Rack-Mount an EPIC Head-End Server

Quick Reference QR-AE-008 · Audio Enhancement EPIC · Rev 2.2 · Oct 2026

Mount, power and connect the EPIC server in a 4-post or 2-post rack, then verify it.

The EPIC head-end server is a 1U rack appliance that runs EPIC and SAFE for the building or district. It's deep and heavy for a 1U box. Specs are Audio Enhancement's; VSC practice and VSC recommendation items are VSC install standards.

Know the hardware

1️⃣ Plan the location

• Leave room for front-to-back airflow and keep the rear clear for cables. Stay inside the 10 to 35 °C operating range.
• Check that the rack is deep enough for a server of about 20 to 23 in. plus its rails.
• Wear an anti-static strap and have a second person help lift.

2️⃣ Mount it in a 4-post rack (preferred)

1. Attach the inner rails to the server and the outer rails to the front and rear posts. The rail kit shipped with the server shows the hole positions; AE doesn't publish separate rail steps.
2. With a helper, slide the server onto the rails until it locks.
3. Secure the front ears to the rack with the screws provided. Snug, not over-tight.
4. Slide it out and back in once to check it's level and doesn't bind.

3️⃣ Mount it in a 2-post rack

1. VSC practice: install a rack shelf rated for the server's weight.
2. Set the server on the shelf and secure it to the shelf.
3. Use the front ears only to keep it in place, not to carry the weight.

4️⃣ Connect power and network

• Redundant supplies: plug each power supply into a different circuit or UPS output so one failure doesn't take EPIC down. (VSC recommendation. AE specifies redundant supplies.)
• Network: connect the LAN port to the school's EPIC network or VLAN. AE specifies a VLAN-enabled shared network or a dedicated network.
• Management port (optional): connect the iKVM port if the district wants remote console access.
• Label both ends of every cable and dress them with Velcro, not zip ties.

5️⃣ Power on and verify

1. Power on and watch for a clean boot.
2. Browse to the EPIC server and log in as an Administrator.
3. Click Settings on the left, then the System Settings tab. The EPIC version and serial number are in the bottom-right corner of the page. Write the version in the project record.
4. Make sure the server has outbound internet access. AE needs it for upgrades.
5. Take a first backup: Settings › System Settings › Import/Export › Export Configuration/Backup.

Field tips

• Measure first. Rack depth is the usual surprise: the server runs up to about 23 in. deep before the rails and cables.
• Two people, every time. At 22.7 to 24 lb on a long, narrow chassis, one person can't line up both rails safely.

• Split the power. Two supplies on the same circuit don't protect against a breaker trip.
• Back it up before you leave. The first export gives the district a clean restore point.

📚 Sources & credits

• Compiled by Brad Roy, VSC Director of Operations
• Audio Enhancement: EPIC Head-End Server Spec Sheet DC-40658.05 (dimensions, weight, power, network, operating temperature); EPIC Head-End Server DC-40658.01 (1U, rails included, RAID, redundant power); EPIC Intercom Paging System A/E Specifications (1U appliance, RAID 1, dual PSU, VLAN network); EPIC System Release Notes (outbound internet for upgrades, backups)
• Version check steps: VSC QR-AE-002. Items marked VSC practice or VSC recommendation are VSC install standards, not AE statements.
• DC-40658.01, DC-40658.05 and the A/E Specifications are older, undated AE documents; check specs against the server actually shipped.