If you could "lock" out the ability to actually control anything, would that be sufficient? I'm think of a way to
disconnect the data
line -
dmx or net. If your are concerned about someone even touching the
console, I'd lean toward a
cover - like a plywood box or case (top) that could be locked down on the counter.
I'd want to be sure with a
cover there was no way that it could get too warm under the
cover - so maybe its a well vented plywood box.
Concurring. Basically an economy version of a bonnet style touring case incorporating the following features / concerns.
You unlock a couple of padlock-able butterfly latches, one on each side, with keyed alike locks. I'm thinking Sessions hardware here where you could change to a new, differently keyed, matched pair with a simple trip to Home Depot at any time in the future should the need arise.
The board remains in the bottom of the case and is conveniently operable while in this position. You want the bottom as shallow as possible so your wrists aren't in conflict with the case bottom's front
edge.
If you're not touring the board, you don't require anything designed and constructed for the rigors of touring.
Have the rear surface of the bonnet-style
cover 'mouse-holed' such that all mating cables may remain connected minimizing any need to
disconnect and re-connect / mis-connect any / all cables. Again, if you're not touring but remaining in position this shouldn't pose too much of a problem.
As Bill astutely points out: Ensure you're providing adequate ventilation so you're NOT cooking you're board to death in an 'E-Z Bake Oven'
Before you even begin designing your case, learn where your board breaths and ventilates. For instance, some depend upon air entering from underneath where less debris is likely to fall in and vent out through the sides or rear. Some boards are convection cooled while many use a small, whisper quiet, cooling fan. Some fans are drawing air out while others are drawing air in. Keep in mind there will be additional venting to be kept
clear elsewhere as a fan can't push (or draw) air in if there's no place for the air to exit and likewise can't withdraw ventilating air out if there're no openings for air to enter.
BE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE VENTILATION SCHEME and account for all aspects of it.
If you're absolutely certain all of your operators are enamored of the same position. Anchor the shallow case bottom portion solidly to your counter top.
Don't forget you may want a little upholstery / padding within the removable upper portion of the case to ensure your board won't be getting trashed by impatient operators carelessly tossing the
cover on every time they race back to class (or McDonalds or ....)
First time you
walk in the booth and find the board sitting there without its
cover in place, check the security video and hang the slacker from the booth ceiling or 'spread-eagle' she / he (we must be uni-sexual and politically correct here) on a wall as hunters used to do proudly displaying their bear / deer / what-have-you across the hood of their
vehicle. When selecting a hanging
point, remember to keep it
clear of the board to avoid any drippings while your case
cover's off and the board's in operation. With either location you may want to consider your options as soon as the stench becomes too strong or the bugs too dense. The above treatment of the first offender ought to provide a pretty strong deterrent to others. Drawing and quartering are so passe / sixties.
Possibly you may have the skills and facilities within your school to design / fabricate a suitable enclosure but keep in mind it needs to be quick and simple to remove AND replace by one person or you'll rarely find it being used.
Never hesitate to post for further pointers.
Toodleoo!
Ron Hebbard.
