NAS Server: Introduction

This project is a downscaled version of the previously-mentioned Uberserf (which I still haven't gotten round to giving a proper name to), meant as a specialised file server, perhaps with a web management UI.

The main design focus and requirements are small footprint (takes up minimal space), low power consumption (so an ATX/microATX mid-tower, though cheaper, wouldn't do) and high storage density (at least 8 drive bays). Other secondary factors include low cost, low operating temperature and ease of manufacture.

The designs are done in Google Sketchup, due to its simplicity (I don't want a design so complicated it can't even be done in Google Sketchup) and also ease of viewing (via Google's 3D Warehouse). There are also some ready-made parts (fans, hard drive cages, etc) available in Google 3D Warehouse, which simplifies the design process.

Anyway, this post and the next few posts are actually backlogged; I should have started project logging earlier, I know >_>

This post, and the posts that follow, will be tagged "nas", and serve as a project log of sorts. Feel free to add your own comments, or recommend any sources/manufacturing workshops if you know any. I fully intend to create a CAD model of it, carry out some CFD simulations for airflow, and eventually make a prototype of it, and use it for personal storage. Plans for commercialisation and mass production are not in the pipeline yet, though I wouldn't rule it out.