Cabinetry
General Notes
Systems and exhibits range from laptop-based, tabletop units with dome interface plugs to large scale multi-monitor exhibits within custom, theatrical settings. For a small sampling of previous projects, see the FrameGlide Software with Spin Browser Dial gallery.
Cabinetry is usually designed and built either by the client or someone they employ locally. However, if desired, we are glad to help coordinate the design and provision of cabinetry. Please be sure that you and the cabinetry fabricator review the design guidelines provided below.
Important Cabinetry Design Guidelines
Allow AMPLE Space for all Hardware Components
Designing cabinetry that results in a tight fit for an exhibit's computer and other hardware components will almost certainly result in future problems. Hardware maintenance and upgrades become more difficult and equipment may become damaged (from crimped cables, overheating, etc.).
To design the best environment for an easily maintainable, upgradeable exhibit, please follow the general guidelines provided here and also refer to detailed specifications for the system your exhibit will be using. At the end of this section we provide links to the company spec pages for some systems and components we typically recommend to clients.
Once main components are in place within the exhibit cabinet (the computer with room on top for a keyboard and mouse), there should be a minimum of 6 inches at the rear of the computer to accommodate cabling, and 1 inch of space above, in front, and to either side of the computer.
Also, we recommend providing additional space beyond this to allow for possible upgrade in future to a computer with a larger form factor.
If the exhibit includes any other accessory components beyond cabling, keyboard and mouse, for example a UPS (universal power supply) you will need to provide additional storage space to accommodate these.
Design Appropriate Lighting into Live Capture Systems
Systems using live capture, or high speed cameras, require high intensity lighting. As one example of live capture setup, here is a description of a high-speed camera live capture installation at the Kirby Science Discovery Center.)