Building a mobile fab lab

== Building a Mobile Fab Lab ==

Possible configurations:
 * 1) Mobile classroom – Contains equipment, workstations and space to work.
 * 2) Equipment transport – No space to work, Equipment and workstations are on wheels and must be moved into a building in order to use.
 * 3) Hybrid – Contains space to work, but the equipment and workstations are on wheels so that they can be moved into a building if desired.

Types:
 * 1) Motorized (e.g. ice cream truck, mobile home)
 * 2) Trailer – need tow vehicle (e.g. NASCAR trailer, semi tractor-trailor, etc.)
 * 3) Other – cargo container, boat

Electrical power options:
 * 1) Plug in at host location (120v single phase, 240v 3-phase, etc)
 * 2) Generator
 * 3) Solar panels and batteries

Connectivity/Communication:
 * 1) Ethernet – Internet access, file sharing, video conferencing
 * 2) Hard-wired
 * 3) Wireless
 * 4) Satellite
 * 5) Telephone
 * 6) Hard-wired
 * 7) Wireless
 * 8) Satellite
 * 9) Internet (VOIP)

Other requirements:
 * 1) Ventilation
 * 2) Vent outside (possible obnoxious smells, loose heating / cooling)
 * 3) HEPA filter (caution filters are expensive)
 * 4) Filter and vent outside (loose heating / cooling)
 * 5) Heating and cooling
 * 6) Lighting – task, general inside and outside
 * 7) Dust collector for Shopbot
 * 8) Security – easy to lock securely to prevent un-authorized use and/or theft of equipment, computers, and supplies.
 * 9) Mobility – easy to transport, easy to secure equipment, computers, and supplies.
 * 10) Fire extinguishers and smoke alarms

Ongoing costs:
 * 1) Insurance – damage, theft, and liability
 * 2) License plates
 * 3) EPA testing
 * 4) Weigh stations
 * 5) Gas for generator
 * 6) Cost of transportation
 * 7) Storage cost when not used
 * 8) Maintenance

Benefits of mobility:
 * 1) Can bring to people in their own environment
 * 2) Effect more people
 * 3) Connect to isolated people / areas
 * 4) Marketing / Outreach
 * 5) Advertising (giant moving billboard)
 * 6) Fairs and special events
 * 7) Useful for scouting out and testing possible markets / locations for permanent lab.
 * 8) Useful for determining needs and shaping objectives for permanent lab.

Questions to be asked:
 * 1) When will it be used?
 * 2) How often will it need to be transported?
 * 3) Will drivers need special training/certification and/or insurance to drive?
 * 4) How long will it stay at each location?
 * 5) Will internet, water, etc be available?
 * 6) Will electrical power be available (120v, 240v, single phase, three phase, sufficient amperage)

Staffing:
 * 1) For the lab to be useful trained staff will be needed at each location or will have to travel with the lab.
 * 2) If the lab will be time-shared or passed off between locations, it will be hard to deal with inventory.
 * 3) Someone has to schedule lab transportation, usage, equipment maintenance, licensing, ordering, etc.

Other suggestions:
 * 1) 4’ x 4’ Shopbot Buddy instead of standard 4’ x 8’ Shopbot – lighter, more rigid, and uses less space
 * 2) All-in-one printer
 * 3) Laptop computers instead of desktops
 * 4) Extra laptops
 * 5) Roll out awning (like on campers) – provide protection from sun and weather and additional workspace.
 * 6) Screen door and screened enclosure for back gate to keep bugs out.
 * 7) Extra door for good flow and egress
 * 8) Sound insulation
 * 9) Power monitor / power filter
 * 10) Vacuum to aid in clean-up
 * 11) First aid kit
 * 12) Security alarm system
 * 13) Plenty of storage (lockable?)
 * 14) Keep trailer weight to a minimum
 * 15) Only carry materials needed
 * 16) Consider using pre-packaged instead of a complete inventory
 * 17) Don’t exceed weight limits
 * 18) Built-in leveling / stabilization jacks
 * 19) Paint with automotive paints and clear coat to protect.
 * 20) Bathroom?
 * 21) Pick equipment and wire for single phase low voltage only?
 * 22) Wire so that lab can run on single phase low voltage only if necessary.