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This is where most hams brag and show off what they have. But I can't do that -- yet -- because I do not have a ham shack. I picked out one room in my house 4 years ago to be my "shack" and I ran the antenna cables to the basement under this room. Then my sister moved in with us until her house was built. Three years later, she has moved out, but I am now using that room to varnish cabinet doors for the new kitchen I was building in the interim. Sometime soon I will be through with the kitchen, and can begin on my shack -- But I NEED YOUR HELP!

I have certain design parameters for designing a ham shack(listed below) but I'm sure there is a lot I don't know about or haven't considered. PLEASE HELP me! Send me an email (click here) with suggestions, hints, or tips of what to include.

Here's my design parameters of my shack and operating goals:

1) Fit within a 7 foot X 7 foot space

2) Provide for two transceivers which can be switched between the one linear, tuner, etc. (SO2R) Have provisions for another connection to antennas for a third transceiver or receiver

3) Allow easy access to the rear of the desks, tables, etc. for the purpose of changing cables and set up.

4) Use computer control as much as possible (switching antennas, radios, tuners, and radio control)

5) Provide for CW, SSB, and digital modes on the HF bands.

6) Have provisions for VHF or even UHF expansion in the future.

7) Allow AC and DC voltages and current to be switched and/or monitored, preferably under computer control

8) Allow for microphones, speakers to be EQed and controlled from rack mounted mixers, etc.

9) Use good grounding techniques to keep as much RF out of the shack as possible.

10) Have some area for building, constructing and testing equipment.

The space I have to use has one wall 7 feet long, through which I can access all antennas and AC wiring. Another wall (to the left as you face the first wall) has a large window and I do not desire to put anything in front of the window. The 7 foot area to the right of the first wall is open space (the rest of the room). This leaves me essentially an L-shaped area 7 feet by 7 feet in dimensions.

Now, any ideas? Email me to offer suggestions. Meanwhile, you can view some of my ideas by clicking on the items to the left.