff on their web page
>> it is a great CW device but doesn't seem to support TX audio.
>
> It supports audio too, but again, only with Writelog.
>
>> 4. Both boxes are around $200 and it seems you need both.
>
> Nope.
>
>> 5. Not clear what works on DX4WIN as the info I found in the DX4WIN
>> documents I have is somewhat general
>
> DX4win supports SO2R via the LPT port since version 6.01.
>
> 73,
> Bob Naumann - W5OV
> ex N5NJ
>
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