Distributed To: Customers with D5 Delivered

TECHNICAL NOTE

Ref 125

Date: 25 Feb 2003 (revised 21 Mar 2003)

Raised by: TC

Distributed to: Customers with D5 delivered

Soundtracs-Digico UK Ltd. The School House, 4 Dorking Road, Epsom, Surrey KT18 7LX England

Tel: +44 (0)1372 845600 Fax: +44 (0)1372 845656 email:

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D5 DIGIRACK (all versions)

Ensuring Adequate Ventilation For Cooling DiGiracks

Since the introduction of the D5 with its companion interface racks, it has become apparent some operators are not mounting these with space to ventilate correctly as intended and that the fan filters also are becoming blocked. Both these factors are causing the system to run too hot, leading to other problems and possible premature failure in the long term. The Digirack typically dissipates 150W in a fairly confined space, so cooling is important.

The setup and installation guide clearly states the Digirack should be mounted with at least 1u free space above and below, when mounted in a 19” rack system. (See page 7). It will be noted there are forced ventilation slots in the top of the unit.

In addition the PSU fans have a fibre filter. In use, these appear to become blocked with dust and dirt very rapidly (within days in a stage application). This significantly reduces the airflow cooling the rack unit. The setup manual also notes that both PSU’s should be operated so that both fans are running.

To overcome the above problems operators should note the following.

Operators should review the housings of their D5 racks to ensure the required space above and below the rack is provided. At least 1u of rack blank (preferably ventilation slotted) should be fitted here. Of course an open space is acceptable if the operator does not wish to fit a blank. Check that airflow front and back of the racks to the PSU fans and ventilation slots is not restricted.

Remove the fibre fan filter. This will significantly increase airflow. Digico are supplying coarse wire mesh replacements intended to stop debris entering the rack, but which will accumulate minimal dust, in order to reduce possible blockage of the airflow. These have been despatched (March 2003) as a no cost retrofit.

DiGiRacks shipped after February 2003 are fitted with these as standard In the meantime it is acceptable to run the rack with filters removed. The existing filter carrier includes a finger guard grill.

To remove the fibre filter, the filter carrier fixing screw is turned ¼ turn to release the retaining spring clip.

Ensure both PSU’s are powered and both fans are running at all times.

Operators should ensure Digico UK Ltd has the up to date contact name and postal address in order we may contact users for ongoing support issues and software upgrades.