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,
>
> 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.
>
> 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.
>
> 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!
>
> 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>!
>
> Best wishes, Kelvin Marsh - M0AID
>
> Working to improve accessibility for radio amateurs with disabilities
>
> www.active-elements.org
>
> For accessibility evaluations of amateur equipment and MP3 manuals
>
>
> -----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
>
> Hi,
> Amen to the button and knobs. That is precisely why I do not have a phone
> with a Touchscreen.
> Colleen Roth
>
>
>
> ----- 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
>
>>
>>
>> I believe there is a radio out or coming out with a touch screen. I forget
>
>> who makes it but I heard about it the other day. I'm sure I'd be fine with
> a
>> touch screen, I have a couple things with the flat key pad like most
>> microwaves have and I do fine with them but am not comfortable with them,
>> don't like them and will do my best to avoid them and touch screens where
>> and when ever possible. I'm just not comfortable with them I'd rather have
>
>> the buttons right there in front of me to push.
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Dustin" <[log in to unmask]>
>> To: <[log in to unmask]>
>> Sent: Friday, June 07, 2013 2:00 PM
>> Subject: Touch screens
>>
>>
>>> Do you guys ever think that ham radios will go to touch screens? Or
> maybe
>>> th=
>>> ere is already some radios with a touch screen. I wonder what it would
> be
>>> li=
>>> ke to use a radio running iOS. LOL like that would ever happen
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone=
>>>
>
>
>
> -----
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