How to Space Outboard Gear in a Rack

[paulsmusic]

I want to space some outboard gear in racks to allow proper ventilation between units, and wondered if it's possible to buy a spacer shelf of some description to fit into a rack space? I've been looking at some wooden rack units on Ebay (linked below), which don't have ventilation in the sides, and wondered how tightly 19 inch outboard units fit? i.e. would there be space at the sides for ventilation once the outboard gear is slotted in? Cheers!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6u-UNIT-19-I ... 0034594652

[Mike Stranks]

Yes; there's always some space at the sides - certainly enough to allow for airflow, but unless you're installing power-amps that will be working hard or something else that has transformers that make the casing hot to the touch then I wouldn't be too concerned. I've never had issues.

However, there are sometimes (fairly rarely IME) issues with one item pumping out mush which can be picked-up by inductance if another piece of kit is racked too close to it. Several years ago I had a CD player that would give my then radio-mic receivers the heebie-jeebies if they were racked on top of each other.

If I do have a power-amp or other significant heat source that's heavy I'll place it at the bottom of the rack for stability and leave 1U rack space above it.

If you don't want untidy gaps in the rack then you can use something like this: https://www.studiospares.com/Accessories/Rack-Panels/Blank-Panel-Black-1U_402410.htm

or even better: https://www.studiospares.com/Accessories/Rack-Panels/Perforated-Ventilation-Panel-1U_460170.htm

These are just examples; there are numerous variations, prices and suppliers on the same theme.

[paulsmusic]

If I do have a power-amp or other significant heat source that's heavy I'll place it at the bottom of the rack for stability and leave 1U rack space above it.

Thanks for the info Mike. So is it ok just to bolt outboard gear into the metal runners without it resting on anything? My plan is to leave a 1U space between some pieces of gear (e.g. a UAD 47010D that generates heat), but as it's reasonably heavy I was assuming it would need a shelf, or as you say, to be placed at the bottom of the unit. I did have another idea, which is to put some wooden runners in to slot things onto for extra support...

[Sam Spoons]

Rack mount gear which requires more support than the front panel mountings usually has some kind of bracket at the back of the chassis. Mostly it isn't needed unless in a mobile rack that will get bounced around. Rack mount shelves are usually for gear that doesn't have rack ears on the front.

[paulsmusic]

Rack mount gear which requires more support than the front panel mountings usually has some kind of bracket at the back of the chassis. Mostly it isn't needed unless in a mobile rack that will get bounced around. Rack mount shelves are usually for gear that doesn't have rack ears on the front.

Thanks Sam! Everything I'm using has rack ears on the front, so hopefully it will all be ok, as it's only for use in my home studio...

[Mike Stranks]

All sound good...

Just make sure that the rack bolts are fastened tightly and that will give the required rigidity.

[Martin Walker]

If you don't want untidy gaps in the rack then you can use something like this: https://www.studiospares.com/Accessories/Rack-Panels/Blank-Panel-Black-1U_402410.htm

or even better: https://www.studiospares.com/Accessories/Rack-Panels/Perforated-Ventilation-Panel-1U_460170.htm

I'd definitely go for the 2nd option if ventilation is a concern - I've got around four of the 1u top ones, and was frankly amazed at how thick their steel panels were - I wouldn't fancy attempting to drill even a couple of holes into them!

Martin

[paulsmusic]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, sounds like I have a plan!

[ef37a]

Two more tips. You can buy insulating rack screw kits so that chassis do not make ad hoc contact with each other but only earth (starwise!) via their mains earths. Look up "Rack-snaps" Hellerman-Tyton Data.

If any device uses a line lump PSU do not neatly tie it up at the back, it will inject serious amounts of hum or hash.

Dave.

[paulsmusic]

Two more tips. You can buy insulating rack screw kits so that chassis do not make ad hoc contact with each other but only earth (starwise!) via their mains earths. Look up "Rack-snaps" Hellerman-Tyton Data.

If any device uses a line lump PSU do not neatly tie it up at the back, it will inject serious amounts of hum or hash.

Dave.

Great tips Dave - thanks!