Chassis Mounting (Panel)

[DL84]

Hey all,

I have an application where I would like to have the PXI chassis mounted inside an electrical panel.  I saw that some rack mount options are available but that makes me think you slide it into a server rack or something similar.  So long as we don't obstruct the vents...has anyone tried mounting the chassis to an actual panel inside a cabinet?

When selecting the hardware, the rep made it a point that the device is a rugged piece of equipment for industrial use.  Electronics + industrial use usually mean some sort of option for enclosures & panel mount?

[David_Pratt]

Hey leachdor,

We offer rack mounting solutions for our PXI chassis in one main option.  That is the front rack mount kit. There are optional back rack mount kits for use if you'd like to further solidify our mounting solutions in racks with back vertical rack rails..  These kits are not on sliders for server racks. They're multi-U spaced plates that attach to the PXI chassis, and then screw into the veritcal rack rails.  If you look at the installation guides from our product pages you can see figures of how they attach.  Are you needing the server rack slider option or is this what you're trying to avoid? If the stationary rack mount is what you're interested in, there are the specifications/spec of the rack mount kits here for you to verify the hardware will work with your rack. There is also information regarding compatibilities here. Also a lot of information about our kits can be found by searching "pxi rack mount kits" at ni.com.  Let me know if you need more information!

Thanks!

Message Edited by David P. on 01-16-2009 08:59 AM

[DL84]

Thanks for the response, taking a look now at your links you provided.

To answer your question though - server racks are what we are trying to avoid.  Its not really a rack that we need to mount into though, maybe its just a confusing way of saying it.  You know those large electrical panels that have a door on the front, and you mount relays, fuse blocks, etc. to (they usually have a disconnect right next to the door)...all those are placed on a flat piece of metal (panel), they are screwed into it, then the entire sheet once everything is attached is then placed in the cabinet and closed.  Opening the door its maybe 9" deep, a few feet wide, and maybe 6-7 feet tall.  I can say that fieldpoint mounts very nicely to them from experience!  These are a bit larger though.

In the mean time I'll take a look.  

FYI: Here is a picture of what I'm talking about...link is from google images, this is NOT where we will be placing it, but very same idea.

http://propanelservices.com/db2/00126/propanelservices.com/_uimages/CECBurnerPanel1.jpg

[David_Pratt]

Hey,

Unfortunately NI does not provide any kit for this type of setup.  We do however have customer's mount our hardware in all sorts of ways.  Seeing now what your application is, you do have the ability to do this.  If you'd like to contacr NI we can provide you the dimensions and bolt patterns if you're wanting to fabricate your own mount.

The most important note with a setup like yours would be with operating temperature.  Your cabinet/box would need to have ample intake and exhaust to maintain the appropriate temperature as to not damage any of your hardware.

You can contact NI by calling (888) 280-7645 or go here to submit a service request.

Thanks,