Tech Rack

In the beginning, there was no tech rack. 10+ trips to and fro from the back house to the yard were needed to setup for a theater night. I really didn't think anything of it and had been so accustomed to it that it was like Einstein discovering the formula for energy when I stumbled across a few tech racks of the fine folks at BackyardTheater.com

I now have 1 tech rack built but believe this could really only function as a "at-home" tech rack. Its really a terrible mess to pack up the electronics, take elsewhere, and setup again. Currently working on plans for a ultra-portable tech rack, but these plans are a bit on the side-burner more like it.

v.1.0. Tech Rack
     Started with this sketch via Googles' free Sketch-Up program.

Tech Rack Sketch-Up

Found it at Target for about $60 if I recall



That's Targét!

Built but missing its wheels

Ready for Rollin!

Also found these 2 drab looking wall cabinets at Kmart ($20/each) and ended up with this tech rack layout:

Note: This was with the new receiver at this point

Before the tech rack, I would go to the back, get the speakers, go to yard, set speakers, go to back, get speaker wire, go to yard, connect speakers, go to back, get receiver, go to yard, connect speaker to receiver, go to back, get extension cord (50'), go to yard, connect power, run power line through yard to equipment, hook up equipment to power, go to back, get projector and cables, go to yard, hook up projector and cables, go to front house, get ps3 (my then default video player), go to yard, connect ps3, setup up chairs, setup up patio heaters (if needed), inflate inflatable chairs (if needed), layout all-weather carpet, layout a boatload of blankets.

In this particular shot, everything I said above was done but also used a secondary HTPC (self-built) as a secondary source.



That multimedia keyword still works!

v.0.75. Porta-Tronn
     Slight upgrade to Porta-Tronn (lol). Found this lightweight collapsible rolling dolly at Costco. Think it was about $20.

MagnaCart

As has been suggested by fellow ByT Enthusiast FrostyFreeze, I'll prolly grab some simple Rubbermaid containers (prolly 2) with lids, a few bungee cords, and have the basics for a really portable system. For practice implementing these theorys I usually take my Ciné-Tronn v.3.0. screen with me to my parents house. So far I've done this twice, but have yet to try with this Porta-Tronn v.0.75. Soon.



v.0.5. Porta-Tronn
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With these electonic components, I can supply the movies needed for a quick and dirty setup. even without a projector!

WDTV Live (w/ remote, power cord, hdmi cable), Western Digital 500GB External USB HDD,
USB to Mini-USB cable (3'), and one BBQ basket!

If ANYONE ever stuck this on a BBQ'er!!