[CQ-Contest] Improving Concentration

[Eric Hilding]

> On Jan 6, 2007, I wrote:
>
> > In my first year of college, one professor told us that various studies
> > indicated that the optimum room temperature for "mental activity" was in
> > in the low 40 degree range (if I remember correctly).  I would agree.

On Sun, 7 Jan 2007, Bill Coleman wrote:
>
> I don't know where this study came from, 
<snip>
> I can't imagine what 48 hours at 40 degrees would be like.

The Professor may have "skewed" his date a bit, but doubtful he intended a 48 hour contest "mental activity" duration.  However, perhaps the humidty factor plays a big part in this as well ???

> Certainly being too warm is a problem, but if you are sitting in a 40
> degree room, you won't be able to concentrate because you'll be
> shivering!

When K9AJ and I were on IOTA NA-178 last February, the temperature was mostly in the low 40's. This was not tank top & shorts wx, and we had to stay pretty well bundled-up with warm clothing and jackets.  But I personally loved the temperature for two days (except when the wind chill factor ratched things downward).  I frequently drive with my sunroof/moonroof open in the Winter because I like cool/cold air.

I also recall reading something about a common "marital problem" if one spouse always wanted the inside temperature warm and the other needed it cold.   Umh, one "potential" new wife I dated briefly was *always* cold (which is one reason we never walked down the aisle :-)  It' s much easier to put on extra clothing to get warm than it is to try and cool off if the wx is hot. It all boils down to is what "operating temperature range" works best for each operator.

73...

Rick, K6VVA