So next week I'll be moving.. any tips on a safe move with a big Norco case full of drives?

Watch your back!!

hmm maybe remove al disk and seal them each in anti-static bag with some shockresistend foam.

so you don't have to worry about putholes/badroads/etc.

 

be sure you write down, which hd is on which port and make a screenshot of devices menu of unraid webpage

Well, if you still have the original box and packaging that would certainly be helpful.  Otherwise, just wedge it in against some soft things so that it doesn't move much during the drive.  Wrap it in foam or blankets if you are really paranoid about damage.  Also be careful to not lose your flash drive (you may want to store it in a bag in the inside of an empty bay, if you have any empty bays).

 

Hardware is generally more durable than you may thing.  Still, I would definitely move the server yourself instead of trusting it to a moving company if you have that option.

 

Personally I don't think removing the disks is necessary, but I suppose it couldn't hurt.  Hard drives park their heads when powered off, so potholes etc. shouldn't be a big concern.

If I was moving and I could not take the entire case with me, I would most likely order something like this: http://www.aquaphoenix.com/application/sales/index.cgi?item=18 and take the drives with me in my car....

Reminds me of this 

If I was moving and I could not take the entire case with me, I would most likely order something like this: http://www.aquaphoenix.com/application/sales/index.cgi?item=18 and take the drives with me in my car....

 

This is a good idea. I have one that holds 30 drives just incase.

 

Also when you move the server putting in blankets probably will not do much for it.

It has to be totally immobile, but in a shock resistant manner. The blankets will have too much play.

 

The original box and foam would be adequate. (Or some derived mechanism).

If you are able to, consult this episode of MacGyver for guidance:

 

MacGyver Season 1 Episode 8 :: Hellfire

Pete notes that there’s some dynamite in an abandoned strip mine 45 miles away. ...The next day, MacGyver and Bill take the couple’s old truck to the mine. They find the dynamite in a shaky building and make their way across the rotting floorboards. They open a crate and find that the dynamite has leaked out sweating nitro. MacGyver tosses a bit outside to confirm that it’s volatile....MacGyver and Bill start to move the dynamite.  A board gives out under Bill. He bumps into a shelf holding more dynamite and he freezes to hold it place. MacGyver takes his case outside and then goes back to help. He takes Bill’s case but the shelf starts to give way. MacGyver gives him the case and tells him to get out for Laura’s sake. MacGyver holds the shelf up while Bill gets out, then runs out just ahead of the explosion. MacGyver then rigs springs to a platform and they drive slowly away....They cross a stream but stall halfway across. MacGyver determines the linkage spring is broken and uses a ballpoint pen’s spring to fix it. They continue on, unaware that one of the cases is leaking nitro. As they head down out of the hills, the nitro leaks onto one of the wagon springs and then onto the ground beneath the truck. The mini-explosions destroy the brake line and they start to speed downward. MacGyver manages to steer the truck into a nearby stream, absorbing the force of the impact.

 

If it works for leaky dynamite, it will work for your server.

If it works for leaky dynamite, it will work for your server.

What if you carry a felt-tip pen instead of a ball-point with a spring? 

 

Honestly, for ANY move, put the valuables and delicate items in your car and move them yourself.

 

Moving companies are good, and they pack pretty well... but things will get damaged.  The heavier/bigger/bulkier they are, the more likely.

 

Joe L.

If it works for leaky dynamite, it will work for your server.

What if you carry a felt-tip pen instead of a ball-point with a spring?   

MacGyver would not approve...unless of course you are using the ink combined with baking soda, some alka-seltzer, water, and an empty film canister to improvise an ink bomb to mark the bad guys...

 

I expect the felt could also be used as a fuse if properly cleaned and dried.

 

Honestly, for ANY move, put the valuables and delicate items in your car and move them yourself.

 

Haha... the problem is, I have lots of valuable and delicate items; more than fit in a car.  Unraid, main computer, HTPC, TV, 3 guitars, studio speakers, guitar amps, microphones...  Defintely will be packing them myself though, can't afford a moving company...

If I was moving and I could not take the entire case with me, I would most likely order something like this: http://www.aquaphoenix.com/application/sales/index.cgi?item=18 and take the drives with me in my car....

 

I so want to get that, but not sure if it would make it here before next Wed when I'm packing... do you know where that site is physically located?

If I was moving and I could not take the entire case with me, I would most likely order something like this: http://www.aquaphoenix.com/application/sales/index.cgi?item=18 and take the drives with me in my car....

 

I so want to get that, but not sure if it would make it here before next Wed when I'm packing... do you know where that site is physically located?

 

You might be able to head to a local computer store and they might give you one.  Microcenter, Frys, etc, should have some of these and if you are nice they might give you one.  If they want to charge you for it figure out how much you want to pay.

Move successful!  I just took out all the drives, wrapped them very well in bubble tape (didn't have any anti-static bags), then packed the Norco server back in it's original foam and box.

 

After the move, put the drives back in, turned it on, and all was well