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[K3] SO2R Controllers

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W0JFR

[K3] SO2R Controllers

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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Jim Brown-10

Re: [K3] SO2R Controllers

On 5/30/2012 9:42 PM, John wrote:
> Any inputs would be greatly appreciated

You want the YCCC box. Google to find it. It's a kit, roughly $200.
Takes roughly 6 hours to build, easy soldering, including the interface
cables. Very well thought out. A bunch of NCCC guys have built them and
all love them.

73, Jim K9YC
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N0AZZ

Re: [K3] SO2R Controllers

In reply to this post by W0JFR

I personally have used the microHAM SO2R unit and it is the #1 unit out
there has features none of the others have. All I use anymore in the shack
are microHAM units (2) microKEYER II's, (1) DIGIKEYER, (1) DIGIKEYER II and
the SO2R unit. One thing I like the most about them is the fact you can have
multi programs running at one time and have use of which ever you need on
the fly being it logger or mode all the virtual com ports.

73,

Fred/N0AZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of John
Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 11:42 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: [Elecraft] [K3] SO2R Controllers

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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CRAIG W BEHRENS

Re: [K3] SO2R Controllers

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

Neat!
You can see an overview presentation on this kit at:

http://www.k1xm.org/SO2R/Downloads/SO2R_Box_Presentation.pdf

72/73 & DX,
Craig W. Behrens -- NM4T

> Date: Wed, 30 May 2012 23:19:35 -0700
> From: [hidden email]
> To: [hidden email]
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] SO2R Controllers
>
> On 5/30/2012 9:42 PM, John wrote:
> > Any inputs would be greatly appreciated
>
> You want the YCCC box. Google to find it. It's a kit, roughly $200.
> Takes roughly 6 hours to build, easy soldering, including the interface
> cables. Very well thought out. A bunch of NCCC guys have built them and
> all love them.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html

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Rick Tavan N6XI

Re: [K3] SO2R Controllers

In reply to this post by W0JFR

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 <[hidden email]> 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
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

--
Rick Tavan N6XI
Truckee, CA
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Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: [K3] SO2R Controllers

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<[hidden email]> 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
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>
>
>
>

--

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Ed Muns, W0YK

Re: [K3] SO2R Controllers

In reply to this post by W0JFR

The DX Doubler met my SO2R needs for fifteen years until last year when I
migrated to computers that don't have native LPT (or, Serial) ports. That
was really the only impetus to look into other SO2R controllers. I
considered the YCCC SO2R box, the microHAM MKR2 and the newly released
microHAM u2R. The u2R was the clear choice for me:

1. The YCCC SO2R box has all the disadvantages that Joe has outlined plus
it requires an external level translator circuit for FSK. That detracts
from the advantage of an integrated box and lowered my confidence in the
design choices made in this unit.

2. The MK2R had way more features than I needed or wanted, so I was less
motivated to come up the learning curve on its necessary complexity.

The opinions you have received from all of us are heavily biased by how well
a given SO2R product meets our individual SO2R needs. For example, N6XI
does SO2R in a (popular) way that makes the DX Doubler inadequate for
monitoring his sent CW. I always listen to both receivers (sometimes more
than two!), so this was never a limitation for me with the DX Doubler.

The notion of complexity is relative to what your needs/wants are. The MK2R
is complex for me primarily because it contains a lot of flexibility and
features that I don't use. For those who want most of that capability, the
learning curve is satisfactory. They are delighted to have the MK2R's
integration of all those features.

Just like the unanswerable question, "Which logging software is best?", the
SO2R controller that is "best" for each of us will vary based on our
personal SO2R needs. The good news is that there is a spectrum of
alternatives and each of them is great ... for a specific focus of user
needs.

Ed - W0YK

John , N0TA, 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,

Ed Muns, W0YK

Re: [K3] SO2R Controllers

In reply to this post by W0JFR

Just realized that my posted response addressed the other responses more
than John's original query, so here is more direct input. The u2R is a
superset of the DX Doubler feature set and more expensive. It is an
individual decision as to whether those additional features are worth the
higher price for one's needs/wants:

1. The u2R also has a manual mode, without computer connection, once it is
configured with the Router on the computer. The manual features are less
than the computer-connected features, but still everything available with
the DX Doubler.
2. The u2R has both USB and LPT connectivity. The DX Doubler requires a
complete LPT port, i.e., a USB-LPT adapter only supports printers, not the
signal(s) needed by the DX Doubler.
3. The u2R receive audio switching is user-configurable to virtually any
alternative. The DX Doubler has only 2-3 choices, but that may be all you
want.
4. The u2R has transmit audio level controls for each radio, FSK keying for
each radio, DVK, WinKey and a PS/2 jack for a numeric pad or keyboard.
5. The u2R has isolated USB, LPT and soundcard ports, although the latter
are not needed with the K3's transformer-coupled LINE IN/OUT ports.
6. microHAM does not produce cables for the u2R, but I made mine up easily
with parts from Mouser (DB9 connectors, DB9 hoods, and nice molded connector
cables with phone or RCA Phono plugs on one end and tinned pigtails on the
other end).
7. The u2R is expandable to MK2R capability by adding 2 microKEYERs in the
future. In fact, most (all?) of the microHAM products can be integrated
together all using a single installation of the Router software, with a tab
for each box. The documentation shows the detailed interconnection of all
the reasonable combinations of microHAM products.
8. Both TopTen and microHAM have excellent support that has been
demonstrated for many years now.

Ed - W0YK

John, N0TA, wrote:

w0mu

Re: [K3] SO2R Controllers

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

I have had a Microham MK2R+ for a long time. It works great. It is no
more difficult to set up than the Logging software you are going to use
with it. So if you can't figure out N1MM or Writelog you probably won't
figure out any of the SO2R setups.

There is a learning curve with anything. Was anyone an expert with
their K3 the first day? NO! I learn new tricks with my K3's all the
time and to an extent the same could be said for the MK2R+ and finding
better and more efficient ways to use it.

Router runs on the computer. If you computer dies you are probably done
contesting anyway right? I not going be too competitive trying to find
paper, pencil and then trying to remember who I worked etc.

We used two Microham Microkeyer II's at J6M and never had a hiccup.

Whether you like Joe or not the guy knows his stuff and you will find
his help just as timely if not quicker than Elecraft.

I ran SO2R rtty in one contest and I felt like I was cheating it was so
easy!

I am very happy with all my Microham products and their excellent support.

Mike W0MU

W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net:23 or w0mu-1.dnsdynamic.com
Http://www.w0mu.com

On 5/31/2012 2:05 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

> 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<[hidden email]> 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
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>>>
>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>>
>>
>>

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: [K3] SO2R Controllers

In reply to this post by Ed Muns, W0YK

> 7. The u2R is expandable to MK2R capability by adding 2 microKEYERs
> in the future.

To *almost* MK2R capability ... there are some headphone switching
options and a couple of advance control features that can't be
duplicated. However, by using an MK II and a DK II with micro2R
one has even more flexibility for digital mode (RTTY) contesting
including support for simultaneous dual receiver operation that is
not available with MK2R/MK2R+.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 5/31/2012 7:12 PM, Ed Muns wrote:

> Just realized that my posted response addressed the other responses more
> than John's original query, so here is more direct input. The u2R is a
> superset of the DX Doubler feature set and more expensive. It is an
> individual decision as to whether those additional features are worth the
> higher price for one's needs/wants:
>
> 1. The u2R also has a manual mode, without computer connection, once it is
> configured with the Router on the computer. The manual features are less
> than the computer-connected features, but still everything available with
> the DX Doubler.
> 2. The u2R has both USB and LPT connectivity. The DX Doubler requires a
> complete LPT port, i.e., a USB-LPT adapter only supports printers, not the
> signal(s) needed by the DX Doubler.
> 3. The u2R receive audio switching is user-configurable to virtually any
> alternative. The DX Doubler has only 2-3 choices, but that may be all you
> want.
> 4. The u2R has transmit audio level controls for each radio, FSK keying for
> each radio, DVK, WinKey and a PS/2 jack for a numeric pad or keyboard.
> 5. The u2R has isolated USB, LPT and soundcard ports, although the latter
> are not needed with the K3's transformer-coupled LINE IN/OUT ports.
> 6. microHAM does not produce cables for the u2R, but I made mine up easily
> with parts from Mouser (DB9 connectors, DB9 hoods, and nice molded connector
> cables with phone or RCA Phono plugs on one end and tinned pigtails on the
> other end).
> 7. The u2R is expandable to MK2R capability by adding 2 microKEYERs in the
> future. In fact, most (all?) of the microHAM products can be integrated
> together all using a single installation of the Router software, with a tab
> for each box. The documentation shows the detailed interconnection of all
> the reasonable combinations of microHAM products.
> 8. Both TopTen and microHAM have excellent support that has been
> demonstrated for many years now.
>
> Ed - W0YK
>
>
> John, N0TA, 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.
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>

Jim Brown-10

Re: [K3] SO2R Controllers

In reply to this post by Ed Muns, W0YK

On 5/31/2012 2:27 PM, Ed Muns wrote:
> The YCCC SO2R box has all the disadvantages that Joe has outlined plus
> it requires an external level translator circuit for FSK.

FSK is not important to everyone. It isn't to me, even though I'm an
active RTTY contester. And it's trivially easy to do SO2R AFSK with any
decent sound card with major contest loggers. . .

> That detracts
> from the advantage of an integrated box and lowered my confidence in the
> design choices made in this unit.

I strongly disagree with your implication that the YCCC box designer(s)
were not very good. They WERE, and the box is really well thought out
operationally. They simply have different priorities than you do. :)
My only fault with it is that the designer(s) are totally ignorant of
the fundamentals of shielding, but there's so little active circuitry in
it that it doesn't matter. I'm using a pair of low cost USB audio
interfaces to feed K3 audio to a couple of computers for RTTY decoding.

I have no comments on Joe's boxes -- I've never used one nor felt the
need to do so. And what I've seen of the DXDoubler at stations where
I've operated strongly suggests that it's got Pin One Problems, which
can cause hum, buzz, and RFI issues.

73, Jim K9YC

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N0AZZ

Re: [K3] SO2R Controllers

One last statement on the SO2R anyone who has used the microHAM units and
taken the small amount of time necessary to understand how they work just
like and radio has no problems. I can strongly state that there software and
the way its setup is the best I have found. The way virtual com ports are
implemented is one of the really great factors that make all their products
superior to others.

True FSK is another strong point for me also and I have used it for a long
time with Yaesu radios. Standalone programs are what I prefer not things
like HRD and DM780 but contest loggers and myself Logic9 for all logging and
tracking. With microHAM you are able to switch between all programs on the
fly if you wish it is just a superior product as the entire line is and I
have tried a lot of different ones. These are also one of the best for
digital modes and the support is great when you need it.

73,
Fred/N0AZZ

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Jim Brown
Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2012 11:48 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] SO2R Controllers

On 5/31/2012 2:27 PM, Ed Muns wrote:
> The YCCC SO2R box has all the disadvantages that Joe has outlined plus
> it requires an external level translator circuit for FSK.

FSK is not important to everyone. It isn't to me, even though I'm an active
RTTY contester. And it's trivially easy to do SO2R AFSK with any decent
sound card with major contest loggers. . .

> That detracts
> from the advantage of an integrated box and lowered my confidence in
> the design choices made in this unit.

I strongly disagree with your implication that the YCCC box designer(s) were
not very good. They WERE, and the box is really well thought out
operationally. They simply have different priorities than you do. :)
My only fault with it is that the designer(s) are totally ignorant of the
fundamentals of shielding, but there's so little active circuitry in it that
it doesn't matter. I'm using a pair of low cost USB audio interfaces to
feed K3 audio to a couple of computers for RTTY decoding.

I have no comments on Joe's boxes -- I've never used one nor felt the need
to do so. And what I've seen of the DXDoubler at stations where I've
operated strongly suggests that it's got Pin One Problems, which can cause
hum, buzz, and RFI issues.

73, Jim K9YC

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Jim Brown-10

Re: [K3] SO2R Controllers

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

On 6/1/2012 3:27 PM, Dave Hawes wrote:
> I'm not sure what this means.

See http://audiosystemsgroup.com/RFI-Ham.pdf for a detailed discussion
of "the Pin One Problem," which is a failure to terminate cable shields
to the chassis.

73, Jim Brown K9YC
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Paul Young

Re: [K3] SO2R Controllers

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

This is long and way off topic, but I feel some comments made in previous
postings were misleading or incorrect. I hope Eric will end this thread if it goes
further. Further discussion probably belongs on the CQ-Contest reflector.

I designed the YCCC SO2R Box and I am one of the people who support it.

---
Support of the YCCC SO2R Box (Plus)
---

As far as I know, every unit which has been assembled is running – I’ve repaired
a couple but most hams have no trouble and several have told me they enjoyed
building it.

The schematic and parts list are on the web. Anyone with electronics knowledge
and basic test equipment can troubleshoot the hardware. There’s enough
information to build one from scratch if anyone wants to. And I’ve heard from one
ham who did.

The firmware hex files have been posted, including the bootloader. I have not put
source code on the web because I have no way to support firmware that someone
else has modified. I have given the sources to several people who have asked for
them. And I have published the native USB protocol.

If for some reason I can no longer provide support I’ll publish the source code so
that someone else can. And in case I get run over by a bus I'll burn a couple
copies to CDs and give them to people who can make it available.

There is a Yahoo group for the YCCC SO2R Box. There isn't a lot of activity,
probably because problems are few or are handled by e-mail.

It uses OTRSP to communicate with logging programs - this is an open protocol
which is available under a creative commons license. It is used by several
products and projects.

If any club or group wants to make YCCC SO2R Boxes we’ll provide the gerber
files files for the PC board and the box drawings and silkscreen.

I think our support is actually better than microHam which has only one person
providing support in the US, does not publish schematics on their website, and
uses a proprietary protocol, parts of which require a non-disclosure agreement.

The DX Doubler schematic is published on the Top-Ten website. The LPT port
protocol is well-known and can be discerned from the manual and schematic.
Top-Ten does not provide software because none is needed. The company does
provide support and their hardware is the simplest of all to troubleshoot.

---
Features
---

All of these controllers share concepts with each other and with other boxes
such as the WX0B SO2R Master. An SO2R box switches headphones, keyer,
and microphone. That’s not exactly rocket science.

The DX Doubler and the YCCC box have a similar approach. They are SO2R
components. They take a working station with two radios and add what is
necessary for SO2R. The microHam boxes try to be a station control system,
integrating with other microHam devices and offering features beyond those
necessary for SO2R.

All of the boxes switch headphones. The DX Doubler and micro2R use a
passive circuit with relays. The MK2R and YCCC box use an active circuit
with a headphone amplifier and transformers for isolation. All can listen to
either radio or stereo and can connect the headphones to the non-sending
radio. The YCCC box can do reverse stereo and has a spatial mode. I think
the MK2R can route any audio to either headphone.

The MK2R+ I evaluated had an audible thump when switching radios. It sounded
like a DC level shift across a capacitor. The DX Doubler does not do this. I
have not evaluated a micro2R but based on published information I do not
expect a thump. I know the YCCC box is silent when switching between radios.

All of the boxes have antenna switching capability. This goes back to when CT
put the encoded band outputs on LPT port pins. Some logging programs put band
outputs on these pins. Others allow general antenna selection. There are usually
four outputs per radio. The YCCC box provides sixteen outputs and Win-Test
can take advantage of this.

The YCCC box has a built-in keyer. Although this isn’t strictly part of an SO2R
component it was added because it allows the box to handle the interactions
between the keyer and transmit focus switching.

The YCCC box did not originally have RTTY outputs. This was requested so I
modified the firmware. Now some of the antenna outputs can be configured to
have RTTY signals. These are 0/+5 volt outputs so a level converter (which can
be a transistor and resistor) is needed. There are some limits to this capability
and these are described in the documentation.

The microHam boxes have many additional capabilities, including a keyer,
transceiver interfaces, audio level control, and sequencers. Ed, W0YK
described some of the capabilities of the micro2R. I would suggest you read
the documentation for more information, especially on the MK2R which has
more features than I could describe in an e-mail message.

---
Which to Buy
---

I don’t care which box is the number one choice and I have no sales figures to
be able to tell anyhow. I didn’t buy my K3 because it was the number one seller.
I bought it because the features and performance were the best match for my
requirements.

The DX Doubler has been around for a long time and is still a viable option. It
requires no vendor supplied software. If you don’t have a parallel port you can
use a PIEXX SO2Rxlate. This is what Scott, K0DQ uses. He wrote an article
about it in a recent NCJ. He also probably won the US in the recent WPX CW
contest. Add a USB Winkey for a complete CW solution.

The YCCC box is a bit more modern, and is designed for USB only. None
of the computers I use for ham radio has an LPT port. The cost is low because
it is a club project. And I think it has the best headphone audio circuit of any
of the choices.

The microHam devices provide a higher level of integration. There are things
they can do that may not be possible any other way. But the trade-offs are
complexity and flexibility.

For some hams, such as W0YK and N0AZZ, the microHam controllers are the
right choice.

I evaluated the MK2R+ before I designed the YCCC box. I found it to have
many features I would never use. More important for me was that I thought the
router software was very complex (and I did read the manual). I concluded
that if anything went wrong during a contest when I was sleep deprived I would
not be able to fix it.

I prefer a component approach. For me several simple boxes are easier to
configure and troubleshoot than one more complex one. And if I want I can
replace one of the simple boxes with something better without affecting other
nominally independent functions. I also prefer general purpose hardware to
ham station specific hardware. My home station has a YCCC box, a multiport
serial to USB converter (which also handles the rotor and can download firmware
to the K3) and a USB sound card.

As far as making cables with DIN or DB-9 connectors, I find them much
easier if I clamp the connector in a large pair of vice-grips. That keeps it
from moving when I solder it. I would not choose an SO2R controller because
of the cables.

Any of the SO2R controllers mentioned here can do a good job for you. More
important will be learning how to operate SO2R. Expect headaches and a lower
score at first.

My next YCCC project is an antenna switching box, the MOAS II. It will
follow the philosophy of the SO2R box, and will be less integrated than the
microHam antenna switching solution. I’m sure some people will prefer the
YCCC solution, some the microHam solution, and will like something else
entirely.

Paul, K1XM