Java developer and long-time Elektor reader Robert Geleit has been reading Elektor recently took the opportunity to answer a few of our questions about his electronics workspace. Located in a one-bedroom flat in Epsom, England, the workspace has been used for the past 24 years and continues to deliver the best valve projects.

Elektor: How would you best describe your space? And how do you use it?

Robert: It's a breakfast bar in my kitchen. A tidy bench is a safe bench. There wasn't room for my pillar drill on the bench that's over by the kettle. I use my workspace a few times per year. However, what makes my workspace so special is that it really packs some punch in such a small place.

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Elektor When you set up your space, what were your requirements and goals?

Robert: The landlord built me a new kitchen. When they came round to design it, I asked, 'What about my bench?'. They put in a breakfast bar with cupboards above for my Lin bins.
 
Workspace in a kitchen
Robert Geleit's workspace is located in the kitchen.

Elektor: What are you interested in from a technical point of view?

Robert: I'm obsessed with valves. I just completed a lockdown project. It's an electrostatic headphone amp; it sounds glorious.
 
Elektor: What sort of equipment and tools do you have in your space? Can you tell us how and where you store the equipment and tools?

Robert: I have a signal generator and CRO (cathode ray oscilloscope). I have an Annex XS-25 and a heated solder-sucker. The pillar drill wouldn't fit on the bench.

Elektor: What do you consider to be your most important or valued piece of equipment or tool? And why?

Robert: Solder. Running out is a nightmare. I buy it by the kilo.

Elektor: Tell us about your favorite electronics-related project. What components, MCUs, and/or kits did you use?

Robert: So, I built a valve phono stage, boy did I excel myself. I got the circuit diagram for the amp from a guy in Japan and the diagram for the power supply from a guy in the US. It really is fantastic. I'm thinking of going into production.

Elektor: Do you have a dream project or something you'd love to tackle?

Robert: I have the difficult to find parts for a pair of plasma tweeters (valves and inductors). It's a bit scary.

Elektor: Do you have any advice, tips, or encouragement for other engineers or makers who are thinking of putting together a workspace?

Robert: Go for it! As long as you have room for the chassis and the soldering iron, you will be fine.
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Do you enjoy learning about where other engineers and makers work on electronics projects? Take a look at these electronics workspaces.

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