New Radio Shack

[sparkymike]

Not sure where to put this post , but here goes.
I am shortly hoping to build a new storage area for all my radios etc. It will probably be built in Thermalite building blocks or similar with an insulated roof.
Size would be around 34 mts. by 2.5mts with a door at one end. I would be interested to see what other people have built or an other comments which might guide me in the right direction. The other half is very enthusiastic as it will gain another room in the house !!
Mike.

[Dave757]

Hi Mike

Really that big? I'm very envious!

Kind regards
Dave G0ELJ

You can never have too many sockets, a double every 2 feet is the minimum in my view. Also have a triple depth box every 4 feet linked by a bit of conduit to an aerial (or whatever) distribution box.

[jamesperrett]

Not a radio shack but you can see how I built my studio on my Facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...2001141&type=3

This was built with soundproofing in mind so we used thicker, higher density blocks than normal and a completely separate inner shell. The outer shell was built by a local builder while I built the inner shell myself.

[broadgage]

I suspect that 34 meters might be a typo for 3.4 meters, but if it is really to be 34 meters long, then an exit each end would be desirable in case of fire.

Agree that large numbers of socket outlets are needed. Avoid RCD protection of the supply circuit, to avoid nuisance tripping, but make every outlet and RCD type to reduce risk of accident.

Modern LED lighting for general illumination, incandescent available as a switched alternative.

Consider also a central 12 volt/13.8 volt power supply with suitable outlets.

[majoconz]

4 metres for the radios and.....30 metres for the sewing room.... ?

Nah! Other way round......

[sparkymike]

Glad someone spotted the typo. Yes 3.5 mt.s is more like it.
I would not want the annual electricity bill for last photo !!
I was mainly interested in how to arrange shelving etc. No doubt a long bench down one side with the window in the middle .
Outside there will be a high antenna. I have an ex.military 30 foot pneumatic mast that will fit the bill. I also have an air supply in the adjoining workshop so no problem there. I will wire it as I have done my other workshops, ie. square section trunking at ceiling level with drop down conduit for power sockets spaced around two or three feet apart. I use single tri -rated cables, 1.5mm for lights and 2.5 for power.
Mike.

[60 oldjohn]

Look out for shops that are are closing down or having a refit for shelves. I was lucky the third scrap yard I rang had a trailer load of shelves they had just removed from a chemist shop. I bought the lot for I think would have been scrap price and they delivered it all in. It all cleaned up like new. Later I bought a new Dexion 7 shelve 1 metre wide for nearly the same price as all the other shelves.
My bench worktop is from a seconds kitchen supply outlet. Bought very cheap, the unwanted piece had to saw off had a chip on the front edge (bench has a lot more chips in it now after 16 years).
Linbins for parts can be bought used like new from Facebook if you are patience keep looking for a week or two, often for one tenth of new price.
Unable to get new photos at present, will try to find old ones to get an idea.
Not the best photos, the ones in my workshop are 10ft high, the room is a 10ft cube stocked with all the tools and components I need.
John.

[sparkymike]

This is the current situation with no bench room left and now at overflowing stage all round. I have to duplicate this in some respects in the new build.
Mike.

[Steve G4WCS]

Mines a concrete block extension off the garage. Celotex and hardboard lined. I put the window in last year as I needed an office for working from home. I have an operating ares and repair area office desk. Its only 4x8ft internal but Ive fitted everything in and its cosy.
Wind up mast outside. 7 ele lfa with masthead preamp and a silver rod for 10m. Ive also got a low wire for HF which does me.

[lesmw0sec]

My shack & workshop is in a 17th. century barn. I had to re-slate the roof and while I was at it, replaced a hay loft. Looking at the room thus produced, I suddenly thought it would make an ideal shack!

[Oldcodger]

From #8- flooring. You may want to look at floor insulation and in addition keep an eye out for the grade of floor times used in commercial premises. Far better than the ones on sale for domestic premises. I got a couple of boxes as a "SKIP FIND" at a customers premises lots of years ago and they are still like new. We just hang them up and hose them down every couple of years in summer.