Packaging the Electronics
A cnc router isn't any good unless it's got motors to move the axes, drivers to move the motors and an interface to a computer to make it all work. There are lots of choices to consider from a variety of vendors. I did a little searching and quickly eliminated all but two. Probotix, the folks who sell the Fireball V90, offer a motor/driver/interface board/power-supply package that's attractive. It's based on their own driver and interface boards. Fine Line Automation also offers a package based on the Gecko G540 driver. My decision to use the FLA/Gecko package wasn't easy. What finally tipped my decision was that the G540 is a 4 axis driver for the same price as the Probotix 3 axis package. If I want to upgrade later on all I have to do is add a 4th motor. Since the G540 is self contained there are also fewer pieces to mount and wire up.
I had prevously thought about how to package the electronics using an old computer chassis. I had also seen a posting on the Fireball discussion group by someone else who did the same thing. So, it's not original, but here's how I packaged up my electronics.
![]() The system I choose had already been partially cannabilized. |
![]() ![]() |
![]() I found slot covers in my parts box. Find flat ones if you can (more later) |
![]() I had already stripped a defective PSU. |
![]() I installed a terminal strip in the PSU chassis for the AC wiring. |
![]() The G540 and power supply mounted on the chassis bottom plate. |
![]() Nylon screws used to mount the power supply. That's because the mounting slots are M4's and I don't have any. With a little patience, you can use 6/32 x 1/4 nylon screws. The threaded holes cut into the nylon. |
![]() A pair of 5v power supplies installed into the disk bay. I would have used a 12v supply but i didn't have one. The fans will run a little slower (not a bad thing, less noise!). I'll also use the 10v to run any relays. |
![]() AC power wiring installed. |
![]() Second fan installed to provide airflow over the G540. |
![]() |
![]() I Used Phono Jacks as the connectors for the eStop and Limit switch wiring. The cables and connectors are readily available. They fit on the slot covers. |
![]() once you wire in the connector panels you'll need a dummy shorting plug until you get your eStop switch in place. |
Assembling the Router |
Home | Extras |