My Custom Gridseed Case Build

[CartmanSPC]

So enough time has past that I have forgotten how much effort it was to make my first custom case  

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

First design idea (abandoned):

This time I will be making a case (most likely) out of acrylic sheets and metal rods to house Gridseed miners.
Dimensions will be similar to my first case as it will need to be mounted in a server rack.

Preliminary Dimensions
Length                       600mm
Width                        448mm
Height - Utility Shelf    133.35mm (5.25") 3U
       - Rod size            127mm (133.35 - 3.175 - 3.175 = 127)
Height - Miner Shelf        88.9mm (3.5") 2U
       - Rod size         85.725mm (88.9 - 3.175 = 85.725)
Holes                         97mm
Acrylic thickness          3.175mm (1/8" or 0.125")

Miner weight  0.9375 lbs x 20 = 18.75 lbs

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

Here is my inspiration:



Bottom level will be for power supply, USB hubs and controllers.

May quickly move from the supplied power supplies to a Corsair AX1200 (or AX1200i as I don't think their making the AX1200 anymore). This will require more space for the bottom level. Watching this thread for the required cables: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=74397.msg5492169#msg5492169

Top level will be for the Gridseed miners but unlike the picture I will have the fans blowing up. From here it can stack more levels depending on how much space the power supplies and accessories the bottom level can hold.

Looking at having a profession company cut the acrylic sheets.

Layout:

Red dots - location of the rods
Blue dot - main access hole for wires
Yellow dot - optional secondary access hole for wires (of course you can use any hole for miners or wires)

Picture of what I envision it looking like (wider with holes):

Second design idea (completed):

Using 80/20 instead of acrylic.

Here is my new inspiration:


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)

[miaviator]

Mounted in a server rack:

2U rackmount chassis on sale at newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811219022



High Def Photo: https://i.imgur.com/ShUX1sD.jpg

bobby35ny is running 10 gridseeds with the fans removed in these cases as pictured.  *this case won't fit a standard atx PSU.

I run my 10 in a rosewill 4U. 

[CartmanSPC]

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.

[miaviator]

I suppose I'm not one to complain



I just prefer ugly rack mount solutions...

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

[miaviator]

Ok, this is my first draft of the 5 chip Gridseed section. Not to scale and precise measurements on the miner not done yet.

Undecided on 20 or 24 per section. Thoughts?

https://i.imgur.com/lxei7fj.png

9-10 In a $40 2U case

[CartmanSPC]

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



Need to enlarge the holes to 97 mm.

[fearisfearless]

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?

[CartmanSPC]

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/

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.

[DarkKnight]

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.  

[CartmanSPC]

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.

[httpcore]

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.

[bclcjunkie]

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..

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.  

[rhyker]

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/

I can vouch for this vendor. They will take care of you!

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.

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

[miaviator]

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

Bwa HaHa:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811165213

15.0" x 19.0" x 3.5" 2U rackmount 15" Depth.



I think there is room for a Pi as well if I cut the power cords a bit shorter.

I could fit at least 30 in a 3U and 20 in a 2U long case based on this catastrophe.

[CoinHoarder]

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

Similar to this:

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 )?

[CartmanSPC]

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

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?

[CartmanSPC]

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

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 )?

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

[bittawm]

where do you get the standoffs

[volosator]

where do you get the standoffs

+1

[miter_myles]

where do you get the standoffs

+1

Amazon, ebay.. etc