What's a good way to put a monitor into a cage. I was told it would be alot easier to configure my servers if I had a monitor and keyboard inside my cage. I looked a the prices of rackmountable monitors and they are expensive as hell.

Is there a good way to cram a 15 inch montor inside my rack? What can I place it ontop of?

why dont you find a colo provider that offers these free of charge? If they want to charge you just to hookup a monitor and keyboard, sounds to me like your not getting the best deal out there

It's too late. I didn't know I needed something like this. I am not going to relocate until my contract is over. So what should I do? Buy a normal 15" or get a 15" LCD since its more light.

If you've got the money to spare, they make some sweet flatpanels, that fold down and slide into a 1u. I forget who makes them, but I think they were like 5k.

-Dan

Don't got money to spare. Looking to spend 300-400 Maybe a LCD would do it but just checking=)

Will this fit?

http://www.computer3g.com/nec1530v.html

i think i was at..........kmart the other day and see a boat load of flat panels, didnt get a price but looked pretty affordable

So, just putting a flat panel ontop of a switch or server is good enough? Are there rack dividers like flat sheets of steal that you can fit in and place the monitor on top?


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OK, I know this is pathetic but I hope you know what I mean

That didn't come out right =/

Try putting your art in [ code ] [/ code ] tags :stickout

<<I tried, it is closer, heh>>

Are there rack dividers like flat sheets of steal that you can fit in and place the monitor on top? .

Yeah, I'd think there are...but I may be mistaken.

They make several different types of rackmount shelves that run froam about $50 on up. They also make rackmount kits for regular and flat panel monitors. Here's a link to CDW that lists all of their rackmount equipment. You can narrow down the list by searching for monitor or shelf.

http://www.cdw.com/shop/search/results.asp?FilteredGroup=RAK

Richard

Unless you're running windows servers (and even then...), why would you need such a fancy monitor? Go find an old 13" monitor somewhere (used computer store?) and grab a rack shelf. Install the rack shelf and put the monitor on top. Then use the backside of the rack (if it has a backside) to install things like switches or APC units since they don't take up much depth space.

Also, I wouldn't recommend putting monitor on top of a switch or a server unless they were on rails. Monitors aren't light. Using a shelf is best. Pick a new one up on ebay for $30 shipped.

Originally posted by allera
Unless you're running windows servers (and even then...), why would you need such a fancy monitor? Go find an old 13" monitor somewhere (used computer store?) and grab a rack shelf. Install the rack shelf and put the monitor on top. Then use the backside of the rack (if it has a backside) to install things like switches or APC units since they don't take up much depth space.


:) my thoughts exactly. I have a old crappy monitor on a shelf(not sitting on a switch...bad idea) with a keyboard. No need for the fancy 1U LCD screens unless your out of room, which if you are you should be able to afford one.

VDI just has one monitor sitting on a table outside the datacenter with a super-long monitor wire which they plug up to the server that they need to use a monitor with (sysadmin work..or just checking that it rebooted right)...it works great - so really no need to put a monitor on a rack if you have access to some type of table? You could also put the monitor on top of the rack - if it is more of a cabinet style one

Originally posted by mkaufman
VDI just has one monitor sitting on a table outside the datacenter with a super-long monitor wire which they plug up to the server that they need to use a monitor with (sysadmin work..or just checking that it rebooted right)...it works great - so really no need to put a monitor on a rack if you have access to some type of table? You could also put the monitor on top of the rack - if it is more of a cabinet style one
1) What if more than 1 person needs to use the (a) monitor at one time?
2) What if you need to change the server the monitor is connected to frequently (get up, sit down, get up, sit down).
3) What if someone trips over that super-long monitor wire?
4) What if your DC doesn't allow you to use 'a table' for your monitor?
5) What datacenter will let you put a monitor on top of a cab, assuming it fits (for those that run cable over-head) and assuming you can see the screen and type at the same time (neck cramp!).

If you must use your own monitor, get a small used one, put it on a shelf and use the space behind it efficiently. Or spend the money on a 1U LCD+Keyboard solution (which aren't too expensive on Ebay).

Colo.com does not provide this, they do here in St. Louis?

If you are looking for a simple solution,

If a client wanted to, they can install a full KVM unit which will allow 100 % remote keyboard video mouse, and also reboot using the reset switch. This is just like being there 24 / 7 .

VDI offers these services as well, depending on your budget and needs. Since we offer 24 / 7 admin support, we usally fix fsck errors and get the server up. Some clients may want some security and need to have locked remote consel, with no inside access. So this secure session kvm may fit thier budget.

If a client wanted to, they can install a full KVM unit which will allow 100 % remote keyboard video mouse, and also reboot using the reset switch. Are you talking about KVM over IP?

Originally posted by allera
Unless you're running windows servers (and even then...), why would you need such a fancy monitor? Go find an old 13" monitor somewhere (used computer store?) and grab a rack shelf. Install the rack shelf and put the monitor on top. Then use the backside of the rack (if it has a backside) to install things like switches or APC units since they don't take up much depth space.

Also, I wouldn't recommend putting monitor on top of a switch or a server unless they were on rails. Monitors aren't light. Using a shelf is best. Pick a new one up on ebay for $30 shipped.

Anything else I might add before I have it shipped? This is allot cheaper than spending $300 on a LCD Thanks


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Yea, you've got the monitor and the shelf. That's all you need, as far as I know. :)

Just for kicks and giggles, here is what we use (can't believe I found this monitor on ebay, I've had mine for years -- I knew it had a purpose in life...)

12 3/4 Inch Monitor:
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1325904614
$3.00 (wow)

Rack Shelf:
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1328192773
$18.00

Of course, these are used, but cost-effective. :) I didn't need a fancy-pants monitor and the one I had in my closet worked for use as a terminal. I don't use X at all. The monitor takes up about 5U or so (I didn't measure, just guesstimated).