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Wall-Mounting 1U Devices Without a Rack?
c640180 asks: "I need to figure out a way to mount a 1U enclosure in a small closet that doesn't have a relay rack or anything similar. Is there such a thing as a set of right angle brackets that would provide me with 19" wide screw holes so that I could mount the device vertically (so that the screws would be pointing down)? how do other folks who don't have real network closets mount real networking hardware?"
Most rackmount brackets I've seen will allow you to unscrew and rotate them 90 degrees so you can mount the device flush to the wall. If you can't do that, run down to Lowe's or Home Depot and get a couple of 90 degree angle brackets. Attach them to the wall spaced properly, hang the equipment on them, and screw it down. If stud spacing doesn't allow the proper spacing, attach a strip of wood to the studs then attach the brackets to the wood.
There is some rack gear that is intended to be ventilated through the bottom, perforated cases and such. This made pretty good sense if you had an elevated floor under positive pressure and a fan blowing AC up through the rack. Most newer stuff seems to rely on big fans ventilating front-to-back.
Just check carefully before you block the bottom by putting it on a solid shelf. Wire shelves would be a decent workaround.
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While these are both excellent suggestions, I would be a little wary of a road case. They're designed to protect equipment from shipping/roadies, and may not have adequate airflow. As a source of bracketry, though, they're an excellent choice.
I think I would probably hit the hardware store first, though. It'll likely be cheaper, and there will be a guy there who will tell you exactly what you need to do (asuming you adequately explain the problem to him). I've found that hardware store employees are some of the most helpful people in the world.
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Airflow? He's mounting a single 1U box. And even if he wanted more, it is usually exceedingly difficult to find road cases in excess of 12U. Which just isn't very much equipment.
Remember, the intended purpose of these racks is not just for the shipping of equipment, but the use of it. Sensitive analog (and increasingly, digital) electronics upon which multi-million dollar shows (and hundreds of thousands of potentially-angry people) are relying on.
This type of stuff generally makes a lot more heat than a couple of PCs. And it's sitting in direct sunlight on a 105 degree day...that is, unless it's getting rained on.
Somehow, airflow seems to be OK for these folks. And they take it at least as seriously as any of you computer kids.
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