Today I set up a new DeskPi RackMate 12U model, the T2, and compared it to the other existing models (T0 / 4U and T1 / 8U)... and I have to ask: at what point are these racks not 'mini' anymore?
I posted a short video about the 12U in case you're interested in itâthough many mini homelab enthusiasts have taken to 3D printing the entire rack , or just buying two cheap rack rails and using equipment to screw them together! (It's certainly easier to stomach $10 in parts for a DIY mini rack instead of paying $150+ for a premium mini rack like DeskPi's!)
Since launching Project MINI RACK a few weeks ago, I've seen 38 new builds submitted to the Build Showcase, and the r/minilab subreddit has seen a nice surge in growthâand new ideas!
Pictured above is helmarw's SDR-Station , which includes a rackmounted NanoVNA, a fold-up display, a 2.5/10 Gbps PoE switch, 2 Raspberry Pis, a Red Pitaya, two RTL-SDRs, a HackRF, and more!
One thing I think many people don't consider is how a mini rack can fit in many contexts besides just 'homelab'. There are other interesting radio and RF-related builds, and my Dad and I are working on rack setups for personal broadcast engineering and timing labs!