electronics workbench - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

29 Mar 2004

On Mar 30,  5:15, Tony Duell wrote:
...
  > 
...
  Well, I guess if your machines are modern enough to
have RJ45 connectors
...
  for ethernet, etc.... 
Many do, but a lot have AUI connectors.  However, 10baseT transceivers
and microtransceivers are cheap and easy to come by.  Well, for me
anyway :-)  Structured wiring is also useful for serial connections, a
phone line, ISDN, and all sorts of other things.

...
  If possible, have a good isolating transformer. Almost
essential if you
...
  work on SMPSUs. Also think about having both 110 and
220V outlets -- the
...
  ability to plug in just anything from either side of
the Pond, at least
...
  for testing is very useful. 
I have an isolating transformer, which lives under the bench.  I've
almost never needed 110V, but one day I'll find a cheap transformer.

...
  My iron is normally on my bench, but I do move it
around for work on
 minicomputers, etc As an aside here, if you're in the UK and work on DEC
...
  machines, make up adapter cables for 13A mains plug to
US 234V socket and
...
  US 234V plug to 13A mains socket so you can (a) plug a
DEC unit in on
 your bench for testing and (b) can run your soldering iron, 'scope, etc
...
  off the power distribution unit at the back of your
DEC rack. 
I've got an adaptor but since there's a DEC rack right behind me as I
sit at the bench, and the room is small, I rarely need to plug anything
in at the back of a DEC rack.  Anyway, the adjacent rack has a 13A
rackmount power on it, and there are several 13A sockets on the wall
behind the other racks (three racks in total).

...
  Although I don't do much heavy metalwork on my
electronics bench, I agree
...
  a small vice is very useful. For pressing on iDC
connectors, holding
 things when soldering, etc. Chasing a DIN plug around the benchtop with a
...
  hot soldering iron is not my idea of fun! 
The vice in question is too small and light for crimping connectors.  I
just use it for holding D-connectors, or holding multicore cables when
I tin the ends.  But the adjacent bench has a proper engineer's vice (a
Record No.3), and there's a 3" vice on a Workmate at the other end of
the room (all of 4 metres away).

-- 
Peter Turnbull
&lt;postmaster(a)dunnington.u-net.com&gt;