steve Posted June 15, 2009 Posted June 15, 2009 I'm looking for a power / network solution for our laptops. What I'd like is a pod that sits on a desk that has multiple power and network outlets for the laptops. (With one power / network in) I'm sure I've seen something like this at BETT before, but can't remember the supplier. Anyone have one of these or know where I can source them? Or is it time to go down to technology and get the saw out? See the attach pic for my artistic interpretation of the pod.
Andrew_C Posted June 15, 2009 Posted June 15, 2009 A power supply to deliver that sort of current isn't insignificant to design, but it can be done. I know someone who might be interested in designing & building such a thing. I've started sounding him out about a supply for 12v small form factor PCs. If you can't find something that already exists drop me a line.
GrumbleDook Posted June 15, 2009 Posted June 15, 2009 You can get something like that from Isis Concepts for just plug sockets, etc ... and Lapsafe do a solution which allows for connecting directly to the laptop as a DC supply. 1
mac_shinobi Posted June 15, 2009 Posted June 15, 2009 Am obviously missing the whole point here that or being totally daft lol. Don't they call it a laptop docking station ?
Andrew_C Posted June 15, 2009 Posted June 15, 2009 Am obviously missing the whole point here that or being totally daft lol. Don't they call it a laptop docking station ?Yes sort of, but for multiple lap-tops.
mac_shinobi Posted June 15, 2009 Posted June 15, 2009 how would that work - you would have wires everywhere and end up tripping over them ? Wouldn't it be better to have a few banks like 2 on one side of the class room, 2 on the other side and maybe a couple at the back of the class room that way the students nearest each bank can connect a mains cord and a data cable ( network ) cable.
Andrew_C Posted June 15, 2009 Posted June 15, 2009 Am obviously missing the whole point here What I'd like is a pod that sits on a desk that has multiple power and network outlets for the laptops.I think you have missed the point!
mac_shinobi Posted June 15, 2009 Posted June 15, 2009 (edited) So if you make a pod that is moveable between desks - what is the maximum amount of each type of ports that you would have on this pod ? 10 of each ? Edited June 15, 2009 by mac_shinobi
steve Posted June 15, 2009 Author Posted June 15, 2009 The solution is for science labs, so points around the outside isn't really an option - there's benching around the edge for practicals (but not room for stools to go under benching). Plus we'd like something a bit portable.
GrumbleDook Posted June 15, 2009 Posted June 15, 2009 Shane, think about the pods that were in the upstairs library at Brooke Weston. Imagine that they are not fixed but movable. @steve t41 laptop table for classrooms, training rooms & lecture theatres Just had a dig around the Lapsafe site ... looks like they are not doing the multi-charger anymore, but I would contact them to see if they know of an alternative, they are helpful like that.
mac_shinobi Posted June 16, 2009 Posted June 16, 2009 Shane, think about the pods that were in the upstairs library at Brooke Weston. Imagine that they are not fixed but movable. @steve t41 laptop table for classrooms, training rooms & lecture theatres Just had a dig around the Lapsafe site ... looks like they are not doing the multi-charger anymore, but I would contact them to see if they know of an alternative, they are helpful like that. Don't remember those but if you look above I edited what I posted originally to ask how many ports per pod would you have ? ie 10 RJ45 ports and 10 power ports or mains sockets to power the computers.
ricki Posted June 16, 2009 Posted June 16, 2009 Hi I have seen something like this at a primary school a few years back. I think they made it on a round desk with a switch in the middle and a plug socket. All the wires and switch and plug sockets were covered in a octogon shaped box so that only the 2 leads came out. They purchased another set of chargers and had one set in the desk and one set in the trolley. All the student had to do was plug the network lead and the power connector into the leads on the bench. It was a very nice solution but expensive when they changed laptops as they had different chargers and had to buy another set for the bench with cost a bit. I surpose you could get univeral chargers for the desk that you could change the voltage on but would have to make sure that the students could not get at them so they could not change the voltage. Richard:nerd:
steve Posted June 16, 2009 Author Posted June 16, 2009 Don't remember those but if you look above I edited what I posted originally to ask how many ports per pod would you have ? ie 10 RJ45 ports and 10 power ports or mains sockets to power the computers. We'd look for 8 laptops per pod, 4 pods in total - giving 32 students access in a class. Been thinking today of how difficult it would be to knock something together myself: 2x 5 port switchs, 8x laptop PSUs, 2x 6-way extensions, 8x patch leads, heat shrink sleeving It would need 2 electrical sockets and 2 network points to plug into. Should be able to make each one for under £400 inc new power supplies.
Andrew_C Posted June 16, 2009 Posted June 16, 2009 2x 5 port switches, 8x laptop PSUs, 2x 6-way extensions, 8x patch leads, heat shrink sleeving Should be able to make each one for under £400 inc new power supplies.EACH! I think it should be possible to do it a lot better, for less. One decent 12V PSU with 8x self resetting breakers to stop the kids blowing it up, plus an 8 way switch (or 2x 5way), one 4 way socket, or have the PSU built with a couple of 13A sockets built in. Patch leads and power leads connected to the kit inside the enclosure so the can be removed for repair, but not by users. I really like the idea, shame I don't have a use for it at the moment!
steve Posted June 16, 2009 Author Posted June 16, 2009 EACH! I think it should be possible to do it a lot better, for less. One decent 12V PSU with 8x self resetting breakers to stop the kids blowing it up, plus an 8 way switch (or 2x 5way), one 4 way socket, or have the PSU built with a couple of 13A sockets built in. Patch leads and power leads connected to the kit inside the enclosure so the can be removed for repair, but not by users. I really like the idea, shame I don't have a use for it at the moment! Having just one 8 port switch won't give enough ports 1 in 7 out
mac_shinobi Posted June 16, 2009 Posted June 16, 2009 10 or 16 port switch for each pod ( 16 would give you some backup in case some of the ports stop working for w/e reasons )
Andrew_C Posted June 16, 2009 Posted June 16, 2009 Something the size of a 16 port might be too constraining in the size shape of the pod. As I hit the send I realised my error with the 8 port. It might be easiest to work to 7 users per unit.
dhicks Posted June 16, 2009 Posted June 16, 2009 One decent 12V PSU with 8x self resetting breakers to stop the kids blowing it up One power supply for half a dozen or more laptops? Is that reasonable? Can you recommend a particular power supply - I assume we're talking something a little more heavy-duty than a standard single power brick? What are self resetting breakers? -- David Hicks
Andrew_C Posted June 16, 2009 Posted June 16, 2009 Right at the top of the thread I suggested it could be built, not that you could buy it off the shelf. Having said that, I've not looked, and it may be possible to do just that. Self resetting breakers are around, they pop at a set current, and after a delay (thermal? maybe, I've not actually used them) reset and pass power unless the overload continues. OK, I withdraw my surprise at £400; but I'll keep looking! I've fond a 400w PSU delivering 10-15V but it is the wrong side of £350.
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