>I am slowly but surely moving towards a setting up a 2 radio /
single
>operator (2RSO) station. In the process I am laying plans to
build a custom
>operating table / position
<snip>
>
>I am leaning towards #5. This puts the monitor immediately in
front of you
>at eye level, while keeping the radios in front as well. It
would seem to
>require the least movement of the body to the right or left. I
assume Radio
>#1 is the main radio and that would put it on my right because I
am right
>handed. In all layouts other equipment (rotor control, amps,
TNCs, 2M gear
>etc) would go either above or to the sides.
>
>Dave
Interesting timing. This week, at work we have been scrutinized
and will continue to be scrutinized next week by OSHA for our bid
to become a VPP site (voluntary protection program). At this
weeks senior staff safety committee meeting, OSHA "strongly
encouraged" that a computer ergonomics training class that our
safety division offered on a voluntary basis be mandatory for all
civil service employees (maybe contractors, too...not sure yet).
So, today, at the second class session, I went to check on my
contractor's work with respect to setting up the auditorium for
that class use: PC & video projection system, wireless mic, etc.
I also sat in on the class and got my 'mandatory' out of the way.
It was very interesting. Most of my thoughts during the class
were not about my workstation at my office, but about relating
the computer ergonomics lecture points to amateur radio
contesting.
Here are some of the points:
Feet should rest flat on the floor or on a foot stool
The chair should be adjustable and should be changed frequently
The seat should 'pan' and roll off at the front edge
Lumbar support should be provided either built-in in the chair or
as an addon (rolled foam, pillow, lumbar add-on).
The monitor should be at or within +/- 15 degrees of eye level;
The monitor should be 12-30 inches from your eyes
The forearm/upper arm angle should be 90 to 130 degrees
A wristpad should be provided for the wrists to rest on when not
typing
The mouse should be immediately next to the keyboard (paddles?
remote vfo knob?)
You should not have to reach over the keyboard for anything
(uh-oh)
A zone shown on the powerpoint presentation seemed similar to my
situation with 2 radios:
a 150-degree arc described from left to right around in front of
the seat position is where frequently needed materials should be
located (monitor, rotator control box, keyer, radios, antenna
switches, SWR meters, tuners, etc.?)
There were many others. Tomorrow, I'll bring home the 20 page
document we each received and summarize & post tomorrow or
Saturday.
I think that the computer ergonomics studies that have been
conducted over the past few years have improved and their
recommendations are beneficial. As hams who contest and spend a
lot of time in virtually static positions, paying close attention
to the suggestions may result in better operator performance and
score improvement.
73,
dale, kg5u
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