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So enough time has past that I have forgotten how much effort it was to make my first custom case (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=259828)  ::)

Using this forum post as my scratchpad for ideas, dimensions, etc.

First design idea (abandoned):

Second design idea (completed):

Using 80/20 instead of acrylic.

Here is my new inspiration:
https://i.imgur.com/86mkx5f.png

Dimensions
Length                       600mm
Width                        448mm
Height - 3U Utility Shelf    133.35mm (5.25")
Height - 3U Miner Shelf(s)   133.35mm (5.25")

Miner weight  0.9375 lbs x 20 = 18.75 lbs

Note: 133.35mm (5.25") -  0.787mm (- 0.031") Reduced the length in the Utility Shelf section so the case can be removed without binding on adjacent rack equipment:  - 0.787mm (- 0.031")



Cost
80/20 parts with shipping and tax: $
Corner Braces: $
Tools: $

Finished Case (04-15-2014)
https://i.imgur.com/b5PZtbD.jpg

Mounted in a server rack:

Interesting idea miaviator but much too messy for me.

I just noticed that Spotswood is building some cases out of 80/20 here: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=476224

He does not seem to offer sizes that fit in a server rack yet. If he did I would consider buying one of his but I feel it will look nicer using acrylic sheets and metal rods.

I suppose I'm not one to complain

https://i.imgur.com/hQ4v3P2.jpg?1

I just prefer ugly rack mount solutions...

You may think about removing the fans completely and designing around scrypt only mode? 

9-10 In a $40 2U case :)

http://puu.sh/7jjQr

Latest revision. 20+1 design. 20 miners + 1 hole for cables between sections.

https://i.imgur.com/82h7COk.jpg

Need to enlarge the holes to 97 mm.

I know this thread is about cases, but this Gridseed is a REAL and legit product?  Would you recommend them?  What issues have you ran into?

Yes, it is legit. I bought mine from here: http://hash-master.com/ (http://hash-master.com/#oid=1004_2)

This is cutting edge product and as such it comes with a learning curve so be prepared. It is progressing rapidly though. I don't see any reason not to dive in for scrypt use.

Perhaps the rapidly dwindling value of alt coins? I find it as no coincidence that in the week following Gridseeds appearance on the market, Scrypt coins have seen a 30-40% drop in value.  >:(

Also, this is the first gen product. There is talk of a 4-5U rack version coming out from Gridseed. Expect competitors to get off their butts and bring theirs to market too.

Yeah, from what I heard/seen it out performs these Gridseed by a pretty big margin.

Thats because pumping scrypt alts is no longer profitable as it used to be.. pumpers are getting flooded even before they start their speculative run up due to so much hash being dumped on them...gridseed is just last nail on their coffins..
one of the examples is auto switching auto trading pools... if you notice pumpers are starting to avoid them by picking non scrypt alts like vertcoin.. etc..

maybe you can post that into https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=491035.20

If you change to right angle power and USB plugs you will get a lot more density out of these.

I plan on making towers out of them using risers, similar to what you did in the OP but more simple.

Similar to this: http://thegenesisblock.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/fpga_farm.jpg

Then throw a bunch of box fans on them and call it a day. If I can get the cables half as organized as the farm in the picture, I will be a happy man.  :)

The only problem I can see is making sure the stack is stable and won't tip over. I will need to secure the stack, possibly at multiple points... at the very least make a stable base for them. I'm not really sure how I will do that yet although I'm certain it's possible.. any ideas of how to do it neatly (don't suggest duck tape :P )?

Yes, angled power and USB may be needed. I'm sure Cablesz could whip up the angled power but anyone have a source on right and left angled USB?

Obtain some standoffs...then you could creatively make a pyramid or anything else your imagination can come up with  8)

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/70944819/photo10.jpg

where do you get the standoffs

+1

Amazon, ebay.. etc

I have 100 of these standoffs (http://goo.gl/DdHG7D), so useful.

Do you use those for stacking them?? They look so small compared to the gridseed unit's height that it doesn't seem like those are long enough.

The OP is using 85.725mm standoffs and it seems like any smaller there wouldn't me much room for the units to breathe.

Are you combining them to make them longer or something?

Just ordered these; exactly what I need for the gridseed rig I'm building

Thanks

Ditto.. i bought some other longer ones earlier too.. these always come in handy mandy

 ;D

Have seen up to 50mm standoffs available. Make sure you post pictures of your creations here! Would like to see what people come up with.

Work in progress... (13 more on their way)

https://i.imgur.com/RuULu4w.jpg

For some reason that reminds me of Doctor Who.....Exterminate!

Looking good :)

What's the deal with heat/fans... are they un necessary?

they are missing the plunger :D

Looing at using 80/20 instead of acrylic.

Here is my new inspiration:

https://i.imgur.com/86mkx5f.png

Uses 7watts each in scrypt mode. No fan needed.

More info here:
http://cryptomining-blog.com/1485-testing-the-5-chip-gridseed-btcltc-asic-in-fanless-cooling-mode/

Can you post some links? I'd be very interested in this.

I am waiting for someone to stuff these into PVC tubes... (Holes drilled for the USB's, or wired directly.)

A bazooka of scrypt power! (Could even get-away with throwing half the heat-sink, in scrypt-mode, and using only one or two blower-fans. One on each end sucking-out, a screen in the middle for fresh-air in.)

Anyone want to donate 20 of these for a bazoka design? (Donate 1 unit, and I can build it for you. You can live with 19 units running. :P  Painted to taste, designed to taste.)

Might be able to get some nice acrylic tube, or form some acrylic into a square-tube. (20 would be smaller than a standard desk-width, I assume, by looking at the size.)

This is a serious offer, PM me if you are interested. I will skype to get details, to let you know if it is within my ability, to do what you wish.

I think this is what you are talking about:
http://cryptomining-blog.com/1502-new-gridseed-19-2-mhs-scrypt-and-520-ghs-sha-256-dual-mode-asic-coming/

I think its pretty unlikely that if such a device is coming out that it will look anything like that....?

J

Anyone have a source for those blue mini usb cables - they look neat and tidy?

Where did you get those power plugs?

ebay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/180995864227?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649)

Name? link?

http://www.amazon.com/2-1mm-5-5mm-Male-Power-Adapter/dp/B002QWNZHU/ref=pd_sim_p_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0FEFM98GPSCMNT0MCT5E

and

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=2.1mm+x+5.5mm+Male+CCTV+Power+Plug+Adapter&rt=nc&LH_BIN=1

Stacked up and running cool at 850 MHz.  Sorry, no case  :)

https://i.imgur.com/OsOzcDZ.jpg

Do you run that fan on them?

Yes, without that fan the heatsinks get warm to the touch.  The one fan keeps both stacks cool, and of course I'm only mining scrypt.

Ok,

80/20 25-2525 aluminum extrusions ordered with 50 nuts/bolts.

Total cost for parts with shipping and tax so far: $157.87

Now I need to go buy a miter saw with the appropriate blade and stand...estimate that will cost around $200.

Gesh, glad this hobby pays back some :)

Check this out...a vendor is selling a case ($119) similar in design to my original concept but with aluminum instead of acrylic and different dimensions:

http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0347/9985/products/gridseed2_1024x1024.png

Would you sell your case? Are you based somewhere in the EU?

cheers

Let's see how it turns out first. Just the cost on the parts are more than I think most would want to pay:  $157.87 not including connecting brackets

Hope to have it built this weekend...

Shopping list:
Ryobi 7-1/4 in. Miter Saw With Laser
Diablo 7-1/4 in. x 56 Tooth Carbide Circular Saw Blade   
Ryobi Miter Saw Stand

Estimated Subtotal $231.94+tax
:/

That saw and blade are awesome together though, bought the saw new off of Craigslist for half price. I used a table though.

What size is the standoff hex screws?  M2?  M3?

The blade is half the cost of the miter saw! It better be good :)

Saw/Stand/Blade/premade corner braces(test fit): $252.62

https://i.imgur.com/OxcdwVa.jpg

All the pieces are cut.

Man, that saw blade is good. The cuts have almost a mirror like finish. I am impressed. Wish I would of had this miter saw for my GPU case.

Learned an important word today: Kerf - the width of cut made by a saw or cutting torch

So this first case will be 597mm long instead of 600. The top parts where the miners sit are still going to be 600mm so it will overhang about 1.5mm on each side or 3mm on one side. Basically ran out of material since I didn't accommodate for the width of the cuts when measuring. Thought I had plenty but it turns out I was just short.  :(

Going to grab some dinner and may be able to do the corner brackets tonight.

Pictures! This thing turned out really nice. It blows me away how clean the cuts are. The material stops on the miter saw stand are a must for the exact same lengths on each piece.

Still need to make another 16 corner brackets (:o) but thought I would post what's done so far.
https://i.imgur.com/bncvC3x.jpg

I hate making these corner braces but it beats paying $146 for them.
https://i.imgur.com/emAQu4t.jpg

Thinking of replacing the top rows of 80/20 with flat aluminum bars. Couple of benefits I can see.

1. Cost
2. Room/Clearance.

Most concerned with clearance. Trying to make the miner section 2U but im not sure if that will be possible.

Told you that blade was dope!  :)

Going to replace the 25mm extrusions with 20mm extrusions! The 25mm extrusions are just too big. I originally planned to use 20mm extrusions but something went wrong with my head somewhere  :'(

...another $150ish down the hole. Anyone want to buy cut 25mm extrusions cheap? It is completely usable. It's just that the utility shelf does not have enough space to accommodate my Corsair AX1200i.

Comes as is. You will have to make holding brackets for the top part consisting of 8 pieces (16 brackets). I was using this (link (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-3-4-in-Zinc-Plated-Corner-Braces-4-Pack-13542/202950157)) and drilling the holes bigger.

On there sides you are just over 2U so, no, not so much.

3 U works great Room for 3 X 7 with a PSU in the back and 5 X 5 in the front for 46 in 3U, I originally made it with 4 X 7 in the back but with all the cords it was a tight fit.

https://i.imgur.com/PcnJy87.jpg

Was going to see if I could have the miners drop down a bit into the lower section to make the top section 2U but in the end it may just have to be 3U.

On that server enclosure it looks like the USB hubs might fit in the front and still have room for the power supply?

Sure.  But I was going stick two more hubs and 20 more seeds in front :)

I'm using the IBM PSUs from here: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=518013.0

So the PSU takes about about 7 Grids worth of space.  You could do a flat PSU, or external power as well.  Normally I  rip out the center fan bays but these were decent ones and the three fans line up to those three rows of grids.

Case is here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811165548

OMG dude...never thought to modify server power supplies for these.... I run a BUNCH of HP Server and that breakout board pmorici has that interfaces with the DPS-800GB-A looks good...also the Home Depot solution you posted for the  Delta DPS-835AB, Artesyn 7001138-Y000, IBM x3650 3655 835W (12.1V 69A) power supplies is brilliant!

....and these server power supplies have plenty of clearance for the case I just built! Too bad I already ordered 20mm extrusions for another case  :-\  Oh, well..give me an excuse to use the mider saw again :)

IBM power supply watts: 835w max.  80% of full load = 668w. 11 Gridseeds dual mining = 660w (60w x 11). 66 scrypt only mining = 660w (10w x 66).
IBM power supply amps: 69.0A max. 80% of full load = 55.2A. 11 Gridseeds dual mining = 55A (5A x 11). 66 scrypt only mining = 43.56A (0.66A x 66).

The HP at 1000w can push 800w (80%) for 13 dual mining or 80 scrypt!

And with that breakout board you could just plug in 12 stripped barrel plugs directly into it...man...so nice. It also connects to a Pi for remote on/off and monitoring. He said in a post that it cost him $30 to make though so it would be cheaper to do your $2.18 solution :)

Please post pictures of your setup with the gridseeds if you have time...if you can't tell im excited. Screw those $300 Corsair AX1200i's!

That's how I'm doing them: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=499132.msg6016723#msg6016723

I can't get you pictures of the other cases, only the dev case.  Everything else is racked in 3 or 4U chassis already.  I'm lazy and don't even mount the seeds, just stick them in on their sides.  I use 18AWG DC pigtails from the PSU and a 14 AWG jumper wire to power a 5Amp step down.  I run 4 way splitters off each DC barrel plug to power 4 seeds in scrypt only mode per lead.  (I think this picture has 12 cables for 48 seeds)  Desolder the fans to save space.  Good to go.  no issues.

http://puu.sh/7TnEs.jpg

http://puu.sh/7TnF8.jpg

http://puu.sh/7TnFJ.jpg

Those hubs are double sided taped to the top of the IBM PSU
http://puu.sh/7TnGs.jpg

I run a 5Amp 12v to 5v step down to power the USB hubs/Pi off the 12v supply
http://puu.sh/7TnIw.jpg

http://puu.sh/7TnLe.jpg

http://puu.sh/7TnMr.jpg

http://puu.sh/7TnOq.jpg

I like your inspiration :)

We have had great luck also with using Sidehack's Z750 dell > PCIE board, then PCIE > DC. HAve each dell powering ~30-45 without a problem.

I purchased 4 of the IBM power supplies. Plan to use the Offset Terminal Lugs miaviator discovered and these barrel plugs with 18 AWG wiring:

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTEwMFgxMTAw/z/E7wAAOxyUrZS2Wxf/$_14.JPG

Any tips on where to buy the wiring? Home Depot did not have any 18 AWG and Radio Shack I'm sure is over priced.

i used 18-2 door bell with 50 feet was $7 and that for both strands. i hook up 20 units and still had a bunch left. been running on it over a week with no problems

Not it is sloid core wire not stranded so the wires are stiff and a little hard to manage.

http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=172-4207virtualkey11180000virtualkey172-4207

Something like this should work:

100 FT 18 AWG GAUGE ZIP WIRE RED BLACK STRANDED COPPER POWER GROUND - $13.92
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDYwMA==/z/p4IAAOxyiOxR0An-/$T2eC16RHJHkFFly6YewqBR0!n-lm+g~~60_12.JPG

Nice case design.

Thanks vipgelsi!

...on second thought I think ill save myself the bother and get Male 18 AWG DC Power cords with 5.5x2.1mm connectors like miaviator suggested.

Word of caution: I just measured the DC power cord that came with my miners and they are NOT 18 AWG. My gauge only goes up to 18 AWG but I would guess they are 20 or 22 AWG. Fine for scrypt (I would imagine) but not dual or SHA mining.

Since I switched to using 20mm extrusions (instead of 25mm) it opened up lower cost corner bracket options. These are not as inexpensive as the generic home depot corner brackets but they don't require any drilling (to enlarge the hole), are stronger, include alignment tabs and are made specifically for this application:

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTE4N1gxNjAw/z/RVEAAOxyJs5RZb3x/$T2eC16N,!zoE9s5nd8,PBRZb3)cLTQ~~60_57.JPG

found a way to hide all the wires   :D

http://imgur.com/a/bbCPr?gallery

and the whole setup is 175watts at the wall

https://i.imgur.com/dhpcFx1.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GkYpcWM.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/d9XEkIQ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/yjtcH4d.jpg

Very nice DPoS. Looks like a city from the future.

thanks - hashing homes for us all

originally I was just going to shove them all in a PC case but they looked too good not to make it a display.. and without the fans and it being wireless networked I can move it and plug it in anywhere    :D

it runs Win7 so I just remote desktop into it to kick off the cgminers (will make a startup script on boot as well)

You should check out cgwatcher if you haven't already. Use it for my GPU rigs. It supports auto starting of cgminer on system boot, email notifications, and so much more.

This is a nice looking case! Not very efficient use of space but still...nicely done.

Don't know the dimensions but it appears to be rack mountable. Not sure if they are selling it on it's own but it comes in a bundle with a PS, 20 port USB hub, and Pi for an extra $250.

https://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/n-zfvgw8/fuuxd041/products/101/images/703/IMG_0167__29303.1397205110.1280.1280.JPG?c=1
http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/n-zfvgw8/fuuxd041/products/101/images/702/IMG_0184__81415.1397205063.1280.1280.JPG?c=1

All done!
Currently the top section/shelf is in the universal position as I wanted to try different mounting options. Going to move them closer together for the "on the side" position even though it could just be left as is. If I get more miners I will add a second or even third section/shelf.

https://i.imgur.com/b5PZtbD.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/65TQiBT.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/M70hwGD.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/oAnK5CW.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/RJet5Ig.jpg

Omg. Now I am so jealous ...

:D I just read this thread and after watching all of those pics ...

Great stuff! Nice cases ... and I do like Gridseeds ... so all together was really nice to see and read.

Regards

I would like to see pics with it all wired up. :)

LOL, I knew someone would call me out on that!

Still waiting on the barrel plugs (http://www.ebay.com/itm/111298364684?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649) to come in on the slow boat from China (https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=EMS,+Shenzhen,+Guangdong,+China&aq=0&oq=SHENZHEN+EMS&sll=37.269174,-119.306607&sspn=12.770077,23.378906&vpsrc=0&t=h&ie=UTF8&hq=EMS,+Shenzhen,+Guangdong,+China&z=17&cid=5826919285423257202&iwloc=A) (just tried tracking its latest location and the map literally shows it on a boat).
Ended up getting copper 16 AWG wire (http://www.ebay.com/itm/151273557470?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649). Also need to buy some wire strippers (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Commercial-Electric-7-in-Wire-Stripper-and-Cutter-06010/202039360) or borrow a co-workers.

Have 18 AWG DC pigtails (http://www.ebay.com/itm/221382456888?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649) I might use if I get impatient. Also have 6 way splitters (http://www.ebay.com/itm/321327010410?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649) for scrypt but need to cut one open to see what wire gauge it has.

that might take a while. i paid around $6 and bought from amazon and had 2 days. yes i paid a lot more but i didn't miss out a lot of time mining.

Yea, took a chance knowing it could take a couple of weeks...but I just tracked it again...it's almost here! :)

Cables to power 11 Gridseed USB Mini's in dual mode.

https://i.imgur.com/16cv9Mj.jpg

Did you get a reply on this??? I see that they bought M2 but I thought M3 was more of a standard use than M2. Can anyone confirm that M2 is the way to go on GridSeeds?

regards,

P.

I ended up guessing with M3's and they work.

Temporarily wired up half the case. Didn't use any zip ties/Velcro since final wiring will happen when I rack it.

https://i.imgur.com/202pm8b.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/1Wbrpwb.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/QzCAo0e.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/jjsgRkX.jpg

Just realized I can power the USB hub from the server PS as well :)

Finally put it in the rack. Not the greatest wiring job since I was in a rush.

Started to wire it up:
https://i.imgur.com/sK96mJi.jpg

All wired up (missing one miner).
https://i.imgur.com/6GHboek.jpg

Back side:
https://i.imgur.com/e9CPtj5.jpg

Observations:

Could have made the case longer and still fit in the rack. A longer case would be about enough room for 10 miners with fans on each row. 40 miners total.
Each power supply is more than enough to power 10 miners dual mining and one 10 port USB hub.
Case has enough room to fit 5 power supplies and about 5 USB hubs.

I will not be building this up further as newer (much) more powerful rack mountable scrypt miners are soon to be released. These 5 chip gridseed miners are too much of a pain to wire up and rack.

Very clean work... I really like the build, thanks for sharing!

Thanks poopypants! I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was a fun project and I hope it helped people. I certainly learned quite a bit in the process.

It looks like it will probably be one of my last as newer miners seem to be coming out in rack mountable versions. Ultimately that is a good thing as it will quickly allow you to deploy and operate over figuring out how to house and wire but it does take away a little of the fun/hobbyist perspective.

Have my eye on the KNC Titan or the Flower Tech Lilac  ;D

Same... some of the other ones look next to impossible to ROI unless a major uptrend happens.

For those of you who are mining without fans, can someone tell me what the dimensions are? I am waiting on delivery and are in the process of building the case. Also, it was mentioned earlier about a breakout board for the server psu's. Could someone post a link for it? Thank you all.

https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=379677.0

 ;D

Okay I studied all these.  I had one idea set it up it was no good. I then came up with a brass rod/ stainless steel design. on its side

Tool -less. No measuring.  

can fit  30 with the fans 50 with out the fans.


3 parts are needed for the case.


brass rods

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FOYLCO/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

stainless steel barbecue grill

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008DHPC/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1



stainless steel nuts.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FMUA8A/ref=oh_details_o06_s01_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1


if you use 2 foot brass rods you need 3 grills.  the brass rods  sag  without the middle grill.

as a middle aged guy  I know sagging rods are not acceptable in all walks of life.

the grills are pre drilled.    photos soon    this way did not work as wire access was terrible

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1600x1200q90/836/fd15.jpg


turn the tower on its side   works great.
no measurements all holes pre drilled in the grills
great materials brass and stainless steel.  you do not need the white nylon spacers.  you can space the grid seeds using the stainless steel nuts.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1600x1200q90/844/d4vb.jpg



keep the brass rods with 5 empty holes in the grill.
 http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1600x1200q90/842/ladw.jpg

Neat...thanks for the input. Get's the gears working on new ideas :)

 Yeah I went with brass 1/4 inch rods as the fit the grill holes and amazon had them at a decent price.
 After playing with the setup I can see I could fit 24 with very easy access to the wires if I leave in the fans.

I have yet to   remove fans but I could fit 32 if I did.  of course if you have a wider bench you can do  3 foot or 4 foot rods  you just need to add  1 more grill for support.

Stainless steel rods would be nicer if you can get 2 foot ones.

I have to test a 5/16 inch rod .

 3/8 inch do not fit the grill.

My goal was a tool free build that works. I think I did that.