[SnarkyNinja]

Hey all, working on rack selection now for an A/V closet - the closet itself is spacious enough for almost any size rack, but the doorway isn't so forgiving. I've been looking at "knock-down" racks that I can assemble in-situ inside the closet, particularly the 44U Middle Atlantic ERK-4425KD . Anything I need to be aware of with knock-down vs. welded racks? Or any alternatives I should consider? As many U's as possible would be great. I've attached a diagram of the closet for reference. Thanks!

 

[jwood314]

I have used a knock down mobile rack for most of my PC gear, the only problem I have with it is that the bolts come loose over time. I am using an off brand cheapo model, so your mileage might vary. I am about to move, and when I get to my new duty station, I will go back and lock tight the bolts, should keep it together better.

 

[Neurorad]

Removable sides make component installation easier, but if you're not going to make a lot of changes over the years, ERK should be fine. Slim 5 'skeleton rack' knockdown is more popular, and I think cheaper, if you don't need enclosed sides. Consider cooling (room, rack) before choosing a rack. Lowell and Raxxess/Chief make good racks too, including KD frame racks.


What's the door height?

 

[Neurorad]

Looking at your diagram, is that a 24" deep closet, with a bump out at the door? You may be pulling that rack out of the door to get to the back of it, unless the rack will have it's own opening out of the closet. 2 doors into the closet may make life easier, providing access to the front and rear of the rack.

 

[SnarkyNinja]



Quote:
...is that a 24" deep closet, with a bump out at the door?

Yeah, that's basically what's going on... the closet proper is the 24" x 68" x 108" box, and then there's a tiny "entryway" with the door, moulding/trim, etc. - just enough to make closet access difficult.


My thought was actually to build the rack up "sideways" in the 24" x 31" section of the closet, i.e. on the drawing, rack and components are to the left of the door and face right. Then to access the back, it can roll/slide to the other end, and I've a small gap between the back of the rack and the door to slide into.

 

[Neurorad]

That would not be an ideal solution. If that bumped out door isn't yet constructed, it might be easier to add a 2nd door with the rack positioned directly behind one of the doors.


And with limited access, you definitely want an open frame rack, or at least one with removable sides, e.g. MA Slim5. I think the ERK has solid sides.

 

[SnarkyNinja]

Believe you me, I wouldn't have the closet built this way... it's existing construction, unfortunately. And adding a second door anywhere useful isn't really possible because of the surrounding rooms (and a desire to avoid significant construction).


But the Slim5 rack looks more convenient and less expensive, so that's a win-win in my book. I know it's not ideal, but do you think rolling the rack back and forth as such would be workable? Or is there another solution that doesn't involve significant carpentry?

 

[Neurorad]

Is the door already bumped out like in the drawing? IMO, that would be more work than adding another door.


Have you considered positioning the rack in the closet so it has it's own opening?












MA AXS is the slide out rack, several variations available. Rack on casters could be pulled out into the room, and you'd have access to the side from the closet; wood trim around the opening could attach with neodymium magnets.


This approach would only require deconstruction - cutting the hole.