Wed Jan 09, 2019 6:02 pm
putting your system into a flight case isn't a big deal-plenty of ready made case options out there. SKB, Gator, Star, Roadie, OSP, Haliburton, Zero and many others make many fine cases/racks suitable for travel. pick a size that suits your needs and build away. remember to leave inlet/outlet/space for airflow and add fans. connector panels are a nice touch and save wear and tear on the gear connections-easier to replace a panel connector than your whole switcher.
when transporting these things yourself, consider how far will they move, how many trips will you want to make. also how much you can lift onto a table, how many stairs you may go up/down, and if paying more for wheels on your cases is worth it (umm-YES it is!) There's plenty of pictures on the BlackMagic Design ATEM Users FB page if you need ideas/inspiration.
now *flying* with your case(s), or having it shipped by any freight vendor...requires much more thought.
from the original post years ago, let me say there isn't a rack case made that meets current carry-on size restrictions. 9x14x22 inches is all you get by the rules. even a shallow 2RU case is bigger than allowed. For a Pelican case the model 1510 is the current max carry on size. carry-on weight is a deal breaker on many airlines now as well, esp outside of the US where 15lb limits do exist.
going to checked luggage gives you many more case options but let me state 2 things. 1-its safe to assume your case WILL BE DROPPED at some point by the happy baggage guys. better use a tough case with GOOD internal shock mounts. 2-ALL airline contracts state they are NOT liable for ANY damage or loss to electronic equipment checked as baggage. maximum compensation *IF* they did is only about $1200/bag or $3400/person. feeling lucky? sorry not me...
shipping by freight company offers ability to move anything up to about 250lbs before you get complicated, and freight companies offer all kind of insurance against loss/damage. figure at least $1/lb + insurance in the US, and at least a week to move it. some freight companies are just as abusive as airline baggage handlers, so again make sure you are using good shock mount rack cases, and pelican type cases with firm foam/padding for the non-racked items.
as someone who often works out of town (as many 250 days in a year), and ships plenty of gear around the globe, let me say it is certainly something that can be accomplished. Just look out for yourself AND your gear first, no one else will...
Greg Bellotte - owner
MambaFiber.com
FaceBook.com/MambaFiber