COVID-19 Spare Time Shack Planning/Building

[Ravenkeeper]

Since I have some spare time, I'm looking at starting my shack. A few scanners, CB Base Station, and eventually HAM. I'm not going to make mine huge, like some of you. I'm looking at purchasing a studio work station and going from there, no wider than about 60 inches across. I'm looking for suggestions to have in my station, antenna configuration(s) (to include where to mount), and ways to mount my scanner(s), CB and HAM radios to the rack mounts on my desk/station. Also looking for what different kinds of scanners to have. Please, post pictures in comments or "tag" me in your photos.

Yes, Amazon/Ebay are "shut down," but I have other avenues that I'm going to use for this.

 

[BigLebowski]

You are going to get a million suggestions asking a question like this...

IMHO what you need to ask yourself is:

1) What do I want to listen to?

2) How many things do I want to listen to simultaneously?

3) What do I need to transmit on, and what radio(s) do I want to do it with?

Once you have all that figured up, you can move on to choosing a desk large enough for everything you want to receive and you can calculate the power requirements. I really like studio desks because I like to rack mount my equipment, however, rack mounting is expensive and takes up a lot of space. I would strongly suggest going with something with wheels on it like you have pictured, it will save you a lot of headaches.

If you are running a lot of 12v equipment and going with a studio desk, I would recommend installing a rack mount Astron power supply and powering all your equipment off of that so that you only have one AC plug for the radios, leaving more space for your computer, etc. Remember that you don't want to overload your outlets. This can happen quickly with power-hungry electronics.

 

[Ravenkeeper]

You are going to get a million suggestions asking a question like this...

IMHO what you need to ask yourself is:

1) What do I want to listen to?

2) How many things do I want to listen to simultaneously?

3) What do I need to transmit on, and what radio(s) do I want to do it with?

Once you have all that figured up, you can move on to choosing a desk large enough for everything you want to receive and you can calculate the power requirements. I really like studio desks because I like to rack mount my equipment, however, rack mounting is expensive and takes up a lot of space. I would strongly suggest going with something with wheels on it like you have pictured, it will save you a lot of headaches.

If you are running a lot of 12v equipment and going with a studio desk, I would recommend installing a rack mount Astron power supply and powering all your equipment off of that so that you only have one AC plug for the radios, leaving more space for your computer, etc. Remember that you don't want to overload your outlets. This can happen quickly with power-hungry electronics.

Looking at those, while I was eating dinner. I was planning on getting a power distribution center of some kind. Computer is optional, can always track on my iPad/iPhone.

1) What do I want to listen to?
Scanners - military/general aviation (being close to Edwards AFB), police, fire, the usual

2) How many things do I want to listen to simultaneously?
ALL

3) What do I need to transmit on, and what radio(s) do I want to do it with?
For now, only on a CB/base station, eventually/maybe, both HAM/CB.

 

[pjtnascar]

What do you mean Ebay and Amazon are "Shut down?"

 

[mmckenna]

Rack mount is nice, but as stated, can be expensive.
An option is to buy generic 19" rack shelves, and bolting the radio mounting brackets to those.
If you go all 12 volt...
-you could consider a power supply with battery revert if you want to keep things running through power outages.
-Consider some USB ports for charging.
-12 volt power distribution blocks with individual fuses can make life easier.

Also...
-You can buy rack mount speaker shelves that can make things sound nice. Maybe consider a small mixer to combine your audio and send them to left or right speakers. Dispatchers do something similar with "select" and "unselect" audio going to different speakers.
-Consider things like grounding from the get go. Adding a rack mount ground buss to the back of your racks can make life easier.

Consider viewing angle with whatever you choose. Make sure you can read the scanner LCD screens.

 

[03msc]

What do you mean Ebay and Amazon are "Shut down?"

They aren't, though I keep hearing/seeing people say this... they "saw it on Facebook" though...

I ordered from Amazon earlier today. Shipping is a bit slower (no 2-day) but they're open and operating. eBay listings are available for bid or BIN, too.

 

[jimbrogers]

Amazon is slowing a bit, they got volume. I usually have next day on orders. Its gone to two-three days, one order has now been pushed a week. Getting a little spoiled on that next day stuff. It will all come back soon. I wish I had room to build a shack. Stay safe everyone.

 

[Ravenkeeper]

Since I have some spare time, I'm looking at starting my shack. A few scanners, CB Base Station, and eventually HAM. I'm not going to make mine huge, like some of you. I'm looking at purchasing a studio work station and going from there, no wider than about 60 inches across. I'm looking for suggestions to have in my station, antenna configuration(s) (to include where to mount), and ways to mount my scanner(s), CB and HAM radios to the rack mounts on my desk/station. Also looking for what different kinds of scanners to have. Please, post pictures in comments or "tag" me in your photos.

Yes, Amazon/Ebay are "shut down," but I have other avenues that I'm going to use for this.

What do you mean Ebay and Amazon are "Shut down?"

What I meant by "shut down" is that I'll most likely get the bigger things by time the quarantine is over, so I may not go that route.

 

[bharvey2]

A few things to consider:

120VAC and/or 12VDC power distribution. Handheld devices needs chargers and mobile devices need power (usually 12VDC) A sufficient, well filtered 12VDC with enough capacity for current and future devices. Also a good quality multi-outlet power strip for charger wall warts and power supplies.

Do seriously consider a computer station of some sort. Most all scanners and radios have some sort of programming software. While you may be able to program from a radio's keypad, you'll most likely find it far easier with a computer. Also, depending upon what avenues of this hobby you intend to pursue, there are many software applications available that might increase your enjoyment.

I'm not going to make mine huge, like some of you.

That's funny. But, very common words among radio junkies to be.

 

[JimD56]

I love that "Rack Desk" shelving. I'm guessing standrard 19" inch. Can you post a link? I have the rack accessories and run my 996P'2s, speakers and surge protector in a desktop rack. Looking to clear it off and have a separate rack for comm gear.

 

[JimD56]

I found it thanks. Studio Trends 46 in. Studio Desk
Studio Trends 46″ Studio Desk | Studio Furniture | Studio Trends Design

 

[Cognomen]

I too tried keeping my station to "one desk".

 

[737mech]

Kinda pricey at $399.00. I’d find a cheaper one and add rack rails or build one from scratch? I built my own rack for my music rack effects. The rails were the most expensive part of the project.

 

[Ravenkeeper]

Kinda pricey at $399.00. I’d find a cheaper one and add rack rails or build one from scratch? I built my own rack for my music rack effects. The rails were the most expensive part of the project.

I found some rack rails in the garage the other day, while cleaning it up. I had bought them for another project, but that project went the way of the doodoo, long ago. I just need to find rack-to-radio/radio-to-rack mounts.