I've found a comfortable station layout that is somewhat different from the
traditional setup.
I start from the usual radio set back on a desk configuration. I have the
keyboard on a slide out shelf below the desk, the bottom of which rests
almost directly on my lap. I have enough extra cable length to slide the
radios
to the front edge of the desk, so the main controls are immediately above
the keyboard, slightly to either side of the center of the keyboard (Or
directly above in a one radio contest, such a single band one.)
I have two paddles: the main one immediately to the right of the radio; and
a secondary one, a tiny K9LU Bulldog magnetic mount paddle, on the upper
right hand corner of the keyboard.
With this layout the movement, for both hands and eyes, between the
keyboard and main radio is only several inches.
Secondly, I use an office chair with no arms. With this, my arms and
shoulders drop down in a relaxed manner, no scrunching of my shoulders, and
less
sideways bending of my wrists compared to when elbows are resting out away
from by body on a chair arm. The chair back can go back to almost a 45
degree angle, so I can be almost laying back while operating.
The monitor is on the desk, to the right of and back from the radios. It is
about 40" from my eyes, far enough to be seen through the top half of my
bifocal lenses, but close enough to be useable with my single field
computer glasses.
The radios can still be slid back on the desk should I like to operate in
that position. That can be useful when doing serious S&P operating when
fiddling with receiver controls to pull out weak ones is a frequent occurrence.
73 - Jim K8MR
In a message dated 3/13/2013 9:24:31 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
w0mu@w0mu.com writes:
I play online games and when they come out I tend to be a tad addicted
to them and have many of the same issues with pain under the shoulder
blade etc. The key for me was finding a better chair. Trying not to
lean forward and keeping my shoulders back with good posture.
I saw a product called the BACK JOY in a local mall and tried one out
for a while. I could immediately feel a difference. I nearly bought
one but bailed at the last minute. They are a padded (gel)or un-padded
seat that you can carry around with you so you can use it in the car
too. It might help some. Renate, my XYL could hardly feel any
difference. When I used one she said she could immediately see the
difference in how I was sitting. I think they have a guarantee.
www.backjoy.com
I found that I was pushing my radios back too far which caused by to
bend over to reach knobs. This is bad. While I run computer control I
have yet to let go of the VFO knob for tuning etc.
I think it is important to get your monitor so it is directly in front
of your eyes so you are not having to move your head up or down or left
of right to use it.
K6VVA did a number of articles for NCJ on trying to create a more body
friendly shack.
Mike W0MU
On 3/13/2013 2:07 PM, Steve London wrote:
> Interesting thread.
>
> I have a strange contesting pain issue for which I have not yet found
> a solution.
>
> I believe that I do not move my neck enough. I tend to focus
> straight-ahead on the monitor, and not much else. After a 48 hour
> contest, the back of the neck is incredibly sore when I move it, and
> the pain can continue for up to a week after the contest. The pain
> feels like it is in the skin, rather than deep in the vertebrae. My
> table is lower than the standard height, and my monitor is as low as I
> can place it, so that I do not have lift my head upward. I tend to sit
> upright, not using the back of the chair. (My XYL says I look like a
> turtle, and my cat frequently provides lumbar support !). Other than
> this, I have no contest-related pain.
>
> Suggestions ?
>
> 73,
> Steve, N2IC
>
>
_______________________________________________
CQ-Contest mailing list
CQ-Contest@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/cq-contest
|