Project tray system

Working as an embedded systems consultant, I have to quickly switch between projects or sometimes between different boards for the same project or client.

When I was looking for inspiration on how to set up my workbench, I found this blog post from Jay Carlson about the project tray system.

https://jaycarlson.net/2021/09/18/juggle-embedded-projects-home-office-workspace-tour/

Jay uses lunch trays for the design under development, plus a USB hub, cables, etc.

I really liked the idea, but I wanted to improve it regarding:

How to secure the device under development, USB hub, etc to the tray
and Use one set of cables to connect to the tray

So I came up with my own version of the project tray system.

I am going to use a Zedboard with an FMC board and a camera as an example throughout the video.

Video

You can find this blog post in video format on YouTube (embedded below).

The tray

I am using a wood pegboard with an one inch pitch holes as the tray . They are available in different dimensions and you can cut them to size if needed. I am using 30cm x 60cm one cut to about half. I mounted 4 rubber feet so the pegboard is lifted from the desk as we are going to use screws and nuts underneath the pegboard.

Securing the device under development and components to the pegboard

How can we secure boards, USB hub, and other components to the pegboard? We could use screws and cable ties, but decided to do some 3D printing that would give more flexibility. I designed and printed these supports with a 3mm threaded insert to secure the board to the pegboard. I am using M6 nuts and screws.

To make this example more interesting I have also printed a support for the camera.

You are likely to need more than one USB port on each pegboard, so it makes sense to have its own USB hub. I designed and printed a definitely overkill support for it, but why not.

We have other interfaces that we might normally use other than USB like ethernet, HDMI, etc. I thought an easy way to connect these interfaces would be to have a 10” rack empty keystone patch panel with some 3D printed supports. You can find compatible inserts for ethernet, USB, HDMI, etc. Worst case you can get blanks and modify them.

For cable management I am using some reusable cable ties with supports like this one.

What about power? The 3 most likely scenarios for powering you device are : via USB, a power supply with an IEC plug, or a power supply with a standard wall plug.

For USB you can use an extra keystore insert.
For a power supply with an IEC plug we can just secure it to the pegboard with some cable ties.
For a power supply with a standard wall plug, I decided to use a small power strip with a 3D printed mounting support.

Storing projects

How can we store the trays? Right now I am using one of these really useful boxes that are stackable and also protect from dust. But I am thinking about getting one of these from ikea and modify it. Please let me know in the comments if you’d like to see a follow-up video