[Elecraft] Re: 2 K2s

[Bill Coleman]

On 8/14/03 1:58 PM, zl1aih@ihug.co.nz at zl1aih@ihug.co.nz wrote:

>For those who would like to practice the technique, have a look at W4AN's 
>audio switch-box circuit on OK1RR's DX and Contesting page, which leads 
>you to N6TR's Two Radio Single-Op presentation - 1997 Dayton 
>Hamvention.
>A simple 2-pole 3 position switch, 2 mono and one stereo socket - easy 
>wiring in a small box - one mono cable to your K2 headphone or speaker 
>socket, the other mono cable to your other receiver (an old 520, whatever ) 
>and the stereo socket to your stereo headphones.
>Switch to your left - both ears on the K2, TX enabled.
>Switch to centre - left ear on the K2, right ear on the other receiver, TX 
>disabled.
>Switch to right - both ears on the other receiver, TX still disabled.

I just had to relate a funny story.

Back in 1995, W4AN introduced me to SO2R operation by letting me operate 
his mountaintop station for the Phone Sweepstakes. The station was still 
in development at the time.

I used a switch as described. About 2 am, I'm switching back and forth 
between 80m and 40m, and I hear a PING. Suddenly, the headphone switch 
turns freely, and there are no detents.

I had BROKEN the headphone switch! It worked for the rest of the contest, 
but you had to search around for the correct position. 

Of course, W4AN himself rarely touches the switch. He's had so much 
practice that in a contest situation, he'll be listening to two radios 
continously.

Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr@arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
            -- Wilbur Wright, 1901