Bag of goodies
jjames
Posts: 2,908
I'm looking to get a new computer bag and am tired of not having enough space to fit the things I need in it. Someone had suggested this one. It is definitely large and could fit everything I need in there. This is a two question post, so here's the first question: what bag do you have and would recommend it? What don't you like about it?
Second part - what do you consider essential tools when going to a job site. Let me preface this by saying I do programming 98% of the time, and the other two percent is supplying parts to the techs or actually getting "down and dirty" by installing a keypad (ooooooh!!! HAHA!). I typically try to carry the following (in no particular order)
50-100' terminated cat5 cable
Straight through DB9
Null DB9
USB drive
Windows OS disks (and various other software)
USB cables
some kind of access point (and/or) wireless router
CF cards
iPod
DVD
Bluray disc
VCR tape
CD
Now obviously I don't and can't carry everything listed, so somethings get cut (particularly the media types.) Mind you, the vehicle I use is mine and stuff with family stuff - so I don't get the pleasure of a million compartments in a company van and my wife won't let me load up the Jeep with stuff used Monday-Friday. So - what do you make sure is in your bag of goodies?
Second part - what do you consider essential tools when going to a job site. Let me preface this by saying I do programming 98% of the time, and the other two percent is supplying parts to the techs or actually getting "down and dirty" by installing a keypad (ooooooh!!! HAHA!). I typically try to carry the following (in no particular order)
50-100' terminated cat5 cable
Straight through DB9
Null DB9
USB drive
Windows OS disks (and various other software)
USB cables
some kind of access point (and/or) wireless router
CF cards
iPod
DVD
Bluray disc
VCR tape
CD
Now obviously I don't and can't carry everything listed, so somethings get cut (particularly the media types.) Mind you, the vehicle I use is mine and stuff with family stuff - so I don't get the pleasure of a million compartments in a company van and my wife won't let me load up the Jeep with stuff used Monday-Friday. So - what do you make sure is in your bag of goodies?
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Comments
The essentionals kit:
- laptop (w/ charger)
- some form of mobile net connection (usually via bluetooth PAN to mobile)
- bluetooth mouse
- bluetooth RS-232 port (x 2 if possible to allow usage as temp cable replacement)
- RS-232 cross over adpater
- nice long network cable
- various usb cables
- side cutters
- zip ties
- small screwdriver kit
- test media (for both read and write where applicable)
If there's any DSP config required then this also includes a decent measurment mic and an analyser with at least an SPL meter and FFT tool.
For more 'serious' installs, or if it requires any hardware swap outs all of our guys have a hard case, lockable toolkit (GT cases are awesome) with full screw driver kits, soldering iron, various terminations, crimpers, pliers, multimeter, and other paraphinalia. These are solid and secure enough to be checked lugged, or shipped out to sites where luggage capacity is limited.
Right now I have a book satchel made by Tug. However, it was damaged here and I"m actually looking at what you're looking at Jeremiah.
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I carry, besides the laptop itself and a heavy-duty power supply:
- a crossover RS-232 cable and a straight-through, plus one of every imaginable gender-bender.
- long USB cables, normal device type and a mini USB
- a WiSpy spectrum analyser
- half a dozen various programming cords for older AMX, Universal, and C-tron, plus a couple odd balls
- two custom DB9 to DB25 cables for older Panasonic KSUs and voice mail
- a wireless mouse (I hate laptop scratch pads, as I call them)
- a handful of misc. mini-phoenix connectors
- a couple of emitters, and a whole pack of emitter sticky pads and hoods
- a test DVD (need to get a BluRay too now) disc ... currently Fifth Element, but I need some variety soon
- an assortment of mini screwdrivers and tools suitable for connector blocks, nothing major
- whatever customer files (the paper ones) I am currently working on, and a clipboard pad for notes, etc.
- a microfiber cloth to wipe down after a dusty job, or get the fingerprints off a customer's remote or new TV
I think that about covers it, neglecting whatever I happen to toss in their for pure convenience on a day-to-day basis. With all the cords and connectors, it weighs a half ton. If I have a long way to carry it, I need to visit the chiropractor later to be able to stand up straight again.
... not that anyone cares...
Bag update on my part.
I just bought a Targus Clamshell Platinum with the "Dome Protection System"
I'm traveling next week by both car and plane. We'll see how it stands up.
For the things to carry inside the bag for just troubleshooting/pickup work, I would add:
• A roll of Velcro Straps -- you always seem to need those
• USB Adapters (I carry these instead of multiple usb cables)
• Spare CF card (Keeps my pulserate down during firmware upgrades knowing I don't have to worry about bricking a unit).
• A few unpunched male and female RJ45 to DB9 connectors
Oh, and chocolate covered espresso beans. Amazing how often those come in handy.
--John
Wanted to add booties/shoe coverings to the list. Not so critical in commercial, but in resi I consider it a must have. I make all my guys carry them to show respect to the clients and their home. Good to have in the computer bag, glove compartment, etc...
--John
Booties: I'm thinking of taking them into the airport with me. Let's be honest... The TSA check points are pretty gross. We call them the 'National Foot Fungus Exhange Center .' I don't know if they'll let me wear my booties, but I'ma gonna try this time.
Stay away from the Richard Reid branded ones...
Yeah, I'd support his prison sentence being confined to one of TSA spaces. Preferably one with old carpet. The punishment should fit the crime.
This is exactly why I use the bag jjames is considering. Anything on the shoulder is just asking for trouble -- wheels are a must.
I also carry
- IRIS
- Flashlight
- Extension cord
I also have a secondary bag with more installer-type gear that I bring if I am going to a job that may not have an installer readily available. I'd rather get my hands dirty and get the job done than stand around waiting for someone qualified to run a screwdriver.
a laptop and power supply
small LED flashlight
leatherman
small screwdriver kit.
In the car I have a small box of spare parts with:
wireless access point
serial cable with an assortment of gender changers and a null modem adapter
legacy port expander for the laptop
zigbee gateway
R4 charging cradle
Tool Bag with the standard hand tools, crimpers, butane soldering iron, etc.
90% of the time my laptop bag is the only thing that I need to bring into the job, so I like having seperate bags to keep everything light and small. I do have a small suitcase that fits my tool bag perfectly that I use when I have to fly out to a job site.
Airport Express
USB to serial port cable
AMX Programming Cable with old Viewport cable
Network cable or 2
Straight 9 pin cable
A Kramer Video Null modem adaptor
USB cable
spare IR emitter or 2
Mouse
Content for testing
USB drive
All in a Swiss Army backpack
All works great.
P.S. I noticed everyones gear list...doesn't anyone carry a multimeter? I couldn't get by without one.
Wazza
I use the Swiss Army bag, and just like the knife this thing has everything. Just Google swiss army laptop bag
http://www.bagsdirect.com/images/Products/Wenger%20Swiss%20Gear/250/wenger-swiss-gear-synergy-laptop-bag-backpack.jpg
just an Idea on what I carry
5 cat5 cables in range from 5 to 100 feet
4 RJ45 to db9 adapters 2M 2F one of each straight and one cross
a USB to cat five extender.
USB to serial adapter
WAP and router
5 db 9 null modem adapters(like gender changer but flips pins 2 & 3 7 & 8) to test installer cables.
Toy Story(Blu-ray ad DVD special edition)
iPhone with video out cable
display port to HDMI (new for tha digital age) used to test laptop over HDMI.
hmdi cable
dvi cable
vga with audio cable
The DMM is part of my standard hand tool bag. I didn't think they were really optional.