Hi all,
I’m brainstorming ideas for where to put hardware control boxes such as stage top incubator controllers, laser controllers, etc. underneath an optics table and am curious to hear your ideas.
I’ve got a setup that is about to get several new components but I am unable to easily install shelving next to or over the optics table to accommodate the various electronics that go along with them. This leaves only the space underneath the table as a viable option. I’ve already got a few things on a raised platform below the table, but with several new components I think that cable management and overall organization will become a concern.
Thanks in advance for any input you might have here!
Edit: I was thinking that maybe a server rack cabinet might be useful because they are open on both the front and back and have options for cable management. Has anyone tried this?
Hi @Kyle_Douglass,
I only have anecdotal evidence of this but my concern with controllers under the optical table is that cables rest and potentially pull onto the optical table. This could compromise general damping of the optical table. If possible, I like to have the controllers on independent shelves above the optical table and the cables loosely dangle to their devices, but as you mentioned, it is not always possible.
I personally like server racks to mount controllers. However, access might be limited depending on the type of rack you go for. Try to aim for server rack frames that don’t have walls/door if its a concern for you. Also, you might be tempted to power all your controllers from a single server-rack mountable power strip, but check that the power rating of the individual sockets in the lab can handle it before.
Whether you go for a rack or not, whenever electronics is on the floor, its at the mercy of floods. Try to always elevate the controllers just a bit so that they don’t sit right onto the floor.
Since I’m already giving my 2cts… When you’ll do your cable management, try to separate power cables from signal cables. Here, I’m also not quite sure why and I do it from experience, my feeling is that you don’t want a sensitive photo-multiplier tube signal to run along the main power cable of your laser. Lastly, if you have light guides from your controllers, be wary of the minimum bend radius of those cables.
I hope this helps and take care,
Omni
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