Securing TE to the bench?

D

DaveC

Guest
What's a straightforward method for attaching equipment to the bench so it
won't "walk" off? (This is my desire, so let's not discuss why or why not
please.)

I have 3/16 steel cable and ferrules for making lanyards. But how best to
attach the lanyard to, say, an HP 34401 bench DMM or Tek 2465? Not adverse to
drilling the case as long as there is strength to be had and can limit the
possibility of shorting.

Thanks.
 
On 8/11/2014 10:27 PM, DaveC wrote:
What's a straightforward method for attaching equipment to the bench so it
won't "walk" off? (This is my desire, so let's not discuss why or why not
please.)

I have 3/16 steel cable and ferrules for making lanyards. But how best to
attach the lanyard to, say, an HP 34401 bench DMM or Tek 2465? Not adverse to
drilling the case as long as there is strength to be had and can limit the
possibility of shorting.

How determined an adversary are you trying to protect against?
How much "defacing" of the equipment are YOU willing to undertake?
 
In sci.electronics.repair DaveC <invalid@invalid.net> wrote:
What's a straightforward method for attaching equipment to the bench so it
won't "walk" off? (This is my desire, so let's not discuss why or why not
please.)

I have 3/16 steel cable and ferrules for making lanyards. But how best to
attach the lanyard to, say, an HP 34401 bench DMM or Tek 2465? Not adverse to
drilling the case as long as there is strength to be had and can limit the
possibility of shorting.

You could clamp down a 34401 to a flat bench with a steel banding. The
front and rear "bumpers" are thicker than the rest of the case so you
can't slide it out without disassembly. There are no bottom screws so the
trick people used to keep VCRs from vanishing off AV carts won't work.

If you don't mind equipment buthery there are plates for adding security
cables. Most glue on, some can be screwed or riveted into place. If you
install them nicely, you probably won't completely trash your resale
value. A school or governemnt worker would glue this shit right to the
front of the device.

http://www.flexguard.com/ez-catalog/X300675/5
 
On Mon, 11 Aug 2014 22:27:55 -0700, the renowned DaveC
<invalid@invalid.net> wrote:

What's a straightforward method for attaching equipment to the bench so it
won't "walk" off? (This is my desire, so let's not discuss why or why not
please.)

I have 3/16 steel cable and ferrules for making lanyards. But how best to
attach the lanyard to, say, an HP 34401 bench DMM or Tek 2465? Not adverse to
drilling the case as long as there is strength to be had and can limit the
possibility of shorting.

Thanks.

A lot of test equipment products have the "port" for the standard
notebook security cable (I think Kingston originated it, but there are
plenty of knock-offs floating aboot).


Best regards,
Spehro Pefhany
--
"it's the network..." "The Journey is the reward"
speff@interlog.com Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
Embedded software/hardware/analog Info for designers: http://www.speff.com
 
A lot of test equipment products have the "port" for the standard
notebook security cable (I think Kingston originated it, but there are
plenty of knock-offs floating aboot).

My TE must be too "old school" for that. My computers do have those.
 
The ones at school were, IIRC, either strapped to the bench (e.g., scope's
tilting handle plus cable clamps), or using rack mount bits and angle
brackets (e.g., the bench DMMs are half rack width with mounting holes on
the sides, or something like that).

Tim

--
Seven Transistor Labs
Electrical Engineering Consultation
Website: http://seventransistorlabs.com

"DaveC" <invalid@invalid.net> wrote in message
news:0001HW.D00EF3EB01E1E30CB02919BF@news.eternal-september.org...
What's a straightforward method for attaching equipment to the bench so
it
won't "walk" off? (This is my desire, so let's not discuss why or why
not
please.)

I have 3/16 steel cable and ferrules for making lanyards. But how best
to
attach the lanyard to, say, an HP 34401 bench DMM or Tek 2465? Not
adverse to
drilling the case as long as there is strength to be had and can limit
the
possibility of shorting.

Thanks.
 
On Mon, 11 Aug 2014 23:22:57 -0700, the renowned DaveC
<invalid@invalid.net> wrote:

A lot of test equipment products have the "port" for the standard
notebook security cable (I think Kingston originated it, but there are
plenty of knock-offs floating aboot).

My TE must be too "old school" for that. My computers do have those.

The two Rigols and the one Tektronix I have on my bench all have them.
The Agilent, I don't think so.

--sp


Best regards,
Spehro Pefhany
--
"it's the network..." "The Journey is the reward"
speff@interlog.com Info for manufacturers: http://www.trexon.com
Embedded software/hardware/analog Info for designers: http://www.speff.com
 
On Mon, 11 Aug 2014 22:27:55 -0700, DaveC wrote:

What's a straightforward method for attaching equipment to the bench so
it won't "walk" off? (This is my desire, so let's not discuss why or why
not please.)

I have 3/16 steel cable and ferrules for making lanyards. But how best
to attach the lanyard to, say, an HP 34401 bench DMM or Tek 2465? Not
adverse to drilling the case as long as there is strength to be had and
can limit the possibility of shorting.

Thanks.

I assume this is for security reasons. If so, then what everyone else
has said.

For earthquake resistance or for a test bench in a vehicle, where they
need to be mechanically secure but not at all proof from thievery, then
you want a different approach. In that case I'd run a nylon strap over
the top of each one and cinch it down. You can get straps & buckles &
whatnot at REI and similar outdoor stores.

--
Tim Wescott
Control system and signal processing consulting
www.wescottdesign.com
 
On 08/11/2014 10:27 PM, DaveC wrote:
What's a straightforward method for attaching equipment to the bench so it
won't "walk" off? (This is my desire, so let's not discuss why or why not
please.)

I have 3/16 steel cable and ferrules for making lanyards. But how best to
attach the lanyard to, say, an HP 34401 bench DMM or Tek 2465? Not adverse to
drilling the case as long as there is strength to be had and can limit the
possibility of shorting.

Thanks.

Steel strapping?

If you are trying to prevent theft then probably need aircraft cable
locks like used for bicycles and then put metal loops on the cabinets.

John :-#)#

--
(Please post followups or tech inquiries to the newsgroup)
John's Jukes Ltd. 2343 Main St., Vancouver, BC, Canada V5T 3C9
(604)872-5757 or Fax 872-2010 (Pinballs, Jukes, Video Games)
www.flippers.com
"Old pinballers never die, they just flip out."
 
> and then put metal loops on the cabinets

It's this part I'm pondering "how best"...

Thanks.
 
On Tue, 12 Aug 2014 11:41:00 -0700, DaveC <invalid@invalid.net> wrote:

and then put metal loops on the cabinets

It's this part I'm pondering "how best"...

Thanks.

Looping it through some pre-existing hole works. If you have a desk
with the usual holes for power etc. cables, this:

http://www.amazon.com/Kensington-K64612WW-Grommet-Cable-Anchor/dp/B0036RFNRO
 
On 08/12/2014 11:41 AM, DaveC wrote:
and then put metal loops on the cabinets

It's this part I'm pondering "how best"...

Thanks.

Perhaps products used to secure photocopiers/fax machines will do the job?

http://www.locdown.com/printercopiersfaxcablesecurity.htm

John :-#)#

--
(Please post followups or tech inquiries to the newsgroup)
John's Jukes Ltd. 2343 Main St., Vancouver, BC, Canada V5T 3C9
(604)872-5757 or Fax 872-2010 (Pinballs, Jukes, Video Games)
www.flippers.com
"Old pinballers never die, they just flip out."
 
Tim Williams wrote:
The ones at school were, IIRC, either strapped to the bench (e.g., scope's
tilting handle plus cable clamps), or using rack mount bits and angle
brackets (e.g., the bench DMMs are half rack width with mounting holes on
the sides, or something like that).

Worst case then you'll have two very well secured handles on the bench
but no more scope.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com/
 
DaveC wrote:
What's a straightforward method for attaching equipment to the bench so it
won't "walk" off? (This is my desire, so let's not discuss why or why not
please.)

I have 3/16 steel cable and ferrules for making lanyards. But how best to
attach the lanyard to, say, an HP 34401 bench DMM or Tek 2465? Not adverse to
drilling the case as long as there is strength to be had and can limit the
possibility of shorting.

Open the unit bottom, take a half-shell type pipe hanger, mark, drill
holes. Watch the debris and that the drill bit won't tear up anything.
Deburr carefully. Screw on with small short carriage bolts with the
threads towards the inside. Close unit and loop locking cable through there.

If concerned that they might take the lid off and undo the whole chebang
use hardware for highly non-standard wrenches or rivet in the
half-shell. They could still drill that out but if someone is this
determined they'd also cart away the whole lab bench, along with the
vending machine in the hallway and the ATM across the street.

Loops work as well but like hooks they only have a single fixation point
and thus can eventually twirl themselves loose.

As an added measure, if someone tugs on a unit and pulls the rope
taught, let a switch activate an MP3 player connected to a speaker that
plays this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1FvF69xV3k

Followed by the harmonica theme from "Once upon a Time in the West",
after which the thieves will probably come running out screaming :)

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com/
 
Hi Joerg,

On 8/12/2014 1:03 PM, Joerg wrote:
Tim Williams wrote:
The ones at school were, IIRC, either strapped to the bench (e.g., scope's
tilting handle plus cable clamps), or using rack mount bits and angle
brackets (e.g., the bench DMMs are half rack width with mounting holes on
the sides, or something like that).

Worst case then you'll have two very well secured handles on the bench
but no more scope.

Which is why it is important to quantify your prospective attacker!

A new neighbor came over one hot summer Sunday complaining that he had
locked himself out of the house -- along with his wife and newborn
son. Apparently, the locksmith (in addition to wanting a fair bit of
money for a house call on Sunday) wouldn't come to the house until
"after the game".

It took me a bit more than a minute to figure out how to get into
his house -- without leaving any visible signs of damage/entry.
The look in his eyes was priceless: "THIS is my new neighbor???
Perhaps I'd best keep on his 'good side'!"

Locks keep honest people honest.
 
On 8/13/2014 1:22 AM, Robert Baer wrote:
Cydrome Leader wrote:
In sci.electronics.repair DaveC<invalid@invalid.net> wrote:
What's a straightforward method for attaching equipment to the bench
so it
won't "walk" off? (This is my desire, so let's not discuss why or why
not
please.)

I have 3/16 steel cable and ferrules for making lanyards. But how
best to
attach the lanyard to, say, an HP 34401 bench DMM or Tek 2465? Not
adverse to
drilling the case as long as there is strength to be had and can
limit the
possibility of shorting.

You could clamp down a 34401 to a flat bench with a steel banding. The
front and rear "bumpers" are thicker than the rest of the case so you
can't slide it out without disassembly. There are no bottom screws so the
trick people used to keep VCRs from vanishing off AV carts won't work.

If you don't mind equipment buthery there are plates for adding security
cables. Most glue on, some can be screwed or riveted into place. If you
install them nicely, you probably won't completely trash your resale
value. A school or governemnt worker would glue this shit right to the
front of the device.

http://www.flexguard.com/ez-catalog/X300675/5



"Mounts with super glue".
A little acetone or MEK will help easy removal.

I recall back when I was in college they replaced three mechanical four
banger calculators the size of large typewriters with three HP-65
calculators. To make sure they weren't stolen I think they used
security cradles which were epoxied to the stone lab bench top they sat
on. I'm surprised they didn't chain the stools to the bench too.

--

Rick
 
Cydrome Leader wrote:
In sci.electronics.repair DaveC<invalid@invalid.net> wrote:
What's a straightforward method for attaching equipment to the bench so it
won't "walk" off? (This is my desire, so let's not discuss why or why not
please.)

I have 3/16 steel cable and ferrules for making lanyards. But how best to
attach the lanyard to, say, an HP 34401 bench DMM or Tek 2465? Not adverse to
drilling the case as long as there is strength to be had and can limit the
possibility of shorting.

You could clamp down a 34401 to a flat bench with a steel banding. The
front and rear "bumpers" are thicker than the rest of the case so you
can't slide it out without disassembly. There are no bottom screws so the
trick people used to keep VCRs from vanishing off AV carts won't work.

If you don't mind equipment buthery there are plates for adding security
cables. Most glue on, some can be screwed or riveted into place. If you
install them nicely, you probably won't completely trash your resale
value. A school or governemnt worker would glue this shit right to the
front of the device.

http://www.flexguard.com/ez-catalog/X300675/5
"Mounts with super glue".
A little acetone or MEK will help easy removal.
 
Don Y wrote:
Hi Joerg,

On 8/12/2014 1:03 PM, Joerg wrote:
Tim Williams wrote:
The ones at school were, IIRC, either strapped to the bench (e.g.,
scope's
tilting handle plus cable clamps), or using rack mount bits and angle
brackets (e.g., the bench DMMs are half rack width with mounting
holes on
the sides, or something like that).

Worst case then you'll have two very well secured handles on the bench
but no more scope.

Which is why it is important to quantify your prospective attacker!

A new neighbor came over one hot summer Sunday complaining that he had
locked himself out of the house -- along with his wife and newborn
son. Apparently, the locksmith (in addition to wanting a fair bit of
money for a house call on Sunday) wouldn't come to the house until
"after the game".

It took me a bit more than a minute to figure out how to get into
his house -- without leaving any visible signs of damage/entry.
The look in his eyes was priceless: "THIS is my new neighbor???
Perhaps I'd best keep on his 'good side'!"

My McGyver moment came in a missing child case. Not much time was
available. The parents asked me to see if the computer could be accessed
somehow but that it was password-protected for each user. A few minutes
later it was open, for all users, the whole wide hard drive. Some jaws
dropped when dad saw his tax return files pop up. Of course I did not
open any of those.


> Locks keep honest people honest.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com/
 
Hi Joerg,

On 8/13/2014 2:47 PM, Joerg wrote:

My McGyver moment came in a missing child case. Not much time was
available. The parents asked me to see if the computer could be accessed
somehow but that it was password-protected for each user. A few minutes
later it was open, for all users, the whole wide hard drive. Some jaws
dropped when dad saw his tax return files pop up. Of course I did not
open any of those.

Most people don't think about how to get around "security"
measures -- which is why they are reasonably effective!
I.e., the *initial* impediment tells them, "you shouldn't
be doing this" -- and, they comply!

But, if you are *truly* trying to protect something, then you
have to take into consideration *every* adversary. Including
those that would "invest" *more* than the (apparent!) value of
the item being protected (perhaps because they evaluate its
value -- and their costs! -- on a different scale from yours)

A friend is actively involved in disaster preparedness for
state and federal agencies. He always delights in how "well"
the drills, full-scale exercises turn out! I gently remind
him that the folks involved in those drills *want* them to work
out well -- even the "volunteers" posing as victims, etc.

"Want an idea of what a *real* scenario will likely be? Put
a pile of cash in the room (i.e., the "scarce resources you will
be metering out in a disaster) and open the event 'to all comers'.
And, make sure you've got live ammo in your weapons -- cuz some
of the self-invited participants likely will!"
 
In article <53edf70f.3071109@news.eternal-september.org>,
greenaum@gmail.com (greenaum) writes:
On Tue, 12 Aug 2014 01:56:35 -0400, Spehro Pefhany
speffSNIP@interlogDOTyou.knowwhat> sprachen:

A lot of test equipment products have the "port" for the standard
notebook security cable (I think Kingston originated it, but there are
plenty of knock-offs floating aboot).

Ah, you mean "Kensington". A brand-name that's become a standard.

They look very feeble to me. I never tried yanking on one to
destruction, but I find it hard to believe it wouldn't simply
snap the T-piece off the lock.

Sun Microsystem's desktop kit used to have a small (1cm) cube
of metal on the back with two holes drilled through the center.
One hole allowed you to screw the cube to the rear case (the
back of the hole was a smaller diameter to be clamped by the
screwhead). The other hole allowed you to pass a steel cable
through the cube, which when fitted, covered the screwhead so
you can't unscrew the block. I think the block fitted in a
slight recess in the case so you couldn't twist the block
itself to try and unscrew it (a locknut would do the same
if there was no matching recess).

--
Andrew Gabriel
[email address is not usable -- followup in the newsgroup]
 

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