[Yaesu] ergonomics and rig placement

[Glen Zook]

I prefer the frequency tuning knobs to be where I can let my hand rest on the desk/console top.  That way there is no stress on my arm or wrist.

If you go to

http://k9sth.com/uploads/Equipment_at_K9STH.pdf

you can see how I have the most used equipment on the first level of my main console.

Although I definitely am not a medical doctor, in college I did have to take an ergonomics course and learned a lot about how to place equipment, tools, etc., for the best human interface.

Glen, K9STH

Website:  http://k9sth.com


--- On Sat, 12/12/09, John Geiger <aa5jg at yahoo.com> wrote:

Let me preface this question by saying that I don't want to computer control the rig.  I have tried that before with a TS-B2000 and didn't like it.  I say this because I am sure that it would be the answer many would reply with.
 
Here is my situation.  On Thanksgiving day I hurt my right shoulder (I am right handed) and as it was getting better I reinjured it last weekend in the 160 contest by excessive tuning of the VFO dial.  The shack is set up on a computer center, and the rig is on the second shelf, right at eye level. This means I have to raise my arm to tune the VFO dial, and the excessive raising last weekend reirritated my shoulder.  This past week I would just use my left hand to tune the VFO and push buttons instead, but that was getting awkward, especially with the 10 meter contest coming up.
 
Today I broke down and moved the rig to the desktop instead, so I don't have to raise my arm to turn the dial.  I really don't like it here as it looks a little more cluttered now with the rig, laptop, keyer paddles, and rotor control.  Plus is it closer to the line of fire when my 6 year old daughter is throwing things around the house.  However, this will have to do for now.
 
Now here is my question:  Have others found that having the rig slightly lower than you is easier on the arms or shoulders over the long run than having to raise your arm to tune the rig?  I was hoping to eventually move it back to its original place, but if I run the risk of straining the shoulder more having it there, I might have to learn to live with it where it is.