I was wondering if anyone had any information on the mounting of electronics for unfriendly environments. I'm trying to put together a "road case" containing a switch, wireless, routing, and file server, in one haul-able package, and since it will undoubtedly get bumped, dropped and stepped on, I was trying to come up with some sort of rubber mounts to save my expensive hardware. alas, I am not mechanically inclined. links or PDFs welcome.
You might like to try something like this: http://www.icp-epia.co.uk/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=145 I suppose ultimately, as well as something to absorb shock during bumps, you'll need a nice solid, sturdy case, maybe some rubber coating?. Minimum on the heavy copper, so you don't put too much strain on the mobo... low power consumption from PC... If I was feeling experimental, I might try using the shocks you get in the larger petrol powered RC cars... I don't know an American equivalent, but: http://www.maplin.co.uk/family.aspx?menu=1690&doy=22m5&MenuName=Enclosures do a number of solid enclosures which might help.
the case is one of these, if that helps you visualize any. those links aren't terribly helpfull, as most car PC cases really don't have much protection built in, as they are typically small and lightweight.
You need a damper type shock mount. You may be surprised, but bubble wrap rolled fairly tightly then wrapped in tape works wonders for this (not sure how you'd fashion that into a mount though) You don't want anything that can bounce or it'll just vibrate when shocked. Are the components going to be run inside the box? if so you'd need to leave lots of free space for air flow as I'd imagine that box is fairly insulating. Hey just found this site: http://www.gelmec.co.uk/?gclid=CIb61e2wvJMCFQ8nEAod_jqADQ
yes, the components will be run inside, with the doors open, and a pair of 120mms (200CFM max) to keep things cool.
