1200XL M.U.L.E.
Experienced Member
- Joined
- May 9, 2021
- Messages
- 84
I had to take down my "laboratory" of machines to make room for some guests. While it was a little sad to disconnect everything, I am using this opportunity to dream up of a new way to set up my machines. My setup was getting a little clumsy. It consisted of a low-end drafting table with a surface of 30"x42". I had a large 42" plasma TV with S-Video, composite, and HDMI inputs. My Atari 8-bit and ST machines were connected to this display, sometimes directly to the TV and sometimes via converters. Around this desk were small "stations" that looked like printer carts.
Each cart supported individual units like my IBM 5150 with a display on top, my Panasonic KX-P1180 printer with paper underneath, etc. The carts were low enough that I could slide them under the drafting table. This worked pretty well except for a few usability issues. The carts aren't sturdy and shook with heavy machines, like my 5150. My space was limited and could not use more than one cart at a time. And, there's no room for a keyboard when using a cart. I would place the keyboard on my lap when using the station and on top of a monitor when I wasn't.
I'm looking for ideas on how to configure my machines so they are accessible, usable, and serviceable. Maybe the word I am looking for is functional. One idea floating in my head is to start with a workbench from Home Depot.
I saw this when buying baseboard trim for my bathroom and I was really impressed with how sturdy it is. Expensive - but wow, it was sturdy!
Would anyone from the forum here be willing to share their setup? What do they like and not about it?
Thanks!
Each cart supported individual units like my IBM 5150 with a display on top, my Panasonic KX-P1180 printer with paper underneath, etc. The carts were low enough that I could slide them under the drafting table. This worked pretty well except for a few usability issues. The carts aren't sturdy and shook with heavy machines, like my 5150. My space was limited and could not use more than one cart at a time. And, there's no room for a keyboard when using a cart. I would place the keyboard on my lap when using the station and on top of a monitor when I wasn't.
I'm looking for ideas on how to configure my machines so they are accessible, usable, and serviceable. Maybe the word I am looking for is functional. One idea floating in my head is to start with a workbench from Home Depot.
I saw this when buying baseboard trim for my bathroom and I was really impressed with how sturdy it is. Expensive - but wow, it was sturdy!
Would anyone from the forum here be willing to share their setup? What do they like and not about it?
Thanks!