Anyone using something like this at a remote observatory?
https://sysracks.com/product/12u-24-depth-wall-mount-19-enclosure-srw-12-600/
The guy I talked to at the company that makes it says it won’t protect against condensation or humidity (it has a fan), which is the whole point of getting it.
Thanks,
Jerry
I have a 9U 19” rack cabinet since 2021.
In my case it helps to prevents dust damaging the equipment (PC, ups, network switch etc).
Two additional fans are triggered by a heat sensor for the hottest days (40+ Celsius).
Even though the wheels are a nice feature my cabinet is hanging 1m above the floor hoping that less dust is collected.
Maybe this also apply to you case with humidity
Jerry Gerber · Sep 30, 2025 at 07:33 PM
Anyone using something like this at a remote observatory?
https://sysracks.com/product/12u-24-depth-wall-mount-19-enclosure-srw-12-600/
The guy I talked to at the company that makes it says it won’t protect against condensation or humidity (it has a fan), which is the whole point of getting it.
Thanks,
Jerry
No. I have never needed one of these.
What problem are you trying to solve?
Jerry Gerber · Sep 30, 2025 at 07:33 PM
Anyone using something like this at a remote observatory?
https://sysracks.com/product/12u-24-depth-wall-mount-19-enclosure-srw-12-600/
The guy I talked to at the company that makes it says it won’t protect against condensation or humidity (it has a fan), which is the whole point of getting it.
Thanks,
Jerry
Jerry,
I’ve used a 9u Navepoint rack for years and it’s an excellent way to house your equipment. You can see mine here: https://www.astrobin.com/dlko5b/N/?force-classic-view= (shown with the front door removed). This rack is still in use on my ASA600 in Chile.
John
Dark Matters Astrophotography · Oct 2, 2025, 03:43 AM
Jerry Gerber · Sep 30, 2025 at 07:33 PM
Anyone using something like this at a remote observatory?
https://sysracks.com/product/12u-24-depth-wall-mount-19-enclosure-srw-12-600/
The guy I talked to at the company that makes it says it won’t protect against condensation or humidity (it has a fan), which is the whole point of getting it.
Thanks,
Jerry
No. I have never needed one of these.
What problem are you trying to solve?
Humidity, dust, rodents.
After hearing from several people I am getting the sense that these are not a problem at HCRO.
Your thoughts?
I haven’t encountered any problems at hcro with rodents or dust.
Dark Matters Astrophotography · Oct 2, 2025, 04:43 PM
I haven’t encountered any problems at hcro with rodents or dust.
I think I’ll hold off on purchasing the enclosed cabinet. I’d only put the PC, UPS and the web power switch in there if I do get it, so I’ll give it some time.
I’m confused Jerry. I thought your setup was already in place at HCRO. Are you currently using the “box/rack" that HCRO provides? If so, are you experiencing issues with it? I’m bringing along my server rack similar to John's but I’ll only use it if I’m unhappy with the rack HCRO provides which I doubt will be the case.
Dust and rodents are NOT a problem at HCRO folks. Ive been there. Every Observatory has multiple rodent repelling devices. The observatories are clean and dont have the habitat that attracts rodents. And dust is not a problem at all. My setup was clean after 4 months of nightly imaging and was not cleaned by the techs in that time (they do regularly clean rigs but mine had an instability that has been resolved so they skipped me intentionally).
So, again… No dust. No rodents.
Jeffery Richards · Oct 2, 2025, 08:25 PM
I’m confused Jerry. I thought your setup was already in place at HCRO. Are you currently using the “box/rack" that HCRO provides? If so, are you experiencing issues with it? I’m bringing along my server rack similar to John's but I’ll only use it if I’m unhappy with the rack HCRO provides which I doubt will be the case.
Yes it is. Ive been imaging successfully there since March. I am not using the box/rack that HCRO provides as I just heard about it a few weeks ago and have been wondering if I even need it. If dust and rodents are not an issue and humidity can be mitigated through leaving gear (and dew heaters if necessary) on during daytime hours if humidity in the observatory might be high, I see no reason to buy it. I am confident HCRO is probably one of the best remote sites in terms of cleanliness, everyone I’ve spoken to that has been there vouches for that. I haven’t been there yet. I’m hoping to get there soon.
So is your equipment (power supplies, pc, etc.) just sitting at the base of the pier on the floor? Pretty sure their rack is “included" in the monthly fee and you don't need to buy it. I could be wrong on that.
Jeffery Richards · Oct 2, 2025, 10:19 PM
So is your equipment (power supplies, pc, etc.) just sitting at the base of the pier on the floor? Pretty sure their rack is “included" in the monthly fee and you don't need to buy it. I could be wrong on that.
I’m pretty sure there's a small bench or table that has the PC, UPS & the web power switch on it. Greg said there's an additional plastic enclosure for the above gear that he can build but I'm not sure it's needed.
Hi Jerry,
I use a 12U rack equipped with temperature-controlled fans. With this setup, dew and humidity have never been an issue, in fact, even with considerable computing power and accessories running, the maximum internal humidity I measured last year was 60%.
The primary challenge is cooling. Without active airflow, the equipment does get quite warm. During my testing through whole summer this year, running passively without fans, the rack reached temperatures that, while not immediately harmful, would likely shorten equipment lifespan over time (e.g., a PC running at 90°C for extended periods). Adding fans makes a significant difference and is highly recommended.
Overall, a rack makes the space far more organized and gives you greater control over your equipment environment. From my perspective as a system administrator, I would strongly recommend installing one in an observatory, it not only improves functionality but also adds a professional touch.
Here is a graphic showcase of my rack, there are still modifications that will be done with different gear that I am currently implementing and testing but this is what has been powering my remote observatory for the last 6 months.
📷 image.png
Clear skies,
Luka
Luka Poropat · Oct 3, 2025, 12:39 AM
Hi Jerry,
I use a 12U rack equipped with temperature-controlled fans. With this setup, dew and humidity have never been an issue, in fact, even with considerable computing power and accessories running, the maximum internal humidity I measured last year was 60%.
The primary challenge is cooling. Without active airflow, the equipment does get quite warm. During my testing through whole summer this year, running passively without fans, the rack reached temperatures that, while not immediately harmful, would likely shorten equipment lifespan over time (e.g., a PC running at 90°C for extended periods). Adding fans makes a significant difference and is highly recommended.
Overall, a rack makes the space far more organized and gives you greater control over your equipment environment. From my perspective as a system administrator, I would strongly recommend installing one in an observatory, it not only improves functionality but also adds a professional touch.
Here is a graphic showcase of my rack, there are still modifications that will be done with different gear that I am currently implementing and testing but this is what has been powering my remote observatory for the last 6 months.
📷 image.pngClear skies,
Luka
Thanks Luka, I’m thinking about it..