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This was a bit of an impulse the other day. I saw a company advertise that they could put my 'The Music Tech Guy UK' logo on an aluminum sheet that could be mounted on a wall. Now these are obviously designed to be mounted on the wall outside the office.
But I don't have an office. But I do have a workshop.
In actual fact I have been changing things about in the workshop. The project originally started as a project to add one or two new sockets to the workbenches as I was either having to unplug and re-plug in tools or instruments when I was working out there or run extension power cords or cables (depending which part of the world you live in).
In actual fact I have added 4 double sockets along the back of the bench.
But of course these are not just double sockets. These are sockets that also have 2 USB sockets supplying 5V and 3.1A of power double socket. Why not I thought I always have equipment in the workshop that needs power supplied by USB. And it is not limited to workshop tools, the iPad I use for some of the filming, the Roland Boutiques (as I hate powering by batteries), Isla's Kordbot, wireless microphone, video scalers and these are just the things in front of me as I am writing.
And I am not just going to put steel back boxes on the wall am I. (This is me The Music Tech Guy UK!) So I bought a few meters of a trunking system that would be more at home in an office and used that to mount the sockets and hide the wires.
Done. Nope!
I bought some corners and went up the wall on either side added 4 additional single sockets (2 either side) again with the 5V but only 2.1A. So in total I have 16 USB sockets!!!
Next, get the network into the workshop. To do this I have opted for a Devolo Wi-Fi extender this gives me 2 RG45 network ports which is useful for the older computers I use, especially managing the disk media library. It also gives Wi-Fi for the aforementioned iPad and MAC.
Next get a couple of the desk bound items onto the wall. My substitute Dremel style drill. This is so useful and has many attachments (which honestly I have yet to find uses for. Unfortunately the Maplin chain in the UK failed a few years back so a replacement will cost allot more than this unit when it fails.
And there is the batteries. Oh god batteries are a nightmare. And when running your own home recording studio you need a range of batteries.
I use the square (oblong) 9V batteries are used in wireless microphones and test equipment. AA batteries in the Roland Boutique, keyboards, mice and other computer peripherals. And if it doesn't use AA's it uses AAA's. And I have a simple battery meter as I am fed up of throwing out 4 batteries when only one is dead.
In shot are my micro screw drivers. These are so so useful and are now in clear sight for easy use. The other item in sight is my micro calipers. I am always having to measure screws. I am often given equipment where screws have disappeared, and when you open them up you understand why!
So back to that sign. The Music Tech Guy UK sign goes here, when I get around to mounting it!
So if insanely you want to do something similar to your workspace here are some links to some of the bits I used:
- Atkore Marco Elite 3 compartment trunking https://themusictechguyuk.me/3hg2aKo (I would recommend 3 compartment as it shields data from power and audio from power. I liked the Marco as it has it looks good. But any 3 compartment trunking will do the trick.
- 2 USB double power sockets https://themusictechguyuk.me/2YHoQwH (These can be swapped with most existing double sockets.)
- 2 USB single power sockets https://themusictechguyuk.me/2X1ardR (As with the double sockets these can be changes with any existing single gang socket.)
- DEVELO MAGIC Wi-Fi extender - https://themusictechguyuk.me/3jW0asz
About the Author
Jon describes himself as a frustrated musician with a passion for the electronic instruments that help him and other musicians be creative. He started playing keyboards in his late teens and re-ignited his passion and built a new studio following his seperation.
About the Blog
The Blog, Website and YouTube channel were started to share Jon's experiences and views on the industry at large and how these effect the small musician. Plus technical tips how to configure and maintain the equipment he owns.
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