30 Ham Radio Contest Tips -- Test Ergonomics

This month, I’m providing a ham radio contest tip-a-day (along with other posts) to help you trigger your own contesting activities.Today’s tip: Test Ergonomics.One of the really great things about contesting is that it gives you answers to a whole range of questions about your radio station. Does the antenna work? Are you working stations faster than other locals? Do your CW skills cut it for a CW contest?Many questions -- and fast answers.One of the great questions to be answered by a contest is this: how well is your station laid out for your comfort and efficiency in a contest?We spend hours at the radio doing our work on the hobby. Operating a 48-hour contest will tell you how well you've done putting the pieces of your station together to maximize your comfort.Is your chair right? Height of your table or desk? Keyboard setup for the computer? CW key in the right place? CW key and mouse in the right place? Easy to change antennas? Rotor right for the contest?I'd suggest taking one contest just to address the ergonomics of your station. Take good notes when you are done about how easy it was to operate your station with the strain of fast contacts over a long period of time.You'll be glad you did.Scot, K9JY