Putting together a Test bench. Suggestions needed.

[MYX]

I am trying to get the needed pieces together to make an arcade test bench. I have a switching PS. Do pieces that use a linear ps need a linear or can they use a switching ps as well.

Right now I have a set of joys from my previous cp, oodles -o- buttons.
I was planning on making a main connection that will turn into a multitude of options. If I get a new board I can make a edge connector that will convert to the my converter. Obviously some games will require special voltage needs, I will have to figure that out when the time comes.

I have a monitor that I can convert from .100 to .156 if needed. I have a wide variety of tools (many arcade related) and gaining more all the time. Digital mm, Oscope (and probes (seemed obvious but thought I would mention it), brazillions of little screwdrivers, lock picks, leaf adjusters, monitor adjustment tools and security torx (will be shipped this week), monitor dezapper, alligator jumpers, wire strippers, snips, heat shrink(variety of sizes),

what am I missing?

[Witchboard]

http://therealbobroberts.net/jig.html

My still work in progress below.

[woodygjw]

Is this what you are planning, board repair?

On my bench, I use my Hakko 936 soldering station quite often.  I have the same thing at work, its on 8 hours a day and I change the tip about twice a year, it is bullet proof.  I also use my 808 desoldering iron quite a bit:
  http://www.tequipment.net/Hakko808.html
I have used this thing quite a bit repairing my Hard Drivin and Race Drivin boards.

 Another thing I have on my bench is variable power supplies.  Most boards should be able to be bench tested with a switcher.  My hard drivin' board either requires 22 volts or -22 volts at one point, I don't remember, but  I can use a variable power supply for this "weird" non standard voltage.  Schematics are needed unless you are working on a board that everything is labeled.  These are the only things I can think of that you didn't mention...

woody

[BobA]

How about a variable isolation transformer (variac with isolation) for safety and a logic probe for TTL and CMOS?

[ChadTower]

IMO, he's putting the cart before the horse.  You can go all out and buy every possible tool and consumable item but really it works better if you get a good, clean, organized bench with the basics and acquire stuff as you actually need it.  I've seen too many guys take the "buy everything possibly needed" up front and 75% of it is still sitting there unused two years later.

[Witchboard]

Hey Woody.  Sent you a PM since my question is off topic.

[MYX]

I've seen too many guys take the "buy everything possibly needed" up front and 75% of it is still sitting there unused two years later.

I suppose it is possible, but, this past year I did build my cab, rebuilt the power supply in my Millipede, Re capped a couple of monitors and my Black Knight sound board. I have also designed and built several gizmos. I enjoy fixing the electronics more than the bondo and paint side of referb, though I have been doing both. So lately I have been taking a more than short curiosity approach.

I am about to really take on some of the deeper BK issues and am reworking my game room closet to so that it is more like a repair environment. I am moving my computer desk(ridiculously over sized 2x4 frame supporting a solid wood door. ) inside the closet. I already bought a while bunch of storage bins (kind that is like little drawers) that store all my arcade manuals, buttons wire n stuff. The tools I have been collecting over the past 14 years. So, not that I need to defend myself to Chad (no disrespect meant) I have been playing with a lot of this stuff for a while. I was just thinking about going to the next level. I took 4 months of electronics for 4 hours a day when I was going to Full Sail for sound. I really liked it. Buy at the time the smokey evenings broke a few brain cells. So, now, I am getting back into it and understanding more and more, the more I do.

I enjoy going to auctions and finding things that do not work or work sort of and try to fix em. Usually you can get the sort of working games for cheap. I call it an investment. Then make the stuff work, sell it and get bigger better games. I would like to eventually get a couple more pins. (Black Hole in particular).

So, now all that is spewed and hopefully I have some validity, are there any tools that you can think of that you would say wow, never expected it, but, I really use my "??" tool a lot. 

[ChadTower]

Dremel.  Magnetic security bits.  I use both of them a lot.

[Chris]

On my bench, I use my Hakko 936 soldering station quite often.  I have the same thing at work, its on 8 hours a day and I change the tip about twice a year, it is bullet proof. 

I have one of those I bought used from eBay, with the 907 handle; I think it may need a new tip.  What temp do you normally use for board work?

[MYX]

Dremel.  Magnetic security bits.  I use both of them a lot.

Yup, the Dremel is essential. The Dremel was the first power tool I ever bought. 
I have a set of security torx on my list for stuff from BobR. what size is most common on cabs?

[ChadTower]

Don't know, I haven't seen them on cabs.  I see them on just about every consumer electronic, though, particuarly game consoles.

[shardian]

I have a set of security bits...a 1/16" drill bit, an 1/8" drill bit...

[ChadTower]

That works great when you want to put the thing back together, I bet.   

[shardian]

That is when I use my universal connecting device....

[MYX]

Don't know, I haven't seen them on cabs.  I see them on just about every consumer electronic, though, particuarly game consoles.

I had em' on my Thunderblade. They were on the marquee box?? I have not heard of too many people ripping off mid 80's marquees.
Duct Tape!! oh yeah... lots o duct tape, that and velcro.

[woodygjw]

I have one of those I bought used from eBay, with the 907 handle; I think it may need a new tip.  What temp do you normally use for board work?

About 700 degrees F is where mine sits 90% of the time.  Tips are kinda expensive, but like I said, I run mine at work 8 hours a day, change it about twice a year.

woody