While I agree that a panadapter is unneeded, unwise and distracting when
operating mobile, one should plan for safety by minimal interaction with
any device added to a vehicle. This would include any touch screen
display, since we won't avoid them. For example;
The control heads of my V/U/HF radios are on the dash (I built a vehicle
non-destructive frame for mounting) along with the (voice controlled)
GPS so they are not distracting, easily reached for the few times
adjustments are required and most importantly, WITHIN the normal visual
scanning range of the driver (left mirror, windshield, gauges,
windshield, right mirror; reverse and repeat). They are high enough to
be seen without looking down (use peripheral vision for the road), yet
low enough to not block vision of the road (drivers with a height issue
too).
The HF station uses a Turbo Tuner and Tarheel, one button to tune it is
the only driver interaction.
The meters, don't matter (and can't be seen without reading glasses
anyway), only the frequencies are truly needed as visible to the
driver. The use of preset memory slots makes it much safer.
Each radio has function buttons on the mic as well, so direct
interaction is very low. The radio scanner (in the console, next to the
phone, for traffic problem awareness during travel for potential
re-routing) is not among this collection on the dash since the mode of
speech tells you who is talking (cops don't sound like fire and medical
is different altogether).
Placement also allows the passenger to be the operator; and they also
manage the sound system when the HF is turned off.
However, while it was once common for me to multitask while driving a
large fire truck; it's a good idea to note that aging of the driver
lowers the ability to do this well. If you don't pay attention to that,
it's possible to learn that reduction of ability in a negative manner.
Take note; that reduction creeps up over time.
Setting up a mobile station requires significant planning and thought
along with the understanding that sometimes, the OFF button is the best
choice; yes even a simple dual band V/UHF (mostly used for APRS to
reduce the 'where are you?' calls and to allow the coffee to be fresh
upon arrival).
(I typically only use mobile HF when parked or while hauling the fifth
wheel on an interstate but never in a city or other traffic dense
situation. After decades of my career, listening to multiple audio
sources at the same time is second nature to me; extract what is
relevant, ignore the rest. The fifth wheel has it's own station.)
Rick NHC
On 7/1/2019 6:21 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
May I suggest that any Mobile (meaning mounted in a vehicle)
transceiver NOT have a touchscreen or panadapter.
It can create additional distracted driver problems, and we have
enough of that already with automotive touchscreens, navigation
systems, and the like.
I for one do not operate mobile - my eyes and attention need to be on
the road and not some device in the vehicle.
73,
Don W3FPR
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