No two workspaces or circuit cellars are alike. And that’s what makes studying these submissions so fascinating. Each space reflects the worker’s interests, needs, and personality.
Succasunna, NJ-based Mike Sydor’s penchant for “hacking” isn’t relegated solely to electronics. His entire workspace is actually a hack designed for both hardware and software projects. It’s an excellent example of what you can do with a little creativity and planning!
When the front is open, Mike can tackle hardware projects (Source: Mike Sydor)
We love the “transformer” theme that runs through the entire space. Simply put, the compact space is easily rearranged to serve Mike’s various needs:
- When the front is closed, Mike can work on the “soft arts” of coding, diagramming, and design planning.
- When the front is open, Mike has easy access to essential tools such as an oscilloscope, isolation transformer, and solder station.
- A KVM switch enables Mike move back and forth between Linux and Windows
Mike simply closes the front when he shifts from hardware mode to software mode (Source: Mike Sydor)
Another interesting point to note is that Mike can detach the shelf/drawer so the workspace can fit through a door if necessary. Great idea! Now he can take the workspace with him if he ever moves.
Submitted by Mike Sydor:
Here is my workspace for your consideration. It is basically a custom, drop-front workspace on wheels so that I can move it easily to reconfigure the equipment or otherwise get to all the gear. It has two configurations. The ‘software’ setting (front closed) where I can focus on the code, design docs, etc. The shelf can also hold a midi keyboard for music ‘hacking.’ There is a drawer in that shelf for miscellaneous items. With the front open, you have a nice workspace for assembly and debugging, you can still access the drawer, and you can access all of the gear. Everything is self-contained – only a single power and network cable are ‘on the floor.’ The shelf/drawer assembly detaches for moving day – otherwise it is too wide to fit through a standard door opening. I also only use three wheels. This makes a tripod, which is stable on any surface. I live in an older home – no level floors! – so mobility does not compromise stability and I don’t have to shim one side or the other to keep it from wobbling. The mass of all the gear keeps the bench stable. The monitors are mounted on a custom stand so that they can be positioned, via swing arms and are otherwise stable when you need to move the bench around. I use a KVM switch with multiple computers (windows, Linux) and have a set of cables so that I can plug in a project computer and use the same monitors and keyboard. All the computers are on the same switch for optimal Ethernet performance. I build kits, prototype circuits for sensor conditioning and muck around with micro-controllers, as well as fix/hack your various consumer electronics. Cheers, Mike Sydor.
All the good stuff in one place! Power, a solder station, a scope, and more! (Source: Mike Sydor)
Do you want to share images of your workspace, hackspace, or “circuit cellar”? Send us your images and info about your space.
