After seeing Ronnie's post about his wiring cabinet, I'd like to see what others have done. (pretty or ugly)

So can you post a picture of what your wiring cabinet looks like?

Wow, checked out this thread because of the topic and noticed I got a reference. Thanks Outsider787.

Here are a couple of pics in case you missed my thread at http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=572579.

Front of Rack:
http://webpages.charter.net/jackson.ronnie/rack/Front.JPG
Back of Rack:
http://webpages.charter.net/jackson.ronnie/rack/Back.jpg

Ronnie

Oh Comon!, Showoff. Who is going to post now after seeing that.

Actually, I know someone here that also has a really nice display but I am not going to say who it is for privacy reasons.

I will post my super ugly unorganized rack systems before and my not so ugly after pictures later this weekend.

I hope nobody takes my post that way cmcjo. I needed something of this scale in order to accomodate almost 60 cat5e and 60 RG6 connections. In my case, this was the only thing that makes sense.

I have seen several other systems on a smaller scale that were just as nice, if not nicer than mine. In fact, I got a lot of ideas from some of these other systems.

Please dont worry about the scale of my system. Please post whatever pics you have. We are all interested in seeing them.

Ronnie

Ronnie...

Where are the service loops? From the pic it looks like the cables go right into the cieling without any indication of a service loop.

What is a service loop?

Shawn

Where are the service loops

The 12 unlabeled "f" connectors on the top panel are the service ports. At this time I only have the CATV split into 3 ports. I can apply any service I choose to these 12 ports. If you look at the picture of the back of the rack, you can see the service ports are empty (that pic was taken before I made any connections). They can then be redirected to any room I wish by simply using a patch cable. You can see the 3 CATV ports on the front of the rack being redirected into the patch panel for my living room and 2 bedrooms. The cable management makes it kind of hard to trace, but its the only coax cables you can see.

The phone line service goes into the cat5e patch panel and is looped through 5 ports.

I plan on adding VoiP, Satellite TV, and Cameras into the rack in the future.

There are several service lines mixed into that big bundle of cable you see. 1 for the CATV, 1 for the cable modem, 1 for the attic mounted FM antenna, and 1 for POTS (telephone). I also have four extra RG6 lines and an extra cat5e that I ran down to the demarc for future proofing. Its also very easy to add just about any service I need to this room. I framed in an 8x10 room out of a huge walk in attic section. 2 sides and the top of it are very easy to access.



Ronnie

What is a service loop?

Shawn
Typically, a service loop is a small of amount of cable which is coiled up and left in the ceiling, floor or wall. This is only used if the connection requires modification in the future. This gives you the option of re-arranging the patch/distibution panels. I always leave at least 6" in the wall at the outlet and 1'-2' at the distribution point. If you have ever had to re-terminate a connection after the initial installer made the cables 'banjo-tight', you can appreciate the slack.

Mark

Typically, a service loop is a small of amount of cable which is coiled up and left in the ceiling, floor or wall. This is only used if the connection requires modification in the future. This gives you the option of re-arranging the patch/distibution panels. I always leave at least 6" in the wall at the outlet and 1'-2' at the distribution point. If you have ever had to re-terminate a connection after the initial installer made the cables 'banjo-tight', you can appreciate the slack.

Mark

Ah, thanks for the info. I have run my cables and left myself about 20' for each run. Probably overkill but I do not yet know how I am going to lay out my wiring closet and I wanted a lot of flexibility. Have to make sure when I do finish it off to leave several feet for future mods.

Shawn

Here are some photos of my current setup. I will be adding an addition shelf for my voip adapters soon. I'm renting right now, notice the 5 CAT5 plugs and one coax in the right corner of the last photo.

I am building a new house in the next few months and will be dedicating a closet in the garage to my home theater/automation/network stuff. My wires are no where near as nice as Ronnie's. Thanks for all the insight. :)

http://www.provelocity.com/photos/DSCN1637.JPG
http://www.provelocity.com/photos/DSCN1638.JPG
http://www.provelocity.com/photos/DSCN1639.JPG
http://www.provelocity.com/photos/DSCN1640.JPG
http://www.provelocity.com/photos/DSCN1643.JPG http://www.provelocity.com/photos/DSCN1650.JPG
http://www.provelocity.com/photos/DSCN1651.JPG

Ronnie_J,

May I ask how you have your linksys router/switch mounted there? You've got them turned verticaly, but is there some sort of bracket for that, or are they just sort of sitting there?.

... wondering what to do with mine.

I almost want to send you my back-lit Saitek keyboard as an offering to the uber-rack. (It would look great on that shelf) http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6785696&type=product&id=1089890861716

To answer your question: ShXt! :p

Seriously, how does one post a pic? Sorry I can't figure it out - I looked everywhere for instructions..

Very nice install guys!

Since someone has to post an ugly one, I'm volunteering!
On the picture you can see a lot of things if you know the diffferent components.
Also not visible on the picture is on the right side, there is the back of my rack located in the home theater that contains all the devices (ie: receiver, directv receiver, directivo, vcrs, dvd players, MD player, power conditionner).
In case you don't recognize the one on the picture, here is a short list of the feature supported:
Video Modulation (outdoor camera + MCE)
Video Combining
Video Splitting
Audio broadcast
IR receive and dispatch
RS485 dispatch
Phone
Computer Network (Switch + DSL modem)
Lighting system (Lutron Radio Ra with IR interface)
Internet Video Streaming (Slingbox)
Serial port accessible through Network
Lawn Sprinkler control
2 PC: One running Windows Media Center + Windows Small Business Server 2003.

My biggest problem for the moment is dealing with the IR because they have to cross the room from left to right (you can see the cable dangling for the moment).

I'm currently redoing everything to consolidate all the signals to a single rep[eater box instead of having 4 IR emitters in front of my directivo!

Provelocity, Thats a very sweet rack. Nice clean, sleek look.

Love the KVM mount. I need one of those.

What are the two devices at the bottom of the rack?

Ronnie

May I ask how you have your linksys router/switch mounted there? You've got them turned verticaly, but is there some sort of bracket for that, or are they just sort of sitting there?.




The router and WAP are just turned on their side and sitting on the shelf. Nothing mounted. The linksys units are made to sit either vertical or horizontal.

I liked the look, plus they dont seem to get as hot as when they are stacked.

Ronnie

fdelacou, nice setup. Man thats a lot of stuff!!! You guys are really helping me out. My wife thought I was nuts.

Its cool to see that a lot of others have similar setups. Guess im not the only psycho around :p

Keep the pics coming. I would like to see some more ideas.

Ronnie

So, I've taken the plunge and picked up an 84" Chatsworth relay rack and got 10 shelves for a fantastic price off ebay.

Now I need a couple accessories -- filler plates, vented shelves, etc. and there are about one gazillion vendors on the web.

Can anyone recommend a good online vendor for rack equipment?

Just in case any of your are feeling inadequate like I am, here is my lowly wiring setup for my house. This contains my cable modem, router/switch, two switches, phone distribution, and coax splitter with amplifier (Rat Shack special). It is very messy as I had to take the box out of the wall to add one more Cat5 for my security interface after the initial install. All the wires were laid out pretty when I first put it in. *sigh* Too much trouble now to beautify it again.

This is in the wall of the closet in the spare bedroom which I turned into my office.


http://home.wavecable.com/~meisenberg/Storage/Wiring_Closet_1.JPG___ http://home.wavecable.com/~meisenberg/Storage/Wiring_Closet_2.JPG

Chuck,

Check out Gruber for shelving and accessories, as well as ebay for Middle Atlatic stuff. I'll post some pics later, but I have 3 chatsworth relay racks (1 in theater for components, 2 in "server room" / wiring closet for distribution/automation populated with a mix of Gruber shelving, and middle atlantic stuff, most of it from E-Bay.

Cheers,

Rich

Ronnie,

The two boxes at the bottom are my servers. One hosts a terminal server/file server for my office. The other is my media server. It has roughly 2 terrabytes of storage. I am upgrading from ide drives to serial ata slowly. I just ordered a 4 channel serial ata controller and a serial ata backplane with enough space for 4 drives in 3 5.25 bays.

My setup in my new house will consist of 2 78in racks and a leviton 48in media panel. I'll post some info on it in the next few days.

Rich,

Post some photos of your racks. I need some ideas for my home theater rack.

Jon

Chuck,

Check out Gruber for shelving and accessories, as well as ebay for Middle Atlantic stuff. I'll post some pics later, but I have 3 chatsworth relay racks (1 in theater for components, 2 in "server room" / wiring closet for distribution/automation populated with a mix of Gruber shelving, and middle atlantic stuff, most of it from E-Bay.

Cheers,

Rich

I have a new Middle Atlantic rack I want to sell. I didn't realize how deep servers are and the unit I purchased (a 74" high ERK 4020 unit) while great for audio equipment is too shallow for a 26" deep server.

I'm new to the 19" world and now hooked....I have a pair of Middle Atlantic racks in my garage but can't post pictures until after I have made more posts to this forum.

Steve D

So, I've taken the plunge and picked up an 84" Chatsworth relay rack and got 10 shelves for a fantastic price off ebay.

Now I need a couple accessories -- filler plates, vented shelves, etc. and there are about one gazillion vendors on the web.

Can anyone recommend a good online vendor for rack equipment?


I think you answered your own question with your very first sentence. Ebay is your best friend. I purchased all my stuff off ebay.

Ronnie

Ronnie,

The two boxes at the bottom are my servers. It has roughly 2 terrabytes of storage

Sweet!. That makes my little 1U Dell feel pretty inadequate. :p

I will need something beefy like that once I start working on the whole house audio and media servers.

Ronnie

I didn't realize how deep servers are and the unit I purchased (a 74" high ERK 4020 unit) while great for audio equipment is too shallow for a 26" deep server.
Steve D

I hear you, due to space constraints in my server room/wiring closet, I had to put my rackmount server case on a heavy duty shelf rather than with rack rails, etc. Too deep. It does act as a great anchor though for that rack...very stable :D

I'll try to take some pics tonite of my racks if possible. My server room is a mess, and is hard to take pics of due to the configuration, but I'll see what I can do.

edit:

this thread has some old old old pics of my rack in my theater. Things have changed quite a bit (more stuff, moved around, etc). I'll still try to take pics tonite.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=5108213#post5108213

Rich

provelocity,

Love the look of your setup...very nice and clean (front). I LOVE the dichotomy of the uber clean front look and the mess of cables behind :D Ok, it's not THAT messy, but it does contrast the front.

Believe me, we all have our dirty little secrets (or rats nests)

Cheers,

Rich

my little rack....

Nothing like what was posted here to start, but it's the latest panel I’ve done..
I’m pretty happy with it except for the painters making a mess in there.

The panel is all Openhouse stuff, the HT system and whole house audio wires just come out of boxes below the panel.

Here's mine:
http://www.fezam.com/gallery/view_photo.php?set_albumName=BasementTrim&id=DSC04153

I can still clean it up a bit - and I need to, because this turned into my wife's office and I"m pretty sure she wants me to put the covers on before she moves her stuff down there :)

CW

A question for you guys with 19" racks...

What do you do for phone? Do you put in a 19" punchdown block? (I think Leviton makes one, I dunno). Lemme know what you might recommend. I have about three phone jacks I need to wire. If a rack solution doesnt make sense, I guess I could get a wall mount punchdown block (even then, I dont know wth I am doing, lol)

And whats some good coax panels for a 19" rack?

After about the 50th time doing the ever so clean wire-wrapped rack scenario, I gave up on it and decided that it was fated to be a mess. In my case, the rack is often somewhat experimental as I move devices in and out of it for testing in my system or to yank them out and take them back to the computer to work on or update their device drivers. So it just wasn't worth it to try to keep it neat anymore.

You can see my system and back of the rack on our web site (http://www.charmedquark.com/). Select the Gallery tab in the main web site menu, and my system is the Small Packages gallery.

velcro wraps baby! Being a network manager, I am used to dealing with wires and moving them and the equipment all the time. If you have the right equipment (rack with cable management) its easy to keep it clean.

Here's the current state of mine. The two shelves on the left-hand side obscure the view of the Cat5e connects. Plan is to move the shelves but at the time, I had the choice of using an existing cable vs. making a longer one so ended up putting the shelf where the cable would reach.

Check out the new hinged covers from OpenHouse. They look great. They can replace the old metal covers.

http://middlepath.gotdns.com/ht/images/rack-rear.JPG

pardon the speed...the image is hosted on the server you see in the bottom of the rack, and TWC outbound speed leaves something to be desired.

hornswoggler...i use a standard cat5 patch panel, patched into a leviton phone distribution block (blue wires are phone). killer.

i need to finish up the RG6 termination and would also appreciate a source for 2+ghz F-connector patch panels.

$0.02,

A question for you guys with 19" racks...

What do you do for phone? Do you put in a 19" punchdown block? (I think Leviton makes one, I dunno). Lemme know what you might recommend. I have about three phone jacks I need to wire. If a rack solution doesnt make sense, I guess I could get a wall mount punchdown block (even then, I dont know wth I am doing, lol)

And whats some good coax panels for a 19" rack?


I used standard 48 port cat5e panels for data and phone. Very versatile. In this pic, port 48 has the 2 incoming phone lines. For ports 43-47 I ran a loop through all of them. On the front, I have a jumper from 48 to 47. This lights up ports 43-46 with phone service. I can then just plug in a patch cable from these ports and patch them into any of my 54 drops I choose. Everything is punched down and terminated for RJ45 connections. That way you can use it for either phone or data.

http://webpages.charter.net/jackson.ronnie/rack/Phone.JPG

In reality, I am only using 1 port and that goes to my Seimens base unit located in my office. From that I have 6 cordless handsets throughout the house. Its just nice to know that I could do any type of wiring I need and send it anywhere in the house by simply using patch cables.


For Coax patch panels, I picked up some blank 24 port "F" panels and connectors on ebay. Thats my recomendation for coax instead of the keystone style connectors for regular patch panels.

http://webpages.charter.net/jackson.ronnie/rack/fpanel.JPG

Take a look at my thread here. It pretty much answers a lot of your questions. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=572579

Hopefully all this is clear enough. Let me know if you need any help, I can walk you through it.

Ronnie

Come on QQQ, Alan, Etc. let's see how the big boys do it!

That's Lame!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's Lame!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eddie,

It's not very nice to make fun of other peoples work like that ;).

That is a great looking install. I have over 50 Coax runs that I need to terminate in my wiring closet as well. Your pics have inspired me to pursue this option instead of the keystone connectors.

Has anyone found a source for this F type panel product? If so please PM me or post.

Thanks!

That is a great looking install. I have over 50 Coax runs that I need to terminate in my wiring closet as well. Your pics have inspired me to pursue this option instead of the keystone connectors.

Has anyone found a source for this F type panel product? If so please PM me or post.

Thanks!


I got mine from onevisitmedia. I can't post links since I don't have 5 posts, but you should be able to figure out the website address. They weren't cheap, but the construction is solid.

COBeav

Here is the link for Onevista

http://www.onevisitmedia.com/patchpanelf.html


Ronnie

Thanks for the info! You guys rock!

:-)

Edit:

Mine is still a work in progress. I should have it done soon:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b327/Hornswoggler/01-01_data1.jpg

I got some good ideas from this thread and thought I would revive it. If anyone else has pics of their setup, I, and I'm sure others would like to see them. How 'bout you pros showing off some!?

I'm very space limited at my place and it was necessary to maximize the use of every every square inch I could. I didn't want any cables exposed and serviceability was very important to me. I finally settled on this Middle Atlantic SR-40-28 rack. I rejected this one several times, but I kept coming back to it. It's taken some careful planning, but I think I'll be able to stuff a bunch of equipment in there. I did make a couple of mods, I removed a lacing rail that was welded to the back pan and replaced it with some low profile rack rails. I also left off a trim piece on the left side that would have blocked access to the back pan when the cabinet was open. That will leave a gap on that side when it's closed but I have some neoprene rubber that will close that up and look good. It takes up 5 square feet of floor space and not quite double that when it's open. I had to leave that space available for breaker access anyway. I was trying to leave enough space in the back for my security system, but I'm now leaning towards putting a can in the wall to the right for that. Serviceability has proved to be excellent and there is very little cable movement when opening and closing the cabinet.

The servers are on rails and I could easily totally rebuild them where they are. They are networked together with Firewire which is the easiest network connection that I've ever made. No wizards or assigning addresses, just plug it in - and it's fast. The top server houses the CQC master server and feeds my living room entertainment center. The bottom one feeds my office and is my DVR. The Cat 5 Patch panels punch from the front and are a breeze to work with. Now I just have to buy some more things for CQC to control!

Thanks for looking.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j82/MBrew117/Rack%20Pics/20060711rack.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j82/MBrew117/Rack%20Pics/20060704Rackc004.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j82/MBrew117/Rack%20Pics/20060704Rackc001.jpg

For all of you trying to figure out how to mount your router Linksys makes some nice wall mount brackets for mounting routers, etc. Look at the accessories page on their site.

Most structured wiring companies have blank pieces that you can mount it to also.

Well these dont belong to me, but I consider them part mine because I built them. :)

http://www.hostdub.com/albums/Audiophiliac_album04/DSC00754.sized.jpg

http://www.hostdub.com/albums/Audiophiliac_album04/DSC00761.sized.jpg

http://www.hostdub.com/albums/Audiophiliac_album04/DSC00767.sized.jpg

http://www.hostdub.com/albums/Audiophiliac_album04/DSC00739.sized.jpg

http://www.hostdub.com/albums/Audiophiliac_album04/DSC00943.sized.jpg

Nice looking work Audiophiliac. This thread is a really good reference.

I will have to do an install at my nephews house soon using cans, so several of these posts are giving me some good ideas.

The "adhoc" installations are interesting to see too. If it works, it's worth seeing.

Audiophiliac, very very very nice and clean installs. Nothing more gorgeous than a well laid out and clean wire managed rack.

Ronnie

Mine is in my link below. Not the prettiest here, but not bad for my first time I think.

Well, I took a picture of the media closet, but you just couldn't tell what was what as there's so much stuff crammed in there. And just imagine - there's stuff that I use that's not in there...

Here's a schematic that I traced out over the picture in photoshop.

http://www.myhometheaterpc.com/images/rack.jpg

Avophiliac,

We're hiring in Hawaii :cool:

Well these dont belong to me, but I consider them part mine because I built them. :)

http://www.hostdub.com/albums/Audiophiliac_album04/DSC00754.sized.jpg



What is the equipment used in the 1st pic and what are they being used for if you can remember?

Looks like punchdown blocks, a switch and a wireless router to me. On the right is probably some CATV splitters and an amp.

CJ

What is the equipment used in the 1st pic and what are they being used for if you can remember?

In the panel on the left is, as stated, phone punchdown blocks and DSL filter, as well as 2 data punch down blocks, 16 port switch, and a router. There is also a DSL modem in there now.

The panel on the right is the satellite multiswitch and RF distribution amps for modulated cameras in this case. No local antenna or CATV available at the location.

Which part is the DSL filter?

The most upper left piece. It simply filters the DSL before the distribution. So you dont have to have those annoying dongles on all your phones. I think its made by Leviton.

The most upper left piece. It simply filters the DSL before the distribution. So you dont have to have those annoying dongles on all your phones. I think its made by Leviton.
Yep it is. Thanks! I have been looking for something like that so I could get rid of those fugly dongles.

Nice work by the way!

OnQ makes a DSL filter too.

Audiophiliac,
What kind/brand of data punch down blocks did you use in the in wall enclosures?

Everyone,
My setup that came with the house has one in wall enclosure for the cat5e and rg6. Im deciding if I should put a 110 punch down block to run the cat5e cable out of the enclosure and into a rack mount patch panel. I was thinking of doing the same with the rg6 (the rg6 will need to be extended as well). What do you guys think?

Open House. H616 master phone block. H618 Phone extension block. H628 (x2) data punch down blocks. H838 TV/CATV distribution amps (x2). Leviton DSL filter.

I just can't get enough of these threads. Ronnie's original threads was one of the first I found when I joined the site, and I always find myself coming back to it. I'm hoping to actually get started on my server/wiring cabinet in a few weeks, and if anyone is interested, I'll post photos as I go. For mine, the house is completed, so I'm having to do a little bit of retro work, but I think it will turn out alright.

Thanks to everyone that has/will post in this thread, the info is great.

if anyone is interested, I'll post photos as I go.

I look forward to seeing them. This really is a pretty good reference thread.

I look forward to seeing them. This really is a pretty good reference thread.

Sorry for the hijack guys. Brewman, this is up your alley;


Incidentally, Sun - the principal developer of BDJ - is a founding member of the new HANA group. In its inaugural press release, HANA stated that it would advocate the use of FireWire (IEEE 1394) technologies to connect HD-supporting devices such as players and displays. Such a move would fly in the face of Toshiba, Intel, and the other supporters of HDMI. So it would appear a fresh new set of battle lines is being drawn, just in time for the holidays.

http://www.tgdaily.com/2005/12/19/aacs_10_negotiations_make_progress/

Just reading up again on HDMI and this little tidbit made me think of you. Oh, the drama!

Sorry for the hijack guys. Brewman, this is up your alley;



http://www.tgdaily.com/2005/12/19/aacs_10_negotiations_make_progress/

Just reading up again on HDMI and this little tidbit made me think of you. Oh, the drama!

There won't be anything from HANA in time for the holidays. CES (in JAN?) is set for the launch of the first products and I don't expect many at first. I'll make some more comments in the HDMI thread.

How 'bout showing us how they install a wiring closet/rack in Hawaii?

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/6186/distrorackyu2.jpg

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/7597/sourcerackuj9.jpg

Your typical monster home job. I have another rack, but that's even harder to get a good picture of.

I hope whoever pulled those cables labled them real good!

I hope whoever pulled those cables labled them real good!

Labels galore by Brady IDExpert and IDPro. Lot's of functional diagrams.

[QUOTE=Audiophiliac]Well these dont belong to me, but I consider them part mine because I built them. :)

http://www.hostdub.com/albums/Audiophiliac_album04/DSC00754.sized.jpg
[QUOTE]


Where can I find some wall mount housings like that?

[QUOTE=Audiophiliac]Well these dont belong to me, but I consider them part mine because I built them. :)

http://www.hostdub.com/albums/Audiophiliac_album04/DSC00754.sized.jpg
[QUOTE]


Where can I find some wall mount housings like that?

online @ www.smarthome.com

or

brick and mortor @ homedepot

- Josh

audiophiliac, what modulators did you use for the camera inputs?

scottrot,

There are 3 pan tilt zoom cameras.....2 outside in heated domes, and one inside in a kids sleeping quarters. All 3 are fed into a DVR that logs "events" and has internet access and viewing/control of all cameras.

From the DVR, each camera output goes into an input on a Channel Plus 5245 (2 of them). Also, the DVR has a "quad" output which lets you view all 3 cameras on the same page, or sequence through them.

So there are 4 channels modulated through the house. One for each camera, and one for the "quad" view. Its pretty slick. And I can get online and with a password, I can view the cameras streaming, and control their pan/tilt/zoom from anywhere in the world...and view events....so when someone comes and knocks on the door, you can go back and see who it was. :)

ah, ok. I thought perhaps you had a modulator that accepted more than 4 inputs. I've been looking at the ChannelVision E4200. I'll check out the one that you used.

This is one rack we did....

ah, ok. I thought perhaps you had a modulator that accepted more than 4 inputs. I've been looking at the ChannelVision E4200. I'll check out the one that you used.

Ive used the E4200 with no problems. And Channel Plus makes the 5445 4 channel model of the ones we used in the rack above. We had one specd for the job but it didnt show up so we just used 2 2 channel models.

http://i4.tinypic.com/10ht3qv.jpg

http://i4.tinypic.com/10ht57c.jpg

http://i4.tinypic.com/10hta1x.jpg

http://i4.tinypic.com/10ht5ps.jpg

http://i4.tinypic.com/10ht9af.jpg

http://i4.tinypic.com/10ht5x4.jpg

just though i'd share my "poor mans" wire closet:

http://homepage.duluthmn.com/~umdivx/Basement_07_31_2006/mini-DSC00930.JPG
http://homepage.duluthmn.com/~umdivx/Basement_07_31_2006/mini-DSC00931.JPG
http://homepage.duluthmn.com/~umdivx/Basement_07_31_2006/mini-DSC00932.JPG

and with the door closed (my fav. way of looking at it):
http://homepage.duluthmn.com/~umdivx/Basement_07_31_2006/mini-DSC00937.JPG

- Josh

I've enjoyed following this thread and judging from the view count so have others. It's been interesting to contrast the mega jobs posted by bigpapa and priemierht to those of Audiophiliac, which are certainly smaller in scope but still demonstrate a great deal of thought and planning. Judging from the questions, many apparently see themselves doing installations similar in scope to his.

The closet that umdivx posted is very similar to how I was planning mine at one time, but I didn't have enough room. His "poor man's" closet looks pretty good to me. This was what drove my system for about 5 years. It handled the networking for the two HTPC's I showed above, plus some other stuff.

Big, small, organized or not, pro or DIY, let others see how you did it.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j82/MBrew117/Rack%20Pics/20060311OldWiringcloset3.jpg

Mike,

Are those binders your directions to program the VCR for your wifey? Ya know, below your rack?

Mike,

Are those binders your directions to program the VCR for your wifey? Ya know, below your rack?

Actually yes. In the binder on the left. They were written in Chinglish and neither of us could understand them. The VCR always blinked 12:00 for some reason. I finally gave up on it and built my own DVR.

The rest of the binders hold the wiring diagrams for that complex bit of technology above. Think Brady could sort out a job this complex?

Coupla labels, coupla wire ties or velcro wraps, you're hired. You gotta move here though, we don't have any work in Cowboy country.

Stolen off another forum:

http://www.mypublicprofile.com/media/fresh99/messynetworks/9.jpg
http://www.mypublicprofile.com/media/fresh99/messynetworks/6.jpg
http://www.mypublicprofile.com/media/fresh99/messynetworks/7.jpg
http://www.mypublicprofile.com/media/fresh99/messynetworks/16.jpg

:0 :0

Those last 4 are actually a highly evolved security system (note the sign on picture 2) that keeps the neophyte away from an obviously professionally installed rack.

CJ

WOW. That's amazing!

bigpapa, please tell me that guy isn't a job candidate. I don't think a truck load of velcro is could straighten that out

OK, now I don't feel so bad......but I am still not posting my pics. :)

Some of you guy's have really beautiful set ups. I am very jellous.

WOW. That's amazing!

bigpapa, please tell me that guy isn't a job candidate. I don't think a truck load of velcro is could straighten that out

C4 (the plastique kind) is the only thing that could straighten that out.

I had a job interview for a comm company that wanted me to rewire two 6 foot racks as my first task upon employment, wired nasty just like above. They though it could be done in a weekend. I didn't get the job.

I think they felt insulted by the snort I let out when they told me their timeline. Ahh, just as well. ;)

Is there any way we could get this thread back on topic?

"What does YOUR wiring cabinet look like?"

Ronnie

OK, now I don't feel so bad......but I am still not posting my pics. :)

Some of you guy's have really beautiful set ups. I am very jellous.
Hopefully you'll post pics when your next project comes around. You might even be able to win some competitions ;).

Hopefully you'll post pics when your next project comes around. You might even be able to win some competitions ;).

I'm counting on it. :)

Simple setup for a 3 bedroom house with 1 pc and 2 ps2's with network adapters. The setup has changed a little, the modem has been replaced with an Arris touchstone telephony modem for CDV (Comcast's voip), wich means the 2 boxes on the left are useless but they will stay for now until I upgrade a little.

http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3199215
http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3199210
http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3199205

http://f10.putfile.com/thumb/8/22500414595.jpg (http://www.putfile.com/pic.php?img=3199205)

In the panel on the left is, as stated, phone punchdown blocks and DSL filter, as well as 2 data punch down blocks, 16 port switch, and a router. There is also a DSL modem in there now.

The panel on the right is the satellite multiswitch and RF distribution amps for modulated cameras in this case. No local antenna or CATV available at the location.


Where did you get the data punch down blocks? Any model numbers on them?

Open House H628.

wilson15636,

Very clean install!

Thanks for posting.

Bigpapa: what equipment do you have in your racks? looks like 6 of the same piece. very nice job..

Bigpapa: what equipment do you have in your racks? looks like 6 of the same piece. very nice job..

Thanks! While it's not technically mine, the rich guy whose house I installed it in is merely using it while he lives there. I'll probably post pics once I'm actually, finally, done and complete. Then I can move the other rack you can't see and take a better pic.

6 x HR10 250's, 2 CATV HD/PVR's, 1 CATV (audio), 2 DirecTV (audio), 2 Kaleidescape. Every HD source scan converted to RGBHV and distibuted to displays.

Here's my basic box-- telephone, video and ethernet. I could make it look better, but it's usually covered.
http://bar.marvindog.net/img/wires.jpg (http://bar.marvindog.net)

Mine is coming soon! As I close on the new house on the 11th of September. The only thing I am considering is if I should use a standard rack (2 post) or a full (4post) rack... It is only going to have about 50 RG6 runs and 50 Cat5e runs (2000sqf house)

Thanks

Mine is coming soon! As I close on the new house on the 11th of September. The only thing I am considering is if I should use a standard rack (2 post) or a full (4post) rack... It is only going to have about 50 RG6 runs and 50 Cat5e runs (2000sqf house)

Thanks

I've never used a two post, but IVB has said that he wasn't thrilled with the stability of his IIRC. Look forward to seeing the pics.

Yes, definitely get the 4-post.

I'm not happy that I got a 2post in the interest of saving $100-$200. It's unstable unless I bolt into the floor which I don't want to do. Also, some equipment is designed for 4-post racks, and I can't get that.

IVB Strikes again!

Thanks IVB and mbrew! I was on edge about which to get but yall convinced me! Thanks

http://img55.imageshack.us/img55/6186/distrorackyu2.jpg

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/7597/sourcerackuj9.jpg

Your typical monster home job. I have another rack, but that's even harder to get a good picture of.

Bigpapa,

do you put service loops in your racks or dress to fit?

Bigpapa,

do you put service loops in your racks or dress to fit?

I wont answer for him, but racks like that are designed to be "dressed to fit". They allow you to make a super clean install, and all the stuff is easily accessible for service/upgrades/replacement down the road. I usually try to leave enough extra length, that if a DVD player gets switched and the new one has connections on the opposite end of the player, its not a big headache, but other than that, custom lengths and lots of zip ties. :)

I wont answer for him, but racks like that are designed to be "dressed to fit". They allow you to make a super clean install, and all the stuff is easily accessible for service/upgrades/replacement down the road. I usually try to leave enough extra length, that if a DVD player gets switched and the new one has connections on the opposite end of the player, its not a big headache, but other than that, custom lengths and lots of zip ties. :)


That would be nice if we didn't have to leave a service loop. Sometimes it can be a real pain in the wazoo.

I'm posting here in hopes that people will post more new/updated pictures of their structured cabinets "A picture is worth a thousand words". The more ideas I can acquire for my project will help greatly. Here's a link to my cabinet so far.......
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=801028

well I guess I can show 1 of the more recent one's we've installed for someone. It ain't nothing fancey like some of these racks in here with all that fancey AV equipment but it's a nice little setup. check it out.
http://www.digistash.com/data/e327b1649d06bf74fceb4fe73f83bdba/full_6163_p116743.jpg
http://www.digistash.com/data/e327b1649d06bf74fceb4fe73f83bdba/full_6163_p116744.jpg
http://www.digistash.com/data/e327b1649d06bf74fceb4fe73f83bdba/full_6163_p116747.jpg
The home was existing structure with plaster walls. we were very limited on space for the cabinet so we had to get everything into 1 and that particular wall was an exterior so we couldn't install it recessed in any way. That should answer those questions before they're even asked. any other comments welcomed though ;)

How do you like the On-Q panels and modules?

not to bad. had a couple defective modules but nothing a replacement didn't take care of.

not to bad. had a couple defective modules but nothing a replacement didn't take care of.

Right now I'm trying to decide who to use for our installs. My local distributor is now handling Onq and their pricing looks good. But I also like the looks of the open house stuff. Out of all of the manufacturers who do you prefer?

Honestly I haven't used much other than On-Q. I have used a bit of Leviton here and a bit of hubbell there but mostly I use ON-Q for that fact that they suite most of the cabling requirments with their product line and are fairly easy to install. If they had any weakness I would say they could put a bit more effort into their intercom and audio solutions and also offer something for a cat 6 install. other than that I like them

This is my rack in the Home Theater.

http://www.stargateunofficial.com/Gallery/pic/HTRack24.jpg

The home theater is in a structure back by the pool. So I recently started to plan out and purchase hardware to build a Video distribution closet in the house. I will be using a 8 x 4 Borrego matrix switch by Neothings. This will push the different HD signals out over component cables to the displays. Planed sources are xBox360, Digital cable PVR, and HDDVD just to start.

so good ,

I am in the process of planning my rack as we speak.

I have aquired a used 6' Hammond rack with 6 custom made shelves on ballbearing rails. The rack itself was in good shape (not bent) but is was very dirty and had a lot of scratches on the sides and front. I sanded the roughness off and spraypainted it black with a matt finish.
I added 2" casters to the bottom and removed its stationary feet so I can move it around if need be. I plan on bolting it to the floor for safety once it is setup and complete.
I did not get any before pics but I will take some of the rack prior to installing all of my equipment.
This whole project should be complete in 1-2 weeks, depending on when I can get a hand moving the rack from my garage into my basement.

Check back soon!

Here's a rack I did a few years ago.

Here's a rack I did a few years ago.If I could do something like that or some of the other examples that have been posted, I think I would spend more time staring at and admiring the wire organization in the rack than I would watching the video from the equipment in the rack!

Great job!

Murray

I <HEART> this thread.

This thread needs more pics. :) ttt

wow... 2 years ago, I replied to this thread, and I STILL haven't gotten around to getting my cabinet done. New baby since then, so other priorities evolved. Hoping *fingers crossed* to get everything worked out this winter.

Nice.

well I guess I can show 1 of the more recent one's we've installed for someone. It ain't nothing fancey like some of these racks in here with all that fancey AV equipment but it's a nice little setup. check it out.
http://www.digistash.com/data/e327b1649d06bf74fceb4fe73f83bdba/full_6163_p116743.jpg
http://www.digistash.com/data/e327b1649d06bf74fceb4fe73f83bdba/full_6163_p116744.jpg
http://www.digistash.com/data/e327b1649d06bf74fceb4fe73f83bdba/full_6163_p116747.jpg
The home was existing structure with plaster walls. we were very limited on space for the cabinet so we had to get everything into 1 and that particular wall was an exterior so we couldn't install it recessed in any way. That should answer those questions before they're even asked. any other comments welcomed though ;)

Looks real nice. Without me trying to point at my monitor and count, do you recall how many drops you had for each kind of cable (cat5/6, coax, etc)? Just want to compare and see how well everything fit in that cabinet.

Here's my nearly complete home structured wiring setup:

FIOS
24-port RG6
24-port Cat6 Patch
24-port Netgear gigabit switch
Dedicated 20A circuit

http://www.infoarena.com/pics/wiring/rack999.jpg

Here's a slightly older pic of my network rack setup:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b173/zx10guy/computer%20network%20stuff/rack062008.jpg

Since then, I built a dedicated room which has insulated walls around it so I can install a cooling system in the future. The heat loading from the gear and the servers I run makes it prohibitive to keep the door to this area closed.

http://i4.tinypic.com/10ht5x4.jpg[/QUOTE]

Where can i get the 1 hole rack wire mounting strut?


Also are there any more threads similar to this I would love to see more ideas.

Where can i get the 1 hole rack wire mounting strut?


It's a Middle Atlantic Lacer Bar LBP-1A... Available anywhere Middle Atlantic stuff is stocked, and they're cheap!

http://www.altex.com/Middle-Atlantic-Horozontal-L-Style-Lacer-Bar-LBP-1A-P139834.aspx

Jeff

mmm...rack porn

Warning... Cellphone picture...

This is down in my basement, it's a craigslist server rack, I did all the LV wiring. Eventually I'd like to build a small room around it (i.e. close it off) but right now its just sitting down there by itself.

HTD MA2535 12 channel amp
Home Built HTPC
Octava HDMI CAT5 Matrix
HR21 Directv HD DVR
HR20 Directv HD DVR
Xantech IR Block
SMC Network Switch
Patch Panel

On top for now is my DSL router, WRT54G, Security DVR, and Cordless Phone base that's hooked up to Magic Jack on the HTPC.