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Instructions for a DIY ergonomic keyboard.

Posted By: Wordy Gertie on 2007-09-20
In Reply to:

I admit, I an avid nut for creative problem-solving. As part of that addiction, I am a coach for a creative problem-solving team of kids in the DestinationImagination program. Through that involvement, I came to love the Instructables site. Today, there I came across instructions for an ergonomic keyboard and wanted to share them with those of you out there who are handy or married to a handy spouse. Let me know if anyone takes this project on and how it turns out.



LINK/URL: Ergonomic Keyboard Instructions


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Ergonomic Keyboard
YES, YES, YES!!!
I purchased a refurbished SafeType keyboard because I started having tingling, numb wrists and hands and the difference.....WOW!! I told every MT I knew about the difference they make.....WHAT A GREAT INVESTMENT THAT WAS!!
I could tell the FIRST day of using it (after I got used to it) that my pain and tingling was GONE!! The keys are sideways and I thought it would take me forever to get used to it, but it didn't! I thought it was worth a try as a last resort in "ergonomic keyboards." I was using a split keyboard and I got used to the SafeType faster than I got used to the split keyboard when I started using it. I'm actually faster with the SafeType. They retail for around $300, but they sell refurbished ones for around half that. IT TRULY WAS THE BEST INVESTMENT I EVER MADE FOR TRANSCRIPTION!! If you haven't heard of them, check them out.... www.safetype.com, I think. THE MOUSE is GREAT, too! It's only around $80 new, but I lucked into getting a demo for about half that too!
GOOD LUCK!!
Ergonomic keyboard!
Thanks for the greate website and the prices are so much better than I have seen. Have heard it takes a couple of weeks to get used the the Ergonomic keyboard, is this true? Is it worth buying, does it make a big difference? I want to buy one but want to make sure it will be worth it. Thanks!
Ergonomic keyboard!
Thanks,will get it. Do you recommend a certain one?
Ergonomic keyboard!
Wow, can give it a couple of days. Thanks!
ergonomic keyboard

These are 49.99 minus 10.00 rebate at www.compusa


Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000, USB


"


Manufacturer: Microsoft    « Visit their Showcase


"

Mfg Part #: B2M-00012


"

Product Number: 333743


"

Was: $59.99
$49.99
SAVE $10 after:
$10.00 mail-in rebate(s)


Ergonomic Keyboard
I have always used a split keyboard, however, just purchased the Microsoft 4000 and have found it a little difficult to adjust to. The keys and space bar are hard to press and I am running words together because I think they space but don't. Other than that I love the split style and could never use a regular keyboard again.
ergonomic keyboard

.


MS ergonomic keyboard
help!  I have the MS ergonomics 4000 keyboard.  My F7 key would not work at all yesterday and  now the F5 and F9 will not work which I need to use for the company that I work for.  my tech dept. did not seem to know what the heck is going on.  Any suggestions welcomed!  Thank you,
ERGONOMIC KEYBOARD

Probably about 10 or more years ago, started having same problem.  Switched to ergonomic keyboard, and have been using ever since.  I have a Microsoft, I think it is Microsoft Elite, or something like that.  There is also a Microsoft 2000 available.  Just check on the Internet for availability at discount computer stores, or try E-Bay. 


Would definitely recommend!


Ergonomic Keyboard

I have been using a Microsoft keyboard that seems like forever (since 2002).  It has survived spills and scrubbing when I clean it.  The only problem is that I have worn off some of the letters on the keys.  It has its advantages - keeps my son from using my computer because he is not that familiar with the keys.


 


Are you using an ergonomic keyboard, that may help some.
x
What is the best ergonomic keyboard?
I used to use a DataHand, but they are out of production now and I'm so disappointed. What is everyone else using?
ergonomic keyboard ?
what part of the hand? I get pain in my wrists and wear wrist support, but I also know my ergonomic keyboard makes a big difference. I would say stretched, but not sure of what hand movements you could do, cause like i said mine is the wrist.
oh and anti-inflammatory round-the-clock. hope it gets better, it's not pleasant to work through :(
Goldtouch ergonomic keyboard
Check out ebay for keyboards.  I use a Goldtouch, whic tents up in the middle, like a teepee.  Got used to it real quick.  Now it seems totally strange and uncomfortable to use a "regular" keyboard.
Ergonomic Keyboard - My Experience
I use the Microsoft Natural Multimedia Keyboard which is a split ergonomic style and I think it is great, but I had to get used to it by using it a lot and I could not resort to using the other keyboard while getting used to it, otherwise it made it more difficult. Once I got used to it, I was fine. Now if I have to type on a regular keyboard, the keys now seem too close together. I also find that keeping my keyboard (either one) low near my lap and my hands at a neutral extension so that my wrists are not flexed either up or down has kept me from incurring any injuries or syndromes (CTS) connected with our type of work. I bought a tray for keyboard that I can adjust in this way. I have been a paralegal in the past and I am currently an MT culminating in over 20 years of typing and my hands and wrists are still fine.
I have a split ergonomic keyboard
and LOVE it.  It took a few days to get used to it, but now I don't know how I typed all those years on a straight keyboard.  This is MUCH better.
4000 Ergonomic Keyboard
I just purchased and using the Microsoft 4000 ergonomic keyboard and love it.  It took a couple of days to get used to the keys.  I have used other ergonomic keyboards, but this one is the best. 
Try Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard

Hi, try Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000.  I don't know about the wireless ergo keyboard but I do know they are expensive than the wired ones.  You could contact your local Microsoft hardware dealer. 


I agree - ergonomic keyboard sm
all the way.  I also use the Microsoft one.  I started using it about 6 or 7 years ago.  Funny thing though, once you start it's really hard to go back to a regular keyboard as it seems so tiny and crammed. 
Anyone out there use ergonomic split keyboard?
I bought a micrsoft ergo split keyboard. I am not sure if I am going to like this. Apparently one is supposed to use their left hand for the letter B....after all these years I have been using my right! Whoops. Anyone out there really see or feel the difference in the comfort or have any of you tried it for a long time and still just do not like ergos? Let me know your thoughts.................thanks friends!
Kinesis Contoured Ergonomic Keyboard

Has anyone used this keyboard?  (It is the weird shaped one).  How comfortable are the hard plastic wrist rests?


poster means ergonomic keyboard....

Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000

Has anyone had a chance to try this new keyboard out yet?

I saw it at Best Buy yesterday and had a chance to give it a little hands-on feel. Very interesting. Started a little research and the reviews seem to be fairly positive (7/10 to 8/10).

But, I'm more trustworthy of feedback from people like MTs who really give keyboards a good "workout" on a daily basis.


Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
I have a brand new one still in the box that I'll sell for a fraction of the retail cost. Just email me at rinny1987@yahoo.com.
In the market for a new ergonomic keyboard. I would love some suggestions!!! What are you using??
Right now I'm looking at the Comfort Keyboard ($289) and Ergoflex ($179) that are on e-bay. If you haven't seen them, they basically look like a regular keyboard, just in two halves. I've also been looking at the Microsoft Curve Comfort and the Logitech Wave. I HATE the big, bulky ergonomic split keyboards like the Microsoft Elite. I cannot use them at all. I also tried the Kinesis Classic and after a month, couldn't get used to it either.

Right now I'm using the A-tech AntiRSI keyboard. It's okay, nothing great.

I would appreciate ANY suggestions. Price really is a factor even though the ones I listed are outrageous. I'd rather not spend a ton, but will if I have to.

THANKS!!
Looking for wireless ergonomic keyboard with split spacebar, if it exists. Anyone know where I can f
Been searching everywhere.  Please help if you have seen this before.
I use ergonomic keyboard, gloves, splints at night, but sometimes what works best is a cool shower.

I use a MSFT Natural keyboard at home and the laptop keyboard on the road. nm

favorite keyboard over the holidays is called "no keyboard"
nm
If you use a standard keyboard you can buy an old IBM model M keyboard on ebay or clickykeyboards.co

That key printing never wear down because the letters are part of the key itself.  They just don't make them that way anymore because it is too expensive to make.  Some of the mechanical keyboards like Cherry have what they double shot key imprinting and the letters are part of the key itself and don't wear off. That IBM keyboard is very noisy from the type of keyswitch it has so you may not like that.  Logitech and Belkin make some membrane switch keyboards that are supposed to have longer lasting key imprints.  I have a logitech that has the longer lasting key imprints and it is pretty good.  You have to look on the specs to find out if has the longer lasting key printing.


I have experimented so much with keyboards and have done a lot of research.  Way too much info.  


 


I use a laptop with a full-size keyboard (no separate keyboard)
I'm using a lap desk but previously was using a pillow with a book on it under the laptop. No additional keyboard though, I bought one with a full-sized board with regular size keys (an HP) which I LOVE and it took no time at all to get used to it. I also love that when the weather improves, I can take my computer outside and get some fresh air! What a great job... :)
Keyboard and mouse. Is there such a thing as a keyboard that has a mouse on the actual keyboard?
nm

you don't want ergonomic, but
if you would take the time to adjust, the Kinesis Classic is great. AND you can reprogram keys. just the difference in location of keys and key-depth has already helped my CTS a lot!
Thank you for the instructions. I will try that! nm
x
I saw instructions for doing this yourself on
You sure don't need to pay to convert!
Instructions
While in Word document, type FEV1 with the subscript. Then hightlight, do Alt+T to bring up Tools, select autocorrect.  Screen will come up, type in FEV1 in the Replace section, click the Formatted Text button, click Add.  It should save it with the subscript.
sm for instructions

Go to My Computer, click Tools, Folder Options, click File Types tab.


Scroll down list and select WAV.  In the lower part of the window where it says Opens with, click the Change button.  In the new window, scroll down and select Scribe, then click OK.  Then OK to close the other window.


LX 219 instructions

How To Set Up & Use The LX-219 IMPORTANT—PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!!!! • IF THE FOOT PEDAL IS NOT ALREADY CONNECTED---Remove the Front Cover of the terminal block that has the cables attached, and Plug the Foot Pedal into the black connector. • Plug the cable marked “Trans Station” into the jack on back of the LX-219 labeled, “To Recorder” • Plug the cable marked “Power Supply” into the jack on the Power Supply. (some power supplies have two jacks, use the left one and ignore the other) • Plug the cable marked “UDLT” into the jack on the back of the LX-547 VTI, marked UDLT. • Plug the Telephone line cord into the jack on back of LX-547 VTI marked “TELCO”. Plug the other end of this cable into your telephone jack. • Plug Power Supply into wall outlet. • The VTI will now undergo a self test; all of the lights will come on momentarily and begin blinking. After a few seconds all lights will go out EXCEPT the TA and VD lights. These will remain on. (the letters identifying these lights are read from top to bottom, not left to right) You are now ready to Program your Station to call into the Lanier system and begin transcribing. Go to the Programming Instructions, and with the help of your Supervisor or Client, program the Codes and Telephone numbers that they want you to use, into the LX-219. AFTER programming is complete, use the following instructions to begin using the Transcriber. Copyright 2003 by: Ranzy Luster Plug Headset into jack on back of LX-219 labeled “Headset” • Put Headset on. • Press the ON/OFF key. You will hear a dial tone. • Press the Key that you have programmed your Telephone access number into • After the system answers and “Digital Connect” appears, the screen will display; “Enter Trans ID” • Press the key that you have programmed your ID number into. • The display will show “ENT - request Job” • Press the ENTER key. The small screen will display; “Searching for job”. After a few seconds, a job number will appear in the small display screen and all of the information will now appear on the LARGE DISPLAY screen. • Place your foot on the LISTEN part of the Foot Pedal and press down. • Press REVERSE to back up when needed, and if you have backed up quite a distance and don’t want to listen through the dictation again, Press FORWARD to get back to the point you were at when you started reversing. A Loud tone will be heard when you reach this point! • As you are transcribing and reach the end of a job, you will hear a steady TONE. At this point, remove your foot from the Listen Pedal and press the Finishing Touch Button. This will Complete that job and bring up the Next available Job. (the Finishing Touch Button is the one which you have programmed with the Code 1370) • When finished transcribing for the day, Press the button you have programmed with the Code 1371. This code completes the job and prevents others from coming to your station. • In Addition to the two codes listed above, the Telephone number of the system you are calling into should be programmed into a Key and your ID number should be in one. ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS YOUR EMPLOYER/CLIENT WANTS YOU TO USE WILL BE EXPLAINED BY THEM!


Copyright 2003 by Ranzy Luster
www.TranscribeSolutions.com


Instructions -sm

This is for WORD 2003. Just follow the steps EXACTLY as outlined. 


1.  Open a plain word document and type your ??.  (A couple of sets with one set per line).


2.  Go to Tools>Macro>Record New Macro


3.  Name your Macro (type it in the box)  Mine is named "jump". (Make sure in the second box, it says NORMAL template or normal.dot.)


4.  Click the Keyboard button - choose the keyboad combination you want to use (I use ALT+J) Click Assign.


5.  You should see a little button floating around that looks like a tape somewhere on your screen.  Don't touch it yet.  Instead, Go to Edit>Find and type in ??.


6.  Hit find next (you should be seeing your ?? being highlighted while you are doing this.) Click the cancel button on that same window. 


7.  Go to Tools>Macro>stop recording. 


Type in a few ?? sets and hit your shortcut combination to make sure it works. 


If you have trouble with this, feel free to e-mail.  I make these all the time.  :)


 


Instructions
If you set a tap stop where you want the DOB on the same line you should be okay.  In sounds like there are spaces there instead.  Set your tab point by clicking on the ruler at the top.    Retype your patient title then tab and put the DOB title.  If this does not work, feel free to email.  I am workin all day.  :)
there are instructions
in the system on how to do this.
I'm sure most of you get instructions like this

from your employers:


The BOS is to be followed, except when it differs from this company's style guide and except when also not in conflict with the site specific information of the client. 


So, you check the site notes from the hospital and if the question is not answered there, you check your company's style guide, and then if there is still no answer you do what the BOS says to do. 


Does this make any sense?  Making us consult three different references for the answer to one simple question?  Do the MTs in Indiastan have to do this?  Or do they get a pass because they work so cheap? 


ergonomic keyboards

Not only is it impossible to use, the salesperson was  rude and difficult when I called for return instructions.  Also, there was a money back guarantee on the website, but in small print "if refurbished, we cannot refund your money."  And guess what, you don't know its refurbished until it arrives on your doorstep!!  Needless to say, 350 bucks flushed down the toilet. 


I recently ordered the "ergoflex" keyboard, and was wondering if anyone has tried this?  It lets you rest each arm as far away as possible, which is what I need.  I've been typing on two keyboards, one for the left, one for the right, and it just takes up too much space.  I'm hoping this will help.  To the poster below about keyboard testimonials, these could probably be secured to the end of your arm rests, and also on the web site they have separate arm rests that look real comfy you can adjust to your table top. 


http://www.ergonomicresource.com/ergoflex.html


Ergonomic question
I have been workign as an MT for only a couple of months now, but I already am having pain in my arm.  It started being sore yesterday and continues today.  Is there anything I can do to help ease this discomfort and should I invest in an ergonomic keyboard.  Thanks!
ergonomic advice
Anyone know of good websites or where to get advice about setting up your home office ergonomically correct. Sometimes I think I have my chair set at the right height, or everything just so, and try to stretch every once in a while, but I still end up stiff and I think maybe I could do better with it. Thanks all.
ergonomic questions
The pain was in the lower part my arm. It has subsided over the last couple of days. I TRULY appreciate all these suggestions. Along with this pain, I have also had the tingling in my wrists on occasion. I absolutely love my new job but I know my health has to come first. I will check out all your suggestions. Thanks!
Ergonomic 4000
I bought one this weekend, as a matter of fact. I wasn't a fan of the so-called multimedia/internet keyboards before, but I have to say I do like these shortcut button thingies. Circuit City has a web-only sale on it and it qualifies for free shipping I believe.
Ergonomic mouse?
I have a Microsoft split keyboard, that helps my wrists, but I'm noticing that when I use my mouse a lot (which sometimes is half of my day), my elbow and forearm are getting sore.

Has anyone had this problem with a mouse (looked it up, and it's called "mouse elbow" similar to tennis elbow). If so, what was/is your solution? Looking at new keyboard with a built in keypad, and/or a different mouse or something, and wondered what anyone else has done.

Thanks!
Ergonomic Chair
A good chair is a MUST.  If you're using one of your dining chairs, you're neck and lower back are going to start giving you painful lectures!  I got my task chair years ago from Office Max - adjustable tilt seat, adjustable height back rest, height of chair itself adjusts of course.  Best $200 I ever spent.  You can probably find something similar that is used and reasonably priced in your neighborhood Craigslist listings. Good luck!
Do many of you use ergonomic keyboards?
a microsoft one I saw. I am just wondering if there is a adjustment period where it feels awkward or are any of you out there that just could not get used to them at all. I have been at this for many years, and I still have no hand/wrist problems. Could ya'll list the pros and cons. Thanks MTs!!! Have a good evening!
Do many of you use ergonomic keyboards?
a microsoft one I saw. I am just wondering if there is a adjustment period where it feels awkward or are any of you out there that just could not get used to them at all. I have been at this for many years, and I still have no hand/wrist problems. Could ya'll list the pros and cons. Thanks MTs!!! Have a good evening!