Andy's ShapeOkube PC - ShO#303

[atanguay]

So, when approaching housing my Arduino/Pololi controller, fan, and power supply, I figured that since these items always need to be near a computer anyway, why not just combine these items into one little unit? I was using a small netbook to control the machine, then that OS corrupted itself, which lead me to this better solution. I've had a couple of these machines around as rendering slaves, so they weren't doing much.

The features of this approach:

• * Designing machine and CNC controller in one.
  * Provides power for keeping my motor drivers cool with a simple PC fan.
  * All-in-one design - housing Arduino, Shield, and Power Supply.
  * Still a small form factor for a computer.
  * Power supply mounts in DVD drive bay.
  * Case features front panel temperature readouts which could be connected to the motor controller.
  * Protection for Arduino from chips and dust.
  * Motor breakout right on the back of the case...simple setup, modular.
  * Front panel Arduino reset button.

Future Improvements:

• *I have a big stop button on order which I will mount on one of the 5 1/2 in bays.
  *Nicer button labels...I don't like the black on gray.
  *Connect temperature probes to motor controller heat sinks.

Here's the little cooling tower I made for my Arduino and Pololi sheild...

Andy's ShapeOko Cube PC_01.jpg (227.78 KiB) Viewed 1930 times

Here you see the fan attached to the PC's fan supply

Andy's ShapeOko Cube PC_02.jpg (177.67 KiB) Viewed 1930 times

Here's where I mounted this little tower inside the PC case.

Andy's ShapeOko Cube PC_04.jpg (181.36 KiB) Viewed 1930 times

[atanguay]

Here's a couple more photos of this setup...


This is the breakout of the motors on the back of the PC case.

Andy's ShapeOko Cube PC_05.jpg (165.7 KiB) Viewed 1929 times

Here's the front panel controls. Once again, I'm going to swap that switch for a big red stop button when it comes in the mail.

Andy's ShapeOko Cube PC_06.jpg (82.63 KiB) Viewed 1929 times

This is everything sitting on the bench. Also here you can see the USB cord wrapping out the front back to a USB port. I did this so I could take the Arduino offline if I needed to down the road. This machine might end up in service some other way and I'd rather not have it on all the time if it's not needed.

photo (3).JPG (88.74 KiB) Viewed 1928 times

[atanguay]

I'd also add that there's such a great sense of satisfaction after building the machine yourself from a pile of parts in bags.
It's taken quite some time honestly, but boy, watching it run is almost magical.
Sure, it needs some tweaks to be more rigid, and I want to expand the overall cut size, and replace the Dremel knockoff with something beefier. But it's still pretty damned cool. Plus, I deeply understand this machine, because I put it together. Gotta love that.

This is my ShapeOko. There are many like it, but this one is mine.

[esacteksab]

Love this idea!!!

[Tom Smith]

That's a good idea to have the entire unit enclosed in one box...looks very cool.

[esacteksab]

Makes me wonder if I could fit this all in my Mini-ITX case?

[atanguay]

Thanks you guys. My thought is that using the Arduino is a nice cheap and easy motor controller, but no matter what you still need a computer. Might as well marry the two.

@esacteksab - It probably would. This case is really small, maybe 12 inches cubed.

[esacteksab]

I'm not sure about my power supply..it may need to be external perhaps.