Skip to main content

Storage Drawers

Organize, access, and manage the integrated storage drawers for accessories and equipment.

⏱️ Time Required: 1 minute (access) | 5 minutes (organization)

Overview​

Your EDC includes integrated storage drawers with contact-powered LED lighting and specialized storage:

Storage Drawer Features:

  • Twist-lock mechanisms on left and right sides
  • Contact-powered LED lighting (automatic when opened)
  • Contact-powered cooling fans on applicable drawers
  • Custom rails with integrated power switches
  • Accessible while EDC is operational

Number of drawers varies by edition:

  • All editions: 1× full-depth drawer (top)
  • NUC edition: 1× short-depth drawer (below full-depth)
  • HR01-2 edition: 1× shorter drawer (below full-depth)
  • HR01-4 edition: TBD

[IMAGE: Storage drawer locations in EDC - showing drawer arrangement]

For Most Users: Simple Access​

How to Access Storage Drawers:​

  1. Unlock the drawer:

    • Locate twist-lock mechanisms on left and right sides of drawer
    • Twist both locks upward to unlock position
    • Locks should rotate approximately 90 degrees

  2. Open the fold-out handle:

    • Fold-out drawer handle is located flat in front of LED tiles on each side
    • Use your finger to pull out the handle from its flat position

  3. Pull drawer open:

    • Grasp the fold-out handle and pull straight out
    • Drawer slides on custom rails
    • LEDs automatically illuminate when drawer opens (if interior lighting enabled)

  4. Access contents:

    • Remove or organize stored items
    • Drawer can be fully opened while EDC is running

  5. Close and lock:

    • Push drawer closed until it clicks
    • Fold the handle back to its flat position
    • Twist both locks downward to locked position

✅ Can access drawers anytime - even while EDC is operational!

Storage Drawer Configuration by Edition​

📦 NUC Edition​

Top Drawer (Full-Depth):

What's included:

  • Mako 5G Cellular Gateway (if purchased with that option)
    • Complete with antennas
    • Secured with velcro
  • T-bar AP mounting bracket (for mounting devices to pole)
  • Light beacon (for pole top identification)
  • Cable pouch for power cables and small accessories
  • 3-section carbon fiber pole (telescoping, for AP/antenna elevation)
  • Hex tool for EDC maintenance (not for rack removal)

Purpose: Primary accessory storage and gateway storage

[IMAGE: NUC edition full-depth top drawer with labeled contents]

Bottom Drawer (Short-Depth):

Primary purpose:

  • Dedicated space for Starlink Mini dish (if customer provides)
  • Alternative: Additional accessory storage

Starlink Mini compatibility:

  • Short drawer designed to fit Starlink Mini dimensions
  • Customer must provide Starlink Mini (not included)
  • Requires optional PoE splitter (HiveRadar can source)
  • See Gateway Options for setup

If not using Starlink:

  • Use for cables, tools, small equipment
  • Extra power adapters
  • Documentation
  • Spare parts

[IMAGE: NUC edition short drawer - empty showing dimensions]

🔶 HR01-2 Edition​

Top Drawer (Full-Depth):

What's included:

  • EITHER Mako 5G Gateway OR space for Starlink Mini (not both)
    • Default: Mako 5G if purchased
    • Optional: Can be configured for Starlink Mini instead
  • T-bar AP mounting bracket
  • Light beacon
  • Cable pouch for accessories
  • 3-section carbon fiber pole
  • Hex tool for maintenance

Important: The full-depth drawer can accommodate either the Mako 5600 gateway or the Starlink Mini dish, but not both at the same time.

[IMAGE: HR01-2 edition full-depth drawer with Mako installed]

Bottom Drawer (Shorter Depth):

Purpose:

  • Additional accessory storage only
  • Too short for Starlink Mini dish

What to store:

  • Additional cables
  • Small tools
  • Mounting hardware
  • Spare transceivers (SFP+)
  • Documentation
  • Small equipment

Note: This drawer is shorter than the NUC edition's short drawer.

[IMAGE: HR01-2 edition shorter drawer for accessories]

🔷 HR01-4 Edition Coming Soon​

Storage drawer configuration: TBD

Expected to include similar full-depth drawer for accessories, with configuration details to be determined.

Contact-Powered LED and Fans​

How Contact Power Works​

Innovative power system:

  • Drawers have custom rails with integrated electrical contacts
  • When drawer opens, contacts engage and power LEDs
  • Some drawers also power integrated cooling fans
  • No batteries needed for drawer lighting

What's powered:

  • LED lighting inside drawers (follows interior lighting setting)
  • Cooling fans in top drawer on applicable editions

[IMAGE: Diagram showing contact rail system and power switches]

LED Lighting in Drawers​

Automatic operation:

  1. Drawer closed: LEDs off (contacts disengaged)
  2. Open drawer: LEDs turn on automatically
  3. Brightness follows interior lighting setting:
    • If interior LEDs set to Full → drawer LEDs at full brightness
    • If interior LEDs set to Half → drawer LEDs dimmed
    • If interior LEDs set to Off → drawer LEDs stay off

No manual control needed - lighting is automatic based on drawer position and main LED setting.

[IMAGE: Drawer with contact-powered LEDs illuminated]

Organizing Your Storage Drawers​

📦 Top Drawer Organization Tips

Default contents (if Mako included):

  • Keep Mako 5G gateway secured with velcro
  • Store antennas in designated area
  • Keep beacon easily accessible for deployment
  • Cable pouch for frequently used cables

If using for Starlink (HR01-2):

  • Remove Mako components first
  • Secure Starlink Mini with provided mounting
  • Store power adapter and cables nearby
  • Keep PoE splitter accessible

Best practices:

  • Don't overfill - drawer needs to close smoothly
  • Keep heavy items towards rear (near rails)
  • Secure loose items to prevent rattling during transport
  • Use cable ties or velcro for cable management
📦 Bottom Drawer Organization Tips

NUC Edition (Starlink-compatible short drawer):

  • If using for Starlink: dedicated space, minimal extra storage
  • If not using Starlink: excellent for cables, tools, adapters
  • Organize by deployment frequency (frequent items on top)

HR01-2 Edition (accessory-only shorter drawer):

  • Good for: patch cables, tools, spare transceivers
  • Use small containers or pouches for organization
  • Label pouches for quick identification
  • Keep weight reasonable for smooth drawer operation

General tips:

  • Create a packing list for drawer contents
  • Check contents before each deployment
  • Restock consumables (cables, adapters) after use
  • Don't store liquids or temperature-sensitive items
🔒 Security and Access

Locking system:

  • Drawers use twist-lock mechanisms on left and right sides
  • Lock drawers during transport
  • Lock drawers in unsecured deployment locations
  • Ensure both locks are engaged when securing

Access during operation:

  • Safe to open drawers while EDC is running
  • Opening drawers does NOT affect compute nodes
  • Top drawer can be accessed during maintenance
  • No need to power down EDC to access storage

Access control:

  • Consider who needs physical access to drawers
  • Document what's stored in each drawer
  • For sensitive equipment, consider additional security measures

What NOT to Store in Drawers​

Avoid storing:

  • Liquids (water bottles, cleaning fluids)
  • Food or perishables
  • Temperature-sensitive items (drawers get warm from nearby components)
  • Excessive weight (drawers have weight limits)
  • Loose metal objects (can rattle and cause electrical shorts)
  • Magnetic media (if near strong equipment)

Safe to store:

  • Cables and adapters
  • Tools (non-magnetic preferred)
  • Antennas and mounting hardware
  • Documentation (in protective sleeve)
  • Small electronics (secured properly)
  • Spare parts (transceivers, drives in anti-static bags)

Drawer Contents Inventory​

📋 Create a Packing List

Recommended: Maintain an inventory of drawer contents

Why it helps:

  • Know what accessories you have
  • Track consumables that need restocking
  • Verify contents before deployment
  • Identify missing items quickly

Example inventory format:

Top Drawer:

  • Mako 5G Gateway + antennas (if equipped)
  • T-bar mounting bracket
  • Light beacon
  • 3-section carbon fiber pole
  • Cable pouch with contents:
    • 2× power cables
    • 4× patch cables (various lengths)
    • USB adapters
  • Hex tool (EDC maintenance)
  • Other: _______________

Bottom Drawer:

  • Starlink Mini (if using) / Open for accessories
  • Additional patch cables (qty: ___)
  • Spare SFP+ transceivers (qty: ___)
  • Tool kit
  • Other: _______________

Update inventory:

  • Before each deployment
  • After returning from field
  • When adding/removing items

Drawer Maintenance​

🔧 Cleaning and Care

Regular maintenance:

Drawer rails:

  • Wipe rails with dry cloth periodically
  • Remove dust and debris
  • Don't use oil or lubricants (can attract dust)
  • Check for smooth operation

Contact rails (power contacts):

  • Keep contacts clean for reliable LED/fan operation
  • Wipe with dry microfiber cloth if needed
  • Don't use cleaning fluids on electrical contacts
  • If LEDs flickering, check for dirt on contacts

Interior:

  • Vacuum or wipe interior periodically
  • Remove dust buildup
  • Check for loose items that could rattle
  • Reorganize as needed

Locks:

  • Test lock operation regularly
  • Don't force if key is difficult to turn
  • Keep spare keys secure

Troubleshooting​

🔧 Drawer won't open or close smoothly

Problem: Drawer is stuck, hard to open, or doesn't slide smoothly

Solutions:

  1. Check for obstructions

    • Item blocking drawer track
    • Cable caught in rail
    • Clear any obstructions

  2. Drawer overfilled

    • Too much weight or volume
    • Remove some items
    • Redistribute weight

  3. Rails need cleaning

    • Dust or debris in tracks
    • Wipe rails with dry cloth
    • Check for damage to rail system

  4. Twist-locks not fully disengaged

    • Make sure both locks are twisted fully to unlock position (~90 degrees upward)
    • Lock mechanism may be partially engaged
    • Try twisting locks back to locked position, then unlock again
🔧 Drawer LEDs not working

Problem: LEDs don't turn on when drawer is opened

Solutions:

  1. Check interior lighting setting

    • Drawer LEDs follow interior lighting control
    • If interior LEDs set to "Off", drawer LEDs won't work
    • Press interior LED button to enable (see LED Control)

  2. Drawer not fully open

    • Contacts may not be engaged
    • Pull drawer fully open
    • Should hear/feel slight click when contacts engage

  3. Dirty contacts

    • Contact rails may have dust or corrosion
    • Wipe contacts gently with dry cloth
    • Open and close drawer several times

  4. Contact system issue

    • Power rail or switch may have failed
    • Try other drawer (if applicable) to compare
    • Contact support if issue persists
🔧 Drawer lock not working

Problem: Twist-locks won't turn, won't engage, or drawer won't lock

Solutions:

  1. Check lock position

    • Ensure locks are in proper starting position
    • Both locks (left and right) must be operated
    • Try resetting to neutral position

  2. Drawer not fully closed

    • Locks won't engage if drawer is open
    • Push drawer completely closed
    • Should hear/feel click when fully closed

  3. Lock mechanism jammed

    • Don't force the twist-locks
    • Check for obstructions around lock mechanism
    • May need lubrication or service

  4. Lock needs service

    • If lock mechanism is damaged or worn
    • Contact your reseller/partner for support
    • May need lock replacement

Best Practices​

For transport:

  • Lock all drawers before moving EDC
  • Verify contents are secured (no loose items)
  • Don't overfill drawers
  • Heavy items should be secured with velcro or ties

For deployment:

  • Check drawer contents before leaving
  • Verify you have all needed accessories
  • Lock drawers in unsecured locations
  • Keep frequently used items easily accessible

For organization:

  • Maintain inventory/packing list
  • Group similar items together
  • Label pouches or containers
  • Keep emergency items accessible

For long-term storage:

  • Remove batteries from stored electronics
  • Store cables loosely (not tight coils)
  • Keep documentation in protective sleeve
  • Check contents periodically

What's Next?​

After understanding storage drawer organization:

👉 Cooling Management - Manage fan profiles and temperature

👉 LED Control - Control interior and exterior lighting

👉 Optional Components - Mast, beacon, gateways, and accessories