[Boatanchors] Weight Restrictions for Rack Mounting?

[mikea]

On Wed, Sep 16, 2009 at 12:38:18PM -0400, W8KZW wrote:
> Need I worry about rack-mounting any device as a function of weight vs.
> front panel strength / dimensions?
> 
> I have several pieces of equipment (test and radio) that would seem to put
> an extreme amount of torque on the front panel if rack mounted.
> 
> Is it safe to assume that if the manufacturer configured a rack mount frame,
> then it can be safely rack mounted?
> 
> I worry about an R-390A due to weight.  I worry about a WJ-8718 due to less
> weight, but it's spread out over a "short" front panel.  I worry about an 80
> pound, Sorenson 1012-50 12KV high-voltage power supply used as test
> equipment (16" deep, 17" wide, with an 8- 3/4" tall front panel with 4
> mounting holes).
> 
> Do I worry too much?

I think your concerns are valid. It is documented, IIRC, that the R-390
and R-390A should *NOT* be supported by the front panel only; support at
the back is recommended at a minimum. Mine are in 4-poster racks, and I
use angle-irons which support mine along both sides, anchored at front and
back. I'd put them on slides, but the bodies are just a bit too wide to fit
between rack slides. I'd put the WJ receiver on angle-irons or slides, too,
just on general principles. I'd really like to have *EVERYTHING* on slides
that lock at full extension and pivot 90 degrees in either direction, but
that gets very pricey.

The Sorenson HVPS? I'd put it on a (perforated or louvered) shelf or on
angle-irons; if there's stuff in back that needs to be got to often, then
maybe I'd put it on a set of heavy-duty slides.

I strongly recommend four-poster racks for anything but the very lightest
gear. They take up more room, but support the equipment very much better.

-- 
Mike Andrews, W5EGO
mikea at mikea.ath.cx
Tired old sysadmin