Many of us who contest a lot will tell you the radio is NOT the focus, the monitor with the logger and keyboard. My primary K3 sits next to my primary monitor with the P3 on the other side of the K3 and an external, separate monitor above the P3 for a lager waterfall, useful when chasing DX operating split. Flexibility and ergonomics are important elements of good shack design, especially if we expand the shack beyond one radio and a laptop.
However, even for FD, I assert the laptop should be directly in front of the operator who should do the operating and logging with the radio within easy reach to the side of the laptop or monitor/keyboard. Rarely is there a need to touch the radio, even for changing frequencies/bands or modes. A second op can help and learn, but should not do the logging, regardless of mode. There is a big difference between six folks operating a radio for several hours and making several hundred contacts vs. one who makes 1600+ FD contacts in 24! The latter's fingers seldom leave the keyboard. Placing more than one "window", regardless of source, in a single monitor requires only a switcher with multiple inputs and the ability to send them in combination to a monitor. You may not have to buy a new monitor although you'll need to review specifications carefully to determine if a new monitor or a switch is for you. And, be ready to test the monitor, switch, and input devices! My Geochron will not work through a switch I bought although the TiVo will even though both work well directly to the two HDMI inputs on the TV, just one at-a-time. The reason remains hidden thus far with bigger fish to fry in the shack. 73, Bill, K8TE -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected]
