[Elecraft] reflections on the WPX contest

Wed Apr 2 15:15:01 2003

At 11:06 AM 4/2/2003, [email protected] wrote:
>Had a great time in the WPX contest last weekend, but one
>thing it brought out was how helpful dual receive capability
>is on 40 SSB. I know that apparently there are no plans for
>a "super rig" with such capability. . . but was wondering if
>it might be possible to find a way to run two K2's in a fashion
>that would allow such a facility. . . muting and protecting
>the front end of the "second" receiver are just a couple of issues
>that come to mind. . .
>
>Any other thoughts on this subject out there???

I'll second the motion - been meaning to ask for this!

Since the FT1000D is what I know, I would selfishly want it to work that way:

- one K2 is fixed to VFO A, the other to VFO B

- the VFO A K2 is the Main, and the VFO B K2 is the Sub

- a Dual mode puts VFO A audio in the left ear, VFO B in the right

- the A=B function would copy from the Main K2 to the Sub K2

- we would need a new Swap A&B function (perhaps REV could be used?)

- Split would cause the Sub K2 to be the TX rig

- mute both rigs on TX from either; actually, you would need antenna 
switching to select the TX properly

- provide a single serial interface to the PC/logging program

I can envision a way that all of the above could be done by 3rd party 
methods. A PC-based control program could manage most of the above, but that 
would chew up 2 serial ports and I don't know how it would co-exist with a 
logging program. 

You could also use a dedicated micro plus support stuff in an outside EC-1 
enclosure - it would have to speak to the two K2 serial ports, and then 
present another 'filtered' serial port to the PC and logger. 

I agree that Split can be done adequately with the stock K2, however:

- when working spilt into a pileup it is more important to be transmitting 
where the other station is listening, not just any available clear 
frequency; therefore, you need to be able to listen to both sides of the 
conversation and choose a place to call; dual receive makes this process 
much more nimble.

- if you are calling CQ on 40 SSB and operating split, you are listening for 
responses on both your calling frequency and your split frequency.

73 - jeff wk6i

Jeff Stai               [email protected]
Twisted Oak Winery      http://www.twistedoak.com/
Rocketry Org. of CA     http://www.rocstock.org/
Amateur Radio           WK6I