Last weekend Mike WB6DJI posted a very good question about the FlexRadio/4o3a TGXL TunerGenius and choosing between the two initial versions:
Steve
SO2R versus 1inx3out TGXL version debate
Placed my preference back in Sept 2020 for the1inx3out TGXL version with FRS
Never operated SO2R but have a 6600M and PGXL ( acquired over 3 years ago )
My Bands are 40 meter dipole with a 20meter thru 6meters using a HexBeam
Use my radio remote with a Palstar HF Auto for now
Thought 3 Bands Remotely would be good if I want to use 3 different antennas like with I do with the Palstar HF Auto
Been on the fence in trying to decide if SO2R is
better
Do not use 2 Bands at same time with My HF
Remote
I chase some DX but not in 24hr DX contests
here
What are your thoughts Steve
Mike WB6DJI
Mike WB6DJI followed this up with an email, as he too like myself is trying to figure out which version would work best for our particular station setup.
So everyone is on the same page the SO2R version (Single Operator 2 Radios) is optimized to rapidly alternate between essentially two parallel RF paths. The paths are distinct and cannot cross. I’ve read a 20ms path-flip number, once each path is stored in memory. When the radio is a multi-SCU (Spectral Capture Unit) FlexRadio (6700/6600) the single physical radio is well suited to take the place of both radios in the SO2R equation.
The 3-port version is optimized for a single RF path and basically has a 3-port antenna switch integrated into the tuner. There needs to be a separate feed line from the three possible antennas, one to each designated port. I’ve not picked out a specific switch time, but the same 5ms for solutions stored in memory would seem likely.
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