[CQ-Contest] shack table height - optimal for CW contesting?

[Larry]

29 to 31 inches is pretty much the standard for desktop height.  That is 
often to high for comfortable typing. Keyboard trays are often a few inches 
lower. The lower height is usually to reduce fatigue and reduce the wrist 
problems like carpel tunnel. You can get a similar effect by putting your 
feet a bit higher, raising your chair, and making sure your monitor is high 
enough so you are not stooped over. I have forgotten much of the ergonomic 
rationale behind all of this but it can work. I suspect keeping a key or key 
paddle about the same level as the keyboard  may be useful to some.

Just sitting down for a couple minutes to see if a setup is good is probably 
insufficient. You will need to sit and type or send with the key for some 
time just as you might during a contest. That way you might begin to feel 
any fatigue the setup brings and you can then make adjustments. It is time 
consuming but can be worth it in the end.  If there are no contests to your 
liking in the short term you can run something like Morserunner to simulate 
a contest.

73, Larry  W6NWS

-----Original Message----- 
From: Ken Alexander
Sent: Thursday, September 20, 2012 4:34 PM
To: cq-contest at contesting.com
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] shack table height - optimal for CW contesting?

Jeff,

You could get 100 replies and none of them might work for you because
the respondents aren't you.

I just spent the last half hour on the Staples and IKEA websites and
height of every desk and table (with very few exceptions) is between 29
and 31 inches.  That range of heights wasn't chosen by accident.

Ham operators probably vary in height from 5'-0" to 6'-6".  However,
office chair heights can be adjusted over a wide range as you have
already observed.  Having spent some time on your website as well, it's
clear you're a really smart guy.  You should be able to take it from here.

This is sort of like getting on the internet and asking the world what
size shoes you should buy!  :-)

73,

Ken Alexander
VE3HLS



On 20/09/2012 10:29 AM, Jeff Blaine wrote:
> Ergonomics question.  Optimal table height?
>
> I’ve always had shack tables made from whatever I had around.  But this 
> time I’m building up a table and can pick the height.  Of course it 
> depends on what chair you set in, and your body, etc.  But I wonder if 
> guys had a particular preference or range.
>
> Thanks!
>
> 73/jeff/ac0c
> www.ac0c.com
> alpha-charlie-zero-charlie
>
> _______________________________________________
> CQ-Contest mailing list
> CQ-Contest at contesting.com
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>
>

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