I expect we’ll see more and more VR cameras at our Ham Radio events. You don’t need a VR headset to enjoy these videos, but VR headsets (requires smartphone) can be bought for as little as $20. A good standalone VR headset is $299. Read more about this on my website. Vry73, Rich, KØPIR
Think about it . It could actually be a benefit to a severely handicapped person. Say someone is either a paraplegic or quadriplegic. Using VR headset would allow them to use a computer. t just grows from there. I don't know that much about VR headsets but seems like it could be used in place of a mouse. We joke about things that might seem gimmicky or a toy to us, but my be a huge benefit to someone else.
LMAO!! Sadly, the technology doesn't exist. We'll have to settle for scratch n sniff cards. All kidding aside, to @K4IBC 's point, it could be beneficial to some.
The idea has intellectual merit, but it lacks commercial merit in the mass market. Here's why - it is technologically feasible to do it and we can use Stephen Hawking's computerized wheelchair as a proof in design and engineering, but how many Hams would need a VR controlled radio? Hundreds in the North American market? Perhaps in the low thousands worldwide? Price would be a deal breaker for many. The cost would be higher than many would want to or be able to pay. Is the amateur radio market correctly reading the market place currently? Look at the 2 meter mobiles and the HTs - they get smaller and smaller which is fine for someone wanting an install in a minivan or a Prius, but the median age of Hams is getting older in the marketplace. Icom's ID-52 is less than 5 inches tall and Yaesu's FTM-200DR has ergonomic visual acuity issues while driving with anyone lacking the vision of a <30 year old. Menus are even worse. I'd have trouble seeing some 2 meter displays at my desk without concentrating on them and I am sure that others would as well. A VR headset is an interesting idea for the near-blind and visually impaired, but most radio companies don't do software well and their trends towards mini radios and micro-displays is not a good one.
I was thinking about people with limited mobility. But I agree that VR would be more focused on persons with vision disability. There are devices that are head worn accelerometers that allow those with limited mobility to do mouse and computer control.
Nice work Rich. I especially appreciate that the view is from above the heads of the folks around you. A much better perspective as folks can't walk by blocking what you are trying to record. 73, Kevin NZ1I
Voltage Regulator tubes. You are talking to 2 generations of people that like to reuse or combine words. They have little knowledge of the past, even their fathers generation. These are not clever feats.
