Ikea - Poor mans instrument rack

[bingo600]

I needed something for my "deep" HP-generators etc , and found
this neat thing i IKEA

Antonius "frame" (for baskets to socks etc..) but wo. the baskets = 10$
http://www.ikea.com/us/catalog/products/10177630/

It got some DuctTape on the pins , so it doesnt scratch the bottom of the instruments.
And then it was a super "rack" ....
I had to use the "wide side" , as 19" wont fit the narrow , but then you don't need any shelves.
 
Now i got a "poor mans rack" to 10$ .... It's actually very stable.

Ohh ...

I just got a HP-8594E SA , picked it up yesterday .. 
Boy those are expensive   

But i got some usefull options , and a scalar measurement box

HP 8594E Spectrum Analyzer 9KHz til 2,9GHz
- option 004 = Precision Frequency Reference
- option 010 = Tracking Generator 9KHz til 2,9GHz
- option 041 = GPIB interface + Parallel Printer Interface
- option 101 = Fast Time Domain Sweeps and Analog + Display
- option 105 = Time-gated Spectrum Analysis
+
- option 130 = narrow resolution bandwidths

And a 85630A - Scalar Transmission/Reflection test set

I might be interested in a HP 85714A Scalar Measurement Personality (DLP) , if the price is right.
Not *Bay or dealer prices.
http://www.home.agilent.com/en/pd-1000002116%3Aepsg%3Apro-pn-85714A/scalar-measurement-personality
http://tinyurl.com/nbuzu4x

Contact me via PM if you have one.

/Bingo

[bingo600]

The classic one is still the IKEA Rast

I like the ANTONIUS better for my instruments , i can get them out wo. "much hassle" as eash has their own shelf.

But thanx for the info about Rast ... Could be usefull for other stuff.

/Bingo

[mrflibble]

Hey, that looks pretty useful. I think I'll get me one for 8 euro next time I'm near Ikea. Thanks for the tip! 

[SLJ]

Great idea.  Looks like enough room to add a wood shelf to each one also.  Nice idea and the price is right. 

[carpelux]

What a coincidence, I visited IKEA a week ago and bought me exact the same Antonius to harbour my PTS-250 frequency syntheziser and my Tek 2215 scope.
Even though the shelves are not really needed I'm planning to buy some plywood and cut it just to prevent the instruments to slip and fall on each other.
As said, it's really stable.

[mrflibble]

As said, it's really stable.

That's good to know. That was one of the first things I was wondering about ... how bad will it shear under load. So this all sounds good. I guess tomorrow will have to be "when I happen to be near Ikea". I had to buy a bunch a spices anyways (no not at Ikea. Next door to Ikea. XD)

[PedroDaGr8]

The Ikea Lack table (just look up Lack Rack) is commonly used as a rack for mounting rackmount networking hardware.

[mrflibble]

The Ikea Lack table (just look up Lack Rack) is commonly used as a rack for mounting rackmount networking hardware.

Yeah, couple of friends of mine use the Lack rack approach. It's okay, but it lacks something. Get it? And not only is it a self referential pun, but it also lacks shelfs. This Antonius thingy is the first cheapo Ikea solution that fits the bill for my use. I really do hope it is as sturdy as mentioned because I'd like to house a few instruments in there. Most notably my 54720D which is annoyingly heavy.

[nctnico]

As said, it's really stable.

That's good to know. That was one of the first things I was wondering about ... how bad will it shear under load. So this all sounds good. I guess tomorrow will have to be "when I happen to be near Ikea". I had to buy a bunch a spices anyways (no not at Ikea. Next door to Ikea. XD)

You can also order online. Last time I needed something from Ikea I just ordered it. I hate it you have to walk through the entire store (avoiding slow people) to get just one item.

[con-f-use]

Hmm, seems like your gear is in danger of falling out from between the rack if you push at the front panels too hard.

[bingo600]

Hmm, seems like your gear is in danger of falling out from between the rack if you push at the front panels too hard.

All the HP's have a plastic edge that is outside the metal bar , so you have to use excessive force to lift it over the edge

/Bingo

[Vgkid]

How much room is there between shelves? I will need to give the shelves a bottom, thankfully my thickest  piece of equiptment is as thick as the 5370.

[edpalmer42]

I didn't see any weight limits on the Idea units.  Most of those big HP units definitely qualify for the "Boat Anchor" label.  How do you know if it's safe?

Also, when installing or removing the units, you might cause a lot of sideways torque as you slide the thing across a shelf.  Any issues there - particularly with the Antonious shelf.

Ed