racking half-rack modules

This is probably an idiotic question, but I couldn't find anything on the web about it and am too embarrassed to ask anyone in real life. (not really, I just don't know any people to ask)

Can I just put it in the rack and only put screws in one of the ears? Or do I need to get a shelf? (or SHOULD I get a shelf, if I don't want it falling).

Most half-rack units are lightweight, and only need one side bolted down.

thanks for the info. This one weighs about 5 pounds max, do you think that's within the limit?

http://www.sweetwater.com/c486--Rack_Shelves (as an example, not an endorsement).

http://www.sweetwater.com/c486--Rack_Shelves (as an example, not an endorsement).

Thanks, but I know all about the shelves available to me. Just wondering if I'm risking disaster by NOT using one.

I think you're not risking anything, but being safe should be paramount. You never know what might happen.

So, my suggestion would be to get a shelf.

I'd be curious to see the picture of a 1/2 rack device with factory rack ears.

Edit : I stand-corrected

I'd be curious to see the picture of a 1/2 rack device with factory rack ears. Edit : I stand-corrected

hehe, in fact, the fireface is what I want to rack

i used to have 2 half rack units wedged side by side between two full width units, one above and one below. no shelf, no rack nuts.

it worked quite well. but there was the ever present risk of knocking one with your fingers and seeing it disappear down the back of the rack, not that this ever happened.

I've done the same, but I used some velcro to fix the half-rack to the rack below.

Absolutely get a shelf. You might have to remove the feet as most 1/2 racks have them.

i figure if you bolt it down on one side, and rest it on a fully mounted 19" unit, you should be okay -- let it rest flat on the unit beneath it, and then tighten the screws. i have my Midisport and RNC1773 both just sitting loose on the next rack unit down (although i am using some of that grippy shelf liner stuff so they don't slide or get jostled off). they're perfectly safe, with no screws whatsoever, and they're even angled a bit.

Well I bolted it in place to test and so far so good. It doesn't feel perfectly stable but unless it gets a good whack I think it will be ok for now... but I have a shelf on order so when that arrives everything will be solid

Roland RAD-50, or it's equivilant. Used one when I had a JV-1010 and 05R/W.

The only problem is the stack height is a little high, and you have to move other stuff around to make room.