The Up Your Bench - Winter 2012 Contest - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2012, 10:55:07 pm
content: Decided this is something interesting for me to do this winter.www.UpYourBench.orgTwo main prize categories, best or most interesting or unique soldering set-up and a lets see your workbench category.Will run from mid December till the end of February. I'll announce the winners in March and post the winning photos and comments.If this one goes well, I'll plan on running a couple each year relating to soldering, test equipment, and electronics workbenches.I'll announce on the site and here when final entry details and entry forms are available. Still a couple of weeks and room for a few more prizes.Open to residents of the U.S. and Canada.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2012, 11:17:48 pm
content: What makes up a winning work bench? Hand built? A lot of high end gear? Biggest bench? Smallest bench? Most functionality in the least amount of space? I gots to know!

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2012, 11:44:37 pm
content: Could be any of those things. It's a pretty general category. Might even be a unique innovation, or even the most unique location (the hood of your wife's car when it's parked in the garage???), or even the best use of space or how you solved a space problem. Heck, my first workbench when I was a kid was built into in my bedroom closet. It's a broad category this time around so as many as possible can enter. Just don't send in any photos you don't want to appear on-line.

author: george graves
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 01:01:43 am
content: Subscribed! Everyone loves work bench pics!

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 02:29:58 am
content: A couple of people have asked me about the contest name and what it means.I was looking for something unique to name the contest. "Your Bench" of course refers to your workbench. This and future contests will be centered around the workbench which includes soldering, tools, test equipment, bench construction and innovative ideas like home built test equipment, hardware, tools and creative uses of space. It's the "Up" that confuses everyone. "Up" has several connotations. It could mean Upgrade, Upload photos, or even clean it Up before you take pictures. The list is endless. It could also mean I was just looking for a unique phrase that would be easy to remember. Or it gives it street cred, Hey man, your bench is lookin' pretty bad, you better "Up Your Bench" .

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 22, 2012, 05:25:17 am
content: I'm in... Got some stuff coming in, just redid the floor ....

author: StubbornGreek
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 04:09:42 pm
content: Quote from: free_electron on November 22, 2012, 05:25:17 amAnd this year's winner...(I've seen you lab in the 'What's your bench' thread - pure win)Interesting, looking forward to all the pics. I actually just relocated my bench to the other side of the room with a new work space, I'll post when I can but I'm sure I will be leaps behind some others here.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 04:42:15 pm
content: Don't forget besides the workbench category there's also a soldering set up/tools category and the random drawing from all the entries for the Fluke 87V and other prizes (yet to be announced). Even if you think your bench won't win enter it anyway. I have seen many benches and believe me there is no clear winner until the contest is over. Besides, my dog Gidget is going to pick the Fluke winner. She could care less about who has the coolest bench.

author: Bloch
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 06:36:13 pm
content: Quote from: SLJ on November 21, 2012, 10:55:07 pmOnly Open to residents of the U.S. and Canada.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2012, 07:46:40 pm
content: Sorry, lots of problems with shipping costs, exporting electronics, duty, manufacturers warranties outside the U.S., and even legal stuff like liability. Even Canada is a problem but I've got a work around for that.But if your in theU.S.A. orCanada

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2012, 09:56:54 am
content: Well since I'm ineligible to enter, the contest hasn't started yet, and my real bench isn't 'up' enough to have a chance anyway, here's my non-entry:http://everist.org/tales/20121130_bush_workbench.htmSo... up yours! In the nicest way.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2012, 01:54:09 pm
content: Quote from: TerraHertz on November 30, 2012, 09:56:54 amTerraHertz!!!!!!!!!Congratulations! You just won a prize.You are the first one to use "Up Yours" in a reply in any of the forums the contest is listed on. Go to the contest page and use the contact email to get a hold of me for the details. Include in your email a seven digit number and then afterward post the number here so I can confirm the email is from you and send a reply with the details.

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2012, 02:57:28 pm
content: Quote from: SLJ on November 30, 2012, 01:54:09 pmBizarre. 2645038Bring on the ... um... whatever strange thing comes next.They don't seem to have an exploding head emoticon. Definitely a need for one.You just made that up now, didn't you?

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2012, 03:29:04 pm
content: QuoteNope. I knew it would happen. Was waiting for it.Just sent you the email with the details.You gots to choose....Hakko Tip Cleaner 599B-02 or Extech TL809 Electronic Test Lead Kit

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2012, 04:33:52 pm
content: Quote from: SLJ on November 30, 2012, 03:29:04 pmPredictably I hate to find I've been predictable, but this time I guess it's OK.QuoteOh definitely the test leads. One of my Fluke meters has 'plastic rot' of its probes. Turning to sticky slush.Cheaper for you to post to Australia too, I think. Also, gold plated stainless steel scourer pad, heh. Tip cleaners for the 1%. Or something.Thanks! Though I still don't see how that worked before the contest officially started, I won't complain. Rules? Why?

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2012, 02:10:01 pm
content: www.UpYourBench.orgStart Date Announced!Up Your Bench Contest entries begin December 14th.Get your photos ready!All entries in any category qualify for the Fluke 87V random drawing!Seewww.UpYourBench.orgfor rules and more details.Two Contest Categories: Send in a photo and a brief description of any of the following.These are broad categories to allow pretty much anyone with a soldering iron or workbench to enter and qualify for the random drawing. (sorry, contest is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only)Soldering Category:Vintage soldering iron/gun/tools - Got a vintage soldering iron or gun? Show it!Soldering setup - Show your soldering tools/setup on your bench. Doesn't matter whether you have the latest digital soldering station, an old soldering station that looks like it's been through a war (like mine) or just starting out with a Radio Shack iron and a sponge. We've all been there at some point.Maybe it's an idea like using an old PC power supply fan as a soldering fume disburser or a home made holder for your roll of solder.Workbench Category:Show us your workbench - whether it's got the latest test equipment, vintage tube test gear, so messy you can't see it, or clean as a whistle so it looks like it's never used.Show and describe an example of an innovative idea pertaining to your electronics bench such as a unique way you store your test leads, how your bench has built-in power, meters, etc. Unique parts storage, or any other thing that you think makes your bench unique.Tight on space? Show your bench set up in it's strange or odd place whether it be the kitchen table, the hood of your wife's car or wherever you normally work. Even if you pick it up each time to have dinner. One random pre-contest winner showed a photo of his portable work area set up on a folded up lawn chair.Winner Selection:Five finalists will be chosen in each category for the random First Prize drawing in each category and all entries in either category qualify for the Fluke 87V random drawing!Contest Dates:The Winter 2012 Up Your Bench Contest will begin December 14, 2012 and all mailed in entries for the contest must be postmarked no later than February 28, 2013 and must be received no later than March 5th, 2013. Do not send entries until the Winter 2012 rules and contest entry form are posted. All entries must include the information on the entry form.All entries in either category qualify for the Fluke 87V random drawing!

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2012, 02:23:03 pm
content: SLJ, by rather remarkable chance, those test leads arrived on Christmas Eve. They are very nice, and shall I call you Santa?I didn't expect them to come in such a nice pouch. Very neat. Thank you.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2012, 05:52:42 pm
content: Merry Christmas, Ho Ho Ho...

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2012, 03:43:04 pm
content: Steven, (I guess it is Steven "L-something" Johnson given your nickname and your links)Just sent my entry up your mailbox to the category "laundry area" workbench...

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2012, 05:10:57 pm
content: Got it. Your in!

author: helloworld922
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2013, 12:55:57 am
content: Aww, I wish I had taken some pictures about half a year ago of "my bench". It literally was on top/next to a race car. I had a harbor freight special cheapo multi-meter, an Arduino re-purposed as an O-scope (wrote the code myself), a humble soldering iron, and a bunch of wires/automotive connectors.Thankfully, I have since "upgraded" to an actual table/bench. I was not particularly fond of having wires/components getting melted to the engine/exhaust.I take it that you're going to post the pics online for us all to see at the end? I'm curious to see what other people have, too.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2013, 03:20:56 am
content: Yes, I will be posting a number of the entry photos including all the prize winners photos.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2013, 02:28:25 pm
content: Reminder - All entries have to be received by the end of February. If you live in the U.S. or Canada and haven't sent in your entry do it quickly. Remember ALL entries qualify for the drawing for the new Fluke 87V/E2 kit. So even if you only have a $5 soldering iron or a door on two saw horses for a workbench make sure you enter. You could wind up with a new Weller WES51 Soldering Station, a new X-Tronix rework station, or a brand new Fluke 87V/E2 DMM with accessories and case!Entry form is available here:http://www.upyourbench.org/

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2013, 04:12:51 pm
content: Thanks for the reminder. I just got a pile of new equipment in a few days ago ...

author: Thor-Arne
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 25, 2013, 10:24:48 pm
content: I thought I should just drop this here.Rescued this old thing from the roadside more than 30 years ago, poor thing.The rubber on the switch was gone.Had to replace the wire at one point, it completely disintegrated.Other than that one of the lamps is blown.It still works, tho I don't use it for any electronics.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2013, 02:58:08 pm
content: If you live in the US or Canada there's only 28 days left to get your entries in. Remember the Fluke 87V/E2 kit winner will be chosen at random from all entries. All you need to do is send in a photo of your bench or soldering iron or station along with the entry form. There will also be a winner chosen for the rework station and the Weller WES51 soldering station. Someone's going to win.http://www.upyourbench.org/

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 15, 2013, 12:19:07 pm
content: Winners Announced!Congratulations to the Grand Prize Winner of a Fluke 87V DMM,Dennis Richards of North Carolina!See all winners:\www.UpYourBench.org

author: george graves
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 16, 2013, 04:06:14 pm
content: Nice!How many entries did you get? Where can we see the rest of the pics?

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2013, 08:29:41 pm
content: SLJ, nice pictures of the winners, thanks for posting.However, I have one small remark: there was another entry that "dared to show his face" in the middle of the mess... mine...

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2013, 08:40:50 pm
content: Quote from: rsjsouza on March 18, 2013, 08:29:41 pmYou are the bravest of them all.

author: rsjsouza
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2013, 09:17:26 pm
content: Hehehe... I can barely qualify for "bravest" of anything but thanks for the honor...