A Modular, Open Source Electrical Engineering Lab for Your Workbench
EleLab_v2's customizable modules include fixed and variable power supplies, measurement tools, component testers, and more.
A well apportioned engineering benchtop will of course feature a multimeter, perhaps an oscilloscope, and after that you’ll certainly want a power supply, component tester, variable resistance box, and more. Such items can be costly and take up quite a bit of room; however as another option, Chrismettal's EleLab_v2 low-cost test lab setup is not only open source, but modular. Each component can be connected electrically via a PCB backplane, letting them share a common power supply, with printed clips that hold them together mechanically.
The first module in the chain receives power from any external 12V or 24V source, such as a computer ATX supply, or even a battery pack. This input is transformed to supply 12V and 5V, passing it along here to a lab power supply that outputs 5, 12, and optionally 24VDC.
Other modules are also added, including a variable power supply, DSO138-based oscilloscope, decade resistor box, and component tester, though one could mix and match modules as necessary. Several other units are in progress as well — a function generator; signal tracer, ePaper, and ESP266; and a solder sponge, wire holder, and TS100 output module to take care of all your electronics needs.
It’s a beautiful design, which can be duplicated with relatively inexpensive parts and a 3D printer, plus the required PCBs. More info on the EleLab_v2 is available on Chrismettal's GitHub page, where you'll find the 3D CAD and PCB models so you can even create your own modules to go with the system!
