SPEEDPORT, A Universal
Cable Pass Thru, Fastening & Anchor System
© 2014 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
In this day and age there are many electronic items we
wish to either hang from the wall, or the ceiling. Not only is the anchoring of
such items an issue, but also, passing the necessary power and data cables thru
the wall to them can be an unsightly mess.
Midlite Corporation in North Dartmouth, MA, may just
have a solution. They offer a wide selection or products designed to solve the
mounting problem of many items such as speakers, flat screens, CCTV cameras and
wireless access point antennas. One of these mounts that I’ve obtained is the SPEEDPORT R1SP-W, a
2-5/16” diameter fastener. This gem simply requires the use of a hole saw cut
into a drywall surface. Installation is quick. Just place the adjustable
dog-ears or wings into the newly cut hole and adjust them so they straddle the
interior backing of the drywall. There are two lockdown screws that are
accessible when the plastic grommet is temporally removed, that when tightened,
will snugly place these wings firmly against the back of the drywall material.
Once this installation is completed you can run your cables thru the remaining
opening and then thru the flexible grommet. The mask is now easily pressed back
into place in the speedport making this part of your installation complete. A
center, plastic, female, hollow shaft easily accepts a self-tapping screw and
is provided for mounting your speaker, bracket or other device. These
speedports are rated for a device mounting weight of 40 pounds. Various
configurations, such as split port and speedport wall plates are available.
youtube video: http://bit.ly/1hzV1uS
(TIP: I’m told that the hanging
weight spec is conservatively rated at 40 pounds. Naturally, you need to
evaluate this and hang heavier items at your own risk. Multiple speedports can
be installed that will help to distribute the weight evenly.)
Midlite offers a wide variety of mounting
accessories to aid in the installation of dome and bracket mounted CCTV
security cameras, access point antennas, flat screen television screens, etc.
(TIP: Flat
screen TV’s will still require the use of an appropriate bracket currently not
supplied by Midlite. Such brackets can be screwed on to the speedport. Not only
does this provide adequate support, but also convenient access for the cables.)
A PowerJumper relocation kit is also available
providing male or female recessed AC wall outlet(s) that incorporate a
pre-wired cable with plug, acting somewhat like a glorified extension cord and
eliminating the need for an electrician. youtube video: http://bit.ly/1itOyEb
(TIP: Always check local electrical
codes to insure you’re complying with local requirements before attempting any
installation.)
Midlite has what appears to be some very
unique solutions to solving your custom mounting problems. Even if you employ
the use of a handyman or installer, it’s always good to know what they could
use to make your installation cost effective and cosmetically appealing.
Available in six colors. Currently sold by on-line distributors only. Check
Midlite’s web site for a list of resellers.
GADGETEER’s RATING: *****
MSRP: $4.98 and up
Graphic credits: Google Images
Bob Skidmore is a freelance
writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not
represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are
solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer
generally supplies products at no cost for the articles and no other
compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he
feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason
for many superior ratings. Some information for this article
may be gathered from various sources available to the author.
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