One of the simplest setups I have seen for a SO2R is from Stefan,\u00a0 DL1AIO<\/a>.<\/p>\n Even that, as simple as the design is, can be daunting for the new contester.\u00a0 Other interfaces rely on interface boxes and software, and can limit how you operate.\u00a0 I am all for having the computer a part of the modern shack.\u00a0 Heck, I have at least 4 of them going right now.\u00a0 However, I do not like having to have computers up and running with specific software in order for me to get on the air and enjoy the hobby.\u00a0 Sometimes in my book, older, simpler is more enjoyable and a heck of a lot easier to tell someone how to use.<\/p>\n So, I have been digging around a while.\u00a0 Found plenty of websites from the fancy W4KAN interface<\/a> to that of the W2IHY Interface boxes<\/a> as well as DIY \/ homebrew<\/a> solutions.\u00a0 I wanted something that I can causally switch between radios, and even switch between audio sources in the left and right ears, so I could listen to one radio in my right ear, another in my left, or either one in both ears.\u00a0 Yeah, why not Jay, let’s make it super complicated.\u00a0 \ud83d\ude09<\/p>\n I was perusing the local Goodwill store that just opened up in the next town over from me, a local haven for electronic gear;\u00a0 5v-18v wall warts, cables and misc electronics that can be had for cheap.\u00a0 If you do not know about Goodwill, I urge you to read this<\/a> to understand the massive amount of good they do for individuals with disabilities.\u00a0 At the same time, if you believe that fake news about ‘evil CEOs’ and how much they make at Goodwill – read this<\/a> as well. \u00a0 As I was wandering the isles, I tuned the corner from the end cap of the various ethernet cables and 120V power cables – and low and behold.. there it was.<\/p>\n The Radio Shack Model 42-2015, The Realistic branded Tape Control Center<\/a>.<\/p>\n This ham ‘Runs on Dunkin”<\/p><\/div>\n This interface, designed back in the day for use with multiple tape decks to dub audio sources provides a slew of RCA inputs and outputs, which allows for multiple scenarios of having one radio in one ear another in the other, or both in both ears, as well as individual selection options via the switching matrix.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 From my initial observations, I have close 9 different combinations that I can port the audio to the headset.\u00a0 All I needed to do is come up with several 3.5mm stereo audio cables that are split to L and R (white and red) RCA connections<\/a>. (Except not 10′ long!<\/em>)\u00a0 The local hamfest had these cables – 24″ long at a buck each.<\/p>\n SCHWEET!\u00a0 (That is “sweet” in New England speak – pronounced correctly as ‘shaa-wheat’<\/em>)<\/p>\n Once I saw it, I wasn’t going to put it back down on the shelf.\u00a0 I knew I wanted it and it would do exactly what I wanted it to do –\u00a0 especially at the low low price of $4.99.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 While in the store, I did the “rattle test” shaking it vigorously up next to my ear. Nothing sounded loose – all the screws were there – the switches were firm and not loose – the case was solid – and all the external jacks looked good.<\/p>\n Yeah, dusty, I have not cleaned it up yet – I just got it home!<\/p><\/div>\n It even included a sticker on the bottom of the box of the name of the previous owner – who may even be a ham – (or a silent key, as most of the materials from Goodwill comes from donations.<\/em>)\u00a0 I will have to research it – if it is a local ham – send him a link to this post to know his old gear is back in service.\u00a0\u00a0 A google search even landed me the original manual<\/a> including schematic… (Do they even include those anymore?<\/em>)<\/p>\n Needless to say, I am excited to get this in use.\u00a0\u00a0 I took some time today to play with porting LSB audio out of the FT1200 on 80 meters, while I listened to the melodic tones of JT65 transmissions on 20 meters from the FT857.\u00a0 I was able to port the audio to different ears and both ears at the same time, as well as break out just one signal in one ear or both ears at the same time.\u00a0 Some cable management, some ferrite cores on the cables to reduce any audio interference from transmitters and I should be good to go.<\/p>\n Yeah.. baby.<\/p>\n SCORE!<\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/www.dl1iao.com\/tech\/so2r_basic.gif\")
<\/p>\nShopping<\/h4>\n
![\"Image](\"https:\/\/www.n1rwy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/IMG_8063-1024x768.jpg\")
![\"image](\"https:\/\/www.n1rwy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/IMG_8064-1024x768.jpg\")