Installing the board on a stand

Supports the board’s weight and size

The stand must support the combined weight of the board and all its accessories and components. Make sure the dimensions of the stand are also properly accommodated.

Provides adequate ventilation

If the stand has an equipment enclosure, the enclosure must provide adequate ventilation for the board and any accessories. Damage that results from overheating caused by improper installation is not covered by warranty and may also void the warranty.

Is approved by a regulatory body

Stands must be approved by Underwriters Laboratories or a similar independent body. This approval indicates that the mounts have been tested for proper adherence to safety regulations. These regulatory tests go beyond the equipment’s loading restrictions, helping to guarantee that the stand will be safe when used properly. If the stand is not approved by a regulatory body, it may fail to support the weight of the board.

Has a lower center of gravity or adjustable height

A low center of gravity helps make the system more stable. The ability to reduce the height is useful during transport.

Supports mounting speakers

Mount speakers directly on the stand itself rather than on the board.

Has large wheels

Large wheels make it easier to cross door thresholds and move the stand over a variety of surfaces.

Has handles

Using a stand with handles helps prevent the application of pressure directly to the board during transport. Applying pressure to the board’s frame directly can twist the frame during transport.

Has a safety locking mechanism

Using a stand with locking wheels ensures the board stays in place while it’s in use.

Has built-in equipment and cable management

Built-in equipment and cable management helps prevent damage to components and connections during transport. Shelving and mounting points are also useful for cable management.

Do not overload the stand

Putting too much weight on a stand, possibly by including speakers or other equipment, can make the stand unstable. Consider the system’s total weight and not just the weight of the board.

Be aware of the system’s center of gravity

When moving a board mounted on a mobile stand, tipping can be a concern. The addition of other components can increase this risk by affecting the system’s center of gravity.

Use the stand’s handles

SMART recommends using mobile stands that have handles. A board can become misaligned if it’s moved using the board rather than the stand’s handles. To avoid this, always use one hand to hold the board and the other hand to hold the mobile stand when moving the system. This prevents putting too much pressure on the board during transport.

Do not attach speaker brackets directly to the board

Attaching brackets directly to the board can twist the board’s frame, causing issues with touch and potentially voiding the warranty. You can make custom brackets that attach to the stand or use an industrial adhesive (for example, industrial strength tape or heavy-duty hook-and-loop fasteners) to attach speakers to the stand. Work closely with the stand’s manufacturer when mounting speakers in a non-standard way, as it can potentially change the stand’s safety features or affect the system’s center of gravity and create a tipping hazard.

Be careful of the placement of speakers and microphones

When mounting speakers on a mobile stand, consider their location relative to microphones to avoid issues with echo-cancellation. Make sure speakers are not too close to the microphone, and test the setup with a few outside callers.

Watch out for equipment and cable placement when using mobile stands that have motorized lifts

Equipment and cables beneath the board can be damaged if a stand that includes a motorized lift lowers the board onto the equipment. Movement of the board can also damage cables if the cables are pinched or bent.

Use best practices for cable management

Power and extension cables must be manageable during transport to prevent damage. Cables should be easy to wrap and store before moving the stand and board. Letting cables dangle or drag as you move the board can increase the risk of injury, product damage and damage to the cables.