OK, I knew I needed to work on getting the electronics mounted into a case. It’s a pain to have to unplug from the wall to turn things off. But last night’s catastrophe put me in a mood to get this thing fixed once and for all.
So I measured all the bits and parts, scratched my head a little, and was about to head to Fry’s to find a big enough project box, when I decided to maybe try something a little unconventional. Some test-fitting, some screws from the hardware store, and a careful application of drill and diagonal pliers, and here’s what I’ve got so far:
I put the Emergency Stop and Power switches up front…
…and the Gecko and power outputs in the back. The extra switch near the power outputs is not in the current design, but since it’s there anyway, I might use it for an “enable” for the relays (vs just shunting the AC directly to the outputs). Now that I think of it, though, that should probably be up front…
I think it looks pretty sharp already, but I still have some work to be done before I’m ready to turn the rig back on. Specifically, I need:
– a 110VAC male receptacle for the back (to plug in the CNC power supply)
– a DB9 male connector for the back (to plug in limit switches)
– Some LEDs up front (power indicator, e-stop enable indicator)
– a couple of 48v 20A relays to hook up to the DC power supply and the AC (to switch the router and vacuum from software; that’s what the 3-prong outlets on the back are for)
– 6 limit switches (one for each end of the 3 axes)
– an extra case fan or heatsink for the Gecko (it gets hot)
In order to get back up and running, I just need the 110VAC receptacle. Once I get it and wire it up, I will have the electronics I had before, plus an E-stop and a power switch.
I like the idea of having just one box to kick around.
Can you say “GETTO”. Very innovative. I have cases in the “G” room just for this kind of adventure in the future.
Can’t do that with a Mac.
WWMS?
A