'Re: [Elecraft] [K3] SO2R Controllers'

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List:       elecraft
Subject:    Re: [Elecraft] [K3] SO2R Controllers
From:       W0MU Mike Fatchett <w0mu () w0mu ! com>
Date:       2012-05-31 23:47:36
Message-ID: 4FC80318.505 () w0mu ! com
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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<reillyjf@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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>>
>>
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