1. Rack
    1. KVM
    2. SmartPower meters
    3. Passive switches
    4. Brush unit
    5. Active switch
    6. SFF PCs
    7. ATX PC
    8. Rack storage

Rack

KVM

The KVM switch doesn't require any special preparations. Simply install the L-shape mounting brackets and the four bolts.

We do not currently use the IR receiver. The HDMI/USB outputs are connected to the monitor installed on the desk. The HDMI/USB inputs are connected to various devices that have video/usb connections.

SmartPower meters

Before assembling the meters, the rack shelf needs to be modified in order to fit all the meters and the USB/DC cables. In our setup we used a Dremel tool to cut off a piece of metal (width ~1 cm) from the right side of the shelf. This way the last USB cable can extend a bit outside the rack shelf. This modification might not be necessary if the DC and USB cables don't use too much space horizontally.

All the cables need to have a 90° angle. Cables from different brands differ in their dimensions. At least the Ugreen 90° angled USB cables are perfect for this setup. For the DC cables, quite many of the 90° angle adapters might be too wide. On the other hand, many pre-assembled DC connectors with cables have very thin wire gauge, which can affect the stability of the meters.

Passive switches

Unfortunately, the Linksys switches do not have any accessories for mounting them anywhere. We suggest mounting them vertically with strong two-sided tape. The bottom unit could also be mounted with bolts if there are holes on the shelf.

We disassembled the cases, inserted a backplate with bolts and connected this to the shelf with another set of bolts. The backplate needs to be thick enough so that it cannot bend.

The DC input is fed from the power meters, which allows the power measurement of network traffic and devices.

Brush unit

The brush unit does not require any special preparations. Simply install the four bolts. This unit can be used for routing cables (mostly DC and ethernet) between the front and back of the rack.

Active switch

The switch unit does not require any special preparations. Simply install the L-shape mounting brackets and the four bolts.

SFF PCs

The small form-factor PCs have four threaded holes at the bottom. The four holes form a square with the vertical/horizontal distance of 100 mm between the holes. We drilled similar holes to the rack shelf and secured the machines in place with four M4 bolts. There is a M4 nut between the shelf and the enclosure. This serves two purposes - to lift the machine a bit and make it easier to press the power button, and to prevent the bolt from going too deep inside the enclosure.

ATX PC

The front panel of the ATX PC case comes with the necessary plates for mounting the case to the rack. Since the case is rather heavy, it helps if another person can help with the assembly.

We removed the noisy case fan and replaced it with a 120 mm version, installed on the front panel.

Rack storage

The front panel of the storage case comes with the necessary plates for mounting the case to the rack.