Skip to main content

Positioning

Optimal placement and environmental considerations for EDC deployment.

⏱️ Time Required: 3 minutes

Overview​

Proper positioning of the EDC ensures optimal performance, adequate cooling, and safe operation. Consider environmental factors, clearance requirements, and accessibility before final placement.

Site Requirements​

Surface Requirements​

Level surface:

  • EDC must be on level ground when support legs are deployed
  • Maximum 2-degree slope tolerance
  • Firm surface that can support 90-100 lbs (40-45 kg)

Acceptable surfaces:

  • Concrete floor
  • Solid wood floor or platform
  • Metal deck or grating (if openings smaller than wheel diameter)
  • Compacted earth or gravel (with support legs deployed)

Avoid:

  • Soft or unstable surfaces
  • Slopes or inclines
  • Areas prone to flooding or water accumulation

Clearance Requirements​

Rear Panel (Exhaust)​

Minimum clearance: 6 inches (15 cm)

  • Hot air exhausts from rear panel vents
  • Blocked exhaust causes overheating
  • Maintain clear airflow path

Ideal: 12+ inches (30+ cm) for optimal cooling

Front Panel (Access)​

Minimum clearance: 24 inches (60 cm)

  • Required for opening lids fully
  • Access to compute drawer and controls
  • Working space for setup and maintenance

Ideal: 36+ inches (90 cm) for comfortable access

Side Clearance​

Minimum clearance: 6 inches (15 cm) per side

  • Allows ventilation through case perforations
  • Access to side panels if needed
  • Prevents heat buildup

Environmental Considerations​

Temperature​

Operating temperature range:

  • Recommended: 15-25°C (59-77°F)
  • Acceptable: 10-30°C (50-86°F)
  • Not recommended: Below 5°C or above 40°C

Hot environments (> 25°C / 77°F):

  • Use Turbo cooling profile (see Cooling Management)
  • Maximize rear clearance
  • Provide additional ventilation if possible
  • Monitor temperatures closely

Cold environments (< 15°C / 59°F):

  • Allow system to warm up gradually before powering on
  • Watch for condensation when moving from cold to warm environment
  • Allow 30-minute acclimation period

Dust and Debris​

Clean environment preferred:

  • Minimize exposure to dust, sand, or particulates
  • Position away from dust sources if possible

Dusty environments:

  • Use Balanced or Turbo cooling profile (higher airflow)
  • Position to minimize dust intake
  • Plan for more frequent inspection and cleaning
  • Not recommended for extremely dusty conditions

Protected deployment:

  • Consider tent, canopy, or shelter in dusty field conditions
  • Position inside vehicles or containers when possible

Humidity​

Recommended humidity: 20-80% relative humidity, non-condensing

High humidity:

  • Avoid positioning in areas with condensation
  • Do not deploy in rain or direct spray
  • Use shelter or cover if deployed outdoors

Exposure Protection​

Outdoor deployment:

  • EDC is not weatherproof - require shelter
  • Protect from direct sunlight (causes overheating)
  • Protect from rain, snow, and precipitation
  • Use tent, canopy, vehicle, or structure

Indoor deployment preferred:

  • Controlled environment provides best performance
  • Easier to maintain optimal temperature
  • Protection from weather and dust

Accessibility​

Power Access​

Position near power source:

  • Included power cable is approximately 6 feet (1.8m)
  • Avoid excessive extension cord use
  • Power outlet should be easily accessible for emergency disconnect

Consider uplink cable routing:

  • Position for convenient connection to site network
  • If using cellular/satellite, position with clear line of sight
  • Avoid excessive cable runs

Operator Access​

Position for convenient operation:

  • Frequently accessed components (front panel) easily reachable
  • Adequate space for operator to work
  • Lighting adequate for reading displays and controls
  • Safe ingress/egress path

Security Considerations​

Physical Security​

Secured area:

  • EDC contains valuable equipment
  • Position in locked or supervised area when possible
  • Use combination locks on latches if available

Visibility:

  • Balance accessibility with security
  • Consider sight lines and monitoring
  • Optional: Mast beacon for high-visibility marking

Orientation​

Standard Orientation​

Wheels down, legs deployed:

  • Normal operational configuration
  • Lids open upward/forward
  • Most stable configuration

Do not operate:

  • On side
  • Upside down
  • At severe angles

Mobility During Operation​

Moving While Powered​

Not recommended:

  • Shut down before moving if possible
  • Risk of disconnecting cables

If movement required while running:

  • Use support legs to lift wheels
  • Move slowly and carefully on smooth surfaces only
  • Only for short distances (< 10 feet / 3m)

Better approach:

  • Perform graceful shutdown
  • Retract support legs
  • Move on wheels
  • Redeploy and power up at new location

Post-Positioning Checklist​

Before proceeding with power connection and startup:

  • EDC on level surface
  • Support legs deployed and stable
  • Rear clearance adequate (6+ inches)
  • Front clearance adequate (24+ inches)
  • Environmental conditions acceptable
  • Power source within reach
  • Protected from weather (if outdoors)
  • Accessible for operation and maintenance
  • Physically secure location

Repositioning​

If you need to move the EDC after initial positioning:

  1. Shut down all compute nodes
  2. Power off PDU
  3. Disconnect power cable
  4. Close and secure all lids
  5. Retract support legs
  6. Move on wheels to new location
  7. Repeat positioning procedure

What's Next?​

After positioning:

👉 Component Locations - Reference guide for all EDC components

📦 NUC Edition Users: 👉 Continue to Part 3: Hardware Installation to install compute nodes

🔶 🔷 HR01 Edition Users: 👉 Skip to Part 4: Software Configuration (your nodes are pre-installed)