Quote Originally Posted by KB3LAZ View Post
Jim, do you have any extra filters slotted in the second RX?
Only the standard filter in the 2nd RX. I thought about adding filters, but given my operating style and amount of time I'm ever on the air (almost only contests at this point with occasional DX chasing), I didn't see the point. I am not a "hard core" ham in any sense.

Seeings as contesting will be a new venue for me, I am unsure which way to go here. I have done some research and it seems that the second RX even on the $6000+ rigs only have filters slotted to the main RX.
My contesting operations are almost always S&P. I make frequent band changes as well. A 2nd RX in that circumstance isn't very useful, IMO.

Now, I am sure that adding filters to the second RX will give an advantage but the question is how much of an advantage.
Matching filters in the main and 2nd RX (from my understanding) is primarily used for diversity reception, requiring 2 antennas. That's almost always a weak signal situation when hunting DX, not a contesting situation where it's rare to have signals that weak.

From my understanding, you are basically using the second RX for spotting.
In a spotting situation, you would just swap the VFOs to work a station (or band), and then switch back. At least that's how I would approach it. Ron may have a different opinion on that. That's hard core contesting stuff IMO and I don't do that. I'm a very low key contester.

As always, YMMV.