This chapter describes the general activities required to prepare for the arrival and installation of a Challenge or Onyx system.
First read this chapter for an overview of site preparation activities, and then use Table 2-1 to track progress for your particular location and system. The rest of this guide provides specific details for each major activity, organized by product.
The extent of site preparation depends on the size and complexity of the ordered system. Small systems are easily installed with little or no modification to the existing site. Large systems require more preparation, with their greater requirements for power, air conditioning, and other factors. While preparing a site, always keep in mind the configuration of the equipment.
Some sites require specialized knowledge to plan and install services such as power and safety equipment. Always follow local and regional codes and recommendations while performing activities under regulation. When using consultants, verify that they are licensed and knowledgeable about local regulations.
Site preparation also involves thinking about the future. As configurations grow, site requirements change. While planning a site, consider how and when a site will need modification, and plan accordingly.
To minimize mistakes and unforeseen situations for complex sites, assign one person as a coordinator to read this guide and assign tasks. Table 2-1 is only a guideline and cannot cover all circumstances involved in site preparation. Also, many activities are interdependent and involve compromises. After the coordinator evaluates the dependencies and compromises, this guide can be divided among several people so that activities can be performed at the same time.
Start with the activities that take the longest time. Pay particular attention to activities that involve dependency on others, such as having an electrician install power circuits.
When you have completed the activities outlined in Table 2-1, the site is prepared and is ready to receive the system. To proceed, read Section 2.2, "Preparing to Receive a Shipment," then continue to the installation instructions provided for the system. See Chapter 1 for a list of documents.
Table 2-1. Site Preparation Checklist
Activity | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Prepare to receive shipment | __/__/__ |
|
required tools | __/__/__ |
|
size and weight of shipping cartons | __/__/__ |
|
assistance for moving large objects | __/__/__ |
|
Prepare physical location | __/__/__ |
|
system chassis | __/__/__ |
|
local devices: monitor, keyboard, mouse | __/__/__ |
|
expansion chassis | __/__/__ |
|
Check environmental conditions | __/__/__ |
|
air conditioning | __/__/__ |
|
electrical interference (EMI, ESD) | __/__/__ |
|
vibration | __/__/__ |
|
acoustics | __/__/__ |
|
site safety | __/__/__ |
|
Install power | __/__/__ |
|
determine power requirements | __/__/__ |
|
install power circuits | __/__/__ |
|
install safety and protection equipment | __/__/__ |
|
Prepare cabling for local devices | __/__/__ |
|
monitors | __/__/__ |
|
terminals | __/__/__ |
|
input devices | __/__/__ |
|
serial devices | __/__/__ |
|
parallel devices | __/__/__ |
|
networks | __/__/__ |
|
printers | __/__/__ |
|
modems | __/__/__ |
|
To prepare for the arrival of a system, plan these activities:
obtaining tools required to receive and install equipment
arranging assistance for moving large and/or heavy cartons and crates
checking the path to the system's destination
Use Table 2-2 to determine the tools required for each listed activity.
Table 2-2. Tools Required for Receiving and Installing Systems
Activity | Component | Tools Required |
|---|---|---|
unloading crates | Deskside | pallet jack (up to 300 lbs) |
| Rackmount | forklift (can require up to a 1,500 lb capacity) |
| Vault | forklift (can require up to a 1,400 lb capacity) |
opening shipping cartons or crates | Deskside | knife (to cut strapping bands) wrench, 7/16" or adjustable |
| Rackmount, Vault | gloves (protection from crate splinters) pliers (for stuck fasteners) |
| Monitor, destination kit | knife (to cut packing tape) |
moving system |
| low-profile dolly that keeps chassis vertical; moving blankets or wraps |
installing chassis |
| under normal circumstances, no tools are required; for adding optional components, a medium slothead and a cross-recess screwdriver may be required |
connecting cables |
| small slothead and cross-recess screwdrivers |
stabilizing chassis (seismic protection) | Rackmount, Vault | stabilizers, 2.5" length minimum, to fit one of two types of nuts on the chassis underside: 1) 1/2-13 UNC (Unified National Coarse) 2) M-20 |
Assistance is required to:
receive a shipment
uncrate a chassis
Rackmount and Vault chassis require assistance to unbolt and remove the crate's front panel and to remove the chassis from the crate.
move a chassis
Rackmount and Vault chassis require assistance to move the chassis any distance.
Walk through the proposed route for moving a system to its destination. Pay particular attention to corners, ramps, restricted doorways, low ceilings, and fixed obstructions. Table 2-3 shows the shipping dimensions of the main containers.
Table 2-3. Shipping Dimensions
System | Shipping Dimensions |
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | Width | Depth |
Deskside | 42" (107 cm) | 32" (81.3 cm) | 37" (94 cm) |
Rackmount and Vault | 74.5" (190 cm) | 46" (117 cm) | 59.5" (152 cm) |
 | Caution: Always use assistance when moving equipment up or down ramps. For rackmount systems, use a minimum of three individuals. On fully configured systems, up to five people may be required to safely move the chassis. Avoid ramps that exceed a 20° angle. |
For installations above or below ground floor, check that the system is within the size and weight limits of elevators or similar cargo machinery. If available, use freight blankets on elevator sides. Use straps to keep the chassis from shifting while being moved in an elevator.
For uncrated deskside chassis, the wheels work well on smooth surfaces but are not designed for carpeting and rough flooring.