Electronics > Beginners

I've caught the disease! I'm a single-payer (bench equipment)

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rhb:
Over the course of the last 18 months or so I finally decided to buy a proper test bench at age 65.  I've spent about $12K, mostly HP except for a Tek 485 and a LeCroy DDA-125.  Almost a 1/4 of that was a Keysight 33622A from their eBay store.  All the rest is 20 year old HP label.  I've also got some Chinese stuff, Instek, Rigol, Tenma but the quality difference is really  striking.

I'm still a little shocked, as I've bought one new vehicle for myself, in my entire life, a base model 1993 Toyota pickup with A/C for $7800 at age 40.  But the test gear has proven to be one of the best decisions I've ever made.  I've always wanted to play with electronics at a serious level, but was put off by the high cost of test gear.  With no real hope of work in the oil industry again and several good friends dead already, I decided it was time.

I have 4' x 7' for the electronics in a 10'x 7' room with 5 computers, 3 monitors and two printers.  It's been a huge, very time consuming puzzle to fit it all in, but it's worked out nicely.

BTW I suggest some knee braces for your bench.  The construction in the photo will not hold up and is a considerable risk for dumping everything on the floor with a lot of noise  and unpleasant consequences.

vinito:
"BTW I suggest some knee braces for your bench.  The construction in the photo will not hold up and is a considerable risk for dumping everything on the floor with a lot of noise  and unpleasant consequences."

The braces are stronger then they appear. I weigh over 200lbs and if I sit my weight on one of the horizontal braces, it drops about 1/16" without being tied to the bench nor or the 1-1/2" perimeter I'll be attaching to it. I'm pretty sure it'll be rock solid once it's done. The concern is understandable, but it's much more than just nails and prayers. Thanks.

Also, the bulk of equipment and such will end up on shelves above the bench, so most of the weight will be up there as well. It's all part of my evil master plan.

bitseeker:
Welcome to the forum, vinito!


--- Quote from: vinito on November 18, 2018, 01:09:07 am ---I know about that "support group" and that's a load of malarkey. It's not a group which encourages any healing, but rather enabling in a deep way... yeah I'll fit right in.

--- End quote ---

Ah, yes, but it is a support group. Encouragement is very supportive. Plus, I don't think it would've lasted so long had it been about dwindling its membership by curing them. :-DD

Don't take it too seriously, though. We certainly don't. Otherwise, it won't be fun anymore.


--- Quote ---By the way, I do have this affliction bad enough that I'm upgrading my bench (as mentioned).

--- End quote ---

Looks like you're off to a great start on the new work space and bench. Then, you'll have plenty of room for more gear. Seriously, though, don't forget about your books and projects. It is easy to get sidetracked, but you do still learn stuff along the way.

rhb:

--- Quote from: vinito on November 22, 2018, 04:03:37 am ---"BTW I suggest some knee braces for your bench.  The construction in the photo will not hold up and is a considerable risk for dumping everything on the floor with a lot of noise  and unpleasant consequences."

The braces are stronger then they appear. I weigh over 200lbs and if I sit my weight on one of the horizontal braces, it drops about 1/16" without being tied to the bench nor or the 1-1/2" perimeter I'll be attaching to it. I'm pretty sure it'll be rock solid once it's done. The concern is understandable, but it's much more than just nails and prayers. Thanks.

Also, the bulk of equipment and such will end up on shelves above the bench, so most of the weight will be up there as well. It's all part of my evil master plan.

--- End quote ---

If you've got a metal clip in addition to nails, it should hold up fine.   My concern was that it was *just* nails.  And I know from 50 odd years of experience (I learned everything but masonry helping my dad), that does not hold up long term.  My space is very small.  I had intended a larger space in my 1500 sq ft shop, but decided that wood and metal work was not very compatible with electronics.

Plan your power distribution.  The 6-8 outlet power strips don't work well with lots of gear because of the volume of the cords.

I've attached a some pictures of my setup which I made by cutting the IEC end of of power cords.

I have switched 3 circuits, lights only, test gear only and soldering equipment only.  The soldering  circuit has a light which is on if that circuit is live.  Any one of the switched instrument feeds can be made always on for things like a GPSDO.

coppercone2:
holy shit put some epoxy on that lab floor

also, where is your moisture barrier?

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