[Jeremy112]

Hey everyone,


It's been a while since I've posted to this site, but I am finally working on the most important part of any HT, and that is the A/V Equipment rack!


My problem is I dont know where to start, I have some rack mountable equipment such as a server and some network switch's, so I need the rack to conform to 18" Rack standards, yet I do not know what the dimensions should be for the frame.


I cant get behind the rack once its built due to where its going to be located, however I will have access to the left side, so I can go ahead and install new equipment and hook it up.


Also for ventilation I was thinking of putting a vent at the bottom of the rack, and then either have it go outside of the house (Since the back of the rack is right next to the outside), or have it vent into the surrounding room, (I personally would like it to go outside to keep things cooler).


I suck at drawings, but if needed I can go ahead and do a quick mockup of how I want it to look somewhat, and I can post some pics of the area where its going to be. If any of you have any ideas throughout this process, it would be much appriciated!


(P.S. I did nail 2 2x4's to the wall where the rack will be, thats as much as I could think of until I got brain block!)

 

[Jeremy112]

Ok I made a quick drawing with MS Paint, forgive the lack of detail, but here is the general idea:

 

[BIGmouthinDC]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeremy112 /forum/post/16890223


My problem is I don't know where to start


but if needed I can go ahead and do a quick mock-up of how I want it to look somewhat, and I can post some pics of the area where its going to be. If any of you have any ideas throughout this process, it would be much appreciated!

yes, please. Pictures would help. ? Heat risers so think about exhausting out the top. You can run a duct in-wall from the top to the bottom or even use inter-joist space as the duct if you need to get the airflow to the bottom to exit the space. Is this rack going to be open or behind some kind of a door? The reason I ask if it is open is then there is less of a need for a bottom vent, as the air can just get sucked in around the gear.


Just a FYI I also have rear side access to my rack via an 18 inch wide Pre-hung Masonite safe and sound door. Works fine.

 

[BIGmouthinDC]

In the beginning there was a framed and drywalled space. You can see the round hole for the exhaust vent at the top also a big square access hole where the in-line silent exhaust fan was tucked up in the joist space and surrounded by insulation. You can also see the 18 inch door at the rear of the space to a hallway.

Then I built a rack box out of 3/4 finish paint grade plywood. The top, middle and bottom shelf are permanently screwed in place. Then set that box in place

Holes for the other adjustable shelves. Shelves are made of 3/4 plywood and a 1x2 maple glued and screwed to the front edge for looks and strength

Added 3/4 plywood to front edge and painted black. This ties the box to the closet framing

Working on door, fabric and trim

All dressed up ready to go

 

[Jeremy112]

Thanks for replying Bigmouthin!


You defenitely have more room than I do, but I did get some ideas from your rack that will help me out with the process. I wont be able to go behind it however due to the limited space I have. The side door (as illustrated in my wonderful drawing), will have to be how I access the rear connections.


However,... just thought about it, if I didn't make the shelving go all the way back to the wall I would have enough space to squeeze in behind it and do what needs to be done, (your pic helped me on that one

)



Also are those shelves adjustable? And nice HT! (looks way better than mine currently lol)


Quick edit, will get a couple pics posted today too after the battery charges!

 

[BIGmouthinDC]

My unit is 16 3/4 deep. All the shelves except the one in the middle are adjustable.

 

[ThiaJay]

Mr

In the beginning there was a framed and drywalled space. You can see the round hole for the exhaust vent at the top also a big square access hole where the in-line silent exhaust fan was tucked up in the joist space and surrounded by insulation. You can also see the 18 inch door at the rear of the space to a hallway.

Then I built a rack box out of 3/4 finish paint grade plywood. The top, middle and bottom shelf are permanently screwed in place. Then set that box in place

Holes for the other adjustable shelves. Shelves are made of 3/4 plywood and a 1x2 maple glued and screwed to the front edge for looks and strength

Added 3/4 plywood to front edge and painted black. This ties the box to the closet framing

Working on door, fabric and trim

All dressed up ready to go

Did you use plasterboard around the left side of the cabinet that you built for your AV equipment? I am just wondering how you got a seamless finish when you used wood on the front face which would have to join the left side.

 

[Airbornesfc]

Do a search

Search for a thread called show me your rack. Great for ideas from everyone!

 

[ThiaJay]

I'd be ever so grateful if I could get an answer to my question. I spent a long time going through that list on the thread you have mentioned a few weeks ago but it just doesn't have the detail behind construction so for my purposes it isn't much use.

 

[Neurorad]

Search AVS for DIY Rack.

Here is one thread http://www.avsforum.com/forum/19-de...diy-v-rack.html#/forumsite/3207/topics/990179

 

[4fit?]

I'd be ever so grateful if I could get an answer to my question. I spent a long time going through that list on the thread you have mentioned a few weeks ago but it just doesn't have the detail behind construction so for my purposes it isn't much use.

Since your question appears to be related to BIG's theater specifically, I would recommend asking in his theater thread.

 

[jroyv]

Are you just asking for the standard dimensions for a 19" rack? (Your post says 18" but I don't know of an 18" standard.)

The standard rack dimensions is for 2 posts that are each 5/8" wide, and are separated by a gap of 17-3/4" inches for an overall rack width of 19 inches.

 

[ThiaJay]

Are you just asking for the standard dimensions for a 19" rack? (Your post says 18" but I don't know of an 18" standard.)

The standard rack dimensions is for 2 posts that are each 5/8" wide, and are separated by a gap of 17-3/4" inches for an overall rack width of 19 inches.

Who are you responding to?

 

[jroyv]

Who are you responding to?

I'd be ever so grateful if I could get an answer to my question.

Thought I was responding to the OP because I saw your message above and mixed the two of you up... and hadn't seen his original dimension question answered. Sorry for the confusion.

My problem is I dont know where to start, I have some rack mountable equipment such as a server and some network switch's, so I need the rack to conform to 18" Rack standards, yet I do not know what the dimensions should be for the frame.

 

[ThiaJay]

Fair enough, this is a very useful topic.