Ask Slashdot: What Equipment and Furniture For an Electronics Hardware Lab?

bartoku writes "Slashdot, what would you put in your dream electronics hardware lab? I am putting one together, and I'm looking for suggestions on everything from equipment to furniture. My aim is for a professional-grade setup, not just a hobby lab. The goal is to be able to test and debug modern electronic device prototypes. I would love to see money-is-no-objective suggestions alongside more economically practical solutions. Links or contacts for good distributors to acquire the equipment and furniture are also welcome. I'm also interested in commentary on renting versus buying new or used higher-end equipment to be economical and keep up with equipment that will become obsolete quickly."

Comments

Depends what you're working on...

[wisewellies]

There are a number of pieces of equipment which should be in any lab setup - e.g. oscilloscope, voltmeter/ammeter, decent bench power supply, soldering iron and proper illumination. What you need after that will depend much more on the kind of electronics that you want to work on - digital, analogue, RF etc. Each needs a different set of equipment. Personally, I work in the digital domain, and find a fast logic analyser invaluable for diagnosing difficult problems. I would also include a dedicated bench computer (or two), and large, deep benches with overhead shelves. You can't have too much space. Of course the most important piece of equipment is your brain - no piece of equipment is going to replace your ability to think through a problem.

What's it for?

[backwardMechanic]

It's all nice and dandy that you want a bunch of high-end professional equipment, but what do you actually want to do with your lab? Analogue? Digital? RF? Do you want some mechanical capabilities (drilling boxes, etching/machining PCBs, CNC, 3D printing, etc)? Do you need a microscope for really small stuff?
Rather than getting all excited about the shiny new toys, start with what you want to do. Then figure out what you need/want to help you do this. That's a question we can help with.

If you dont know what you want

[citizenr]

then you dont need it.

If your skills are like mine

[petes_PoV]

I'd suggest you start with a fume extractor and fire extinguisher

After that just buy stuff as you need it. You don't appear to know what your needs will be, so there's little point in trying to second-guess what you'll be doing. Therefore find a few good, punctual, well-stocked suppliers and keep their catalogs handy.

Re:There's a great Australian with the answer

[Dogbertius]

This is how I have mine set up. It's pretty sweet, especially if you like doing board and circuit design from scratch:

• Heavy bench with vice press
• Large desk-mounted magnifying glass with built-in lighting (for assembling small parts)
• Soldering bench area with a multi-arm alligator clip apparatus
• Fume hood
• Acid etching tank
• Drill press (I use a set that converts a Dremel tool into a press, fun fun)
• Dremel tool (even if you have a "proper" drill press, the cutting and sanding attachments are helpful; don't forget various sizes of collets or just get a chuck)
• Mini beer fridge
• Emergency sink
• Concrete floor (the garage/basement area is ideal so you can install a drain in the floor)
• Tool set (wire strippers, tweezers, cutters)

This setup lets me basically mass produce home-made circuit boards in a safe and comfortable setting. I also have a really old TV (think it's from the 80's) which I keep on life support and have a TON of adapters connected to it so that it gets cable. Just kind of like that retro radioactive glare :)