After we have been planning the Automated Residence 2.0, we knew we’d want a top quality 19″ knowledge rack and so we turned to UK consultants Penn Elcom.
The Knowledge Cupboard
We’ve a barely totally different format right here than within the previous home. The Epitome Dwelling workforce ran all our knowledge and audio cables to a Penn Elcom wall mounted cupboard within the storage. The R6425-12UK (video) is a 12U unit, 250mm deep with a locking glass door. It’s M6 threaded and has cable administration and knock-outs on the highest, again and base.
Inside, the speaker cables from every room are wired into speakON connectors and the information cables are terminated into modular CAT6 keystones in a 1U patch panel.
All of the cables between this cupboard excessive on the wall, and the 19″ rack beneath are neatly enclosed in zip-up cable tidies, offering a neat umbilical between each models. This escape association has the benefit of permitting the rack to be utterly disconnected from the home wiring.
The 19″ Rack
We selected the 4086-V-42UK (video) knowledge rack to take a seat beneath the wall mount cupboard. It is a 42U unit that’s additionally M6 threaded (so no pesky cage nuts to cope with). It’s a 600mm huge x 800mm deep ground standing rack and we added the non-compulsory twin caster and foot setup to make it straightforward to maneuver. We selected the locking perforated metal door for a cool look and a sensible safety because the unit sits within the nook of our storage. The doorways and sides are all on fast releases so detachable in seconds with out instruments. This gives all of the entry once you want it whereas trying actually neat when you’re executed.
Over spec’ing on the rack top means we’ve loads of additional room inside. This enables for future growth (we’ve already used a few of that additional capability) and has the added benefit of offering extra space for cable administration and warmth dissipation.
Equipment
Penn Elcom have their very own manufacturing services within the UK and provide an enormous vary of equipment, with all the things it is advisable package out any rack venture. We’re nonetheless working this Synology NAS and Mac mini server combo so we obtained the Penn Elcom R1498 Mac mini customized shelf with a magnetic entrance and their commonplace 4U shelf unit holds the NAS.
The EL workforce made a neat rack mount DIN Rail enclosure for the Loxone Audio Server and extensions. The 2U shelf beneath holds the 12 channel amp for our entire home audio system, and a mesh shelf above gives a house for our HDHomeRun and myenergi and Airthings hub, together with another bits and items. Different equipment we used embody some 1U Brush Plates, a number of stable and vented panel spacers, and 4 of those PDU6-UK on the rear to distribute energy. To complete issues off I’d like to make use of PE’s customized service to create certainly one of these Laser Etched Panels to go on the high of the rack.
Is a rack construct ever completed? It at all times appears like a piece in progress, simply ready for the following addition or improve. However with this high-quality {hardware} from Penn Elcom, we’re prepared for something.
Keep in mind to try our Instagram to comply with the venture, learn the remainder of the Automated Residence 2.0 weblog posts and discover the hyperlinks to all of the merchandise we’ve used in our self-build.