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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?"
Stop stealing stuff from work. There's a reason why there's consumer-level equipment. Hint: It fits on the wall.
How about a shelf? Where I used to work we installed all the systems in our datacenters on shelves rather than screwing them directly into the racks simply because it saved time when it was necessary to get into thos systems or to move/replace them. No reason why you couldn't just stik it on a shelf in your closet. If you don't have an appropriate one already there, a 2x4 and a piece of plywood or MDF should do nicely as the raw materials to make your own.
Think long and hard before you start running an electrical device 24X7 in a wooden closet that hasn't been fire-proofed.
That said, DataTel/MiddleAtlantic has a nice, affordable series of wall mount racks [the "WM" series]:
Syndat, out of Oklahoma, is a retailer who will mail them to you [the "WM" series isn't listed on their website, but they do carry it - ask a salesman]:Rack mounted equipment will be designed to work horizontally, and often on the limits of heat dissipation (because everything is packed in tight).
If you turn things sideways, the convection currents that the manufacturer allowed for in the design will flow the wrong way and may not provide enough cooling.
For most things you can probably fix this by adding another fan or three, but if you have a CPU that is cooled by a heat pipe setup, it will not work at all. Heat pipes must be the correct way round to work at all, otherwise you will kill your expensive server CPU quite quickly.
Also, consider things like tray loading CD-ROM drives, which may be inconvenient to use the wrong way round, though you probably don't plan on using it very much.
Hope this helps.
I submitted this to Ask Slashdot earlier, it's been accepted but not posted yet:
I have these small devices holding my computer case on. Basically they are small pegs made out of metal, with a small cap or "head" on top. The cap has a small indention that looks like a plus (+) sign. It appears you are supposed to rotate them to extract them and remove the case. My question is, is there a tool of some sort to extract these metal pegs? TIA.
I've had enough abrasive sigs. Kittens are cute and fuzzy.
Just search Google, and you'll find a ton. I've used both an SPM2 (2U Sideways Panel Mount), and an SPM4 (4U).
You can use them to mount facing up or sideways, but I prefer sideways, as it's usually easier to read the displays.
Here are a few:
http://www.rackmountsolutions.net/WM_SPM.asp
http://www.middleatlantic.com/dcm/wall/spm.htm
A Howto Here
Take a look at the mounting brackets included with your kit, if any, along with the screwholes on the sides of the case. Sometimes, 1U-size devices are designed so that all you have to do is change where you place the brackets relative to the enclosure. E.g., Cisco 1U-size routers like the 2500 and 2600 series include mounting brackets that can also be used as wall-mounting straps, and is well documented in the installation manuals. Also, as noted above, you should note the ventilation characteristics of your hardware; if it has a fan, make sure that the exhaust points up (also noted in Cisco's documentation).
This might help.
In Soviet Russia, Jesus asks: "What Would You Do?"
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.
Under capitalism man exploits man. Under communism it's the other way around.
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.
Kid-proof tablet..