VFO adventures

 

 

As those who frequently read my blog you know I am into CW contesting big time and enjoy it. This past week I thought it was time to change up my CW contesting routine. It was due time to dip my toes into single operator 2 VFO operation or as it is known in the contesting world SO2V. In a nutshell, you have VFO-A audio in one ear (left in my case) and VFO-B audio in the other (right). With my Icom 7610 can have each VFO on the same or different bands. The contesting software N1MM+ is great for this type of operation, it incorporates many keyboard shortcuts. For example, once N1MM+ is configured for SO2V by just hitting the pause button on the keyboard you can jump back and forth from VFO A to B and the other way around. 

Before taking the SO2V plunge there were some things I wanted to learn first. To me first and foremost is to learn what your radio can and cannot do. Can you operate on 2 different bands simultaneously, can you split audio (left ear and right ear)  from your radios VFO-A and B, are there separate controls on your radio for each VFO and so on? Understanding the ins and outs of your radio will reduce frustration and a better understanding of your limits to SO2V operation. 

Next is to learn about your contest software when using it for SO2V mode. What are the keyboard shortcuts, and options available to you such as 2 waterfall displays, your qso entry windows may have visual indicators that give you needed information and what program window options do you need to be displayed as some may just be a distraction. 

Some operation goals to work on before trying CW SO2V and I say CW as that is all I do. I have mentioned this one in the past and that is learn to type and not hunt and peck. There are many programs out there now that can help you to learn how to type. The advantage to this is your eyes are not taken off the PC screen as you type a call sign. Both in SO1V and SO2V and more so with SO2V as you have a lot more going on at once at times. Also in time learn without looking where your macro keys are for the common parts of an exchange. In N1MM+ sure you have ESM BUT things don't always work out as 1,2,3 in a contest contact. I have made it a point to know CQ, exchange, my call, His call, exchange repeat and the wipe macro keys where they are without looking at the keyboard. Also, work on your pileup skills and Morse Runner PC program is a good start. No, you may not have a pile-up but with SO2V you may hear 2 signals (VFO-A and VFO-B) you have to learn to tune out one signal to hear the other. Sounds weird I know but it can be done over time with pileup contest software practice. 

How did my first couple of SO2V adventures go you ask? Not to overwhelm myself I started this adventure while operating the Monday Medium speed or MST (25 wpm max) mini 1-hour contest. Some of the blunders were:

At times forgetting which ear was which VFO.

Hear a contact calling on VFO-B and call them but forget to change to that VFO.

 Spin the wrong VFO as I have an external VFO (RC-28) and my habit is to always turn the main VFO.

 Working a contact on VFO-B and out of the blue a strong station on VFO-A (my left ear) starts to call CQ test. 

Then I gave the CWops mini contest a go on Wednesday! This mini-contest is another whole ball of wax. The speed is much faster and there are a lot more stations. At first, I just did search and pounce until I got my bearings and then I started to call "CQ CWT" and that is when the fun began. 

My goal with SO2V is to have fun, work my brain, and better my skills and it really does make the time fly by as you are constantly doing, thinking or looking at something.