Throughout my time in the FPV hobby, I have seen many messy workbenches. \u00a0I often wonder how the very talented pilots out there make it through a build with any kind of efficiency, much less without losing components among the chaos. \u00a0I would like to share my method of FPV workbench organization with all of you, and hopefully you can take away some key ideas on keeping your space clean, maintained, and keep your components from joining the land of the lost.[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1174″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Recently, I had a friend who decided he was going to downsize his collection of components, spare frames, motors, and propellers. \u00a0He was kind enough to gift them to me.\u00a0 I came home with a cardboard box full of miscellaneous parts, a large plastic tote packed with frames, and two multi-drawer parts bins. \u00a0At the time, I didn\u2019t know how I was going to incorporate all this stuff in with my own collection, which is already fairly extensive.<\/p>\n
My workspace is in my garage, so while I have a good amount of space dedicated for my FPV gear, I also share that space with traditional household storage, a vehicle, woodworking tools, yard tools, etc. \u00a0I knew that everything extra that I had just obtained was going to have to fit in the space that was already occupied by my gear, so I had to have a plan, and it had to be creative.<\/p>\n
First, I had to know what I had, as all the parts were generally just put in bins with no rhyme or reason. \u00a0The only things that were mostly organized were the parts bins.\u00a0 Therefore, I began by spreading out across my garage, organizing things by groups as I went.<\/p>\n
Starting with the large cardboard box, I discovered it was mostly propellers, and 90% of them were out of the original bags.\u00a0 Gathering my own collection of propellers, I started by making functional, “grab and go” sets out of everything combined, making sure each bag had a complete set.\u00a0 I put them together by type, Cyclones, Lumenier, HQ, and so on.\u00a0 I made a quick trip to the store, and settled on some plastic shoe totes that were going to be my storage solution.\u00a0 The groups were put into their new boxes, a label for them, and put in a space I made for them on the shelf above my workbench.<\/p>\n
My FPV workbench organization plan was working!\u00a0\u00a0I felt pretty good about what I had accomplished! \u00a0Then I turned around and saw what else still needed to be done. \u00a0I went inside, let my better half know that I was going to be a while, and sequestered myself in my garage to work on the rest.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1191″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
To me, organization is synonymous with efficiency. \u00a0When I start a task, I like to have the path laid out in front of me with as little obstacles as possible. \u00a0That means everything I may need is close at hand, and exactly where I look for it.\u00a0 There\u2019s a feeling that happens when I can\u2019t find something that drives me crazy.\u00a0 So I spend to time to really think through how my workflow functions, and adapt my space to fit my need.\u00a0 I think that everyone can benefit from good FPV workbench organization when it comes to building FPV multirotors.<\/p>\n
Think about it from the perspective of breaking down just the average parts that make up a completed multirotor:[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
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[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Now I know most people don\u2019t look at parts in the broken down way, however, when you do, it becomes evident that there\u2019s actually quite a lot!\u00a0 The minute your workbench erupts into chaos, is the minute you start to lose things!\u00a0 If you don\u2019t have some method of FPV workbench organization, and you know the feeling of trying to hunt down the part you need, then this is for you.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1169″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
Before you jump into another build, start by cleaning your workbench.\u00a0 Obviously, this is the first step to FPV workbench organization, and will give you a blank canvas to start from, making each of the next steps easier to accomplish.\u00a0 Get all the debris gathered up and thrown in the trash.\u00a0 This means the plastic bag scraps, the anti-static bags that you think you\u2019ll use again, the wire bits, the broken props, etc.\u00a0 If you aren\u2019t currently using it, get it gone!\u00a0 Grab some cleaner and some paper towels, and wipe everything down.\u00a0 Doesn\u2019t that feel better?\u00a0 Also, don\u2019t forget that container that sits on your desk full of random screws, nuts, zip ties, and whatever else you\u2019ve casually thrown in there in a hurry.\u00a0 You know, that one you go through with a pair of tweezers looking for the piece you need like its Legos?\u00a0 Don\u2019t pretend\u2026..<\/p>\n
Once step one is complete, spread out across your garage, your room, your living room floor if you need to, and get your parts and pieces grouped together.\u00a0 This will allow you to see what you truly have.\u00a0 Screws with screws, motors with motors, props with props, ESCs, wires, camera parts, etc.\u00a0 You can separate into bins, bags, piles, whatever works.\u00a0 Now that you\u2019re all spread out and grouped up, you can identify what you need to store and make a plan that can be executed.\u00a0 Go through your that container from Tip #1, and get your screws in groups by size and type.\u00a0 Use a ruler if you have to so that you know what size they are and what group they belong in.\u00a0 Separate out the nuts and standoffs.\u00a0 Make that container go away.\u00a0 You won\u2019t need it.<\/p>\n
Now take a look at the area you have selected for your workbench.\u00a0 If it\u2019s just a simple table or desk, what kind of storage do you already have?\u00a0 Drawers, cabinets? \u00a0Decide how you want to utilize that.\u00a0 Do you have wall space in you work area?\u00a0 If so, I highly recommend a modular style wall mounting system that allows you to hang hooks and pegs to hang things such as tools that need to be within easy reach.\u00a0 Peg boards work very well, or you can go for something similar that I use which is the Gladiator system.\u00a0 Furthermore, both will allow you to modify your wall system as you acquire more models, tools, or gear.<\/p>\n
For organizing the small parts, I recommend getting a multi drawer storage bin such as the one pictured below.\u00a0 \u00a0Here\u2019s the thing, plastic storage solutions are cheap, and go a long way toward keeping the pilots workbench clean and organized.\u00a0 Whatever you pick, make sure there\u2019s enough room to really get your gear organized.\u00a0 When looking at the multi drawer organizer, start thinking on how you want to separate your parts.\u00a0 I have drawers for each size of screw, each type of part, etc.\u00a0 My drawers have removable dividers so that I can separate parts of the same type, such as M3x6mm button head screws in the front, M3x6mm socket caps screws in back.\u00a0 Same size, different types of screws.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1190″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
It’s time to get serious about FPV workbench organization!\u00a0 Now that you have your choice in storage solutions start getting your hardware and components in them!\u00a0 As you go, start labeling, being as descriptive as space allows.\u00a0 Also, think about your work habits, where you sit, and where you can easily reach.\u00a0 Parts that you will need more often, need to be closer.<\/p>\n
They should also be put into clusters, such as all screws in the same area, electronic components together, camera and FPV equipment together, etc.\u00a0 This will make finding the parts you need that much simpler.\u00a0 Make things as \u201cgrab and go\u201d as possible.\u00a0 When going through my props, I made sure to make full sets in one package.\u00a0 That way, when going out to fly, I didn\u2019t have to think so hard about how many clockwise and counter clockwise props I need, I could just select what I needed.<\/p>\n
It may take a few tries to get things \u201cperfect\u201d for you, but that\u2019s part of the fun.\u00a0 In fact, every time you organize, you see what you currently have, and can see what you truly need to purchase.<\/p>\n
Remember, the goal here is to find a home for everything.\u00a0 Whether for your spare multirotors, your tools, your batteries, or your hardware, nothing lives out in the open where it can cause clutter.\u00a0 It lives in a drawer, a tote, or on the wall, and off the workbench.\u00a0 More so, I have a dedicated spot for the current multirotor build or repair that I am working on.\u00a0 At this point, your FPV workbench organization plan should be excellent.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1170″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n
I keep a kitchen sized trash can next to my workbench.\u00a0 I often pull it close to my chair as I am working, and when I open a part, the plastic and boxes go into the trash.\u00a0 Scraps of wire that I won\u2019t reuse? In the bin.\u00a0 Zip tie ends that lay about the desk?\u00a0 In the bin.\u00a0 Hopefully you are seeing the trend here.\u00a0 This is a key point to ensure that your FPV workbench organization plan stays the way you intended.<\/p>\n
I have multiple solutions on my bench to keep from losing parts.\u00a0 First, I purchased a small bin with drawers that house all my soldering tools in it.\u00a0 I keep my solder sucker, tweezers, spare solder tips, tip cleaner, etc. here.\u00a0 I also keep USB cables in here for programming my flight controllers.\u00a0 Toward the back of my bench I utilize an office drawer organizer.\u00a0 Its low profile, has multiple divisions in it, and makes organizing the parts for my builds easy.\u00a0 That\u2019s generally where I put most of the smaller parts such as screws and components.\u00a0 I also use parts bins to keeps some of the larger parts within easy reach.\u00a0 I only pull out what I am currently working on, which also keeps things from getting lost.<\/p>\n
As you gain experience in the hobby, you will replace parts that are broken.\u00a0 If you\u2019re anything like me, and like to tinker or repair, you need a space to go with those broken parts so they can get into the repair queue.\u00a0 If not, see Tip #6.<\/p>\n
Above all, after each repair or build, go back to Tip #1.\u00a0 Put things away where they belong, so you know where to find them the next time.\u00a0 Sweep off all the trash in to the bin.\u00a0 Wipe your work mat down.\u00a0 Remember that FPV workbench organization plan that you worked so hard to create, and get it back to the way it should be!<\/p>\n
I have spent a good amount of time setting up my workbench to accomplish these goals, probably more so than most.\u00a0 While I am generally pretty good at maintaining, there are times where I go into my workspace just to re-organize it all again.\u00a0 Every time I build or repair something, I learn a new process that might change the way my space is set up.\u00a0 Additionally, having your area set up in a modular fashion will allow you to adapt to these learning moments, and become just that much more efficient.\u00a0 Please, feel free to tell me how you organize in your workbench.\u00a0 Something you do may work for others, or for me![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”1194″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Help! My FPV Workbench is a Mess! Throughout my time in the FPV hobby, I have seen many messy workbenches. \u00a0I often wonder how the very talented pilots out there make it through a build with any kind of efficiency, much less without losing components among the chaos. \u00a0I would like to share my method … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1189,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[133],"tags":[421,1296,1292,418,420,982,1293,1294,1295],"class_list":["post-1153","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fpv-essentials","tag-drone","tag-drone-building","tag-drone-parts","tag-drone-racing","tag-fpv","tag-fpv-building","tag-organization","tag-workbench","tag-workbench-organization","infinite-scroll-item","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1153","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1153"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1153\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1214,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1153\/revisions\/1214"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1189"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1153"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1153"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.getfpv.com\/learn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1153"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}