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[OT] K3 Shack Pictures and iMacs

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W4JBB

[OT] K3 Shack Pictures and iMacs

Shack layout is very personal. I get that. Laying out my shack is a
hobby within a hobby; however, I cannot seem to get it "just right." My
wife will walk by and just shake her head.

I bought a late 2012 27" iMac. The thing is a beast! You cannot adjust
the height of the monitor, but you can adjust the tilt. Compounding this
problem is that I wear bifocals. Those of you who wear bifocals know
that keeping your head tilted back trying to read the monitor is a PITA!
Also, trying to get it the right distance so words are sharp is a pain.
I *really* wish I had either bought the 21.5" iMac or a MBP. I am stuck
with what I have for the next several years. Although my wife has a MBP,
I don't think she'd be willing to trade that portability. I don't have
the money for a new computer and I have twin daughters graduating high
school next year so I am saving my pennies for a laptop for each of them.

I have a very large desk at my operating position. It is 5' x 3'. It is
what I would call a wooden teacher's desk or a "not so fancy" banker's
desk. On the left side is a spring-loaded shelf for a type-writer. I
usually keep it inside in the down position and use it as a bookshelf
inside. The right side has three drawers. There is a drawer in the
middle. The left side is slightly larger than the right; therefore, both
the monitor and I sit a little off-center to the right. I prefer to keep
my monitor in the "center" to try and keep my neck looking straight
forward. I also have a two-drawer wooden file cabinet that is the same
height as my desk top. Although it is not as deep, I can place it on
either side of the desk to "extend" the length of the desk.

I am right-handed. My radios are on the left; my keys (a paddle and a
bug) and computer mouse are on the right. I usually tune the radio by
placing the four fingers of my left hand on top of the radio and tune
with my left thumb. Most of my radio operations are done with my left
thumb. I do use my right hand to tune my P3. You can see my shack layout
on my QRZ page. That layout has changed a bit to where my K3/P3 are on
the middle shelf now with both of them on the right side of that shelf.
I find it better to see both the K3 and the P3. The rotor controller is
under them and I have an FT-847 which is to the left of the rotor
controller. The FT-847 sees very little use. I don't do much VHF/UHF FM
from home and I don't yet have my antennas built for satellite operations.

I have a somewhat minimal hamshack and I'd like to keep it that way.
iMac in the center of the desk and radios off to one side or the other
since the monitor is so large and raising it would put undue strain on
my neck. I love K5ND's layout (http://www.k5nd.net/), but putting that
monitor up is too much for me. There is no simple way to reduce the
*height* of the iMac either.

Would anyone be willing to take pictures of their shacks and sending
them to me? Those who have large monitors would be especially
appreciated. What have you done that makes your operation easier? I plan
on buying a sheet of plywood and making a new set of shelves for my
operating position, but I want some ideas too.

In the interest of list S/N ratio ;), please respond directly to me. Thanks.

73,
Joel - W4JBB
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Bill-3

Re: [OT] K3 Shack Pictures and iMacs

Get the monitor bottom edge down to desktop level. I used to have my
monitors about 10 inches above the desk with the rigs beneath them. The
result was looking up at them. Do NOT look up at monitors - it will
screw your neck up after a while. Also, I have specially cut glasses for
my radio desk. Bifocal for reading and seeing the keyboard - and the
upper is set to about 28 or 30 inches - the distance from your eyes to
the monitor and radios. Any good glasses shop can do this - it is a
common request.

The above two points and some neck exercises will go a long way in
improving your operating fun.

Don't ask how I learned this!

Bill K-Line

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dmb@lightstream.net

Re: [OT] K3 Shack Pictures and iMacs

I strongly concur w/ Bill's advice about getting a special pair of
glasses. In my case, as a programmer, I spend all day in front of the
computer. I have three monitors arranged in front of me, and I found that
bi-focals definitely had a 'sweet spot' and I was always turning my head
or looking up/down to see the screens within that sweet spot. I asked the
eye doc to give me a prescription for single focal length glasses
optimized for viewing a monitor 27" away. There is no 'sweet spot' and
while looking at the center (primary) monitor directly in front of me, I
can shift my eyes to the left or right to see the other two monitors
without turning my head. I've had these glasses for about 5 years now, and
they work perfectly.

Also, in my case, the K-Line is arrayed on the desktop immediately below
the three monitors, and the central monitor (Samsung) has a front-panel
switch that allows me to toggle it between the computer and the P3SVGA
output.

Side comment: I seem to be in the minority w/ regard to positioning of a
radio, in that it *must* be on the desktop and not tilted or elevated
(with the exception of the P3). I like having my arm and hand resting on
the table top as I tune the radio. Having to tilt my hand upward to tune a
knob that is up in the air, or worse yet, rest my arm on my elbow while
trying to tune a radio on a shelf is just plain wrong ;-)

I bought a KX3 a few weeks ago and love the radio, but am struggling with
the operating angle. It'll be fine for the field, but I need to cobble
together some kind of stand for using it on the desktop.

73, Dale
WA8SRA

...

> Do NOT look up at monitors - it will
> screw your neck up after a while. Also, I have specially cut glasses for
> my radio desk. Bifocal for reading and seeing the keyboard - and the
> upper is set to about 28 or 30 inches - the distance from your eyes to
> the monitor and radios. Any good glasses shop can do this - it is a
> common request.
>
> ...
>
> Bill K-Line
>
>

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Ross Primrose

Re: [OT] K3 Shack Pictures and iMacs

In reply to this post by W4JBB

Another option that may fit in the budget is to buy a monitor and use it
instead of the iMac display, that'd give you a lot more flexibility in
monitor location....

73, Ross N4RP

On 5/2/2014 7:49 AM, Joel Black wrote:

> Shack layout is very personal. I get that. Laying out my shack is a
> hobby within a hobby; however, I cannot seem to get it "just right."
> My wife will walk by and just shake her head.
>
> I bought a late 2012 27" iMac. The thing is a beast! You cannot adjust
> the height of the monitor, but you can adjust the tilt. Compounding
> this problem is that I wear bifocals. Those of you who wear bifocals
> know that keeping your head tilted back trying to read the monitor is
> a PITA! Also, trying to get it the right distance so words are sharp
> is a pain. I *really* wish I had either bought the 21.5" iMac or a
> MBP. I am stuck with what I have for the next several years. Although
> my wife has a MBP, I don't think she'd be willing to trade that
> portability. I don't have the money for a new computer and I have twin
> daughters graduating high school next year so I am saving my pennies
> for a laptop for each of them.
>
> I have a very large desk at my operating position. It is 5' x 3'. It
> is what I would call a wooden teacher's desk or a "not so fancy"
> banker's desk. On the left side is a spring-loaded shelf for a
> type-writer. I usually keep it inside in the down position and use it
> as a bookshelf inside. The right side has three drawers. There is a
> drawer in the middle. The left side is slightly larger than the right;
> therefore, both the monitor and I sit a little off-center to the
> right. I prefer to keep my monitor in the "center" to try and keep my
> neck looking straight forward. I also have a two-drawer wooden file
> cabinet that is the same height as my desk top. Although it is not as
> deep, I can place it on either side of the desk to "extend" the length
> of the desk.
>
> I am right-handed. My radios are on the left; my keys (a paddle and a
> bug) and computer mouse are on the right. I usually tune the radio by
> placing the four fingers of my left hand on top of the radio and tune
> with my left thumb. Most of my radio operations are done with my left
> thumb. I do use my right hand to tune my P3. You can see my shack
> layout on my QRZ page. That layout has changed a bit to where my K3/P3
> are on the middle shelf now with both of them on the right side of
> that shelf. I find it better to see both the K3 and the P3. The rotor
> controller is under them and I have an FT-847 which is to the left of
> the rotor controller. The FT-847 sees very little use. I don't do much
> VHF/UHF FM from home and I don't yet have my antennas built for
> satellite operations.
>
> I have a somewhat minimal hamshack and I'd like to keep it that way.
> iMac in the center of the desk and radios off to one side or the other
> since the monitor is so large and raising it would put undue strain on
> my neck. I love K5ND's layout (http://www.k5nd.net/), but putting that
> monitor up is too much for me. There is no simple way to reduce the
> *height* of the iMac either.
>
> Would anyone be willing to take pictures of their shacks and sending
> them to me? Those who have large monitors would be especially
> appreciated. What have you done that makes your operation easier? I
> plan on buying a sheet of plywood and making a new set of shelves for
> my operating position, but I want some ideas too.
>
> In the interest of list S/N ratio ;), please respond directly to me.
> Thanks.
>
> 73,
> Joel - W4JBB
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

--
FCC Section 97.313(a) “At all times, an amateur station must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications.”

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NK7Z

Re: [OT] K3 Shack Pictures and iMacs

In reply to this post by dmb@lightstream.net

I must also concur with Dale, et al. I also have a set of glasses I had
the Optometrist prescribe, and I can not use my bifocals anymore, too
much head movement... That was th best money I have spent in a long
time. One thing you might consider is adding an AR coating to them.

I use ONLY glass lenses, (no polycarbonate), and have them AR coated.
The coating is finally coming off my bifocals after 5 years of heavy
cleaning. The AR coating is wonderful if you have specular lighting
events around your OP area. With an AR coating, if you clean your
glasses right, (ultrasonic cleaner), you will not even see them...

--
Thanks and 73's,
For equipment, and software setups and reviews see:
www.nk7z.net
for MixW support see;
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info
for Dopplergram information see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info
for MM-SSTV see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info

On Fri, 2014-05-02 at 10:08 -0400, [hidden email] wrote:

> I strongly concur w/ Bill's advice about getting a special pair of
> glasses. In my case, as a programmer, I spend all day in front of the
> computer. I have three monitors arranged in front of me, and I found that
> bi-focals definitely had a 'sweet spot' and I was always turning my head
> or looking up/down to see the screens within that sweet spot. I asked the
> eye doc to give me a prescription for single focal length glasses
> optimized for viewing a monitor 27" away. There is no 'sweet spot' and
> while looking at the center (primary) monitor directly in front of me, I
> can shift my eyes to the left or right to see the other two monitors
> without turning my head. I've had these glasses for about 5 years now, and
> they work perfectly.
>
> Also, in my case, the K-Line is arrayed on the desktop immediately below
> the three monitors, and the central monitor (Samsung) has a front-panel
> switch that allows me to toggle it between the computer and the P3SVGA
> output.
>
> Side comment: I seem to be in the minority w/ regard to positioning of a
> radio, in that it *must* be on the desktop and not tilted or elevated
> (with the exception of the P3). I like having my arm and hand resting on
> the table top as I tune the radio. Having to tilt my hand upward to tune a
> knob that is up in the air, or worse yet, rest my arm on my elbow while
> trying to tune a radio on a shelf is just plain wrong ;-)
>
> I bought a KX3 a few weeks ago and love the radio, but am struggling with
> the operating angle. It'll be fine for the field, but I need to cobble
> together some kind of stand for using it on the desktop.
>
> 73, Dale
> WA8SRA
>
> ...
> > Do NOT look up at monitors - it will
> > screw your neck up after a while. Also, I have specially cut glasses for
> > my radio desk. Bifocal for reading and seeing the keyboard - and the
> > upper is set to about 28 or 30 inches - the distance from your eyes to
> > the monitor and radios. Any good glasses shop can do this - it is a
> > common request.
> >
> > ...
> >
> > Bill K-Line
> >
> >
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Rick Robinson

Re: [OT] K3 Shack Pictures and iMacs

In reply to this post by dmb@lightstream.net

Check out the stand by Nifty Products. It works great for this old guys
eyes. There is a link on Elecrafts site or Google it.

On Friday, May 2, 2014, [hidden email] <[hidden email]> wrote:

>
>
> I bought a KX3 a few weeks ago and love the radio, but am struggling with
> the operating angle. It'll be fine for the field, but I need to cobble
> together some kind of stand for using it on the desktop.
>
> 73, Dale
>
>
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Jack Brindle-2

Re: [OT] K3 Shack Pictures and iMacs

In reply to this post by dmb@lightstream.net

That iMac is a wonderful system, with one of the best monitors available. In fact, there is a way to adjust the height of the monitor - you just need a different stand. I believe the iMacs are designed to accept a VESA monitor adapter, which would allow you to set the computer at pretty much any height or angle. Gamers use these stands extensively since they tend to spend a LOT of time staring at several monitors at all sorts of angles. Get a good one that bolts onto the back of your desk, and is configurable in pretty much every direction. These things can be pricey, especially for the good ones, but your neck is worth evert penny.

And enjoy that iMac. great system!

Jack B, W6FB

Sent from my iPad

> On May 2, 2014, at 7:08 AM, "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I strongly concur w/ Bill's advice about getting a special pair of
> glasses. In my case, as a programmer, I spend all day in front of the
> computer. I have three monitors arranged in front of me, and I found that
> bi-focals definitely had a 'sweet spot' and I was always turning my head
> or looking up/down to see the screens within that sweet spot. I asked the
> eye doc to give me a prescription for single focal length glasses
> optimized for viewing a monitor 27" away. There is no 'sweet spot' and
> while looking at the center (primary) monitor directly in front of me, I
> can shift my eyes to the left or right to see the other two monitors
> without turning my head. I've had these glasses for about 5 years now, and
> they work perfectly.
>
> Also, in my case, the K-Line is arrayed on the desktop immediately below
> the three monitors, and the central monitor (Samsung) has a front-panel
> switch that allows me to toggle it between the computer and the P3SVGA
> output.
>
> Side comment: I seem to be in the minority w/ regard to positioning of a
> radio, in that it *must* be on the desktop and not tilted or elevated
> (with the exception of the P3). I like having my arm and hand resting on
> the table top as I tune the radio. Having to tilt my hand upward to tune a
> knob that is up in the air, or worse yet, rest my arm on my elbow while
> trying to tune a radio on a shelf is just plain wrong ;-)
>
> I bought a KX3 a few weeks ago and love the radio, but am struggling with
> the operating angle. It'll be fine for the field, but I need to cobble
> together some kind of stand for using it on the desktop.
>
> 73, Dale
> WA8SRA
>
> ...
>> Do NOT look up at monitors - it will
>> screw your neck up after a while. Also, I have specially cut glasses for
>> my radio desk. Bifocal for reading and seeing the keyboard - and the
>> upper is set to about 28 or 30 inches - the distance from your eyes to
>> the monitor and radios. Any good glasses shop can do this - it is a
>> common request.
>>
>> ...
>>
>> Bill K-Line
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Don Wilhelm-4

Re: [OT] K3 Shack Pictures and iMacs

In reply to this post by NK7Z

I insist on progressive lenses with a wide viewing angle. I tried
bifocals once and they drive me crazy.
With good progressive lenses, distance to the monitor is no problem nor
is reading or working as close as 6 inches. I can lay a newspaper flat
on the table in front of me and read it from top to bottom without
excessive head movement - try that with bifocals!
For me, the wide angle is important - the regular progressives produce
'tunnel vision'

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/2/2014 10:05 AM, David Cole wrote:

> I must also concur with Dale, et al. I also have a set of glasses I had
> the Optometrist prescribe, and I can not use my bifocals anymore, too
> much head movement... That was th best money I have spent in a long
> time. One thing you might consider is adding an AR coating to them.
>
> I use ONLY glass lenses, (no polycarbonate), and have them AR coated.
> The coating is finally coming off my bifocals after 5 years of heavy
> cleaning. The AR coating is wonderful if you have specular lighting
> events around your OP area. With an AR coating, if you clean your
> glasses right, (ultrasonic cleaner), you will not even see them...
>

N7US

Re: [OT] K3 Shack Pictures and iMacs

In reply to this post by NK7Z

I've found the best quality, high-index lenses to be what works for me. For
me, polycarbonate lenses have a very narrow focus (i.e., like a yagi's
beamwidth) so I was always turning my head to center in my lenses what I was
looking at.

My monitors (two 19" 4:3 1280 X 1024) are on an Ergotron double swing-arm
mount above my K-Line, which is on a shelf 4" (~9 cm) above my desk. I use
Shamir Office lenses but I want to get a different pair that is optimized
for the distances from keyboard to the monitors. Check out
http://tinyurl.com/oa8erwf .

I was recently diagnosed with a neck disk problem that is permanent. I
don't know if staring at computer monitors for the last 33 years (accountant
and ham) or bicycling was responsible, but I think this subject is very
relevant.

73, Jim N7US

-----Original Message-----

I must also concur with Dale, et al. I also have a set of glasses I had the
Optometrist prescribe, and I can not use my bifocals anymore, too much head
movement... That was th best money I have spent in a long time. One thing
you might consider is adding an AR coating to them.

I use ONLY glass lenses, (no polycarbonate), and have them AR coated.
The coating is finally coming off my bifocals after 5 years of heavy
cleaning. The AR coating is wonderful if you have specular lighting events
around your OP area. With an AR coating, if you clean your glasses right,
(ultrasonic cleaner), you will not even see them...

--
Thanks and 73's,
For equipment, and software setups and reviews see:
NK7Z

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Post: mailto:[hidden email]

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David Bunte

Re: [OT] K3 Shack Pictures and iMacs

Indeed, shack layout is personal. I have fussed with it off and on for
years, and earlier this year I tried a new one... and so far, it serves me
very well. In my case, I had my K3 etc. right on the desk, with a shelf
above that, which held a pair of 17" monitors, keyer and watt meter.

My desk is not very deep, so the keyboard was "almost" touching the K3,
until I angled it via the front bail. But, the monitors were still too
high.

Now I have two 24 inch monitors, and I mounted them on the wall straight
ahead. I lowered the shelf that had been above the radio, and put the K3,
P3 & KPA500 on the shelf. My keyer sits atop the K3, my LP-100A sits on
the P3, and I can slide unused paddles, and the front edge of my keyboard
under the shelf, if I wish. With this size monitor, mounted as it is, the
distance from my eyes to the screen is about 27" to to the center, 30" to
the outside edge. I wear tri-focals, and I don't seem to have to move my
head nearly as much as I did previously. However, I am not really into
contests, so most of the time I am in the shack, I am in QSO, not having to
look at the monitor during that time, or chasing DX, (which for me, may
mean sending my call 100 times before I need to look up at the monitor
again).

The suggestion to but the lower edge of the monitor at desk level confuses
me. If I did that, I would not be able to see the lower half of the screen
because of the gear in front of it... or it would be in front of the the
rig... which would really create problems. I guess if someone has the rig
off to one side that might work, I never tried it... but that underscores
your starting comment, that shack layout is highly individual.

A photo of my shack can be seen on my QRZ dot com page.

Best of luck es very 73 de Dave - K9FN

On Fri, May 2, 2014 at 10:29 AM, Jim N7US <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I've found the best quality, high-index lenses to be what works for me.
> For
> me, polycarbonate lenses have a very narrow focus (i.e., like a yagi's
> beamwidth) so I was always turning my head to center in my lenses what I
> was
> looking at.
>
> My monitors (two 19" 4:3 1280 X 1024) are on an Ergotron double swing-arm
> mount above my K-Line, which is on a shelf 4" (~9 cm) above my desk. I use
> Shamir Office lenses but I want to get a different pair that is optimized
> for the distances from keyboard to the monitors. Check out
> http://tinyurl.com/oa8erwf .
>
> I was recently diagnosed with a neck disk problem that is permanent. I
> don't know if staring at computer monitors for the last 33 years
> (accountant
> and ham) or bicycling was responsible, but I think this subject is very
> relevant.
>
> 73, Jim N7US
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> I must also concur with Dale, et al. I also have a set of glasses I had
> the
> Optometrist prescribe, and I can not use my bifocals anymore, too much head
> movement... That was th best money I have spent in a long time. One thing
> you might consider is adding an AR coating to them.
>
> I use ONLY glass lenses, (no polycarbonate), and have them AR coated.
> The coating is finally coming off my bifocals after 5 years of heavy
> cleaning. The AR coating is wonderful if you have specular lighting events
> around your OP area. With an AR coating, if you clean your glasses right,
> (ultrasonic cleaner), you will not even see them...
>
> --
> Thanks and 73's,
> For equipment, and software setups and reviews see:
> NK7Z
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: [OT] K3 Shack Pictures and iMacs

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-4

On 5/2/2014 10:19 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> I insist on progressive lenses with a wide viewing angle.

Please tell me who makes a progressive lens with the same viewing
angle as an executive (Franklin) bifocal? I have been looking for
a progressive lens that will allow me to read large blueprints or
schematics and see three monitors wide without swiveling my head
for nearly 20 years.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 5/2/2014 10:19 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> I insist on progressive lenses with a wide viewing angle. I tried
> bifocals once and they drive me crazy.
> With good progressive lenses, distance to the monitor is no problem nor
> is reading or working as close as 6 inches. I can lay a newspaper flat
> on the table in front of me and read it from top to bottom without
> excessive head movement - try that with bifocals!
> For me, the wide angle is important - the regular progressives produce
> 'tunnel vision'
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 5/2/2014 10:05 AM, David Cole wrote:
>> I must also concur with Dale, et al. I also have a set of glasses I had
>> the Optometrist prescribe, and I can not use my bifocals anymore, too
>> much head movement... That was th best money I have spent in a long
>> time. One thing you might consider is adding an AR coating to them.
>>
>> I use ONLY glass lenses, (no polycarbonate), and have them AR coated.
>> The coating is finally coming off my bifocals after 5 years of heavy
>> cleaning. The AR coating is wonderful if you have specular lighting
>> events around your OP area. With an AR coating, if you clean your
>> glasses right, (ultrasonic cleaner), you will not even see them...
>>
>
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RobertG

Re: [OT] K3 Shack Pictures and iMacs

I tried progressive lenses three times, and each one ended in
frustration, because the "reading" area is limited to a circular "bulls
eye" that makes head swiveling mandatory for covering a wide area. If
anyone knows of a progressive without this characteristic, I'd be first
in line.
...robert

On 5/2/2014 19:58, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

>
> On 5/2/2014 10:19 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> > I insist on progressive lenses with a wide viewing angle.
>
> Please tell me who makes a progressive lens with the same viewing
> angle as an executive (Franklin) bifocal? I have been looking for
> a progressive lens that will allow me to read large blueprints or
> schematics and see three monitors wide without swiveling my head
> for nearly 20 years.
>
> 73,
>
> ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
> On 5/2/2014 10:19 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> I insist on progressive lenses with a wide viewing angle. I tried
>> bifocals once and they drive me crazy.
>> With good progressive lenses, distance to the monitor is no problem nor
>> is reading or working as close as 6 inches. I can lay a newspaper flat
>> on the table in front of me and read it from top to bottom without
>> excessive head movement - try that with bifocals!
>> For me, the wide angle is important - the regular progressives produce
>> 'tunnel vision'
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> On 5/2/2014 10:05 AM, David Cole wrote:
>>> I must also concur with Dale, et al. I also have a set of glasses I had
>>> the Optometrist prescribe, and I can not use my bifocals anymore, too
>>> much head movement... That was th best money I have spent in a long
>>> time. One thing you might consider is adding an AR coating to them.
>>>
>>> I use ONLY glass lenses, (no polycarbonate), and have them AR coated.
>>> The coating is finally coming off my bifocals after 5 years of heavy
>>> cleaning. The AR coating is wonderful if you have specular lighting
>>> events around your OP area. With an AR coating, if you clean your
>>> glasses right, (ultrasonic cleaner), you will not even see them...
>>>
>>
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--
Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY
[hidden email]
Syracuse, New York, USA
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Don Wilhelm-4

Re: [OT] K3 Shack Pictures and iMacs

In reply to this post by Joe Subich, W4TV-4

According to the advertizing mats at my Eyecare place. Baush and Lomb
offers 3 progressive viewing widths. Balancing cost and desire for a
wide view, I choose the middle width.
I don't know about covering 3 monitors at once, but with a viewing
distance of 30 inches, the entire width of my 20 inch wide monitor can
be in focus without turning my head. At a viewing distance of 20
inches, the left and right edges of the screen just begin to get fuzzy.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/2/2014 3:58 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

Joe Subich, W4TV-4

Re: [OT] K3 Shack Pictures and iMacs

20" would cover one of my three monitors at a typical 24" viewing
distance vs. an approximately 160 degree field of view with the
executive bifocals.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 5/2/2014 4:42 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

> According to the advertizing mats at my Eyecare place. Baush and Lomb
> offers 3 progressive viewing widths. Balancing cost and desire for a
> wide view, I choose the middle width.
> I don't know about covering 3 monitors at once, but with a viewing
> distance of 30 inches, the entire width of my 20 inch wide monitor can
> be in focus without turning my head. At a viewing distance of 20
> inches, the left and right edges of the screen just begin to get fuzzy.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 5/2/2014 3:58 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>>
>> On 5/2/2014 10:19 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> > I insist on progressive lenses with a wide viewing angle.
>>
>> Please tell me who makes a progressive lens with the same viewing
>> angle as an executive (Franklin) bifocal? I have been looking for
>> a progressive lens that will allow me to read large blueprints or
>> schematics and see three monitors wide without swiveling my head
>> for nearly 20 years.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> ... Joe, W4TV
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
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N7US

Re: [OT] K3 Shack Pictures and iMacs

In reply to this post by RobertG

I experienced that with polycarbonate lenses but not with high quality,
high-index plastic ones.

73, Jim N7US

-----Original Message-----

I tried progressive lenses three times, and each one ended in frustration,
because the "reading" area is limited to a circular "bull's eye" that makes
head swiveling mandatory for covering a wide area. If anyone knows of a
progressive without this characteristic, I'd be first in line.
...robert

On 5/2/2014 19:58, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:

Michael Morgan

Re: [OT] K3 Shack Pictures and iMacs

I have also struggled with the layout of my iMac with my station. I was
using it with my radios to the side because like you I didn't like the
screen being to high. I wound up getting me a second monitor a 27" IPS
from MonoPrice. So I have it mounted on a arm so it is lower with my iMac
to the side. You can see some pictures on my website. Old Pictures
http://www.aa5sh.com/?page_id=54 and current picture is in the header.

With the 27" iMac you should be able to get a Vesa adapter where you can
remove the stand and put in on a arm. Then you can adjust the height
better. Unfortunately with my 21.5" the Vesa mount is not an option or I
would have gotten a dual monitor arm for them both.

But my shack changes often as well hi hi.

73's

Michael, AA5SH

On Fri, May 2, 2014 at 6:20 PM, Jim N7US <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I experienced that with polycarbonate lenses but not with high quality,
> high-index plastic ones.
>
> 73, Jim N7US
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> I tried progressive lenses three times, and each one ended in frustration,
> because the "reading" area is limited to a circular "bull's eye" that makes
> head swiveling mandatory for covering a wide area. If anyone knows of a
> progressive without this characteristic, I'd be first in line.
> ...robert
>
> On 5/2/2014 19:58, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
> >
> > On 5/2/2014 10:19 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> > > I insist on progressive lenses with a wide viewing angle.
> >
> > Please tell me who makes a progressive lens with the same viewing
> > angle as an executive (Franklin) bifocal? I have been looking for
> > a progressive lens that will allow me to read large blueprints or
> > schematics and see three monitors wide without swiveling my head for
> > nearly 20 years.
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > ... Joe, W4TV
>
>
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W4JBB

Re: [OT] K3 Shack Pictures and iMacs

In reply to this post by W4JBB

Thanks for all the replies. There were so many, that I will not be able
to respond to them all. FYI, many of the replies recommended me getting
a pair of glasses that just had my bifocal scrip for using with the
computer. That is probably the easiest choice for me.

Thank you for allowing me to bring this OT discussion to the group.

73,
Joel - W4JBB
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