Summary of 3D Print the Ultimate Helping Hands for a PCB Workstation
The author, a Senior Analyst in the Electronic Forensics Unit, designed a 3D printable PCB Workstation to replace standard "third hand" tools. This platform secures small circuit boards and supports multiple articulated arms for connecting lab instruments during data acquisition and bus analysis. The design has inspired community remixes, with ongoing plans to add accessories like a USB microscope holder.
Parts used in the PCB Workstation:
- 3D printed PCB Workstation base
- Multiple articulated arms
- USB microscope holder (planned accessory)
- Lab instruments connected via probes
- Logic state analyzer connections
I am the Senior Analyst of the Electronic Forensics Unit of the Carabinieri (Italian Military Police) and I deal with technical investigations on seized electronic devices. I spend most of my day in a well-equipped electronic laboratory, but I was lacking a tool for performing technical assessments on printed circuit boards (PCBs). I needed a way to secure small boards on my workbench and place multiple probes across the board for acquiring data from a circuit memory, analyzing an I2C or SPI communication bus using a logic state analyzer, and much more.
Previously, I used the usual “third hand” tool, but then I decided to create a specific tool for my needs. So, I designed this 3D printable PCB Workstation along with multiple articulated arms that allow me to connect the lab instruments to the individual electronic components to be analyzed.
The workstation is now a solid platform to work on electronics projects. Presently, I am working on ways to add more accessories such as a holder for a USB microscope.
After contributing this design to the Thingiverse community I’ve seen many people contribute to the project by designing more parts and accessories to be used with this PCB Workstation. There are already some fantastic remixes of my design, and I encourage you to further customize the workstation for your needs.
For More Details: 3D Print the Ultimate Helping Hands for a PCB Workstation
- What problem did the author solve by designing this workstation?
The author needed a way to secure small printed circuit boards and place multiple probes for technical assessments. - How does the workstation help with analyzing communication buses?
It allows users to connect lab instruments via articulated arms to analyze I2C or SPI communication buses using a logic state analyzer. - What tool was used before creating this specific design?
Previously, the author used the usual third hand tool. - Can the design be customized by others?
Yes, many people have contributed remixes and additional parts to customize the workstation for their needs. - What future accessory is the author planning to add?
The author is working on adding a holder for a USB microscope. - Where can the design be found?
The design was contributed to the Thingiverse community. - Is this workstation suitable for electronics projects?
Yes, it serves as a solid platform to work on electronics projects. - What type of device does the workstation primarily support?
The workstation is designed to perform technical assessments on seized electronic devices and printed circuit boards.
