Ideas for a hybrid lab/office  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 04, 2014, 11:28:59 pm
content: So I'm in the process of building a house and I've started to think about ideas for my "office".Essentially it'll have my main computer and some video editing gear which I use 99% of the time, but I'd also like to set up a "lab" bench for my computer tinkerings so I don't clutter my main desk (which is the case right now). I also need to think about storage for computer bits (I have probably 100-120 various I/O cards, RAM modules, cables, screws etc... all in cardboard boxes of various sizes).I also want to use the room to showcase some of my vintage computer collection, so that when friends come around and say "Ohhh I remember those!", they can power them up and have a play.I don't know if taking on too much? The space I have to work with is 4.52m x 4.04m. A layout of the room is attached. The general feel of the house is modern/contemporary in a bush setting. I haven't yet decided on the placement of power or data yet.I also have a dedicated comms/server room which is 2.40m x 3.58m which I guess could double as storage for all those parts I don't use all the time but want to keep on-hand. It will be too noisy to actually work in though with the rack and all my gear running.I'm sure you guys will have some thoughts and suggestions which I haven't even remotely considered. I should also point out that I'll be buying new desks etc... as my current one sucks.

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2014, 12:12:58 am
content: Do away with any windows.Lots of shelving above multi drawered bench to store the test equipment and stuff.Custom corner bench assembly with hidden cabling routeing and possibly integrated cabling(power,LAN etc)Work bench and workstation both in reach from swivel chair.They need to be close for USB/LAN/ etc.LAN switch must be accessible.Workstation big enough for at least 2 widescreen monitors.Wall hung monitors for more bench space?Keyboard drawer?Larger test equipment with displays must be close to eye level when seated.Some bare wall for test lead/cable hanging racks.Cubbyhole storage? doors or open?UPS storage? with extra room for larger batteries?2-4 spare bench top power pointsCupboard with possible outside ventilation for a noisy server.Spare "stand-up" bench for assembly work, maybe mobile?Seated bench tops @ 750mm high & stand up 900mm.Hope that little lot won't do your head in.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 05, 2014, 12:29:43 am
content: I definitely like the idea of the standing bench (we all sit down too much). Removing the windows isn't an option unfortunately, besides, I like the natural light. Between both of the longer walls and adjacent windows is 755mm of extra room which should be enough for a basic bench (at the moment my desk is 600mm deep).All the networking gear will be in the server room (except for a small 10Mbit hub to support my vintage computers with a Coax interface) but I have the option of running as many network points as I like (I'm doing all the cabling/dressing myself along with alicencedfriend, so please, no discussion/arguments about the ACMA rules, it's happening!). I did think about raising the network ports so they sit just above the bench top, same with power.UPS in the office will be just a small workstation size SmartUPS or similar. The big UPS is in the server room driving all the server and networking gear. I don't care so much about uptime in the office, rather just being able to save and shutdown gracefully.I think drawers under the benches is also a great idea for commonly used bits like tools and soldering irons etc... (I want to keep the bench clutter-free as much as possible).

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2014, 12:49:29 am
content: Looks like you have it well sussed.Add dedicated lighting. Equipoise etcQuote from: n45048 on September 05, 2014, 12:29:43 amEasy these days with pop out "mechs" in various fittings to combine these into 1 fitting.

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2014, 03:22:30 pm
content: IKEA Jerkers if you can find some!

author: Macbeth
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2014, 03:43:56 pm
content: Do away with windows? Never. There is nothing better than natural light coming in from behind your equipment. Also, being able to focus on goings on in the outside world at a distance lets you relax your eyes compared to staring at monitors and meters all day long. I really fucking hated working at one factory as the owners barred all the windows to prevent theft, then had blinds to stop the sun getting in to wash out the computer screens. It was pure misery.

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 05, 2014, 10:59:56 pm
content: I would definitely keep some window, one you can open to let in fresh air, a lot of electronics outgas some compounds and the long term exposure effects unclear. I am not paranoid but careful.

author: German_EE
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2014, 08:40:00 am
content: Agreed, keep the windows. If you work with any solvents then you will also need ventilation and besides natural light is good for close-up work.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 06, 2014, 10:23:26 am
content: I would probably build something myself before going to IKEA :-)

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 06, 2014, 10:31:38 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on September 06, 2014, 10:27:27 amYou've got me there!

author: VK5RC
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 06, 2014, 12:47:58 pm
content: In my shack (a Ham's 'lab') i use pallet racking, its really strong so I can stand on it to get stuff from the back up high and not worry about it collapsing. Its also quite easy to add other bits to it if you need. I never have to worry about it collapsing either.It does look a bit rough though.eghttp://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Pallet-Racking-Heavy-Duty-Frame-H-5000mm-/111354713705?pt=AU_Storage&hash=item19ed421669&_uhb=1The picture below shows the racking on the left of the picture (orange metal frame) sorry about the mess!

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 06, 2014, 01:29:52 pm
content: I am of the mind that building is better than buying. When you buy, you are at the mercy of the designers. When you build, you are the designer and can build exactly what you need; no more, no less. I have an 8 foot workbench, and a 10ft by 9.5ft "L" shaped desk that I made that suites my purposes just fine. The only pre-built desk is an old 3X6ft teachers desk that my ham gear sits on. Not a perfect solution by any means but I love the old desk and don't want to get rid of it(memories of grammar school in the '60s).

author: Whales
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2014, 01:47:01 pm
content: Remember, this is not going to be a room in your house. If anyone asks, it's a laboratory in your compound.A few tips:Reduce the surface area taken by walkwaysPlace all furniture and items against the walls so walkways do not snake around the edges of the room. This ensures a better walkway-area to accessible-items ratio.Place desks in pairs, opposing each otherA swivel chair (as suggested by tautech) will let you access one desk from another simply by turning 180 degrees. I use a stool to the same effect, between my computer/work desk and my electronics desk.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2014, 08:28:02 pm
content: Quote from: GreyWoolfe on September 06, 2014, 01:29:52 pm+1This does include modifying premade/manufactured items IMHO, so long as they're suitable to the task (meet physical requirements and sufficiently durable). Doing things this way can usually get it done faster IME, but building from scratch allows you the absolute customization you refer to.Either way has it's merits IMHO, but to add in the usual proviso, YMMV.

author: German_EE
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2014, 08:44:24 am
content: I also went the custom route but I used kitchen worktops. The standard worktop is not deep enough for lab use because of the depth of equipment like analog scopes so 15cm is added to the back using tongue and groove cut using a router. I have a 2,2m bench and a 2,5m bench in one corner, more storage space than I currently need and lots of floor space.