Some advice please on Middle Atlantic product. I have a customer that would like to replace his wood roll out rack with Middle Atlantic. Part # that I thought would work well are the following:

5-29 Slim-5 Rack
SH-54 Shelves (9)
5WR Casters

I have not used Middle Atlantic before, any help would be appreciated.

Ya, that will work and about 100 other configurations as well. Depends on what the objectives are. I recommend calling them and having them rush a full catalog to you. That should help explain all the options. Might see if you can download a full catalog from their web site.

You can download it here. Hope this helps.

[Link: repnet.middleatlantic.com]

I have the catalog in front of me. Sounds like I can't go wrong.

check with you local avad location

My loco, I mean local, location is not to sharp on this product.

Download Racktools from MAs site helps alot on designing and understanding their procucts.
If you have an A*I branch near you they carry MA and you dont have to pay the shipping.

I have had good success with the AXS series, for mill work and in host enclosure.

SRS series is a PITA in enclosures, it doesn't roll out enough for rear access, so if you need small go with the rotating version.

Remeber to order rack rail screws in whatever config you like shelves do not come with these, and if you get the axs series the service rails and track leveller are a must.

For professional finish get the RSH series of custom shelf units, check MA's rsh search engine for your make and model equipment.

I usually go for the bulk pack of u2 shelves and kick on a pair of trim strips. I sure others will have a few great tips in addition to this but put a few blanks in above the receiver, any amps or other heat generating components. Don't just stack everything up without considering heat. And yes, everything is ala carte including screws.

Is a mega changer going to be in the rack? If so, MA now has a zero space full depth shelf that bolts to all 4 rails. Even the U4's aren't deep enough for the big mega changers, before I would have to shim up the front feet because the back of the changer would ride on the lip of the U4.

Because of depth concerns, stay away from the U1's.

The Mega Changers fit nicely in the RSH series shelf kits, They are just a little deep for the shelving, but they work.


My$0.02

this thread has me wondering.... How many people do Middle atlantic rack without RSH shelves? I truley fail to see the point. by using Utility shelves your losing the primary functions of the middle atlantic concept. Channel the heat and make it look good..... Gaps inMiddle atlantic racks are one of my biggest pet peeves..... I get on my salemsen every time they sell a rack with U's......

If its not RSHed, a nice wood or metal cabinet generally looks better and can be just as user friendly if you choose the right one.... looks better.... and usualy costs less.......

We *always* use RSH's... brushed anodized all the way, never any gaps, with trim strips.

It *has* to look cool, we actually make a decent margin on it, they never break or generate service calls... what more can you ask for?

The Brushed Steel look is pretty damn trick as well....

Looks awesome with silver components... even with a couple black compoents inthe last one I did it didnt look bad. Just gotta space it out so it looks good.

I've always thought it's too bad there has never really been even a semi-standardization of a silver finish, and thought that would keep me out of the brushed steel MA stuff.

OTOH, I've got a rack in front of me with 50% silver stuff... Escient DVDM-300, (the companion MP-150 shipped in black though, go figure) 4 Sat Receivers, Sony DVD-R, Mitsu VCR, all silver"ish". Probably would look good!