Low vision equipment reviews by M0AID
An Icom IC-703 HF Transceiver.
In February 2010, I was asked by the RAIBC Committee to evaluate certain radios, for use by a blind operator. I have no qualifications for testing the performance of these radios, but have years of practical experience. Therefore, my comments are about the ease with which the radios can be used by a blind person, not how they perform.
With the advent of computer control, it is possible for a blind amateur to extract much vital information from most modern radios, such as frequency and mode. But, the operator will need a PC, screen reading software, and good computer skills to use this method. Therefore, the evaluations are based on how easy the radio is to use as a standalone unit. Some modern radios have voice synthesizers as an optional extra and some have them as standard. Where needed, the voice chip has been fitted.
To give immediate feedback, I reported my findings using Email, and made them available to the Committee and to the RAIBC reflector. As well as being useful for the Equipment Manager, the findings may be interesting to Members generally. To save time and energy, I’ve basically reproduced the email messages here. I appreciate these findings might influence buying decisions, but I would point out that accessibility is only one part of the story, and that ultimately the radio’s performance is a crucial factor. I think it is important you try before you buy! If you are a CW operator, it is even more important you check the specifications and you know what filtering you are getting.
Saying all that, you may decide the best radio in the world is not much good if it cannot be used by yourself independently!
