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Re: [CQ-Contest] Size of Dual Monitors

To: cq-contest@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Size of Dual Monitors
From: Pete Smith N4ZR <n4zr@contesting.com>
Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 08:21:44 -0400
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I am scarcely a "master", but have done both SO2V and SO2R, so at least I have some relevant experience.

I have two HP L1710s, which are standard aspect ratio 17" (diagonal). They were cheap new as discontinued, and are currently available on ebay used for as little as $20 plus shipping, or new for $80 or so.

I have occasionally thought about switching to a single 23" wide monitor, which would give me similar screen space, but have not done so for one reason - greater flexibility. I have three computers in the shack, two of which are on a KVM switch. Having two monitors means that I can continue to watch computer #1, so long as it doesn't need keyboard or mouse input, while doing things on computer #2 - to watch a Youtube video, for example.

I use a cheap dual-output video card in computer #1 - these are now very common for <$40 - to drive the two monitors. I can even go to different resolutions if it seems desirable, though I haven't found an occasion yet.

I know that you want to defer discussion of one computer or two, but to get my opinion in early, one is plenty. Most software's SO2R capabilities are designed for single-computer use, and while you could use two, pretending to be a multi-single, that raises a whole set of networking issues, need for two keyboards and mice or a KVM switch, etc. A few of the RTTY guys use 2 or more, but that is inherently a slower-moving, more forgiving mode than either CW or phone. Better tolearn and take full advantage of the SO2R-specific capabilities of your software , IMO.

73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at
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ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.

On 3/17/2014 4:29 AM, Dick Flanagan wrote:
I need help from the Masters.

I am in the planning stages of a SO2R station. The center piece will be the two radios and two LED computer displays above the radios. The displays will be side-by-side and supporting all of the contesting/logging/propagation windows driven by one central contesting computer. I could be talked into having two computers--one for each display--but I would appreciate if that discussion were held another day.

Today I am looking for assistance in choosing the proper LED display terminals. What is the optimal size of these monitors? They can be long and skinny or basically square. Has experience shown that one particular screen size and/or aspect radio to be better than another in this application? I am partial to Samsung, but I can be talked out of that too if appropriate.

The displays will be mounted above the radios slightly above eye level with their fronts basically even with the front panel of the radios. No wall-mounted monitors here.

Once the displays are chosen, then possible we can wander off into the one vs. two computer forest.

So those of you with two terminals displays, let us know what you hate about them, what you love, what you would do different. Help me avoid the mistakes I am destined to make without your help.

Needless to say, Thank YOU!

--
Dick Flanagan K7VC
dick@k7vc.com

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