Racking a Thunderbolt interface

[mightyduck]

Hi,

I have a Thunderbolt interface for my Omni. Is there a way to securely put that little Thunderbolt box in a rack? Velcro it to the Omni, maybe?

Also, WTH is wrong with the vBulletin software? It keeps logging me me and making me log back in to finish posting. Anyone else see this?


Best,

mightyduck

[LDS]

There are a couple of small bolt holes in the bottom of the thunderbolt interface. Something like M3? (Don't quote me on it though). Perhaps they can be used to secure it to a 1RU rack shelf or something similar?

I don't know how much confidence I would have in velcro. There is a fair bit of weight in those little things.

[mightyduck]

Originally Posted by LDS

There are a couple of small bolt holes in the bottom of the thunderbolt interface. Something like M3? (Don't quote me on it though). Perhaps they can be used to secure it to a 1RU rack shelf or something similar?

I don't know how much confidence I would have in velcro. There is a fair bit of weight in those little things.

Thanks. I see the little holes. I wonder if that is what is holding the thing together, though.



mightyduck

[JFreak]

Those are for attaching the box to rack tray.

But beware, only use screws short enough to get hold of it, the circuit board is not protected. Also when you connect the box to the metal rack tray with a metal screw, that whole plate (and rack where it is connected to) becomes conducting to the TB port so if you short it with something you may fry the box entirely. That is, if you use metal tray and metal screws.

[mightyduck]

Originally Posted by JFreak

Those are for attaching the box to rack tray.

But beware, only use screws short enough to get hold of it, the circuit board is not protected. Also when you connect the box to the metal rack tray with a metal screw, that whole plate (and rack where it is connected to) becomes conducting to the TB port so if you short it with something you may fry the box entirely. That is, if you use metal tray and metal screws.

Wow, fu*king great design, huh? Especially the part about drilling into the circuitboard with the screws. Got a love that. I’m not so sure it would be one big conductor though. There must be some grounding to the box.

Best,

mightyduck

[EGS]

Originally Posted by mightyduck

... Velcro it ...

I've racked non-rackmount gear like this before. Works well for stationary racks.

[mightyduck]

Originally Posted by EGS

I've racked non-rackmount gear like this before. Works well for stationary racks.

I've done it with Velcro, too. Doesn't seem too classy, but it works. Bob Bradshaw built me an effects rack a while back and used Velcro all over the place for odd pedals and stuff.

[JFreak]

Originally Posted by mightyduck

I’m not so sure it would be one big conductor though. There must be some grounding to the box.

Well I am, because I have that box and voltmeter

[mightyduck]

Originally Posted by JFreak

Well I am, because I have that box and voltmeter

Ah, I see. Then I must defer to your superior experience on this.

What is left of the T-bolt interface?



mightduck

[JFreak]

Dont remember, checked the situation in 2014 or so when I rackmounted it. Just take my word for it: use plastic screws to isolate the box from the rack, or you have a disaster waiting to happen. Velcro also looks pretty good option with this box, but I needed to make it road worthy and needed to use screws.