1U Rack Mount CPU for 6700

Mike W8MM

Since deciding to "remote" my 6700(s) to the garage where my antenna feeds congregate, I would like to obtain a computer that integrates into the server rack into which the Flex(s), power supplies, amps, transverters, etc., bolt.

I'm looking for suggestions for a 1U rack mount PC (server type?) that would adequately perform Flex 6000 duties.  The Google search that I did makes it clear that few modestly priced server rack PCs have enough graphics power to do the job.

Any of you PC mavens have a suggestion for a moderately priced 1U solution?

Jon_KF2E

How about one of these...

http://www.sonnettech.com/product/rackmacmini.html

...and a Mac Mini? Lot's of people are using Mac Mini's successfully. You can even run Windows on it if you like. Great hardware!

Jim Gilliam

Take a look at the Hystou line of mincomputers that are fanless and operate on 12 VDC. I am  using one of my 6500 remotely and I never turn it off as it only uses 12 Watts of power.

Jim, K6QE

VE2MBT

you can also just buy a empty computer rackmount case and put whatever you need in it

Mike W8MM

Marc, Thanks for the suggestion. Yes, I know I can do that. My issue is that I'd rather purchase a ready-to-operate solution than a do-it-yourself project. My spare time is rare, and therefore valuable to me.

Richard McClelland, AA5S

The HPE DL20 is not terribly expensive and has a 1U form factor:  http://www.pcconnection.com/product/hpe-proliant-dl20-gen9-intel-3ghz-xeon/823556-b21/30982666?cac=S...  I'm not certain about the video capabilities of these things...

Richard McClelland, AA5S

Oh, I see there is a video adapter option: HPE NVIDIA Quadro K2200 PCIe Graphics Card, 4GB GDDR5.  Comes with a display port connector but it bumps the price of the server up by a fair amount.  Put in 8gb or 16gb RAM, a couple of SSDs and one of these video cards and I would think you would have a pretty nice server for less than $2,500.

Mike W8MM

Jon, I'm quite the fan of Apple products, but I was under the impression that Mac Minis were deficient in graphics power and not up to the task. Am I mistaken?

K1DBO

I'm doing something similar -- 6500 in the basement -- but haven't found the need to but a computer anywhere but at the operating position. The only only connection between the 6500 and the computer is by ethernet. A 3ft cable or a 300ft cable will work as well. I do need connections to other equipment in the rack though. For those I use a USB to Ethernet adapter. There are threads here discussing some options. But to get closer to answering your question, 1U servers tend to be loud and hot. You might not care about the sound but you will need to be careful about the heat. HP makes the Z200 line of office desktop machines that are quite nice. They are quite, come with great graphics options (up to 5 display port monitors) and the mini-tower versions are rack mountable... but are 2U.

Asher - K0AU

Have been running LAN remote for nearly three years with a 6700 and no computer near the rig.  I use Ethernet to RS232 servers to control antennas and amps and a RemoteRig to carry audio and keying.  The Maestro may do the audio/keying job for you when it's released.