Equipping a Small Hackerspace? 174
andy writes "After gentle prodding for about a year, my company actually agreed to include an electronics/robotics lab in the current build-out of our new office space. As I never really expected this to happen, I was at a bit of a loss when they asked me what sort of workbenches, equipment, etc. I wanted for the lab. The lab will only be approximately 9'x15' but there is a decent amount of vertical space to work with. I was thinking of having 2 workbenches side-by-side, one for 'hardware' and the other for 'software' with a floor-standing cabinet for storage. Semi-mobile workbenches might be a plus. Those of you that work in these sorts of environments, what do you recommend in the way of workbenches, storage, organization, and electronics?"
Re:Two questions (Score:3, Funny)
Unfortunately, the robotics lab is only there so they can 'train/build' their replacements.
flex the bubble from the inside out (Score:5, Funny)
You will already have the core things you need 90% of the time. Go install your desks in an ergo way, then give your core tools a nice spot to live. Don't worry, they will get lost, borrowed, and misplaced quickly. Soon you'll have three of each, and you'll always know where one is.
The rest will evolve organically. Let it flow in as each project evolves. The most clever configuration will be the one that is flexed from the inside out, as your frustrations permanently solve yet another configuration issue. In a few years, people will wonder how your tech feng shui is so strong.
Eventually people who visit your hackerspace will coo at the random junk bottles of parts, odd CAD lamp lighting, and floor stains, completely oblivious to the purpose, but envious to their shallow cores at the shininess. You will be envied in your organic nerd pile.
Re:Vertical Space (Score:5, Funny)
Is the gun for just in case the label-maker approach does not work?
Re:Why are they making this? (Score:5, Funny)
Sincerely,
Person with a Ph.D. in EE who has worked with hardware development for 15 years.
Aw, that's rough buddy! Hit me up and I'll teach you how to create a login. It's not that bad!
what's the budget? (Score:4, Funny)
Surely the budget is relevant. Otherwise, I'd go 9x15xvertical worth of gold ingots and a lousy security system you know how to beat.
Re:Vertical Space (Score:5, Funny)
Actually guns are good for all around organizational features.
Just the other day, I opened my drawer to get my VB5 reference book, thought it'd be a great idea to whip up a form using Access 2000 for the database.
I had left my gun in my drawer on top of the book. So when I went to get the book, I had to pick up the gun. I then had a flash of bad memories, from the last time I used VB5, and was overcome with suicidal thoughts. I then realized that I was contemplating suicide, and I already had a gun in my hand, so I quickly put it back on top of the VB Book, closed the drawer, and have vowed never to touch that attrocity ever again.
This happens about twice a season.
Re:what's the budget? (Score:4, Funny)
Surely the budget is relevant. Otherwise, I'd go 9x15xvertical worth of gold ingots and a lousy security system you know how to beat.
... and a truck with good suspension.
Re:Two questions (Score:5, Funny)
Never attribute to bad grammar that which can be explained by Dear aunt, let's set so double the killer delete select all.
Re:Third Question (Score:5, Funny)
Why do all the neat opportunities always go to the lads with the fewest clues?
by RobotRunAmok (595286)
See what happens when you don't plan your robotics lab out properly? They riot and start posting on /.