19" Rackmount Case for Raspberry Pi and "HotSwap"-SSD

thingiverse

### Changelog: v1.1 (and new pictures) 2021-11-30 - mounting to the left side of the rack is now possible - attaching a second case next to the first one is now possible (restriction: do not use the back cover if you need the USB-C or display ports) - added a quick edit cover for the back to grant compatibilty for Raspberry Pi 3 (and those with the same layout) --------------------------- ### This thing combines four main aspects - rack mount option for a Raspberry Pi 4 - add an 2.5" SSD for the OS (booting) or additional storage (maximum 7mm height) - make the SSD swapable within seconds and without using tools (kind of "Hot Swap") - keep everything within 1U - from v1.1 on there is a mounting option for the left side (it is possible to attach one case next to another and / or attach the rack mount ear) ### BOM (one case) 3x M3 countersunk screws (10mm total length) 2x M3 screws (15mm to 18mm long) 3-5x M3 nuts ### Comments / Hints - You will always need five parts: Baseplate for SSD, Baseplate for Pi, Cover Front, Cover Back, Rackmount Ear. - Everything is fitted for M3 screws. Yes, I increased the holes of the Pi to 3mm, too (not really neccessary but more satisfying). - For screwing down the Pi the screws will cut their own thread. If you want to use nuts please widen the holes (from 2,7 mm to 3 or 3,1mm). - The pictures show the assembly of v1.1 without wider holes. - In the rack v1.1 is on top. The prototype of v1.0 is below that (the one without holes on the left side). - v1.0 and v1.1 are especially designed for one product by Raidsonic / Icy Box with part number IB-243U3 (maybe similiar PCBs might work). - You can still access the SD card. - There should be enough space for a HAT (like a PoE one which I don't have). - After powering off the Pi you can slide the back cover off to gain access for maintenance (like changing GPIO or camera cables). ### Other stuff What is this? A lot of people already have some kind of rack mount case for one or more Pi. Usually those do the trick. But.. I have different needs and wanted to recycle some older stuff. In addition this case is modular. Why do you need this? In case you are having a home lab or doing IT for a living or have a 19" rack by accident in your wardrobe... nah, forget about that. You need this if you want to recycle a specific old external SSD case. ### Future ... depending on my own needs or friendly requests. Maybe there will be: another baseplate for the SSD adapter to fit other products (like Icy Box IB-AC603L-U3) (done: v1.1) another back cover that fits the Raspberry Pi 3 (and alike) (done: v1.1) a scale- / stackable version to fill a whole 1U (done: v1.1) a version for left side mounting As usuall I added the SketchUp! file for modifications. Feel free to remix this and make it fit your own needs.