We are focusing on a point of reference from which we can relate.  Would it
be more useful today to continue using vaccum tubes because they are simpler
to replace than a board in our radio or in our computer.  For those of us
who were inevitably forced to move on and move on to integrated circuits,
how does that compare to the move from tactile to touchscreen?  I welcome a
discussion on the matter.

Jose - KK4JZX


-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of David W Wood
Sent: Saturday, June 08, 2013 5:27 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Touch screens

Surely it is like using a mouse rather than keyboard shortcuts.  Mousing is
much less efficient!


ATB

David W Wood 

-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Scott Howell
Sent: Saturday, June 08, 2013 10:21 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Touch screens

I would point out that even for a sighted operator, a touch screen would =
introduce some efficiency issues as well. I know ops who will log with = one
hand while making adjustments to the rig with another. I believe it = would
be possible to combine touch screen technology with some knobs and =
buttons. I cannot imagine anyone wanting a radio that has only a touch =
screen. This might satisfy some, but I think that segment would be much =
smaller than the overall population.

On Jun 8, 2013, at 4:46 AM, Kelvin Marsh <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Hi Colleen and All,
>=20
> If the accessibility has been implemented properly, touch screen =
technology
> can be easily used, and in the case of the Smartphone, can lead to the 
> =
use
> of apps that would never be found with a traditional device.  On this 
> =
basis
> I wouldn't dismiss it out of hand.
>=20
> Saying all that, there is a problem with touch screen technology that 
>=
I've
> not heard mentioned anywhere.  Basically, you need to be listening =
fully to
> know what you are doing.  On a device with voice feedback and =
traditional
> buttons, you can probably get most things done with only cursory =
attention
> to the voice, because you remember the sequence of physical operation.
> Using a touch screen needs you to be listening to the feedback =
completely at
> every stage.
>=20
> On a radio, this is not a useful function.  Ideally you will want to =
make
> adjustments without any chatter that might distract you from the =
signal.  I
> touch on this scenario in my review of the Kenwood TS-590, when =
pressing the
> button to hear the sub VFO.  The frequency is announced by the voice =
every
> time you press and release the button.  Fortunately, you can turn off 
> =
the
> automatic chatter, and it can be seen that Kenwood have given this =
some
> careful thought.  Too much talk is as bad as not enough! =20
>=20
> Turning a silent physical control to adjust say Noise Reduction is =
likely to
> be much more  comfortable for a blind operator, than  one being forced 
> =
to
> use a chattering touch screen.  It is for this same reason I prefer =
not to
> use software to control a radio in real time.  The only audio I =
ideally want
> to hear is the incoming signal, anything else can be  a distraction =
<big
> smile>!=20
>=20
> Best wishes, Kelvin Marsh - M0AID
>=20
> Working to improve accessibility for radio amateurs with disabilities
>=20
> www.active-elements.org
>=20
> For accessibility evaluations of amateur equipment and MP3 manuals
>=20
>=20
> -----Original Message-----
> From: For blind ham radio operators =
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of COLLEEN ROTH
> Sent: 07 June 2013 23:01
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Touch screens
>=20
> Hi,
> Amen to the button and knobs. That is precisely why I do not have a =
phone
> with a Touchscreen.
> Colleen Roth
>=20
>=20
>=20
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: John Miller <[log in to unmask]>
> ,to3 [log in to unmask]
> Date: Friday, June 7, 2013 2:41 pm
> Subject: Re: Touch screens
>=20
>>=20
>>=20
>> I believe there is a radio out or coming out with a touch screen. I =
forget
>=20
>> who makes it but I heard about it the other day. I'm sure I'd be fine 
>> =
with
> a=20
>> touch screen, I have a couple things with the flat key pad like 
>> most=20=

>> microwaves have and I do fine with them but am not comfortable with =
them,=20
>> don't like them and will do my best to avoid them and touch screens =
where=20
>> and when ever possible. I'm just not comfortable with them I'd rather 
>> =
have
>=20
>> the buttons right there in front of me to push.
>> ----- Original Message -----=20
>> From: "Dustin" <[log in to unmask]>
>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>> Sent: Friday, June 07, 2013 2:00 PM
>> Subject: Touch screens
>>=20
>>=20
>>> Do you guys ever think that ham radios will go to touch screens? Or
> maybe=20
>>> th=3D
>>> ere is already some radios with a touch screen. I wonder what it =
would
> be=20
>>> li=3D
>>> ke to use a radio running iOS. LOL like that would ever happen
>>>=20
>>> Sent from my iPhone=3D
>>>=20
>=20
>=20
>=20
> -----
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 2013.0.3343 / Virus Database: 3199/6392 - Release Date: =
06/07/13