Mini Server Rack

Purpose

After getting my Inovato Quadra and Raspberry Pi 3 up and running for use in ham radio projects, I wanted a simple way to network them onto my apartment's network, which can be challenging to use with WiFi. I bought a cheap Netgear 5-port switch and some CAT6 cabling and got to work networking. To clean it up a bit, I started researching how I could make a desktop server rack that could hold my minicomputers and switch.

Finding the 3D Print Files

I first tried to design the system from scratch using SolidWorks, but ended up checking on Thingiverse to see if others had the same idea as me first. To my surprise, I found some great projects, including the one I used here. I knew I would need to edit the modules to fit my raspberry pi and quadra, but that didn't seem like to big of a challenge.

Designing the Insert Modules

The first module I designed was for the GS305 switch, which was the simplest because of its rectangular form factor. I used the other stl files as a template and used the cut-extrude tool to make a slot that fits the GS305 snuggly, leaving an opening in the back to power the switch. Then, I did the same for the Inovato Quadra, which was a little more complicated, as I need to make room for ports on the sides and rear.

Powering the System

I used a cheap PC power supply I had bought for ham radio a while ago, to power the server rack. In order to convert the 12V DC provided from the supply to 5VDC for use by the devices, I used DC-to-DC converters I purchased on Amazon. These were then wired to fitting connectors, leaving the whole system with only one AC power cable. I was even able to power an Icom VHF radio with the supply, which both sit on top of the server rack.

Final Design

After hooking everything up, and using Tailscale as a VPN for all of the devices, I now have a working desktop server rack. The form factor is amazing, and I was even able to bring it with me to Arizona for the summer (although I didn't really use it much there). I switched out the simple VHF radio with my ICOM IC-2730A for dual-band ham radio, and a better UI. I plan on using this radio for digital packet operation, which makes it's proximity to the server rack desirable.