Novatech replacement parts

[DrBeaker]

Hi All,

 

We have several Novatech Small-Form-Factor (SFF) computer baseunits at our school. Some of them have a damaged whole front plastic front panel/faceplate/fascia. On others the 5.25" blanking plates have been damaged due to student damage and need replacements. I've attached some pics of the baseunits I'm talking about.

 

Unfortunately I’ve now ran out of any spares of either part I had lying around. I’ve already taken parts off other units where I could. Unfortunately these baseunits are out of warranty and would be a challenge anyway saying this is a manufacturing fault.

 

I've contacted Novatech support but I don't see to be having any luck with them or through our account manager getting any replacements. Does anyone:

 

1) Have any spare blanking plates they would be willing to part with that fit Novatech baseunits?

2) Another contact within Novatech who is more helpful?

3) A supplier of similar 5.25" blanking plates?

 

Thanks,

Mark

Edited January 13, 2017 by DrBeaker

[difinity]

We had some of these cases at the school where I worked and the kids did exactly the same thing.

We asked our Design + Technology Technician to make us something. He cut some black acrylic rectangles the size of the hole and some MDF that was a little bigger that the plastic, to stop any flex and to take up the space between the front and the back. Mounted in with hot glue, there was no movement what so ever.

 

If you manage to find some original blanks from somewhere, chances are the same damage will happen again and again.

Hot glueing in the original non broken ones slowed down the vandalism but didn't stop it. Some students i think took it as a challenge. Once they were replaced with our mod, it stopped.

[Arthur]

We had the same problem with some Dell PCs quite a few years back now and the only way to stop the blanking plates from being pushed in/removed was to fit DVD drives (but with the power cable disconnected so the tray wouldn't open) or to do what @difinity suggested and get D&T to make some acrylic covers that were then riveted to the case.

 

I wouldn't have called it a manufacturing fault since the desktops were designed for business, not education. The best thing to do is to not purchase computers with 3.5"/5.25" bays or blanking plates in the first place.

[PeterW]

I've contacted Novatech support but I don't see to be having any luck with them or through our account manager getting any replacements.

 

They still sell machines with this Yeong Yang chassis so should be able to sell you replacements, perhaps they are waiting for another container of stock to land.

[DrBeaker]

Hi All,

 

Just to let everyone know I eventually got what I needed from our account manager at Novatech. Thanks for all the good suggestions, I will look into these a bit more when I have a bit more time.

 

Thanks,

Regards, Mark

[jonathon28]

We need some of the 3.5" blanking plates for the same model. Who did you speak to at Novatech - we've tried before. Thanks.

[Fazza]

get D&T to make some acrylic covers that were then riveted to the case.

 

What do you use to rivet them and what do they look like? We currently glue on acrylic to some of our older PCs that the 'little rascals' pull to bits so I'd be interested in seeing what they look like with rivets.