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Re: transporting effects safely



>I am a novice about rackmount stuff, but I've acquired a few pieces of
>equipment lately that I will eventually need to put in a rack, and when
>repeater shows up of course I'll want it to be placed in a stable case as
>well. I figure the best way to do all of this is to buy a case that is
>suitable for transport (flight case perhaps?) and just use that for studio
>as well as live use. I don't really know where to start though, and my
>pockets aren't too deep so I don't want to be hasty. Can someone point me 
>in
>the right direction? Thanks.

You've got three basic options: the plastic SKB type, the classic Anvil
type, and the ATA-approved flight case (shockmounted), in increasing order
of price, protection offered, and weight.  My experience with the SKB's is
that over time they bend and warp, from weather and the weight of the gear
within.  After a while the covers don't fit so tight and in several
examples, the rack warps enough to bend the front plates of the gear 
within.
And while I've never had anything break as a result of this, it worries me.
These were also full, or nearly full cases being loaded in and out on the
average of three times a week, although we noticed warpage in the first few
months.  If you're moving them only occasionally, do it all yourself (no
helpful friends or club doofs), and don't have much heavy stuff inside,
you'll probably be fine.

Personally I don't like the regular wooden Anvil cases much either.  They
don't seem that much more rigid than the SKBs, but they're much heavier.

ATA-approved cases (the foam-lined wooden box-in-a-box with recessed 
hinges,
or Mesa-style suspended cage) offer maximum protection, but cost two or
three times as much as the cheap option and weigh a punishing amount.
Fully-loaded they can destroy car interiors, door jambs, car side panels,
your knees, your hands, etc.  Even with all those problems, when I add up
the value of everything I want to put in a rack, they still seem the best
solution to me.

TravisH

P.S. The SKB effect-cases?  Not if you're ever going to take them outside
the house.  Just look at that wimpy back panel.