A comfortable pilot is a more effective pilot. Here are some elements to consider when preparing the pilots station:
- Control box height relative to seating height the pilot should neither be too low or too high above the control box.
- Adjust the angle of the screen for best viewing depending upon your seating location.
- Lighting - see the FAQ about working in sunlight.
- Hand position if using a Pro 3, some padding over the edge of the control box is good, pay attention to wrist and elbow bend
- Air flow especially when on a moving vessel, fresh air helps with concentration and to stave off seasickness
- Seasickness - in addition to airflow above, when on a moving vessel remember that the most stable part of the boat is relatively low, centered over the keel (or centerline) and middle/aft. The bow has the most motion so may not be a great place for the pilot even if it is far away from the propellor. Same with a fly bridge - great visibility but very exaggerated motion in any sea.
- Other people some pilots are truly uncomfortable when there are people leaning over their shoulder. If the mission requires several people to see what is going on in real time, it is best to set up a second screen. This is very easily done with a composite video cord. If multiple additional screens are needed, that too, is not difficult with the addition of a signal splitter (note powered splitters have less signal loss then Y splitters).