Some ergonomic things I have found that I like, but don't seem to be
especially common among others:
1. Having the keyboard below desktop level, on a pull out tray. At guest op
locations I may even put it directly on my lap when a pull out tray is not
available.
2. Using a chair without arms, so I can fully drop my elbows and shoulders.
3. Having enough extra cable length to the back of the transceiver that I
can pull the radio out to the front edge of the desktop, ending up with
the VFO and RIT knob about 2 inches directly above the function keys on the
keyboard.
4. Place the monitor to the side of the rig (it would be between the two
rigs in a SO2R setup), and far enough back to present a comfortable eye
focusing distance.
I don't use this position all the time; I do a lot of operating with a more
traditional position with the radio back 18 inches or so from the front of
the desk. But the position described above is one I find quite
comfortable.
73 - Jim K8MR
In a message dated 12/12/2009 7:46:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
aa5jg@yahoo.com writes:
You can tell that the 10 meter contest has no propagation if I am sending
out an email during it.
Let me preface this question by saying that I don't want to computer
control the rig. I have tried that before with a TS-B2000 and didn't like it.
I say this because I am sure that it would be the answer many would reply
with.
Here is my situation. On Thanksgiving day I hurt my right shoulder (I am
right handed) and as it was getting better I reinjured it last weekend in
the 160 contest by excessive tuning of the VFO dial. The shack is set up on
a computer center, and the rig is on the second shelf, right at eye level.
This means I have to raise my arm to tune the VFO dial, and the excessive
raising last weekend reirritated my shoulder. This past week I would just
use my left hand to tune the VFO and push buttons instead, but that was
getting awkward, especially with the 10 meter contest coming up.
Today I broke down and moved the rig to the desktop instead, so I don't
have to raise my arm to turn the dial. I really don't like it here as it
looks a little more cluttered now with the rig, laptop, keyer paddles, and
rotor control. Plus is it closer to the line of fire when my 6 year old
daughter is throwing things around the house. However, this will have to do
for
now.
Now here is my question: Have others found that having the rig slightly
lower than you is easier on the arms or shoulders over the long run than
having to raise your arm to tune the rig? I was hoping to eventually move it
back to its original place, but if I run the risk of straining the shoulder
more having it there, I might have to learn to live with it where it is.
What has your experience taught you about rig placement? Maybe there is a
doctor or orthopeadist on the list who knows something about ergonomics
and injury prevention. I am using a Yaesu FT857D so I guess I could
eventually remote mount the faceplate at a lower level and put the body of the
rig
where it used to be.
Talk about a bummer way to start the 10 meter contest weekend.
73s John AA5JG
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