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| Reviews Summary for DX Doubler SO2R Controller by Top Ten Devices |
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Reviews: 17
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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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write your own review of the DX Doubler SO2R Controller by Top Ten Devices.
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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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DU3NXE
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 21, 2001 19:47
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The DXD Audio PTT feature makes S&P much better
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Before installing the DXD I had been using Top Ten band decoders and relay boxes to automatically switch to the correct antenna whenever I changed bands. The DXD now completes my SO2R setup.
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W1EM
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 20, 2001 20:26
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Well made, works as advertised
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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The box works well, is compact and well constructed. Seems to work just as advertised. Customer service is great. I had a ground problem that was my fault and with the help of the folks at Top-Ten I had it up and running like a champ in no time. Im using it with Writelog without any problems. I had a problem with RF causing some garbage characters to show up in Writelog and sending extra CW characters but I found out it was my cordless RF computer keyboard. With a regular keyboard plugged in, all now works perfectly. Im very happy with the DX Doubler
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K2ONP
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 30, 2001 10:27
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Excellent product which makes SO2R interfacing painless.
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Although not a big gun by any means (tribander and wires from a geographically challenged location), I enjoy HF contesting. I have dabbled with SO2R over the past several years using various homebrew switching devices. With the advent of commercially available SO2R switching devices, I decided to take a more serious look at this mode of operating. Having now learned to use TRLog, I decided to bite the bullet and purchase the DX Doubler from Top Ten Devices. This decision was based both on positive comments from satisfied users posted on several reflectors, and my own good experiences with Top Ten's automatic antenna switches. I finally got it all together and had the pleasure of running a limited SO2R during the recent CQWW DX CW contest. As it comes from the box, the gadget contains the logic circuitry to switch the RX and TX audio lines as well as keying and PTT lines. It is internally configurable to work with most of the major contesting software, including CT, TR, NA, and Writelog. The box worked flawlessly under TR software and I was able to utilize many of the features which TR makes available for the SO2R operator. I was running high power and never experienced any RFI problems with the device. What I especially found useful was the ability to easily interface my beloved outboard LogiKeyer, and provision for use of a footswitch. This is my preferred means for PTT activating in phone operating. One limitation with the interfaced footswitch is that it can be used only control the PTT line. Those TRLog users who want to utilize the footswitch to control other aspects of the TR program will need to use a second LPT port. I have not tried operating the box in a phone contest, and I can not comment on any hum problems (or lack thereof). As is true for all of Top Ten's devices, it is beautifully and professionally constructed, and the responsiveness of their service is hard to beat.
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K5KA
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 11, 2001 14:10
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Good product
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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This is a well made SO2R switching device and the workmanship is professional. I had built my own homebrew switcher a couple of years ago but it was classic amateur construction and I wanted a long term unit. My only snarl is that I hate those DIN connectors ... they should be outlawed.
Save yourself some misery and buy cables from Top Ten.
I must applaud the excellent customer service you receive from Dave and George. They helped me find a well hidden ground loop problem I had with the second radio.
This product makes for a very clean, tidy installation and works as advertised.
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W2JJC
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 17, 2001 13:11
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Works as advertised
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Very pleased with the working of this unit.Dave N2RD is very easy to work with and will answer all your questions.I would suggest this unit to any one that is looking to go so2r.
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N2GA
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Rating: 5/5
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May 25, 2001 13:40
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SO2R now within reach of the average contester
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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The DXD works as advertised. It really simplifies switching of audio, key and mic lines. The red and green RX and TX lights visually indicate the RX and TX radio.
Most important, customer support and service are excellent! Dave N3RD and George W2VJN answered all my questions and were there to help when I had a minor installation problem (which I created).
I recommend the DX Doubler and applaud the first class customer service that Top Ten Devices provides!
73, George
--
George Tranos N2GA
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