[TowerTalk] Modern station design, or updating.

[Roger (K8RI) on TT]

On 10/16/2014 11:29 PM, RMorris wrote:
> I'm getting ready to think about touch screen monitors

A touch screen monitor "at the right angle and distance can be a joy to 
use, but they do have drawbacks. If not located and positioned correctly 
for you, you can rapidly run into sore, hands, arms, back, and 
shoulders.  (Positioning is very important) You'll need to check for RFI 
susceptibility and still keep your keyboard for many things. Above all 
else: Keep your hands clean.

I've lost track of how many systems I've built, but it's over 20 top end 
systems in the past couple of years.  I retired from a CS systems 
project manager and my wife says I spend more time on them now.. The 
last one under construction is a 5 GHz, 8 core CPU with 32 GB of RAM and 
one or two TB of storage.  Water cooling and a full size, steel tower 
case  The extra drives are coming out of the machines and going into a 
NAS accessed via dual channel wireless. SSDs are now less than I used to 
pay for much smaller HDs, but SSDs in the NAS at 35 plus TB is out of 
the question.

I currently have 32 TB spread between 5 machines.  A nearby lightening 
strike made a mess of the network and one computer. (took out the router 
and switch)  I want to get rid of the CAT5-CAT6 hardwired network, even 
though they all pass through the protected ports on the UPSs
A touch screen using HRD in here and at the station in the shop would 
give access to either station, even on the road, from any "hot spot".

I have HRD in both locations, but working with one hand has really 
slowed me down so it's not in operation at present.  Another reason for 
SS QRO amps in each location.  I do have a Yaesu KW that needs help that 
I hope to get to one of these days, but that's not a true QRO amp.

I basically have the LM470 base and installation fixture finished, but 
have to wait for a dryer yard.  I may just have to bite the bullet and 
redo the yard after the trucks leave.  which will not leave my wife 
overjoyed.  OTOH she's beginning to see the yard may have to suffer to 
get all these projects done.


>
> Usb relay board prices are not extra bad.

They are easy to build as well. Easy and simple and the assembled prices 
are quite attractive..  You can also insert power into the line out at 
the end.

>
> http://www.newegg.com/Touch-Screen-Monitor/SubCategory/ID-514
>
> http://www.weedtech.com/index_relay-out.html
>
> https://www.google.com/search?q=usb+relay+boards&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=sb

Newegg has had some really nice prices on touch screens, bur the larger 
screens are still pricey and I want nothing to do with Dell or HP 
monitors.  My smallest monitors are 24" with the largest being an Asus, 
1 ms 27".  My wife says I must be keeping one division running with my 
business<:-)) and it was not a compliment.  The toy truck (UPS or Fed-X) 
is here a couple times a week.

73

Roger (K8RI)