Probes are an essential component of a good oscilloscope system, but they have the nasty habit of cluttering up your workbench. If you have a four-channel scope, it’s not just several meters of cable that get in the way everywhere, but also four sets of all those little clips, springs, cable markers, and adjustment screwdrivers that need to be stored safely.

[Matt Mets] came up with a clever solution to this problem: a 3D printed cable organizer that neatly fits below your scope. It has four drawers, each of which has enough space to store a complete probe and a little compartment for all its accessories. A cable cutout at the front allows you to keep the probes plugged in even when they’re not in use.

It’s a beautifully simple solution to a common problem, and with the STL files available on Printables anyone with a cluttered workbench can build one for themselves. If, however, you’d like to keep those probes even closer at hand, have a look at these probe caddies.

Keep your oscilloscope probes safe and at your fingertips with the oscilloscope probe organizer: https://t.co/FYFPKYMfrB pic.twitter.com/bbiN54gltk

— Matt Mets (@cibomahto) April 29, 2022

Now this one I like. Well done!

I created my own version of this today. I don’t have a 3D printer so I used 1/4″ ply and MDF. One change, I didn’t bother with the small drawers for three of the compartments, just a space to slip the rolled-up cable and probe into. The 4th compartment did get a drawer for little parts and widgets. A couple of quick coats of polyurethane and it’s done and I’m very pleased. Thanks for the idea.

Very cool! I’d love to see a photo if you have one.

It looks almost exactly like the original, just no drawers. Well, one drawer. Also, it isn’t pink, not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Very nice, so simple too! Wish I thought of that.

Get yourself a MIcsig oscilloscope and this problem doesn’t even exist. Plus you get a very nice ‘scope.

I’m maybe ignorant, but why doesn’t the problem exist with Micsig?

Because the BNC connectors aren’t on the front.

It’s just relocate the problem.

Alas, it’s wider than my Rigol 1054Z. And it looks like the files are made by CATIA, which costs kilobucks. So I can’t shrink the models down to size.

The model is in Fusion 360, which should be easier to get access to.

yep good idea and you can keep them connected thumbs up

Seems to me the draws should be angled upward – so as you pull them open they clear whatever is on your desk – don’t want to have to move whatever it is you wish to test around just to get the probes out.

That would also have the added benefit of the draw being self closing, which isn’t really of great importance, but still a nice touch.

A drawer at “component level” or desktop level will never ever work out for me. There will always be stuff in the way of the drawers. I have tried a lot of ways over the years. I end up with the scope on its own platform to elevate a little and probes hanging over the side of the bench.

I tried cup hooks overhead and counterweights. None have been satisfactory. Really big work area like a lab table has really been the best. Anybody have other favorites?

Look like Amazon Basics Coffee Pod Storage Drawer for K-Cup Pods

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Coffee-Storage-Drawer-K-Cup/dp/B010RLCCL6

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61z2Dwj2mpL._AC_SL1000_.jpg

For probe storage (as well as programming dongles, USB-serial cables, etc), I’ve been using the boxes of VHS-tapes. They can be had for close to nothing. A new cover page is printed with the contents of the box as well as the main specifications of the device. For some examples and templates (free to copy and use) have a look at : http://www.pa3cor.nl/electronics/scope-probe-storage/

I like this idea! I’ve got an 80’s Tek that sits propped up on it’s handle; I may try attaching these directly under the ‘scope. There’s plenty of room for these drawers underneath, and they’d have clearance so desk litter won’t block them…

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