How do you store test equipment that you use rarely - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: M0HZH
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2023, 03:00:32 pm
content: Hello,Looking for some ideas to organize my home lab. My current working area is quite limited and most of it is taken by the (large) stuff I use frequently.But there is also stuff like thermal camera, RF power sensors and attenuators, additional multimeters, DC load, frequency counter, LCR meter, etc etc. These don't fit on the desk normally but I might need them once a month.How do you guys store test equipment that you don't use that often?

author: pqass
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2023, 04:54:35 pm
content: 6 tier wire shelves on casters and clear plastic boxes (shoebox size or double wide) for the loose stuff.I use the first one for the equipment and component storage used most often. A 2nd one behind it for storage that I can pull out [to the side] to access. I have a desk pushed up against the first one (flush with the 2nd shelf from the bottom). Then 14U higher I have a shelf with my main test equipment; eyeball height when I'm sitting. Then 6U higher, shelves with shoe boxes for components.

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2023, 05:25:12 pm
content: Boxes or shelves. Be sure to remove any batteries.

author: CorporateReference
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2023, 06:20:31 pm
content: Our lab stores our T&M equipment in Protektive Pak boxes. The large full width rack units fit in #37532. Theyre strong, affordable (~$20 from Digi-Key) and ESD safe. The plastic bins are very staticky. For half rack units, parts and components look into LewisBins ESD boxes. Theyre sturdy affordable and lots of sizes. Our team is a bit OCD with organizing so this keeps the lab looking good

author: RCL
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 26, 2023, 09:19:59 pm
content: Gentle Reader:Yours is an important question!Valuable lab equipment should be stored in a controlled environment. The attic is too hot. The cellar is too damp. The barn is too infested. Treat your equipment like a member of the family. That is unless you do keep the family in the cellar

author: elecdonia
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2023, 03:24:56 am
content: I wish I could help you but for a whole month I’ve been trying to find my Krohn-Hite ultra-low-distortion audio generator. I know it’s in my workshop area. But it must be under something else that’s hiding it. I haven’t used it for a year but I really need it now.One thing I do recommend: For items stored in boxes the most important item is to label the box. Also I have a preference for stackable translucent plastic storage bins where you can see into them. But they still need to be labeled.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2023, 12:39:59 pm
content: Quote from: elecdonia on February 27, 2023, 03:24:56 amI agree. Anything stored in an unlabelled box, is lost forever. Throwing an item away is functionally equivalent.Another option is to simply downsize. By which I mean get smaller equipment that does the same function. For example: I used to have a couple of big HP power supplies. I replaced these with a bunch of Rek and Gophert power supplies which take (at least) 10 times less volume compared to the HP power supplies while offering the same functionality.

author: M0HZH
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2023, 02:11:49 pm
content: Some good ideas, keep em coming.The last resort would be to move stuff into loft but there's too much temperature variation and most importantly, I'll forget about it.Quote from: nctnico on February 27, 2023, 12:39:59 pmIndeed, downsizing helps. I already got read of a frequency counter and a RF signal generator, using the (inferior but still OK) ones integrated in my communications service monitor, as well as a bench multimeter that's been replaced with a good handheld.

author: nukie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 03, 2023, 03:49:27 am
content: My handheld instruments are faily flat. So automotive rolling toolbox for me. My devices fits nicely into the spanner and screwdrives sliding drawers plus theres so many drawers there for other various seldom use hand tools. You also dont need to stack your tools, sometimes the Red shell may try coupling with yellow shell, then your equipments will look like bastard tool with funny colouring after many years of constant mating. It makes my work area neat and organized.