[Elecraft] [K3] SO2R Controllers

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

Since Rick chose to make one of his typical swipes at the microHAM
hardware and software, I guess I need to weigh in on this topic -
something I have refrained from doing so far.

> The MK2R+ is too complex - hundreds of settings to learn and try to
> nail down.

MK2R+ is without question the most flexible and powerful SO2R box
available but with flexibility comes complexity.  *HOWEVER*. like any
other advanced amateur radio product - including the K3, P3 and KPA-500
- if you read the manual and use the product as it was designed to be
used you will have no problems.  If on the other hand, you decide that
you know better than the designers how the device *should* work and
fail to read the manual, or try to use it as you think it should work,
or the way you *wish* it would work, or the way your *think* another
product used to work, you will get in trouble.

MK2R+ is still the overwhelming choice of leading contesters AROUND
THE WORLD.

> The micro2R appears to be simpler but still uses the @*&%! microHam
> uRouter software.

micro2R is much more basic but it does provide features like split
audio (stereo), the ability to hear your own manual sending, the
ability to force receive focus on the non-transmitting radio when
sending canned messages, etc.  microHAM's Router driver/control
software is an integral part of the system and makes available many
features *not possible* with other products (including logger driven
antenna selection, etc.).  Again, when one is too stubborn (stupid)
to read the manual and use the products as designed, and worse yet
gives others incorrect information about the operation (just like
Icom and Flex zelots who trash Elecraft), you get into trouble.

As to the YCCC box ... it's a nice toy and shares many concepts with
the microHAM products which preceeded it by more than five years.
However, with the YCCC box you're dependent on a small group of
volunteers for support and software.  What happens when the key
people lose interest, have personal crises, or simple get tired of
the project - where do you go for support and software fixes?

Are you willing/comfortable to build a kit on the hope that one or
two key persons will be willing to provide free software support for
life?

73,

    ... Joe Subich, W4TV
        microHAM America, LLC.
        http://www.microHAM-USA.com
        http://groups.yahoo.com/group/microHAM


On 5/31/2012 1:10 PM, Rick Tavan N6XI wrote:
> The DX Doubler is too simple - you can't hear hand sending when doing true
> SO2R without throwing a switch before and after using the paddle. The MK2R+
> is too complex - hundreds of settings to learn and try to nail down. Yes,
> Joe's support is excellent but you need lots of it. The micro2R appears to
> be simpler but still uses the @*&%! microHam uRouter software. I love the
> YCCC SO2R Box Plus. It's just right, does everything I need and not much
> else. Only problem is, it's a club project and not available off the shelf.
> But if you can get in on one of the group buys, it's the best SO2R
> controller I've used or heard of. See my review at
> https://sites.google.com/site/rtavan/yccc-so2r-box-product-review .
>
> /Rick
>
> On Wed, May 30, 2012 at 9:42 PM, John<reillyjf at comcast.net>  wrote:
>
>> I want to try out S02R, and need some inputs on SO2R controllers. It
>> will be controlling two K3's.  I am considering the microHam micro2R and
>> the Top Ten DX Doubler. Each has its advantages:
>>
>>     micro2R: Capable of CW, FSK,&  SSB. Includes WinKey keyer. Appears
>>     to have a lot of active support from Joe Subich.
>>
>>     DX Doubler: CW&  SSB (I can work the FSK interface). I like the
>>     "manual" mode that does not appear to require any computer
>>     connection. Device and K3 cables available at a reasonable cost.
>>
>> Any inputs would be greatly appreciated,
>>    - 73, John, N0TA
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