Home Electronics Lab

[@ssheashell]

A 7 year old video that's as relevant as every for someone building out a lab. I am stealing your idea of the wire rack holding the gear with the table set in front of it. Perfect!

[@MarshallSmith27]

I like how you keep your setup clean no one else does

[@Raptorman0909]

Sadly, it isn't always that clean, but I do try to limit the crap that's left on it.

[@neverendingstudent]

Excellent lab setup, thank you for sharing it with us. I enjoy drawing inspiration from seeing how other people set up their workbenches.

[@hullinstruments]

Well here I am two years later, watching this video for the millionth time, and still gaining new information! Started messing with electronics two years ago for the first time. This video was so helpful, and I have watched it so many times… Many times just playing in the background of my lab while I work..... so I can try and soak in the information and foreign lingo. Thanks for the great content! PS.... your voice sounds exactly like another KZbin electronics guy… And I’m convinced y’all are secretly the same person with alter egos LOL I’m speaking of xraytonyb

[@stevedrenkard-h4u]

Thank you Brian! Excellent compliment to Dave Jones’ #168 video. Im setting up my lab now for when I retire and your video was extremely informative.

[@fbonacic]

Having PC is important for reading datasheets.

[@Raptorman0909]

Yes it is...

[@arcade_signal]

It's kind of oldschool but I like to print out the datasheets for the parts and equipment I have and put em in a large binder, just because it's easier to look down at than looking up at a screen somewhere. Of course I still have a PC on my bench for EPROM programming and interfacing with other equipment/reference/etc

[@Karatektus]

but you cant strg+f on paper :o. (currently working with a 1111 page datasheet)

[@wazzap500]

Karatektus Yes. I'd just create Folders. Digital Sheets are way more convenient.

[@paul7195]

I used to have more than that in my bedroom before I moved out on my own. The most important thing to think about before buying much in the way of equipment and parts is WHAT DO YOU WANT TO WORK ON!

[@DavidMullins1]

Thanks for the showcase. A long long time ago, I dabbled in electronics design, build and I believe I did a C&G course which I did not finish as I was a little more advanced for a teenager. Unfortunately over the years, lost all my tools and equipment, including the test equipment I built from scratch. Now, with a ton of systems & gadget designs still in my head, I wish to start again a new lab. But my biggest question is related to hobby. Back then I never considered anything I did to be a hobby and always considered the commercial aspects. So if I forked out $5-10k on a new lab, I would like to see some quick return. I dont want to be a another lose weight quick guru and goes out a buy the fancy HOME gym, only to find out that walking everyday is better than a dusty GYM.

[@leesoukup8787]

Your Return On Investment is based on your skill set. Shiny equipment gets dusty when never learned or used. Just because someone cane afford a Harley, does not mean they deserve a Harley. When you master the walking and jump rope, you'll appreciate the ease and use of setup and use of the home gym.

[@hamtrucker]

Great content!! I have been in radio and repair for about 12 years now. This is awesome.

[@CountryNerd639]

I love this guy!!! He is very knowledgeable, and very precise in his explanations. He also covers safety regarding OSHA requirements, so it's very apparent he is extremely proficient in this subject.

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks for the nice comment...

[@cranegantry868]

Excuse me! YOU are one tidy bloke. You are organized! You embarress me with how organized and neat you are.

[@tmburns4]

Great video! I followed your lead and moved my hot air gun holder off of the unit chassis and it freed up so much space. Thank you!

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks Thomas.

[@nyambemundopu1168]

I am impressed with the way things are arranged in your Home Electronics Lab. The layout is outstanding; you've optimized space. I've learnt a lot from your video. I also intend to set up something similar to this, although what I've in mind is an electronics repair/service workshop.

[@gheorghemoraru634]

Nice and really useful job you did. THANKS A LOT FOR SHARING!

[@tohaason]

In addition to a magnifier glass I use one of those adjustable table lamps which you clamp to the side of the table, with a built-in magnifier glass inside a circular light - these days that's an LED, in the past they were fluorescent lamps. I just move it into position above what I'm working with and I have both light and magnification and both hands free.

[@Ringer1982]

It looks like you've made a decent lab, labeled everything, made everything perfect... and went to drink beer instead of doing anything, even the wires wasn't removed from the bag :) Sorry, just never seen so clean and brand new working place :)

[@Raptorman0909]

Well I haven't been very busy in the lab for a few months given my efforts and interests in other areas. We'll see going forward when I can get back in the lab...

[@eloyex]

perhaps he likes the toys man !!! i have a sparkling posrche in my garage and NEVER USED ...

[@lampmanpaul7459]

I really enjoyed you taking the time to show us your electronics lab. I picked up some nice ideas from you. Good job All the Best.

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@darkcaste]

Thanks for sharing, this is exactly the video I needed to see right now. Also, I'm a New Zealander and I agree about Systema, we use it for everything. Nice setup!

[@joeschmitz3346]

The one thing I have you didn’t mention are a couple of TUBE TESTERS! I still have my tube operated oscilloscope along with a couple of other old test equipment I got back in the 70’s. Some of my Johnson ham equipment are tube operated. Started in electronics when I was 12 yrs old, now 56, love it.

[@Raptorman0909]

Tube testers -- man you are old! Kidding, I have you by 5 years. When I was first getting into electronics tubes were still king but were on there way out. In 1970 my dad bought a Heath Kit 25 inch color television and he and I built it. Back then TV's were transitioning from mostly hand built using discrete components to the first sets with some level of integrated circuits, but the Heath Kit was mostly discrete components and that resulted in a time consuming alignment process after the TV was built. When complete it was our first color TV and at 25 inch by far the largest.

[@yareps]

I thoroughly enjoyed this bench-side chat. I am in the process of building a lab table. Like you, I've standardized on certain storage containers. And as you mentioned, us older guys can't have enough good task lighting and magnification. Thanks again for a good tour of a well-planned lab.

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks, really appreciate the positive feedback!

[@rodbhar6522]

Nicely done. Probably the best lab tour video I've seen.

[@Raptorman0909]

Thank you very much!

[@AhmadAsmndr]

thank you very much thank you for every advice you gave and for your time I really appreciate that..

[@sofianmoussaillon360]

Very nice Lab, very nice Guy too. Some equipments are oversized.... anyway. Let see how these will fill our winters nights.

[@uni-byte]

The rubber bumpers on the AWG and the PS will interlock. Your DMM is a older generation design so it won't interlock with the PS. If if doesn't mess up your workflow it might be an idea to swap the DMM with the AWG. Of course, all this was back 6 years ago, so you probably have a completely different set up now. Never mind ...

[@peteleoni9665]

Cons Concise, to the point and direct. As an example, a dictionary is like that.

[@saeedsobhani4213]

Nicely done and explained video, thanks.

[@treadmillrepair754]

Very nice lab, mine is like Elmet Brown laboratory. I try for years to arrange some things without success. Thanks for sharing.

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks Ricardo, the Sistema Klip It boxes are great for the equipment related storage of cables and probes etc and there are various cabinets like the Acro-Mils ones I have with bins for the actual components. There are many choices for the larger storage boxes so I didn't do into great detail about them but here's a link for what I used for my bulk storage. www.amazon.com/Hefty-Storage-Container-quart-Clear/dp/B008DRN9XM?th=1

[@johneckert1690]

Vary nice lab sir. I like what you have done having the wire rack behind the work bench. I was thinking about using a 24 to 27 inch wide solid wood door as a bench sitting on top of filing cabinets or talking to a high school wood shop teacher and seeing if he/she may have young men and women in a class that could build me custom cabinets. I like the idea of allowing young people learning from the experience, earning class credit for it and making money at the same time.

[@thenightraven60]

Can't believe that you missed mentioning the most important item in there, even though it's right there in the middle of the table. The tea/coffee mug for when things just don't wanna work. Great vid. Onlt just seen this.

[@Raptorman0909]

That is my tea mug, I have a different cup for my coffee. Both play an important role in helping you think clearly -- should have mentioned that.

[@JohnDDavis-iq8dx]

I'm thinking about getting a Rigol 5.5 digital meter like yours or maybe a Keithley or Fluke 6.5 digit on the used market for about the same price.

[@brunofonseca9686]

Saw your lab on the "Show us your workbench" over at the EEVBlog Forum, super neat lab, congrats!

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks Bruno, it may be on the small side but it's not lacking in capability.

[@siddacious]

I appreciate the attention to detail, especially with regards to your organization setup. Kudos!

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks, I appreciate that...

[@BrunoPOWEEER]

FANTASTIC video!! Sunday morning at home watching you talking is almost like hanging around with a friend haha Very neat electronics lab.. really like your setup!! You deserve more SUBSCRIBERS =]

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks, I really appreciate your comments. Hey, I'm kind of new at this KZbin stuff and am still a little rough around the edges but this past month has been looking pretty good for new subs. (finger crossed) I note your handle is ElectricBike and that's another area I have an interest in -- is the bike you're interested in the kind built on bicycles or motorcycles? They're now turning laps at the Isle Of Man on Ebikes averaging over 115mph for the nearly 40 mile mountain lap -- insanely fast.

[@ManofCulture]

I found ya!!! 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀

[@sergeydzema5569]

interesting points ,if anyone else wants to uncover electronics repair book try Saankramer Electronic Magazine System ( search on google ) ? Ive heard some great things about it and my partner got cool success with it.

[@raindogred]

hmm maybe its just me..Got me thinking about my number one tool that I have to have close at hand when doing electronics is a laptop with Internet. I've gotten into the habit of working paper free. All my schematics are on my laptop and even refernce books are pdf/ebook, or if I'm referring to a schematic that i found online. Also I'm lazy and never remember calculations so am constantly checking things like cap/resistor codes, or using online caculators for things like rc filters etc. So if I'm designing or building, for me personally a laptop is right up there on list of important tools. And generally I have heaps of projects on the go so my workspace has a bunch of breadboards scattered, parts bins tools, magnifying lamp, soldering iron, meters all at hands reach. We all work differently..and inspired to clean up after seeing this vid. Love the vertical approach you use..inspired.. great job...

[@Raptorman0909]

Yep, having a PC nearby is more than useful and some people can work without paper -- I'm not one of them though. The ability to do a parts lookup from Google is hugely helpful and if you have a good schematic program you can do most everything on a PC. But, for me, the two things I often revert to pen and paper are to: sketch something quickly and to take data down. I just received an order that included a couple pads of Tops Quadrille graph paper with 0.1 inch grid. I just sketched something up on it a few minutes ago.

[@raindogred]

well for sketchups I use an app called "paper" on my ipad :) cheers for the reply..just doing a cleanup of my workshop/bench. Its amazing what crap I have collected and forgotten about. lol

[@markc9871]

Thanks. Congratulations on your lab. Wondering if you had any thoughts on solder fumes? I realize you have limited options in your area.

[@bobdoritique7347]

Thanks Brian. I build my "Atelier", and your video give me some ideas.

[@Raptorman0909]

Glad I could be of some help...

[@jwrelectro]

Good job on the video. I also have a Fluke 27 that I purchased new and it still works very well. Again thanks for sharing.

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks, and I've enjoyed your videos as well...

[@GaryMcKinnonUFO]

I'm envious of your setup there, i need to get stuff off the bench and on to shelves, thanks for sharing.

[@aaronazz]

Great setup and well laid out. I like your shelved setup to save space. Thanks for sharing and keep up the videos!

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks, I've been working on a couple projects that have taken my attention away from the lab for a while but I expect to get back at it in a bit.

[@michaelstevens630]

You have given a good appraisal on setting up a working space.Have a load of the clip top boxes you have shown. Don't touch mains might be a good expression. I had an issue with an NE555 timer but had no list of numbers.

[@Motorman2112]

This is an impressive standard of video for such a new channel. Good job!

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks Motorman2112 -- say, would 2112 be a reference to the Rush album -- saw them live in 1978 and they played 2112 and blew me away. Again, that's for the positive feedback...

[@Motorman2112]

Indeed it is, also a reference to Motorhead. :) I just got a DS1054z two days ago, it's been great to take things I knew about in theory (differential pair signals, capacitor charge time etc.) and actually see them for real.

[@analogMensch]

Had the same problem with my small power supply slipping around on the shelf. But I don't want to screw it down like I did with the big one, cause sometimes I want to take it with me. The good thing about the rubber feed is a hole in the feet (where the screw goes in), so I just screw four bolts into my shelf which fit into these holes in the rubber feet. It's just about 5mm for each bolt to go into the feet. But it's way enough, cause the power supply is really heavy and sit perfectly on these bolts by it own weight.

[@banjax66]

I noticed while you were recording your video at 41:23 and talking about 'Home safety', a major earthquake was taking place and as a man, you did not let the event ruin your production.. In your video you mentioned Mr. Carlson having all the test equipment .... But YOU my friend have the BALLS! Keep the vids coming buddy... I have subscribed.

[@Raptorman0909]

Ha ha, yes, it looked like an earthquake but I can assure you that wasn't the problem. I suspect the lens had a brain fart and decided to stabilize even when the camera was on a tripod. I think perhaps it got warm being on so long and had a little palsy for a minute. Interestingly, after about a minute it fixed itself. I enjoy Mr Carlson a lot and although I poked a little fun I surely meant no disrespect to him. At the end of the video I mention that hobbies can be expensive and then pointed to one of my Nikon D800E cameras and a D7200 with Sigma 150-600 sport lens -- I do not even want to think of how much money I've spent on camera gear in the last 20 years -- could have a very nice Tesla. As I type this I'm currently on the road with my cameras and drone and I hope to have some uploads of this trip in a couple weeks. I also have an update for the home electronics lab I'm planning soon.

[@lleaves]

Very nice lab! Very thorough description of electronics laboratory practices.

[@InXLsisDeo]

That's an incredibly well thought out and organized electronics lab with just about the best bang for the buck equipment for a serious home electronician. The only thing missing is a spectrum analyzer, apart from that I can't see any fault here. Congratulations, sir !

[@Raptorman0909]

Thank you, yeah a spectrum analyzer would be nice but that will have to wait.

[@sentencelong35]

Starting from scratch these vids are good support and guidance.

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks, appreciate that...

[@ManofCulture]

I start as a tech with $10 analog multimeter, $15 KS-30 Goot brand iron and also with cheap solder sucker and 60/40 soldering lead. This year I'm planning to buy $139 Picoscope USB oscilloscopes 10Mhz and $126 EEVblog Brymen BM235 Multimeter, next is the cabinet and containers... 😀 😀 😀

[@sibalogh]

I wanna by an oscilloscope that doesn't cost an arm-and-leg but, I'd rather spend a bit more now, if needed, to have something decent then the need to buy one more later. I saw a DS1052E (2ch 100MHz) or DS1054Z (4ch 50MHz). Do you know which is a better choice at Amazon?

[@zyspan]

Safety - you are so right. Especially for the home enthusiast / learner - you're working on your own and you have to discipline yourself to be safe. Well presented

[@MakeKasprzak]

Very nice setup. Gave me some good ideas for what to upgrade next. ;)

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks Mike...

[@MakerUSA]

Thank you for sharing. Very useful information and enjoyed the casual approach of going through with everything.

[@indian.techsupport]

haha, the sweep in the background looks like a 80's spaceship

[@Finom1]

I just subscribed to your channel. I am just starting out after retiring. Thank you for this video!!!

[@Raptorman0909]

No problem, glad I could be of some help. I'm thinking about doing specific videos on the core components of an electronics lab like the scope and power supply and maybe within a week or so I'll have the next installment up. My focus here is in the beginner lab but I will have links to other videos from some of the other well known folks in the business.

[@eloyex]

So clean and neat !!!!!! if you see mine throw up !!! very nice man !! i would add a cheap laptop (small one) , a fix and articulated magnifying glass with integrated fluorescent light (harborfreight has a very good one VERY cheap) and a used-low cost spectrum analyzer. of course, depending the kind of project you like , you need different variations to this set up, that is pretty nice indeed ...

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks, I have several laptops from small ultrabook types through large 18 inch desktop replacements so I definitely have the laptop thing covered. In fact, I have about 6 functioning laptops though only 3 get used very often. I added a helping hands tool (Panavide) a while back and hope to do an update that incorporates that in the near future, but, as I said a bit a go I've been pretty busy with other things like drones and haven't been doing much with the lab for about 6 months.

[@TheBdd4]

Thanks for the good explanation. Very neat layout, nice work surface. Also, you are easy to listen to and should do well on KZbin.

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@neophytealpha]

Swing arm magnifying glasses with built in lights are useful

[@bradconnor3542]

very neat and well organized lab, hope to see some circuit design tutorials or any circuit analysis .

[@Raptorman0909]

I've been busy with other things of late but hope to get back in the lab soon.

[@1pcfred]

You can tell me what you use for a stripper. I am in the market for a new thin gage stripper myself. Nice bench BTW.

[@st.blackops2cel61]

I like your setup, it's very reasonable one, but I wonder why don't you have a spectrum analyzer?

[@joshaas]

very nice neat lab, but i think that for me the pc is the more important stuf, all equipment has logging usb for the pc, plus you need to have a screen for the sematic of what you are building, also for drawing sematic and logging for your equipment, you build your lab for your own needs, but yours is very neat i like that

[@dennysakawat2235]

Very helpful information..

[@jameslucas6589]

You have a nice lab and arrangement. Somewhere I missed the variac and capacitance tester. The Samsung..... you will find a used Realistic from now out of business Radio Shack. Would be more reliable. The warranty for any Samsung product is not worth the keystrokes used to create it. Samsung is notoriously uninterested in customer service. Too bad. Yet I love your compact arrangement. I suspect my version would be far far less organized. Plus I love vintage workhorse equipment which has a much larger footprint. Thanks again.

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks, the lab isn't large but it does what I need. I don't have a variac but my bench multi-meter and an older Fluke DVM both measure capacitance. What Samsung item are you referring to? The only Samsung items I have are smartphone (Note 4) and a couple tablets, other than that I can't think of any other Samsung items I have. One item I'd like to have and may pickup soon is a higher current bench power supply. The bench supplies I have, the Rigol DP832 which is limited to 3A at 30V and the Tekpower TP3005T which is limited to 5A at 30V are good for lower current needs but I really need a 10A supply to 30V or more. A 10A 50V would be perfect.

[@jameslucas6589]

Raptorman0909 Sorry, I was referring to the 512G Samsung 950 pro.

[@markkoh888]

Very well org. Things are clearly labelled!! Nice Job!!

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks Mark...

[@stevieboi61]

very informative. thankyou👍

[@hseegreen]

i like how you have all organized :)

[@JAKOB1977]

It happens, from time to time.. a good tip is to take pictures the few time it happens... you will appreciate it later, that your bench actually is able to look organized.

[@LutzSchafer]

Good job indeed! I guess you could use 3D printed insets and dividers for your AcroMills drawers.

[@Jonaythan]

I was curious which soldering stations you think have the best thermal capacity for motherboard repair? I have two Hakko FX-888D and they lacked the thermal capacity I needed so I bought an FX-951 and it does seem to work somewhat better for desoldering. I'm strongly considering an JBC station, but then I'd have far too many stations. I have tried a desoldering gun, but they truly have limited uses and cleanup is annoying. Any thoughts?

[@knpstrr]

would love to see some videos of electronics experiments/repairs, or you using the tools!

[@bennyrosado5402]

Very cool!! I'm half way there...thx for the very informative video..

[@Qazwsx-sr3yy]

Great room. What is the room ambient temperature in summer? I have a similar room, I was wondering.

[@Raptorman0909]

19-24C

[@hal-ys9ep]

Thank you for the video. Great info. Very helpful advice.

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@friedmule5403]

LOL yes!! You can easily spend more on a camera body and two lenses then all your gear combined, but okay you can also spend more on an oscilloscope than on a complete filled camera bag:-)

[@Raptorman0909]

Yes, in just about any category there are low end consumer goods, mid priced prosumer items, high end pro gear, and then laboratory grade gear at insane prices.

[@jwhite1016aol]

you do things the way I do, organization style.

[@MartinPHE]

The 832 banana plugs stick out farther then the front bumpers which defeats the front bumpers purpose. BTW Mr. carlson's lab shows you how to do the replacement batteries for the Tek 222-224

[@Raptorman0909]

Yes, the banana jacks do stick out a bit beyond the bumpers but they're the only items on the front panel that do so everything else, including the display, is protected. The banana jacks could be damaged if you were very rough with it but just a bit more care and they're robust enough to handle it. The front bumpers, in order to fully extend beyond the banana jacks would be REALLY big and impractical. Mr. Carlson does indeed have a video on replacement batteries for the Tek 222/224, but his arrangement doesn't protect against overcharging of the batteries. There's another video where the guy used 2 or 3 18650 batteries and designed a PCB to handle charging of them to prevent overcharging. Both approaches are a bit overkill in my book as you can run the Tek 222/224 from an AC or DC supply of greater than about 14V and upwards of 20V so if I ever make a battery powered supply for it I'll probably use one of my 6S drone batteries and a small buck converter and just plug it into the Tek 222.

[@BOMBOVA]

You did a very good job of this, i enjoyed your outline, very much,

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@kensmith5694]

Many folks will find the calculator on the cell phone good enough. A spreadsheet program on a PC is really handy. Libre-Office has a free one. I will try to explain my method if using (abusing) a spread sheet: In column A I make a short title like "Working out the current in R1" Next in column A I put in V = R = I = Now I put the value for V and R in column B Nest to the "I =" I enter the formula like =B2/B3 Make the "B#" match. Now that you have the I for R1 you can go on to do some later calculations with it When you have it all filled in, you can then do things like "I know that my R1 value is a 10% resistor so what happens if the 10K is really 11K." If you change the R value the other values all update. For the younger folks, a "wall wart" plug in power supply can be a good start. The 1st project can be to make an adjustable linear regulator running from the wall wart. The 2nd project can be to make a better linear regulator on a 2nd wall wart. With 2 supplies and a solderless proto board a lot of stuff can be learned. If your budget is tight, remember that the best gear in the world is what you can afford. Your brain is the most important part. Working out how to design and test an idea with the gear you have is going to be the same issue no matter the gear you have. When I was a kid, I worked out how to make test gear to get the job done because I had basically no budget. I learned a lot from the effort.

[@tonysfun]

Thank you for your videos! Before you purchased Rigol DP832 did you gave the 832A a chance - if you did, why did you buy this and not the A model? (I know it is much more money!)

[@Raptorman0909]

The DP832A is basically the same PS as the DP832 -- it has the same voltage and current limits, the main difference is the resolution of the display. That is, they are the same unit under the skin and the only difference is the firmware. I haven't looked in a couple years, but you should be able to find downloads to update the firmware that will make the DP832 into a DP832A. I'm not suggesting you do so, just saying there is, or was, an option to do so.

[@tonysfun]

@@Raptorman0909 Thanks for a quick reply!

[@danielnewhouse5044]

The real reason for those home electronics setups they used to sell is to receive transmission. Transmissions that may tell you where to meet someone.

[@pirateman1966]

Do you use a parts inventory database, or just keep everything in a spreadsheet? Do you have enough parts that justifies having a tracking system?

[@zyspan]

Great youtube - I'm a fan of Mr Carlson too :-)

[@Raptorman0909]

I know so folks think he's a hoarder, but I enjoy his channel and he sure knows his stuff. I was a bit surprised and delighted to see he also has a muscle car.

[@zyspan]

Well, up there - they're space heaters. I'm from Ireland and it's just rains all the time (no summer is nice).

[@zyspan]

It's Christmas and I've had a few beers. Mr Carlson is cool and I hope I didn't upset any Canadians - I meant, with all that electronic gear on it must quite cosy. Norm MacDonald!

[@FullFledged2010]

Your forgot one thing: A smartphone with Electrodroid! A life saver for me!

[@percaine]

I'm in an apartment as well and I was hoping you'd address fume extraction when soldering and desoldering..I'm a beginner and only have some very basic tools but I would like to either make or buy some sort of fume extractor that works well in an apt but won't cost a fortune. Any ideas?

[@Raptorman0909]

I do not have any fume extraction at this time but I don't do a lot of soldering so I just kind of deal with it. If I did a lot of soldering then having a fume extractor of some form would be wise. One way this can be handled short of an actual fume extractor would be to work near a window and have a window fan exhaust through the window.

[@percaine]

That's basically the situation I'm in as well..I don't do a lot of soldering but I'd still prefer to extract the fumes rather than breath them in..The window fan Idea is a good warm weather solution and I might give that a try but being -15c at the moment I think I'll wait until winter is over..lol

[@harryjohnson615]

"...The second coming of Nikola Tesla.." Ha Ha Ha, I'm still rolling around on the floor, that cracked me up. I wonder if Mr Carlson has seen this video. :-) Funny how many engineers look around another's lab and mentally cost it up :-)

[@foxyrollouts]

wow, very organised, well done. Thanks for your tips.. Is that 1054Zany good.. do you wish you had more bandwidth?

[@Raptorman0909]

Rigol 1054Z is good for the money but there are plenty of better scopes out there if you're willing to part with more cash. 50MHz to 100MHz covers a lot of bases but if you need higher bandwidth, and many people do, then the 1054Z isn't the model for you. A good strategy is to get a DSO like the 1054Z, which has many more features than a 15 year old CRO even a high end 15 year old CRO, and then add a higher bandwidth CRO to cover the bandwidth needs while still have the huge array of features the 1054Z has.

[@gatesmw50]

If I can get a print schematic I would rather have that than an internet one as mentioned by raindog red below if one if it is available. The on-line ones are not always that good or easy to see. And what happens when you service something with multiple inter connected circuit boards? Your internet print out does not show that, but a multi page fold out schematic will. I guess it depends however on what you are working on.

[@Raptorman0909]

Yeah, paper isn't going away anytime soon. The internet is great for finding things and you can print things out once you find it, but having a hard copy in your hands that you can mark up as needed -- pretty useful.

[@andrewverran3498]

nice video ...which chrome shelving system are you using and video/vlogging camera details please. cheers

[@Raptorman0909]

I can't remember exactly where I got it, it may have been Lowes, a US hardware superstore. But, it is pretty much a standard design where the racks slip over the vertical posts with bushing/shims that lock the shelf at any of the concentric rings on the vertical posts -- spaced about 25mm or 1 inch apart.

[@andrewverran3498]

@@Raptorman0909 thanks for the reply..i have a similar setup for cb radio estoration, would love a spectrum analyser some day..recently bought a Nano VNA and TinySA which are very cool..what vlogging video camera are you using?

[@joeschmitz3346]

Some places require you to not only have a osha 10, but an FCC license which I do have in complete communication field as well as my electrical license.

[@Raptorman0909]

Yeah, I can imagine that many places that work with radios of one form or another would require an FCC license. It is interesting to note that the FCC made it easier to work in the field without an FCC license a few decadesm ago.

[@dmottern1952]

Great Video! I teach Electronics at a community college.

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks Doug, really appreciate that.

[@alexabadi7458]

I have 3 scopes, 4 function generators, 2 frequency counters, 4 multimeters, 7 power supplies. Do I also need a soldering iron ? :o)

[@ethiopiaandenet896]

if you see my lab it looks like bombarded ,tv pc ,mobile you name it , my friend enjoy you lab .

[@Raptorman0909]

My lab isn't always this neat and clean, when I record video in it I try to tidy things up.

[@ObjectiveSee]

Excellent video, thank you so much for sharing! I have a question that I did not see answered in the comments although I may have missed it. What wire rack did you buy? Do you have a link that could point me in the right direction? I've found a few but would like to replicate your setup. Thanks!

[@Raptorman0909]

I had the wire rack for some time so I don't have details on manufacturer or model, but I can provide dimensions for you. The rack is approximately 46.5" (118cm) wide as measured from center of vertical to center of vertical; 16.5" (42cm) deep center to center; and 74.5 " (189cm) tall as measured to the top of the vertical. It came with 5 racks tat can be placed anywhere along the vertical tubes at intervals of about 1 inch or 25mm. I'm not sure where you are but I think this was purchased from one of the Lowes Home Improvement stores in my area about 8 or 9 years ago. This link should be pretty much the same model: www.lowes.com/pd/Style-Selections-72-in-H-x-47-7-in-W-x-18-in-D-5-Tier-Steel-Freestanding-Shelving-Unit/999990408?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA-_-Kitchens-_-Shelving-_-999990408:Style_Selections&CAWELAID=&kpid=999990408&CAGPSPN=pla&store_code=342&k_clickID=6e0e25b8-7bda-4ae0-addc-541ec2f42f71&gclid=CjwKCAiAvMPRBRBIEiwABuO6qUiZ0bPmm0ihxmLJUEKjEUkaE9eYBkco-wblKcJ1a2kL9qyLbp4TvBoC3OwQAvD_BwE

[@ObjectiveSee]

Fantastic, thank you for getting back with me!

[@ChipJohns_photo]

Thanks for this great video. Will watch again, and subscribed...!

[@charlieeverhart6646]

Hey man great video. I am glad I am on the right track on putting together my home lab. I have a lot of the stuff you have there. I have mixed brand name on my equipment though. One thing I was wondering about 32 minutes into your video. You have not mentioned anything about a 1:1 isolation transformer. Do you not have one for your oscilloscope?...... oh there you go you're talking about it now in the video. lol. Anyways great video.

[@Raptorman0909]

Yeah, I mention isolation transformer but felt it wise to avoid going into detail as there are safety considerations both to you and your equipment that would require a substantial detour from the basic theme. A worthy topic but one that requires you dedicate enough time to cover all the bases.

[@charlieeverhart6646]

Raptorman0909 I bought one, it's a triplite medical grade one off ebay. it was fairly cheap so I decided to get it. I have not plugged it in or used it yet, I want to learn more about the equipment before I use any of it.

[@knaveed12]

Love your lab set up. Thanks very much for sharing! What model/brand shelf do you have? What is the black shelf organizer (above the oscilloscope)? Please point me to the product links. Thanks very much!

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks very much for you kind words. I made the black shelf organizer myself using half inch MDF then painting flat black. The intent in the design of the black rack was that it needed to fit within the wire rack and divided in three horizontal sections to hold the major components like the DSO, PS's, etc. Additionally, I further divided the sections vertically then horizontally to hold my storage boxes for the test leads etc. Again, thanks for watching and the nice comment...

[@glynnhm0lsg308]

Enjoyed watching thumbs up

[@Raptorman0909]

Thank you...

[@friedmule5403]

May I ask you about the electronic load, where do they rank in your list of items to the lab, and why? :-)

[@Raptorman0909]

I don't have a programmable load and when a load is needed I cob one up with resistors or nichrome wire. Having a programmable load is a nice addition but my lab is closer to an entry level lab than a fully outfitted one. There are a couple of additions that I'd need to make to have a more complete lab and having a programmable load would be one of them -- the other would be an isolated supply. Actually, the next item I plan to add would be a higher current higher voltage PS -- something like 10A.

[@friedmule5403]

Thanks for your great answer, so a electronic load, a function generator and an isolation transformer is on the fence between the entry and the "lets get sirius" ?

[@friedmule5403]

@@Raptorman0909 I have just found out a wary great tool to have if you do repairs, a camera to record while disassembling. So that you know where a screw, lead, special plastic thingie do fit when reassembling.

[@keithlegg]

Red lodge Montana? First place I ever snowboarded. Great video!

[@pinkfloydlsd]

Great, you helped me. Thanks

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks, glad I could help Joao...

[@briandecker8403]

Great video - I'd love your thoughts on older PSU from Heathkit, etc. that are available on ebay.

[@Raptorman0909]

There are some electronics hobbyists that can be equipment snobs and turn there nose up at anything that isn't top of the line stuff, but it really depends on what you're using it for. If you're powering a sensitive analog circuit you probably want the cleanest power you can get so a better linear PSU is preferred. In my case the Rigol DP832 is about as close to that as I get. If, OTH, you have less demanding needs such as powering a light you can get by with almost any PSU though having decent control of max voltage and current is always a good idea. As to the Heathkit PSU you mention I can't say much without knowing what we're talking about, but again, it really depends on what you're using it for.

[@electronicshelpcare]

Good job.

[@Raptorman0909]

Thanks...