Rack with a sliding shelf

Q & A for building and interfacing your rack gear with Ground Control Pro and GCX-based systems.
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Scooterjohn
Posts: 10
Joined: Mon Nov 06, 2017 11:58 pm

Rack with a sliding shelf

Post by Scooterjohn »

I recently got a six space rack to have room for the GCX and a pedal drawer. Unfortunately, I also got sick and haven't been able to swap from the small rack to this one. Fever finally broke, and I want to have this up for upcoming gigs.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to handle the wiring (power and audio) for the sliding shelf that will hold some pedals. Once in place, I probably won't be opening it often, just for the odd pedal swap/add.

I've never had pedals in a rack before, so this is new to me. I have the PP2+ from my old pedalboard to power the pedals, and I'm wondering where to mount that? Under the shelf?

I'd love it if anyone has any pics showing any of this successfully done.

Thanks

Terry Hayes
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Mar 08, 2018 11:38 am

Re: Rack with a sliding shelf

Post by Terry Hayes »

I did this for awhile and I just wired the shelf as if it were a pedalboard. The main trick is making sure you leave enough slack in the cables going to and from the GCX to allow the shelf to be pulled out when needed. Bundling all the cables can help to keep things together.

Here are 2 photos showing rack wiring that might help.
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Scooterjohn
Posts: 10
Joined: Mon Nov 06, 2017 11:58 pm

Re: Rack with a sliding shelf

Post by Scooterjohn »

Thanks for replying. I have it temporarily wired with the pedals on the shelf as a test. One of the problems I’ve encountered is the wall wart for the GCX, and the one for the Intellifex (which is even heavier). I can’t count on them staying plugged in to the rack mount power supply. I might need pigtails from the rack power to get these heavy transformers horizontal (plugs downward), so gravity is working with me instead of against me. Maybe on the bottom of the rack? The pedal power 2+ takes up space in the shelf, so I’m thinking of mounting it to the underside of the shelf, and maybe drill holes for the low voltage wires.

There’s no Velcro or carpet on the shelf, and I’m considering drilling holes and zip tying the pedals in place. It looks like I’d need smaller versions of some of my pedals if I were to have the full eight onboard. Going with another shelf means more weight (this is a heavy duty one...key word, heavy) and another pedal power? Trying to stay reasonably portable here.

stantonj
Posts: 23
Joined: Wed Mar 30, 2016 7:12 am

Re: Rack with a sliding shelf

Post by stantonj »

This is what you need to keep your plugs from falling out during transport etc...

You bolt this right into the side of your rack (on the inside):
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Bend your will to learn midi, then you can bend midi to your will...

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