The subject of ergonomics with regards to the computer (in reality, the monitor
is the issue) and two radios has not been given much public discussion. I have
always preferred to have the monitor above the radio so that I could operate it
with both hands. When doing SO2R, the second radio winds up to the side of the
first, which is less convenient because you can only run it with one hand.
A second keyboard and monitor makes it easier to operate the radio its in front
of, but the ergonomics to the second radio are really horrible so you're not
likely to use it as much. This is the logic behind the SO2R functionality
included in NA and TRLog.
Although N6RT has an interlock when he operates at W6EEN, I'll bet that a bunch
of the "two computer" guys are relying on their own discipline to not
simultaneously transmit. As some of us have learned the hard way, good
intentions aren't a guarantee. Its not that they're bad people.
I got really annoyed during this last SS CW with my setup. With my bifocals
(its a bitch getting old...), I had to wear my glasses down on my nose in order
to see the radio clearly. As a result I had to tilt my head rearward to be able
to read the CHECK PARTIAL window near the top of the screen. My main setup has
a NEC 4FG 15" monitor parked on a shelf just above the FT-1000D. I really need
a smaller monitor, or else at least remove the swivel base from the monitor.
Maybe we can fix this in software - make NA run in an optional 50 line mode with
the program window in the lower half of the screen.
Bill, does anyone still sell the small VGAs like you have? What I really need
is a desktop 12" LCD monitor.
I really wish I could adapt to a setup like I've seen in pictures of K1AR @
K1EA, with the two radios stacked one over the other and the monitor to the
side. This is probably a good setup when running when you can work the radio
with one hand (the usual K1AR mode :-)) but less cool when tuning the radio or
switching antennas when digging out mults.
For what its worth.
73,
Dave/K8CC
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