(17-Nov-2017, 03:27 PM)EJvdB_fpv Wrote: Only.... those directional couplers are expensive !

Not really.

If you search around on eBay, you can find some excellent couplers second hand at perfectly reasonable prices.

I managed to pick up a couple of Narda couplers for no more than $35 each. 

One 2-4GHz 20db coupler which gave me this directivity plot:



And one 4-8GHz 10db coupler which gave this plot:




Both perfectly good couplers for the price!

thankyou !

(15-Mar-2017, 07:05 AM)unseen Wrote: One thing I have on my bench, which definitely falls into the 'Obsessed' class:





It's a 7X - 45X stereo zoom microscope. I use mine with a 0.5X reducer which increases the working distance to 165mm and halves the minimum and maximum magnifications.

These used to be horribly expensive, but this one cost me just $250 including shipping via Aliexpress.

The large working distance makes it easy to get your tools under the objectives and the stereo view with two separate objectives gives you perfect 3D vision. It also includes a variable LED lighting ring to illuminate the subject. I inspect all new parts and my soldering under the microscope before I apply power and it has already paid for itself by finding short circuits and other problems which will let the magic smoke out.

I use a lab power supply for powering things as it has a current limiter built in and lets me set any voltage from 0 - 30V. For initially powering a build and flashing ESCs, I always set the current limiter to no more than 200mA which also keeps the magic smoke from getting out if there's a problem.

Wow really is in the obsessed class

3Doodler 3D pen. It prints using TPU filament so you can repair mounts or freehand your own without having to pay $$$

Whilst soldering I use a 9" fan to keep my bench clear of fumes, fit it with some fabric from a vacuum cleaner filter bag to help condense some of the fume material from the air.
I stripped down a microwave oven recently and kept the fan for the same reason, it is smaller and is already fitted with some ducting/body.

The best tool I have for drone or r/c work is a data center work station.

https://sd-office.com/i-9146126-mayline-...ystem.html

The price is kind of high for a new one, but I got a used one for free, intending to use it for gaming. Mine has a 3rd shelf and I chucked the floorplate in favor of two pair of benchtop support struts.

I like it as a design. If you want to DIY a bench, this configuration works well for storage too.

Canned Air Duster is always handy to use to clean your electronics, stop blowing spit on when you blow dust and bits off.

(13-Sep-2020, 02:24 AM)Droneranger Wrote: Canned Air Duster is always handy to use to clean your electronics, stop blowing spit on when you blow dust and bits off.

An air tank is pretty good for that if you don't have a compressor.

Drone build / Repair Workbench November 18, 2017 Brian Beverage Leave a comment Since getting into drones I discovered you have a lot of extra stuff to work on and fly them so I decided I needed a place to work on and build new drones so I changed the layout in my office around.










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(21-Mar-2017, 03:43 PM)EchoBravo Wrote: Going to add this marvel someone just shared with me. 

https://www.fpvmodel.com/new-multi-funct...g1261.html
Going to grab two of these. One for the bag and one for the bench.

The link is broken. Is it this: Amazon.com: FPVKing RC Motor Grip Pliers Propeller Remover Quick Relase Wrench Tool for DJI Phantom 3 and 13XX-23XX Series Motors : Toys & Games?

(27-Aug-2020, 07:12 AM)Droneranger Wrote: Whilst soldering I use a 9" fan to keep my bench clear of fumes, fit it with some fabric from a vacuum cleaner filter bag to help condense some of the fume material from the air.
I stripped down a microwave oven recently and kept the fan for the same reason, it is smaller and is already fitted with some ducting/body.

I've been using a small fan to pull the smoke away, and a small air cleaning unit that we already had to hopefully filter out the bad stuff. I put them on my bench when soldering. Works much better than the small exhaust fan I bought, and returned, since it had to be so close to the work it got in the way, and even then didn't work very well.

I found that I needed to elevate my soldering surface to be able to see decently with my magnifying glasses, since you need to be quite close to the work to see it, and I didn't like hunching over. I used various things around the house as workbench platforms, and then figured there was something adjustable that I could buy.

I got this for $39.99 at Amazon:



It can be set at anywhere between 2" and 18", and the platform can be level or tilted, so it works perfectly.

Here is the link at Amazon: WorkEZ BEST Adjustable Laptop Stand Lap Desk.

Just ordered another one today for my wife so she can raise her computer higher on her desk. Arrives tomorrow.