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| Reviews Summary for DX Doubler SO2R Controller by Top Ten Devices |
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Reviews: 16
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $195
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Description: Many operators have chosen to install a second radio (maybe just a receiver, but typically a transceiver) in their station. Normally, this would require a second set of "operator interfaces," such as headphones, mike, keyer, footswitch, etc. Although this approach has worked in the past, it is far from optimal. The DXD provides a simple solution: A single set of operator interfaces is switched, either manually or automatically, between the two transceivers.
Features
· A single enclosure handles all switching in both Manual and Automatic mode for the following inputs and outputs:
Inputs:
Radio 1 and 2 Audio (Main and Sub)
Microphone
CW keyer
Footswitch
Outputs:
Headphones
Microphone audio out to Radios 1 and 2
CW keyer output to Radios 1 and 2
PTT line output to Radios 1 and 2
· No programming required. Hook up the inputs and outputs you want, and operate immediately.
· High RFI immunity due to lack of microprocessors and analog amplifiers.
· Interfaces to CT, NA, TRLog, and WriteLog for automatic Single Op 2 Radio (SO2R) operations. All functions are available in Manual mode if no computer is available for Automatic control.
· Supports four audio streams: Main and Sub from both Radio 1 and Radio 2.
· Mix control to vary the blend of right and left headphone audio.
· Accepts keyer paddle for use by NA's and TR's computer CW keyer.
· Red and green LEDs graphically display which radio is active for receive and transmit.
· Auxiliary outputs available for special setups.
· CT's "early PTT" implemented to avoid key clicks.
· Passes through Kenwood transceiver band data on the LPT port to a Top Ten Devices band decoder.
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More info: http://www.qth.com/topten/dxd.htm
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You can
write your own review of the DX Doubler SO2R Controller by Top Ten Devices.
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8P6SH
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 6, 2007 12:03
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Super SO2R Controller
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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In writing this review, I'm doing something I should have done several months ago.
I do SO2R on RTTY and SSB. This unit has been outstanding and has been wired into my operatiing position for more than two years now.
The quality of construction is good and I purchased the customised cables to interface the unit to my two rigs. This is something I would recommend to truly make the unit plug and play.
You will not go wrong with this unit and I've had two years of outstanding service.
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W7WHY
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 4, 2006 10:13
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Super product
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've been using this for the past year and can't figure how I ever got along without it. Have built my own SO2R boxes, but none of them can compare to this little jewel. I use it with a couple of TS-450SAT's and N1MM Logger and contesting is now a breeze. It is a definate 5 product.
Tom W7WHY
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SP5UAF
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 9, 2005 13:48
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Great product, easy setup
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Time owned: months
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I decided to move to SO2R operating technique so I ordered DX Doubler which seemed suitable to my needs. When I first tried to use it I was afraid about all the cables and setup. But after connecting all necessary cables and wires it just started to work. So the setup is easy (as in fact there is no setup for Yaesu radios) and operating is very comfortable. I use DXD with WriteLog and it is very easy to control DXD using WL. I must say that DXD really a very good product, worth investing some money if you are serious about contesting and can operate SO2R.
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W2RE
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 4, 2005 16:49
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Awesome!
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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Absolutely awesome! Makes 2 radio operating easy!
Its a big must, If your a serious 2 radio operator. W2ID used at my qth for 05 ARRLDX CW and I used it for 05 ARRLDX SSB. We both remarked on how well the front panel is designed.
Everything connects easy to the dx-doubler from rig and computer. I had it up in running in ten minutes. Great product!!
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KW4CQ
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 8, 2004 22:24
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Set up is a breeze. Operation is flawless.
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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This is a great way to go if you have a need to operate two transceivers in contesting or just casual rag chewing operation. The DXD handles all your TX/RX audio, keying and switching very nicely. Nice design from Top Ten allows you to order cables matching your radios and to plug and play right away.
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K6RB
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 4, 2004 00:07
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Very good product
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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The DX Doubler is easy to set up, easy to use, and works as it should. I'm using it in my SO2R contest station and it worked without hiccups just fine in the recent WPX CW contest.
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K1ZR
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 28, 2003 15:01
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OUTSTANDING!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I ordered the DX Doubler 3 weeks prior to CQWW Phone(2003) and basically learned how to use it during my 45 hour effort in the chair. Outstanding product....simple to setup, and a blast to use...no problems what-so-ever throughout the entire contest. Prior to the DX Doubler I was using home-brew SO2R devices that consisted of an audio interface, mic switch, key switch and footswitch to control all three. The DX Doubler is an all-in-one solution that replaces all of those devices and allows me to focus soley on operating rather than complicated switching.
Dave and George of Top-Ten Devices are outstanding individuals dedicated to keeping us "wacko-ops" happy.
Highly Recommended.
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K2UA
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Rating: 5/5
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Oct 8, 2002 21:38
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Great product!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have been doing SO2R hard-core for about 10 years now. For most of that time I've used my own hardware for the interfacing and switching functions. My box lacks stereo receive audio and mike audio support, and doesn't have enough rear-panel connector real estate to upgrade without a total rework--so I opted for the DX Doubler.
One of the reasons I chose this box is because I was able to read and digest the manual and the schematics on-line before buying. That is a huge plus for me. I got quite familiar with the functionality before I made my choice.
I like the DX Doubler's form factor and its construction. It was easy to integrate into my station and has easy-to-interpret indicators and switches (green = RX, red = TX). It offers manual and automatic modes for TX and RX switching, independently.
Rough edges (all minor): (1) I had to work around a limitation with the PTT interface, since my AL-1500 "looks like" it's keyed when it's powered off. This makes the box switch RX audio when I don't want it to. The mod is very simple; adding two wires inside. (The box is easy to modify, too--the layout and internal construction are very good.) (2) I found the Auto mode of RX switching wanting, since I prefer to always listen to the other receiver when I'm transmitting. (However, the PTT mode works great and is just right for split-audio listening--and I like the ability to mix the audio from the two receivers to create a feeling of spatial relevance.) A single CMOS IC, with one resistor and two diodes, made this possible. (3) The foot switch input is wired to always activate the PTT line to the selected radio. Since I use TR Log software and it supports several other functions for the foot switch, rather than strictly PTT, I elected to not interface the foot switch to the DX Doubler. Rather, it goes through my home-brew Automatic Antenna Controller and allows TR to do its thing instead.
I really like the fact that the DX Doubler is so easy to interface--and I recommend the "Generic" cable from Top Ten for radio interfacing as a time-saver that's also a good value. The DIN connectors wouldn't have been my first choice for radio-interface connectors (I'd prefer DB-9s), but they work fine. The only connections on the back of the box that I use are the DB-25 and DB-9 connectors (LPT in and band data out to a band decoder, respectively); the Radio 1 and Radio 2 DIN plugs; and the power connector. So rearranging things in the shack is a breeze compared to my old SO2R box, which uses what seems like three dozen phono jacks.
Order fulfillment, email support and question-answering from Top Ten has been outstanding, consistent with my previous experience with W2VJN and N3RD.
My only regret about the DX Doubler is that I didn't get one sooner! This thing is the greatest investment I've made in my station in some time, to be sure. I look forward to the coming contest season with great anticipation!
--73, Rus, K2UA
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KM3T
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 18, 2002 11:07
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Excellent product...makes SOAB painless
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I recently decided to get back into single op after a long hiatus. I've dabbled in SO2R operation, but nothing intensive. It's difficult to be competitive without SO2R capability so I decided to look at the available products and settled on the DX Doubler from Top Ten Devices.
I used the box in the 2002 ARRL DX Phone contest from K5ZD's fine station. Integration was painless...the box is very well labelled and the documentation leaves nothing to the imagination. I set up about a week before the contest but in retrospect could have done this Friday afternoon without much risk. It's always better to set up as early as you can, though. Murphy has a habit of screwing up the best of plans!
I used the DX Doubler in automatic switching mode with CT and it worked just as advertised. Everyone has different ergonomic tastes, but I chose to mount the unit under my FT-1000MP. During the contest I didn't have to touch the box much at all, since all the band switching happened with keyboard strokes. I played with the audio mixing level a bit, but didn't really need to. Once I set it I could get all the dynamic range I needed by adjusting the volume level coming out of each radio.
I'd love to have the time to build my own box but with so many other things going on it's difficult to get the time to do it right. Top Ten Devices really knows how to build great products that contesters need.
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K4RO
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 24, 2002 15:13
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No more SO2R rats nest!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I purchased one of the very first DX Doublers at the 2001 Dayton Hamvention.
As is often the case with a first production run, there were a few problems found.
W2VJN and N3RD worked with me patiently on each issue. I am confident that
the current production run of the DX Doubler is very solid. I recently used the DX
Doubler in the January 2002 NAQP contests, both SSB and CW. Thousands of
radio-band-changes were executed without a single problem.
While simple in concept, getting everything working smoothly with 2 radios
on both CW and SSB can present several challenges in a typical contest
station. One of the reasons I bought the DX Doubler was due to my
limited success getting SO2R phone operation to work properly with
my old homebrew attempts. I now have very smooth CW and phone SO2R
capability, without the rats nest of cables which comprosed my homebrew
CW-only lash-up. I also now have automatic computer-switching of receiver audio,
a feature that my homemade setup lacked. This feature alone has helped to
improve my contest scores.
Another benefit is that I now run two radios every time I sit down at the
opertating position. No more re-wiring the entire shack for each contest.
I get a lot more practice learning to use two radios simultaneously outside
of contest operating. The practice really helps when I am actually in a
contest.
The products are not the only thing Top Ten about this company. George
and Dave are active contesters and DXers, and will do whatever it takes to
keep the serious operator QRV. That's why I was confident to add the DX
Doubler to my contest station. I'm sure I'll enjoy many contests and thousands
of QSO and QSY's -- just like like my Top Ten band-decoders and relay boxes
keep on delivering year after year.
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