Laying out a ham station is a fun part of our hobby but we all have different circumstances, I have had many station locations in the past 45 years I have operated from the garage, basement, spare bedroom, under the staircase, and from out buildings.
I just recently got to thinking about one change to the shack which got me to thinking about how everyone else lays out there station, well just check google you will see it all. So if you are a new ham or an old dude like me I thought I would share a few of my ideas.. not that they are the best ideas, just ideas.
SPACE... How much space do you have for a shack ? A closet, or an entire room or basement.
What ever it is use the space wisely. It is best to have an outside wall, only for easy access
to the antenna farm/ garden. Also good access to AC power and even 220 if an AMP is
involved, and don't forget grounding good access to ground. In short best case is easy
access to the great outdoors.
DESK…. Build one, buy one or use what is at hand ? I only have a few requirements for a desk.
It needs to be sturdy, ham gear is heavy in some cases however getting smaller all the
time. But no wobbly desks allowed. The desk surface needs to be adequate to hold the
equipment you choose to use, I have gear in the garage I choose to not use any longer and
that came while laying out my newest setup...don't need it don't let take up your valuable
desk top.
DEPTH... This is very important, you must have enough room for equipment, keyboards
and your arms. I think 30 inches is a minimum for real comfort, the desk I use was 20 in.
deep when I got it I added 11 1/2 inches on the back to make it 31 1/2 in. deep it works
well for me. Doors, drawers and vertical shelving is a real plus, and remember you may
end up like me drilling wire pass through holes so don't use something you can't modify.
OPERATING... Ok we have a space, a desk and way to many wires... always to many wires. Make
sure your feet are not kicking wires very annoying and unsightly, I also hate wires
running across my desk top so I rout things to stay out of my way don't be tangled
in cables.
Now we are on the air. Can you see your screens without looking up and down ?
Can you reach every knob and switch without stretching or standing ? These are
things to work on... make it so. Nothing will be perfect but make it the best you can.
It will be a work in progress maybe like me for years !!
Things you touch allot should be in easy reach and view, keep working on it !!!
THE CHAIR.... Advice given me by an experienced contester, if you contest or spend long periods in
your chair get the best you can afford that fits you and promotes good posture. It is
truly a big deal get a good chair !
PTT...………… I prefer headset mic's and foot switches for SSB, not important for CW or DIG but
worth trying, boom mic headset and foot switch ...try it !!
This is all mostly common sense advice but I recently visited a new ham that was operating a new radio from a TV tray I kept reaching out thinking I would have to save the rig when it all came down.
You will have computers, and a dozen other boxes to deal with, antenna switches and on and on. It is work to get you station the way you want it but it is fun, I have built many operating positions and none are perfect so I keep trying.....Enjoy what you have make it work for you and have fun.
