[CQ-Contest] Size of Dual Monitors

[Steve London]

My SO2R layout is essentially the same as Bill's. In addition to having 
the monitor down low, I would also recommend a separate set of 
computer-distance eyeglasses if you currently use bifocals. With 
bifocals, you are constantly having to tip your head upward. If you know 
your prescription, you can get a set of computer-distance glasses for 
under $10 from www.zennioptical.com .

73,
Steve, N2IC

On 03/17/2014 07:19 AM, Bill Hider wrote:
> Hi Dick,
>
> Almost exactly 1 year ago, I was where you are now in the SO2R planning
> stages.
>
> Two quick things:
>
> 1.  The monitor position you mention is too high.  Long-term neck, back,
> head&  eye fatigue, or worse, may set in for operators who must look upward
> at monitors for extended periods of time.  My experience in corporate
> America bears this out.  Long ago, corporate and OSHA research have
> determined that PC monitors must be viewed "downward"; lowering the users'
> look angle to where the head is physically pointing down at the monitors
> will reduce such physical stress.
>
> 2. When I did the monitor size research you are asking for, I measured
> dozens of monitors at local PC big-box stores.  I used the monitors' visible
> screen area, in square inches, as my unit of measure.  I wanted to maximize
> the visual (PC desktop) real estate and minimize the actual desktop
> footprint since I was able to design my shack operating position from
> scratch.  I learned that the square monitor did not provide optimal real
> estate.  So, I went with the modern flat-screen format.  My process of
> measuring monitors' visual screen area allowed me to more precisely simulate
> my operating conditions for placement of my N1MM windows before I purchased
> anything.  I ultimately selected LED screen technology.
>
> And after 9 months and 14 contests using my new shack, I am quite pleased
> with these two decisions.
>
> I recommend you take a look at my complete write-up on all this on my
> website for further details.
>
> My website: http://users.erols.com/n3rr
> Click on any of the SO2R links.
>
> I'll be glad to answer any further questions you may have.
>
> 73!
>
> Bill, N3RR
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: CQ-Contest [mailto:cq-contest-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of
> Dick Flanagan
> Sent: Monday, March 17, 2014 4:29 AM
> To: cq-contest at contesting.com
> Subject: [CQ-Contest] Size of Dual Monitors
>
> 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 at k7vc.com
>
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