Inspired by Dave's new LAB I decide to redo mine so that I can start the new year in a fresh new space.
My old office was set up with a focus on software development only, but with the current project I have taken on more and more of the actual hardware testing. Initially I just stuck in an extra desk and used my outside BAR as a work bench for soldering etc.
It now appears that I will be doing a fair amount of hardware design and prototyping work on the next release and have also been tasked with designing spin off products, so my focus will defiantly shift more from embedded software to embedded hardware this year.
The two key issues with using the OFFICE as a LAB were lack of light and lack of space.
I have now painted the room white, upgraded the lighting and re arranged the power distribution and cabling. The small desk was inadequate for the Electronics and the larg desk was cluttered with computers, screens and stacks of papers.
I now have the smaller desk set up as a work station with my main computer screens, keyboard, mouse and phone. The servers have been relocated under the desks and the larger desk is now my work bench with room on the end (near an open window) for a vice and solder station and drill press for production, good light in the center for testing and space for my prototypes towords the left.
At this stage I don't have a lot of test equipment, mainly ICD's, Programmers etc. But will obviously need to make room for Oscilloscopes, Function Generators etc. over time.
Which brings me to my Question. Whilst I am busy with the construction phase I would like to install shelves over the work bench / desk to allow for future equipment both on and below the shelf. I wondered if there are any guide lines as to the optimum height, above the work surface, to allow equipment below the shelf but still have access to and a decent viewing angle of the equipment on the shelf?
I reviewed Dave's blog on setting up a LAB and have ordered all the cables, multimeters etc that he suggested, but he didn't mention physical layout at all.
Cheers
Chris