I'm running into timing issues with my SO2R setup during heavy pileups in CQWW CW last weekend. SO2R is un infinite series of 3 seconds, where your brain toggles back and forward between two radios. The problem is when I'm working a 40-meter pileup and try to S&P on 20m simultaneously - the transmit lockouts aren't properly synchronized and I'm getting interference between my own radios.

Equipment: FT-1000MP radios with Array Solutions SO2R box. Using N1MM+. The lockout timing seems inconsistent especially when rapid-firing through the pileup. But if you get a good rate going on one radio, go ahead and disregard the second radio and concentrate on running the pileup. Anyone have experience fine-tuning the lockout delays for CW operation specifically?

Check your N1MM+ SO2R configuration - specifically the TX lockout parameters. For CW, I set mine to 150ms pre-delay and 100ms post-delay. Moment 1, depending if you are CQ or ending a QSO, the way you CQ or end a QSO, your callsign and your speed, can on average last from 150 ms to 3 seconds The key is making sure your brain can handle the constant switching between radios.

Are you using separate antennas for each radio? Antenna separate is almost a necessity when running high power. Even with proper lockouts, you can get desense between closely spaced antennas on different bands. Consider adding band-specific filters or stubs between your SO2R box and radios.

Start simple - But if you are having a hard time dealing with two radios at any time, just concentrate on one. When I first started SO2R, I only used the second radio during my CQ transmissions to hunt for multipliers. Don't try to run dual pileups until you've mastered the basics of listening on radio 2 while transmitting on radio 1.