RouterStation Pro Enclosure?

[jborne]

I am looking to replace my current router and access point (Linksys RVL200 and Linksys WAP4400N) with the RouterStation Pro when it comes out. What would be the best enclosure to purchase for this device? I plan on adding an XtremeRange2 PCI card in it for my wireless. So I will need a wireless antenna as well.

[WHT]

http://www.l-com.com/productcenter.aspx?id=552
Weatherproof Enclosures Product Center

[jborne]

I guess I should state it will be indoors.

[jborne]

Kind of like this for the Mikrotik
http://store.wisp-router.com/mmWRI-STORE/Images/333U.jpg

[MaximumISP]

http://www.stationbox.info/

[schalliol]

I'm also interested in indoor enclosures for RouterStation Pro units. Any recommendations would be great.

[PaulC]

Make that one more person interested in an indoor enclosure for a Routerstation Pro -- Paul

[r.]

I'm also interested in indoor enclosure for a RouterStation Pro.
It would be great to provide such enclosure like a Mikrotik one or some nicer, because this board is very powerful.

r.

[JimWright]

I'd be interested in TWO enclosures, since I'd need one for my backup router as well.

Seriously, bending some sheet metal and knocking out some holes and putting a few spacers in can't be all that difficult. All I need is something I can bolt under my desk, it doesn't have to be a work of art. Something like the one jborne posted above would be perfect for most folks, I'm sure.

[n3wwn]

I think a RouterStation and RouterStation Pro enclosure like this would be a great seller!

In fact, I may be interested in 200 to 400 of these enclosures in the next year or so!

[zap]

I'd take two. How can I (and others) contact you?

[m3fraz]

Greetings All!

I don't know about the enclosure that "kshogan" posted, but Netgate (www.netgate.com) is developing indoor enclosures for several boards (MiniStation, LiteStation & RouterStation / RSPro).

The cases will be manufactured in the USA out of Aluminum. Custom colors, finishes (anodizing, powder coating) and labeling will all be available.

Manufacturing is due to start very soon, but there is still time to get your input in on the final production design for the first run. If you have a specific request or need (ie. number of antenna holes, openings for optional ports, favorite colors, finishes, wall or desktop mounting options) please post here and/or send an e-mail to sales@netgate.com or call 509.280.8999.

Similarly, should you require a custom case design for a UBNT product or something else, please don't hesitate to ask. Custom designed production runs are available depending on volume.

What do you want?:ubnt_banana:

[m3fraz]

In fact, I may be interested in 200 to 400 of these enclosures in the next year or so!

Rich, send me a PM.:icon_biggrin:

[JimWright]

Greetings All!
Manufacturing is due to start very soon, but there is still time to get your input in on the final production design for the first run. If you have a specific request or need (ie. number of antenna holes, openings for optional ports, favorite colors, finishes, wall or desktop mounting options) please post here and/or send an e-mail to sales@netgate.com or call 509.280.8999.


Will this enclosure have cooling vents (the Gateworks enclosure has these, but the Alix ones do not), or possibly even a spot for a fan to be mounted? I know there isn't a header specifically for a fan on the board, but there seem to be several connectors where something could be plugged in for voltage.

[Andrew-ACT]

Manufacturing is due to start very soon, but there is still time to get your input in on the final production design for the first run. If you have a specific request or need (ie. number of antenna holes, openings for optional ports, favorite colors, finishes, wall or desktop mounting options) please post here and/or send an e-mail to sales@netgate.com or call 509.280.8999.


I'd be interested in an indoor desktop enclosure for the RouterStation Pro.

Preferably with 3 antenna holes (especially if they're closed and you can punch out whichever number of holes you need).

There should be holes for all the ports (switch, SDIO, DC, USB, DB9) and any LEDs.

[m3fraz]

I'd be interested in an indoor desktop enclosure for the RouterStation Pro.

Preferably with 3 antenna holes (especially if they're closed and you can punch out whichever number of holes you need).

There should be holes for all the ports (switch, SDIO, DC, USB, DB9) and any LEDs.

Thanks for the input! We like the "knockout" antenna hole suggestion.

The ports shouldn't be a problem. We're looking at the LEDs too.

I have a few questions in return.

When you say "switch" do you mean the system reset or something else?

How many radios are you planning to install?

(Three antennas) Does this mean 1 radio per antenna or are you using 1 MIMO card with 3 antennas? Do you want the antennas attached directly to the unit, or will you be using remotely mounted antennas with cables? You said desktop mounting, but I don't want to assume anything.

Thanks!

-Fraz

[m3fraz]

Will this enclosure have cooling vents (the Gateworks enclosure has these, but the Alix ones do not), or possibly even a spot for a fan to be mounted? I know there isn't a header specifically for a fan on the board, but there seem to be several connectors where something could be plugged in for voltage.

We are looking at both options now. Thanks for the question!

Any further feedback the group can provide into heat management with these boards would be incredibly helpful. Is passive cooling enough or is it dependent on the number of radios installed? At what point is a fan needed? We're going to do some checking on our own as part of the development process, but we're open to any input the group can provide!

Jim, you are in Austin, no? Drop us an e-mail if you have not already. We're out on RR620 in Lakeway.

Thanks!

-Fraz

[JimWright]

When you say "switch" do you mean the system reset or something else?


I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that he means the system reset switch, I'm not seeing any provision for a power switch on the board.

However, after looking at the wiki, there is some confusion over the 14 pin J5 connector (I just started this thread (http://www.ubnt.com/forum/showthread.php?p=48110#post48110) for clarification), so this connector may provide come connectivity that an enclosure may need to take advantage of.

As an additional suggestion, as the RS Pro provides an SDIO slot, it may be good to include access (hinged door? Screw removable cover?) to this in the Pro version of the enclosure.

[m3fraz]

there is some confusion over the 14 pin J5 connector (I just started this thread (http://www.ubnt.com/forum/showthread.php?p=48110#post48110) for clarification), so this connector may provide come connectivity that an enclosure may need to take advantage of.

As an additional suggestion, as the RS Pro provides an SDIO slot, it may be good to include access (hinged door? Screw removable cover?) to this in the Pro version of the enclosure.

Cool. Thanks! I'll be watching that thread. If anyone has plans to use any of those headers, please post up and let us know what and how.

Our preliminary design has an opening that will allow user access to the SDIO slot. -Fraz

[Andrew-ACT]

Thanks for the input! We like the "knockout" antenna hole suggestion.

When you say "switch" do you mean the system reset or something else?

By switch, I just meant the 4 Ethernet ports on the device.

How many radios are you planning to install?

(Three antennas) Does this mean 1 radio per antenna or are you using 1 MIMO card with 3 antennas? Do you want the antennas attached directly to the unit, or will you be using remotely mounted antennas with cables? You said desktop mounting, but I don't want to assume anything.

I'd be installing a single SR71-A with 2 or 3 antennas. The idea would be to have the pigtails connecting the radio to the enclosure, then directly attach the antennas to the enclosure.

I plan to use this as an indoor home router.

[m3fraz]

By switch, I just meant the 4 Ethernet ports on the device.

I'd be installing a single SR71-A with 2 or 3 antennas. The idea would be to have the pigtails connecting the radio to the enclosure, then directly attach the antennas to the enclosure.

I plan to use this as an indoor home router.

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for the input!

Our planned enclosure should be able to handle that setup without a problem. More info soon!!

-Frazier

[m3fraz]

Would anyone be interested in a 1U Routerstation Pro enclosure for a 19" rack cabinet?

-Fraz

Don't want to hijack this thread so I started a new thread here:

http://www.ubnt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13524

[m3fraz]

Will this enclosure have cooling vents (the Gateworks enclosure has these, but the Alix ones do not), or possibly even a spot for a fan to be mounted? I know there isn't a header specifically for a fan on the board, but there seem to be several connectors where something could be plugged in for voltage.

Jim, I could use some input on the fan concept. Please send me a PM. Thanks! -Fraz

[m3fraz]

All aluminum extruded housing, finished in a durable, lightly textured, black semi-gloss powder coat.
Dimensions are roughly 6" x 6" x 1 3/8"
Custom colors available - download PDF here: http://www.cardinalpaint.com/a_img/PowderBrochure.pdf

Production pricing TBD.

Send me a PM. -Fraz:ubnt_banana:

http://www.ubnt.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=10&pictureid=29

http://www.ubnt.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=10&pictureid=30

http://www.ubnt.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=10&pictureid=32

Log in or Register to see photos.

[JimWright]

OK, first impression... That's one bad *** looking enclosure! I love the black, that would have been my first color choice anyway, and the vents give it a great look.

Looking at picture #30, 6 antenna knockouts is pretty nice, and I was looking at those little holes beneath them on the right. Had to check the board photo in the wiki for the original RouterStation (still no docs on the Pro in the wiki? No photos?), and I'm assuming those are for the LEDs at that end of the board. Since that's the end where the status lights are, I'd tend to call that the front, so it seems odd that the antennas would be there as well, though there isn't really room in the back where the other ports are. Would side knockouts for the antennas be a better plan?

I'm assuming the final product will have some stenciling to label the ports and LEDs?

What does the bottom look like? Is there any provision for a wall or under desk mounting? Or maybe L brackets that could screw into the sides?

Did I mention that it looks bad ***? :)

[videoman2]

This case is nice! So far so good! I managed to get a prototype, and I like it! Easy to get into the case too.

[Andrew-ACT]

All aluminum extruded housing, finished in a durable, lightly textured, black semi-gloss powder coat.

Looks great Fraz. Once it's in your online store, I'll be placing an order for an RS Pro, radio, antennas, pigtails and the enclosure!

[steinmb]

Looks great! I hope anyone take the time and test it with 3 radio cards before pressing the big green button. I'm especially interested in temperature readings during load at normal room temperature as the are no fans in the box to cool it in case it run hot during heavy load.

And I think as many other that we have to get some kind of solution on the status lights on the board. Unable to give you andy suggestions ither as I never have owned this board

[cyrus_mc]

I need this enclosure so bad. Right now I am jury rigging a StationBox.

[JimWright]

I need this enclosure so bad. Right now I am jury rigging a StationBox.

I'm using the cardboard box the board shipped in... :)

[jzeller]

Worked a bit with the prototype and it is well on its way to becoming an excellent enclosure. A few tweaks and they will have a good consumer home based router solution. Great work Netgate. Looking forward to continue to work with you. I will try to get some testing in with 3 cards and pushing solid traffic on all of them. If anyone has a particular test they would like to see, shoot me a message. We are currently working on our firmware for the RSPro but we do have a spare board in the enclosure and would be willing to setup anyone's test environment. Current cards available are 2-X2s, 1-X5, 3 DCMA-82, 2-R2n (although I had issues with drivers so not working currently).

[MaximumISP]

jzeller you need to enable Pms in your profile
to recieve any messages :)

[jzeller]

Thanks for the heads up :)

[jzeller]

I had a few responses. Does anyone know if there is any sort of hardware monitoring/sensors on the RS Pro for temperature? Looking to monitor CPU, UBNT XR2, UBNT XR5, ambient temp. Curious to see if there was a place to locate these before I start purchasing hardware temp probes.

[anaptyx]

Hey guys - just FYI, my company just launched a product supporting dual radio Open Mesh operation via the RS platform. We are custom injection molding enclosures for this product that will be for indoor use only, but is fully customizable/adaptable for use with either the Router Station or Router Station Pro. If you are interested please PM me, we can probably work out some very reasonable pricing if there is a somewhat immediate requirement for the product and we can get this in our first production run in just a few days/weeks.

[thecatman]

Hi,
is it possible to see some photos?
thanks

[anaptyx]

Sure - I can upload the rendering in just a bit.

[anaptyx]

Hey Guys,
If you are interested, please PM me. Attached are some images of the enclosure. These are 3D renderings of our design, so please excuse the awkward shading on the top of the case - it is only a few millimeters and not as deep as it seems. The top (white) part of our enclosure is made out of a Polycarbonite/ABS plastic composite, while the bottom piece (green) is made out of green powder coated laser cut steel with permanent standoffs and port cut outs made specifically for the Router Station or Router Station Pro. This bottom piece is modular, meaning no matter which you want to use inside we can provide the proper laser cut piece and it will fit precisely.

Again, the bottom is powder coated green, and the top of it is made out of white glossy polycarbonate but for quantities of 200 or more we can make totally custom colors of your choosing. The pictures attached show an example of the enclosure with it's standard Router Station configuration. We use internal antennas, but if you are interested in antenna cutouts this is something we can provide as well.

[thecatman]

hi and sorry x my english!
sorry but the hole for six pigtails? ok, you use internal antennas but if someone need external one? and the hole for usb, power and com port? And if the box is under the sun for a whole day, where are the hole of ventilation?

[anaptyx]

hi and sorry x my english!
sorry but the hole for six pigtails? ok, you use internal antennas but if someone need external one? and the hole for usb, power and com port? And if the box is under the sun for a whole day, where are the hole of ventilation?

Well, as I said - if you need cutouts for an RP-SMA pigtail/tail's this is something we can provide for you. As for the USB, Power and Serial port - there are cut outs for these ports. The rendering pictured is for the Router Station, if you ordered our cases made for the RouterStation Pro they have all of the cutouts for LAN/WAN, USB, Serial, Power, SD Card, etc. just like they should.

As for ventilation - we didn't/couldn't properly render them but there are vent cutouts in the bottom of the enclosure. There is plenty of ventilation even though heat build up isn't really an issue we've had to be concerned with in our extensive testing.

[brodeen]

I had another question about this enclosure, is there any kind of LED support piped outside of the case? This would be very appealing. thanks


Well, as I said - if you need cutouts for an RP-SMA pigtail/tail's this is something we can provide for you. As for the USB, Power and Serial port - there are cut outs for these ports. The rendering pictured is for the Router Station, if you ordered our cases made for the RouterStation Pro they have all of the cutouts for LAN/WAN, USB, Serial, Power, SD Card, etc. just like they should.

As for ventilation - we didn't/couldn't properly render them but there are vent cutouts in the bottom of the enclosure. There is plenty of ventilation even though heat build up isn't really an issue we've had to be concerned with in our extensive testing.

[anaptyx]

No, Sorry - we have not built in support for the lights - the application we use the RS for does not require this and the cost of injection moulding these holes is quite high. If it's something you need, we may be able to consider custom drilling holes for you, but I doubt we can install a light guide too easily.

[m3fraz]

Hello Everyone,

Sorry to break up this party, but Netgate has announced pricing @ Netgate.com and is taking orders for the all aluminum RS-PRO enclosure developed specifically with the input of UBNT forum members. :hurray:

For those of you eager beavers :icon_wink: who logged in to Netgate.com and placed a "pre-order", Netgate will start shipping cases on a first come first serve basis on Dec 10. Look for an e-mail in your inbox and call in ASAP to complete your order.

Netgate has made some changes to the initial design based on requests and feedback on the prototype cases:

There are now NINE!! SMA sized knockouts for antennas. There are six on the back side (Ethernet side) and three on the front (LED side). So if you really need nine antenna leads you are covered! :icon_cool:

As far as I know, this is the only product on the market that includes a "light guide" to aid in viewing Ubiquiti's super tiny surface mounted LEDs on the RS-PRO board.

Obviously this UBNT board was never designed with an indoor enclosure or easy viewing of the LEDs in mind. There have been quite a few obstacles to overcome along the way. For those of you who would prefer to do without the light guide, the viewing port is a perforated knockout, so you can "opt out" so to speak. Feel free to use the included acrylic light guide as funky jewelery, or hang it from your car's rear-view mirror.

Labeling for the ports and LEDs will be laser etched through the lightly textured black powder coat. Want to put your company name on the case? Custom labeling is available.

You can also check out the Netgate blog here for more information:
http://netgate.wordpress.com/

Questions? Call 509.280.8999 or send an e-mail to sales@netgate.com and be sure to say you saw this on the UBNT forum.

[robrob]

I just pre-ordered a Netgate enclosure and a couple of the 9dbi antenna's and pigtails. I'll let you guys know how it looks.

Meanwhile here's a pic of my current RS Pro enclosure:
http://www.robrobinette.com/temp/RSPro.jpg

[foxtroop11]

I just pre-ordered a Netgate enclosure and a couple of the 9dbi antenna's and pigtails. I'll let you guys know how it looks.

Meanwhile here's a pic of my current RS Pro enclosure:
http://www.robrobinette.com/temp/RSPro.jpg

You know what's funny is the case below your RS is what I put my RS in. I took the guts out of my WL500W and jammed the RS inside and used the antenna's. Of course nothing really lines up, but with the top on it looks cool!

Anyway, looking forward to a low cost case for just the RouterStation at the moment.

[foxtroop11]

and btw, good choice of equipment. NSLU2, have one of those at the house!

[robrob]

It looks like my enclosure, antennas and pigtails shipped from Netgate on the 10th as promised.

[rct]

It looks like my enclosure, antennas and pigtails shipped from Netgate on the 10th as promised.
Yes they did ship as promised, my cases were just delivered, Monday the 14th.

I haven't had a chance to assemble them yet but they look good. I'll be happy to no longer be using a cardboard box.

[rct]

On their blog (http://netgate.wordpress.com/), Netgate posted the updated pictures of the enclosure:

I've assembled just one so far and I'm happy with it, it's very functional and solid. I spent a bunch of time trying to align the light guide, but I couldn't seem get it to a point where it was very clear without too much bleed. Maybe I'm doing something stupid.

http://netgate.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/rsprosysrear1.jpg
http://netgate.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/rsprocasefront.jpg

[cyrus_mc]

On their blog (http://netgate.wordpress.com/), Netgate posted the updated pictures of the enclosure:

I've assembled just one so far and I'm happy with it, it's very functional and solid. I spent a bunch of time trying to align the light guide, but I couldn't seem get it to a point where it was very clear without too much bleed. Maybe I'm doing something stupid.

http://netgate.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/rsprosysrear1.jpg
http://netgate.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/rsprocasefront.jpg

Still waiting for mine to arrive. FedEX says the 16th.

[Andrew-ACT]

Mine arrived in Australia on the 12th and I'm picking it up from the local FedEx depot tomorrow. Can't wait!

[m3fraz]

Hi All,

I would just like to say THANKS! to all you early adopters who have eagerly snapped up the new case. This is our first attempt at designing and manufacturing such a product from a "clean sheet" and we hope it exceeds everyone's expectations. We are hearing a lot of great feedback about this first generation product and are glad to know how much you like the case. :icon_smile: We couldn't have done this without valuable input from all of you. Thanks!

With any new product there are bound to be some customer service issues. Netgate is nothing if not responsive to your input and concerns. It's something we take a lot of pride in. However, since this forum is run by Ubiquiti, we don't want to anger our benevolent hosts by hijacking their support forum more than we already have. :icon_wink:

Therefore, in an attempt to keep in the spirit of the forum, I'm going to ask that any post-sale customer issues (comments, support questions, technical problems, shipping errors, damaged product, etc.) be addressed directly to support@netgate.com or by telephone at 509 280 8999. We are here to help and we take every customer's satisfaction very seriously. That and we don't want to be banned. :icon_cool:

We value each and every one of you and know that we wouldn't be here without you.

Thanks Again!

Please note: Netgate is currently in the process of moving to a new warehouse. No Christmas vacations for us!

This move to a larger facility may slow us down a bit in responding to customers between now and early January as we move everything and have our systems up and running again at full speed. Rest assured we will respond to each customer ASAP and we thank you in advance for your patience.

[m3fraz]

Netgate has just released a re-designed case for the Routerstation Pro. It has many significant improvements over the first generation case.

http://tiny.cc/netgateblog
http://tiny.cc/RS-PRO

:ubnt_banana:

[foxtroop11]

Just wanted to give props to another RouterStation Pro case that looks just like the big dog routers you get at Best Buy. I loved the RouterStation case and design they did and just ordered my Pro version.

The thing is though it's complete ready to go out of the box with dd-wrt without wireless, so I guess you'll have to add your own or discuss with them about having wifi/internal antennas added.

http://www.awdmesh.com/store/awr