Techniques for rackmounting NON-rackmountable components

[Eminor3rd]

I was very disappointed to learn that Aguilar was pulling the rackmountability (for unfortunate lack of a better word) feature from the forthcoming TH500 micro head. I started looking around on the internet, and found these rack shelves:

Rack Shelves | Sweetwater.com

While not a complete solution to my problem, it gave me hope that there exists a good way to improvise and successfully mount something that wasn't originally designed to be mounted. If anyone has done this, it's YOU, Talkbass.

Can anyone share ideas/experience/surefire solutions for rackmounting a 4 pound, 2U, approximately half-rack sized head into a Gator rack bag?

Your time and insight are greatly appreciated.

[Foz]

industrial velcro

industrial velcro - Google Search

if you heat the glue side as you apply it [hair dryer will so] it sticks like a mutha

[mikeddd]

Rackmount shelves with patterns of holes/slots in them are your friend. One shelf and a bunch of zip ties and there's no little metal box you can't mount. Something like this:

[Eminor3rd]

Originally Posted by Foz

industrial velcro

industrial velcro - Google Search

if you heat the glue side as you apply it [hair dryer will so] it sticks like a mutha

So shelf in the rack, apply velcro to the bottom of the head. Is that enough to hold, or would I want velcro to the top (and bottom of tuner) as well?

Also, if I were to resell the head, would it be easy to get the velcro off of the bottom of the head?

Thanks very much.

[Eminor3rd]

Originally Posted by mikeddd

Rackmount shelves with patterns of holes/slots in them are your friend. One shelf and a bunch of zip ties and there's no little metal box you can't mount. Something like this:

I like zip ties very much.

But I can't visualize how it would be done. Based on pictures I've seen of the TH500, there don't seem to be any great places to anchor the zip ties. Am I not imagining this correctly?

Thanks.

[Stinger2k]

Is the any feet on the amp? If so you should be able to remove them and use those screws to attach it to the tray.

[Eminor3rd]

Originally Posted by Stinger2k

Is the any feet on the amp? If so you should be able to remove them and use those screws to attach it to the tray.

This is an excellent question and idea. I also wonder what kind of clearance I'll have on the bottom of the rack for a screw to stick out. It looks like the best course of action would be to just order blindly, assuming that if all else fails, I could do the velcro thing. Hmmmm

[Stinger2k]

I wouldn't think clearance would be a problem. I don't think the tray would mount that tight into the rack and if it did you could always ream the mounting holes on the tray to get a little play. I haven't done it but think it would work.
Good Luck
Steve

[Eminor3rd]

Originally Posted by Stinger2k

I wouldn't think clearance would be a problem. I don't think the tray would mount that tight into the rack and if it did you could always ream the mounting holes on the tray to get a little play. I haven't done it but think it would work.
Good Luck
Steve

I suppose flat screws might work too

[mikeldtl]

I once rackmounted a power conditioner in a similar matter. Bought a rack shelf perforated with holes. Unfortunately none of the pre cut holes lined up. Drilled my own and used the screws from the rubber feet reinforced with flat washers to secure it. Didn't turn out half bad. I would order everything up - you'll find a way to make it work when everything is in front of you.

[Eminor3rd]

Originally Posted by mikeldtl

I once rackmounted a power conditioner in a similar matter. Bought a rack shelf perforated with holes. Unfortunately none of the pre cut holes lined up. Drilled my own and used the screws from the rubber feet reinforced with flat washers to secure it. Didn't turn out half bad. I would order everything up - you'll find a way to make it work when everything is in front of you.

Thanks for the vote of confidence

Dave from Aguilar just said that the feet on the bottom are indeed secured with screws. I guess this means that if I get a shelf with slots, it'll probably work.

Thanks guys!

[knappymer]

I've had to make my own rack ears more than a few times.

[Eminor3rd]

Originally Posted by knappymer

I've had to make my own rack ears more than a few times.

But what about adding holes to the amp?

[knappymer]

No need. Normally there is one or more case screws located around the front of the amp that you can attach the home made rack ear to. A little bit of finesse and imagination is needed most of the time not to damage the case or strip the screw, but hey gotta do what ya gotta do.