Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!comp.vuw.ac.nz!gp.co.nz!zl2tnm!don
From: don@zl2tnm.gp.co.nz (Don Stokes)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: switch in the back (was: Re: VDT Electric Fields)
Message-ID: <5mRuX1w163w@zl2tnm.gp.co.nz>
Date: 24 Feb 91 15:49:39 GMT
References: <1991Feb23.231908.1499@zoo.toronto.edu>
Organization: The Time Machine Room
Lines: 34

henry@zoo.toronto.edu (Henry Spencer) writes:

> In article <4472@eastapps.East.Sun.COM> gsteckel@east.sun.com (Geoff Steckel 
> >I've seen advertisements for rear power modules where the user actuator is
> >on the front.  An insulated mechanical linkage (read: long plastic rod) conn
> >to the actual switch in the module.  Dunno how popular they are - anybody
> >out there know?
> 
> Now that you mention it, I've seen those too.  Now *this* is a sensible way
> of dealing with the problem.  I don't think they're in wide use yet; I only
> started seeing those ads recently.

The CIBCI cabinet (CIBCI == CI (Computer Interconnect) adapter for BI
based VAXes) uses the same trick, probably as a kludge to get around one
of the power supply's *many* failings -- the breaker is located on the
top of the power supply, under the module bay(!), and a rod extends to
the front of the cabinet.  Turning the thing on is easy -- you just push
the button.  Turning it off involves getting fingernails under the
button and pulling it.

I have never had any need to use this switch -- (a) it's easier to power
down the CPU supply, which also powers the CI, and (b) the power supply
usually dies before the breaker flips.

The whole thing is a classic example of unservicability, from hiding the
PSU under the module bay to the three overlapping steel plates in the
PSU enclosure, two of which are fastened by a screw covered by the
third.  Of course power supply parts are supplied in bits requiring the
thing to be stripped down....


Don Stokes, ZL2TNM  /  /                             don@zl2tnm.gp.co.nz (home)
Systems Programmer /GP/ GP PRINT LIMITED  Wellington,       don@gp.co.nz (work)
__________________/  / ----------------   New_Zealand__________________________


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