EEVblog Electronics Community Forum

Products => Test Equipment => Topic started by: wholder on August 01, 2019, 09:59:15 pm

Title: VESA Arm Mount for Test Equipment
Post by: wholder on August 01, 2019, 09:59:15 pm
I'd like to get some of my test equipment, such as my DS4024, DSA815 and DG4162 up off the desk and, ideally, mounted to some type of moveable, VESA-based arm so I can position them, as needed.  But, so far I've been unable to find any kind of commercial solution that would allow me to do this, other than one, very expensive ($636!!) option (see: https://www.amazon.com/Rigol-DSA-ARM-Arm-Mount-Option/dp/B017C7YFSG (https://www.amazon.com/Rigol-DSA-ARM-Arm-Mount-Option/dp/B017C7YFSG)) for the DSA1000.  And, as far as I can see, there aren't any really suitable mounting holes available on these devices.

If anyone is aware of any affordable products that might let me do this, or has some thought on how to do it, please let me know.  And, as a note to test equipment manufacturers, how hard would it be to add some VESA 75x75, or 100x100 mounting holes on the back of your instruments?  I think a number of people would find this very useful, especially since arms like this https://www.amazon.com/Single-Monitor-Stand-Articulating-Adjustable/dp/B07L85LZ6G/ref=sr_1_6 (https://www.amazon.com/Single-Monitor-Stand-Articulating-Adjustable/dp/B07L85LZ6G/ref=sr_1_6) are as cheap as $30.  Just think about all the glorious desk space this could free up!  Heck, it would even be nice to have a way to attach my multimeter to a moveable arm (perhaps using magnets in the rear of the cover) as I frequently knock mine off the workbench while I'm working.

Wayne
Title: Re: VESA Arm Mount for Test Equipment
Post by: Bratster on August 01, 2019, 10:17:10 pm
You can always just screw a piece of wood or a plate of metal onto the vesa mount arm and strap your piece of equipment to that. If the vesa mount is able to tilt to horizontal anyway.

Otherwise you would just do a piece of bent metal to make the shelf or again piece of wood.


You can also look at laptop stand arms, that would give you something closer to what you want with less fabrication.


But I agree, for a lot of the really small and light equipment such as digital scopes nowadays it would be nice to have a vesa pattern on the back.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Title: Re: VESA Arm Mount for Test Equipment
Post by: ogden on August 01, 2019, 11:58:30 pm
I'v seen DIY solution to mount studio monitors (speakers) on VESA arms using L-shaped metal brackets (2 pieces for each). Be creative - attach small L-shelf to VESA arm and secure your instrument using elastic straps.
Title: Re: VESA Arm Mount for Test Equipment
Post by: windsmurf on August 02, 2019, 12:43:55 am
I would just get a laptop swivel arm and place your equipment on it.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71-ky57l8kL._SL1500_.jpg)
Title: Re: VESA Arm Mount for Test Equipment
Post by: bob91343 on August 02, 2019, 12:50:48 am
Consider a rolling cart that can be brought over as needed.  If it has shelves, you can carry more than one unit.
Title: Re: VESA Arm Mount for Test Equipment
Post by: GreyWoolfe on August 03, 2019, 01:08:29 am
Consider a rolling cart that can be brought over as needed.  If it has shelves, you can carry more than one unit.

DIY it for a custom solution.  I have one floating around here built from scrap wood in the garage, nice tilted shelf for the scope and 2 other shelves.  I may even put wheels back on it and paint it so it doesn't look so ghetto. ;D
Title: Re: VESA Arm Mount for Test Equipment
Post by: nfmax on August 03, 2019, 02:49:36 pm
I would just get a laptop swivel arm and place your equipment on it.
I used to do this, but I found that the arm mechanics are large and bulky enough to make the volume below the moveable surface unusable, at least if the arm is above the bench, so there is no real net gain in space.
Title: Re: VESA Arm Mount for Test Equipment
Post by: windsmurf on August 03, 2019, 06:39:19 pm
I would just get a laptop swivel arm and place your equipment on it.
I used to do this, but I found that the arm mechanics are large and bulky enough to make the volume below the moveable surface unusable, at least if the arm is above the bench, so there is no real net gain in space.

Yes that's true... you have to have it high enough so that it doesn't interfere with equipment below it.

This one might work out better for such cases...
(https://images.monoprice.com/productlargeimages/241751.jpg)
Title: Re: VESA Arm Mount for Test Equipment
Post by: wholder on August 03, 2019, 09:16:45 pm
Do you have a link to whomever sells this?

Wayne
Title: Re: VESA Arm Mount for Test Equipment
Post by: Kjelt on August 03, 2019, 09:42:51 pm
I placed a wooden stud from floor to ceiling, screwed it to the floor and loose fit on the ceiling so the floor carries the weight and added acouple of vesa and laptop arms to it for my 43" computerscreen and older laptops. Perhaps this would be a solution so you don't need the desk or shelf to clamp it to.
Title: Re: VESA Arm Mount for Test Equipment
Post by: ogden on August 03, 2019, 11:19:06 pm
Do you have a link to whomever sells this?

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=24175 (https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=24175)

Hint: check domain of original pic ;)
Title: Re: VESA Arm Mount for Test Equipment
Post by: bob91343 on August 04, 2019, 01:30:47 am
Wow a hundred bucks!
Title: Re: VESA Arm Mount for Test Equipment
Post by: ogden on August 04, 2019, 06:52:51 am
Wow a hundred bucks!

Yep.  >:D  For that money you can get shelf that will hold 10x equipment.
Title: Re: VESA Arm Mount for Test Equipment
Post by: blackbird on August 05, 2019, 11:11:32 am
Maybe for some light equipment (Rigol scope, bench dmm, soldering station (not the iron holder  ;D ) ) something like a telephone desk mounted arm could suffice?

(http://www.eska-office.be/sites/default/files/imagecache/product/Hansa%20Styro%20telefoonarm%20-%20telefoondrager%20lichtgrijs_0.jpg)

You find these cheap at thrift stores  ;)
Title: Re: VESA Arm Mount for Test Equipment
Post by: Howardlong on August 05, 2019, 11:47:21 am
I made one for a Keysight MSOX3054A.

It consisted of two pieces of 1.6mm thick unclad fiberglass board (one for back and one for the base), and two lengths of right angle cross section aluminium on the front and back edges, all of which I happened to have in stock.

It’s built as a tray, the scope just sits on top, and appropriate holes are made in the back for cables and the VESA mount.

I also used a VESA quick release bracket so I can easily interchange it with other devices like monitors or Tek scopes that have VESA mounts integrated already.

Edit: pics here https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-dso-for-work-any-opinions-welcome/msg871104/#msg871104 (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/new-dso-for-work-any-opinions-welcome/msg871104/#msg871104)