Workbench contest - operational, entry-level electronics workbench for < 200

[ez24]

you must design a complete, fully-operational, entry-level electronics workbench for under $200.

Lots of fine print and I do not know what the prize is

http://www.nutsvolts.com/pages/the_workbench_challenge_2015?

Maybe if there is interest in this - we could get Nuts and Volts to have a higher limit next year.  It would be nice to see a level that would include an oscilloscope.

[crispy_tofu]

They've updated it with the prizes now 

GRAND PRIZE
Oscium iMSO-204L mixed signal oscilloscope (Retail Value $399.97) - https://oscium.com/oscilloscopes/imso-204

OTHER PRIZES INCLUDE
1. Oscium WiPry-Pro 2.4 GHz spectrum analyzer (Retail Value $199.97)  https://oscium.com/spectrum-analyzers/wipry-pro
2. Measurement Computing Corporation BTH-1208LS Wireless DAQ  (Retail Value $199) - www.mccdaq.com/wireless-data-acquisition/BTH-1208LS.aspx
3. Parallax Starter Kit (Retail Value $197) consisting of:

• Basic Soldering Kit
• Propeller Activity Board
• Assorted 3-Wire Extension Cable 30-Pack
• WS2812B RGB LED Module 10-pack
• Capacitor Care Package
• Emergency Resistor Kit
• Digital Multimeter DVM810
• Circuit Overlay Board

[ez24]

They've updated it with the prizes now 

GRAND PRIZE
Oscium iMSO-204L mixed signal oscilloscope (Retail Value $399.97) - https://oscium.com/oscilloscopes/imso-204

OTHER PRIZES INCLUDE
1. Oscium WiPry-Pro 2.4 GHz spectrum analyzer (Retail Value $199.97)  https://oscium.com/spectrum-analyzers/wipry-pro
2. Measurement Computing Corporation BTH-1208LS Wireless DAQ  (Retail Value $199) - www.mccdaq.com/wireless-data-acquisition/BTH-1208LS.aspx
3. Parallax Starter Kit (Retail Value $197) consisting of:

• Basic Soldering Kit
• Propeller Activity Board
• Assorted 3-Wire Extension Cable 30-Pack
• WS2812B RGB LED Module 10-pack
• Capacitor Care Package
• Emergency Resistor Kit
• Digital Multimeter DVM810
• Circuit Overlay Board

Nice -  When I first saw this, I thought they meant actually building a workbench, ie tables, shelves, screws, nails, etc.  But now I think they mean equipment, like meters, wires, soldering iron, tools.

Does anyone know which it is?  But it seems this subject is not popular on this forum    Too bad because there are a lot of talented people here that could put something together (on paper).

I think I will start a post on a multimeter for this, that should get some response (after I make sure what is going on here)

Notice one of the prizes is a "kit" valued at $197 - I wonder if this is a hint?  I think I will submit an entry using this prize 

[alexanderbrevig]

Notice one of the prizes is a "kit" valued at $197 - I wonder if this is a hint?  I think I will submit an entry using this prize 

You should do that! Haah
I actually just submitted my take on it. Kind of a fun challenge!

[ez24]

Notice one of the prizes is a "kit" valued at $197 - I wonder if this is a hint?  I think I will submit an entry using this prize 

You should do that! Haah
I actually just submitted my take on it. Kind of a fun challenge!

Can you share you selection?

[alexanderbrevig]

Can you share you selection?

I guess it won't hurt I would appreciate that people don't simply copy it though 

$49.9  Oscilloscope & first project   http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/Digital-Storage-Oscilloscope-DIY-Kit-with-Panels-p-515.html
$100   Tools      http://www.adafruit.com/product/136
$5.95  Solder     http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/smd-4/solder-wire-63/37-tin/lead-no-clean-0.020-1oz./1.html
$24.95 Parts      https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13110
$16.9  Arduino    http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/Seeeduino-Lite-p-1487.html

TOTAL  $197.7
REST   $2.3      

[nctnico]

I'm so going to lose this contest. I'm about to rebuild my desks and redo the mains wiring. I already have all the materials and I'm quite sure I spend $200 alone on the wiring and outlets 

[ez24]

I'm so going to lose this contest. I'm about to rebuild my desks and redo the mains wiring. I already have all the materials and I'm quite sure I spend $200 alone on the wiring and outlets 

At first I thought the same as you - but I am sure now that they mean only electronic parts, not "building" something

[ez24]

I guess it won't hurt I would appreciate that people don't simply copy it though 

I thought about this after I asked.  But this post has low reads and good members so I hope not.

I thought about the same scope but passed on the kit part.  I do not think a kit will pass the muster because of the "beginner" thing.  Some other good selections.
The toolkit almost includes everything - good pick.

I think it would be fun if Dave would come up with a contest.  Can you imagine how much fun that would be.  We would just have to talk him out of using used stuff. 

Did you enter other than Twitter or YT?

thanks

[alexanderbrevig]

Did you enter other than Twitter or YT?

I sent an email with the list. I did not enter for the part 2. Also, the non-kit version of the Oscilloscope is cheaper (but the you don't have a clear first project laid out which I think is a good idea when starting out) so the individual newcomer could choose to simply swap it out. It was probably a mistake selecting the kit for the competition. Anyways. I entered just for fun

[XynxNet]

The terms of this challange are too vague.
What's an entry-level electronics workbench?

As a kid mine consisted of a fixed temperature soldering iron, some solder, a side cutter, a fixed power source, and the equivalent of todays 5$ multimeter.
It was great, surely entry-level and up to my needs in those times...
For 200$ I could have gotten at least 5 of those benches...

[ez24]

The terms of this challange are too vague.
What's an entry-level electronics workbench?

I agree - this is why I started another post
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/chat/what-do-you-think-%27electronic-workbench%27-is/

If you have time, how about enter the contest and share your entry with us.
thanks

[alexanderbrevig]

how about enter the contest and share your entry with us.
thanks

You should too mate

[ez24]

how about enter the contest and share your entry with us.
thanks

You should too mate

Couldn't be better than the prize 

Parallax Starter Kit (Retail Value $197) consisting of:

    Basic Soldering Kit
    Propeller Activity Board
    Assorted 3-Wire Extension Cable 30-Pack
    WS2812B RGB LED Module 10-pack
    Capacitor Care Package
    Emergency Resistor Kit
    Digital Multimeter DVM810
    Circuit Overlay Board

[KL27x]

What you need is a $20.00 DMM, a $50.00 soldering iron, solder, wire, protoboards, wire stripper/cutters, tweezers.

And an internet-connected computer to order parts, look at datasheets, make schematics and boards.

Prediction:
Winner will include stuff like:

Bus Pirate
Arduino-anything
Open-source-anything

I'd be scouring Adafruit, Sparkfun, and Seedstudio for open source consumerish products.