Middle Atlantic AVIP-FK1 1U Fixed-Face Rack Panel
Overview
The Middle Atlantic AVIP-FK1 is a 1U fixed-face rack panel designed for the AVIP Rackmount Panel System — a structured approach to organizing AV-over-IP and signal connectivity infrastructure in 19-inch equipment racks. At exactly 1.75 inches tall (1 RU) and 19 inches wide, the AVIP-FK1 (often searched as AVIP FK1) occupies a single rack unit and provides two mounting points for integrating AVIP connector inserts or blanking panels into a clean, maintainable rack layout. If you're building out a structured AV distribution rack or a security/AV integration bay and need a reliable, purpose-built panel face to anchor your AVIP insert modules, this is the correct starting point.
Key Features
- 1U / 19-inch Standard Form Factor: At 1.75 in tall and 19 in wide, the AVIP-FK1 drops directly into any standard 19-inch equipment rack without modification — no adapters, no spacers. One rack unit consumed, no more.
- Fixed Face Design: The fixed-face construction keeps insert modules locked in a consistent plane with the rack's front face, which matters in high-density installs where panel flex or misalignment causes connector stress or poor fit.
- 2 Mounting Points: Dual mounting points secure the panel firmly at both rail ears, distributing load evenly and preventing racking under repeated connector insertions — relevant in operational environments where technicians regularly hot-swap signal modules.
- Shallow 2.92-inch Depth: At under 3 inches deep, the AVIP-FK1 fits in shallow-depth wall-mount enclosures and half-depth racks without conflicting with rear cable management or adjacent equipment — useful in closet installs and field deployments where full-depth racks aren't practical.
- Lightweight at 1.5 lbs Shipped: The low shipping weight simplifies freight and on-site handling in multi-panel deployments. When you're stocking a rack with a dozen panel positions, cumulative weight adds up — this keeps the rack's overall load budget manageable.
Integration & Compatibility
The AVIP-FK1 is part of Middle Atlantic's Middle Atlantic AVIP panel ecosystem, designed to accept modular connector inserts for structured rack panel builds. It is compatible with standard 19-inch equipment racks using EIA-310 rail spacing. For AV-over-IP system builds, pair this panel with appropriate AVIP insert modules to complete your AV rack infrastructure. Verify insert module compatibility with Middle Atlantic's AVIP system documentation before ordering inserts separately — the AVIP-FK1 provides the frame, not the inserts themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many rack units does the AVIP-FK1 occupy?
A: The AVIP-FK1 occupies exactly 1 rack unit (1U / 1.75 inches) in a standard 19-inch equipment rack.
Q: Does the AVIP-FK1 include connector inserts?
A: No. The AVIP-FK1 is the fixed-face panel frame only. Connector inserts for the AVIP Rackmount Panel System are sold separately. The panel provides 2 mounting points for AVIP-compatible inserts.
Q: Will the AVIP-FK1 fit in a shallow-depth or wall-mount rack enclosure?
A: Yes. At 2.92 inches deep, the AVIP-FK1 is compatible with shallow-depth and wall-mount enclosures — it won't conflict with rear cable management in most standard installations.
Q: What is the width of the AVIP-FK1?
A: The AVIP-FK1 is 19 inches (48.3 cm) wide, matching the EIA-310 standard for 19-inch rack equipment.
Q: Can the AVIP-FK1 be used as a blank filler panel?
A: The AVIP-FK1 is a fixed-face panel designed to accept AVIP inserts as part of the AVIP Rackmount Panel System. For pure blanking applications, verify with Middle Atlantic whether a dedicated blank panel better fits your requirement — the AVIP-FK1 is engineered for insert-based structured connectivity, not blanking.
The AVIP-FK1 is a deceptively simple component that earns its place in serious rack builds. Its 2.92-inch depth is the spec I check first on any closet or wall-mount enclosure project — at under 3 inches, it clears the rear rail in half-depth enclosures that would reject a standard-depth panel, which is a real constraint in distributed AV-over-IP deployments where you're working with 12- to 18-inch-deep wall boxes rather than full floor cabs.
Technical Highlights:
- 1U / 1.75 in height: Single rack unit consumption keeps your panel real estate tight — in a 4U wall box, you can stack four AVIP-FK1 positions without wasting a single U on mismatched hardware.
- Fixed-face construction: Unlike swing-face or angled panels, the fixed face keeps every insert flush and stable, which matters when connector torque from repeated plug cycles would rack a less rigid panel over time.
- 2 mounting points, 19 in standard width: Both rail ears engage simultaneously, distributing the load across the rack's full 19-inch span rather than cantilevering off one side — correct behavior for a panel that will see regular technician interaction.
Deployment Considerations:
- The AVIP-FK1 ships at 1.5 lbs — light enough that rack weight budgets won't be an issue even in multi-panel configurations, but confirm your enclosure's load rating if you're stacking heavy insert modules into multiple AVIP-FK1 frames.
- This panel provides the frame only — inserts are ordered separately. Don't assume inserts are included; confirm your insert SKUs against Middle Atlantic's AVIP system compatibility matrix before finalizing your bill of materials.
The AVIP-FK1 is the right call for AV-over-IP distribution racks in conference centers, command-and-control rooms, and security operations centers where structured, maintainable signal connectivity matters more than a one-off cable run. If your rack design calls for modular insert-based connectivity with a clean, professional front face, this panel is the correct foundation.
