[vcf-midatlantic] Good news / please read, Re: museum network rack

[Evan Koblentz]

Hey everyone.

Our rack is nearing completion, we just need a little more help.

- We obtained a right-sized patch panel (1u / 24 ports) and returned the 
2u to Martin (we don't need 48 ports and why waste the space?)

- Jason P. is bringing us a console (sliding kbd drawer + monitor) this 
weekend

- I talked to several people who know about UPS stuff and got various 
opinions -- there were suggestions ranging from small consumer units to 
3000va cabinets. I considered them all and decided the best thing for us 
is a 1500va system because it is plenty of power / battery life, and 
it's much cheaper than the next step up (2200va which costs more + 
requires a 20A circuit to be installed). Plus you still get the 
management software. Three companies make these: APC, Cyperpower, and 
Tripp-Lite. I spent a couple of weeks trying to get one donated to us, 
but I failed to pull it off. Then I changed gears and started looking at 
prices. I decided on a specific unit, the Tripp-Lite SMART1500RM2U. 
Funny story: I checked Amazon, CDW, Newegg, and also did a generic 
Google search. Guess who has the best price ..... Home Depot! It's 
crazy. Same basic price as the others ($522) but they do ship-to-store 
so you save a lot on shipping as it's 58 pounds. Steve A. and Don C. 
each agreed to donate $200 for this, so all we need is another $120 to 
buy it. If just a few people each commit to 10, 20, or 50, then we'll 
have it in no time. Can you help?

Thanks,
-Evan