Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Sliding rails for rack-mount servers

This is topic Sliding rails for rack-mount servers in forum Digital Cinema Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 06-18-2014, 03:10 PM:

I'm looking for sliding rails to mount a server in a rack that has front and rear rack mount space. Specifically, I will be mounting a GDC server in a Christie pedestal (or "rack stand" as they call it.)

Something like this, perhaps?

http://istarusa.com/claytek/products.php?model=TC-RAIL-24&showmenu=1#.U6HsUihnQbc

If anyone has specific vendors and part numbers, please let me know. Thanks.

Posted by Dave Macaulay (Member # 813) on 06-18-2014, 11:27 PM:

I'm not sure there's a standard server chassis mounting hole pattern. All current Doremi servers have a set of threaded holes to attach rack rails, compatible rails are supplied with their 4U servers (not with 3U). The Dell and Intel servers I've put in for TMS systems have completely different attachment systems.
I would call GDC and ask if there is a recommended slide rail kit for their servers, or if they can supply one.
When installing it, arrange the cabling so the server can pull out without disconnection. I don't understand why anyone would put in a slide rail and then tyrap all the cabling tight with the chassis in place... but it's not unusual. Not so bad with Christie pedestals where the sides are big doors, but Barco pedestal sides are screwed on with 6 screws each.

Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 06-19-2014, 05:46 AM:

Watch out on the Christie pedestal...it is a bit long for most rails.

Posted by Ken Lackner (Member # 1002) on 06-19-2014, 01:57 PM:

The first thing I did was call GDC. They don't supply one, but they gave me the name (not exact part number) of one that was recommended by other techs. (It's the one I posted a link to.) Looks like that one is no longer available. So I called Christie. They said they don't supply them and that I should contact the server manufacturer. So then I came here.

Agreed on the cable tie issue. Wiring 101. And rack depth is something I have thought about; I will have to measure one to be sure. But I've seen server racks that are about as deep as the Christie pedestal, so I have to imagine there is a rail kit out there somewhere that works.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 06-19-2014, 08:53 PM:

For future reference these are the ones I used with GDC's.

Norco Adjustable Ball Bearing Rails

You do have to mark and drill two new holes in these rails. They are universal type rails. The supplied screws do work in the threaded holes on the GDC's.

Be sure not to over tighten the screws that secure them into the rack!

Mark