I had big plans to get everything wired up this weekend, but I realized that the RAMBO box that I was printing did not have enough room for the GX16-6 aviation connectors that I wanted to use. I spent all of Sunday using Fusion 360 to redraw the box from scratch, using the stock box as my pattern.
I am still an amateur Fusion 360 user, so I knew this would be a good exercise for me. I duplicated the stock design, then increased the height and added holes for the connectors. But, when it came time to add the air vent at the front, I couldn’t leave well enough alone.
“If it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing.”
Here’s a glimpse of what it should look like when it finishes printing…
When I was creating my cad drawing, I got carried away and made six holes in the back, so I left the extra hole but added knock-out plugs.
There’s nothing like a personal project to motivate learning. I’ve gone back into the cad file several times (I’m on version 17) to update how I dimensioned some of the features. Initially, I dimensioned everything from the outside of the box, since I was just trying to faithfully duplicate the original, but I went back and dimensioned all the RAMBO features off of the board mounting holes, since that will aid future revisions. (I just wasn’t thinking about it the first time, then I realized that I hadn’t made the design parametrically. Both versions would produce the exact same part, but the later version is more “correct”.)
yes exactly. now you will start projects that way and hopefully get there before V17 next time…but with that said I am on at least V20+ with my new part…oh and save often!
I’m finally done (I hope) wiring the box. Lots of cutting, stripping, crimping, soldering, testing, removing, starting over, more cutting, resoldering, etc.
I disassembled and reassembled the XY carriage once also, so by the time I finish my first MPCNC, I will have completed two or more builds.
So, I my goal for this weekend was to get my enclosure finished. I have been delaying “getting it dirty” because I didn’t have an enclosure and my workspace is also my office in the basement utility room.
I could have just thrown some boards together, but I wanted to use this project to improve my Fusion 360 skills, so I drafted the entire cabinet before heading to the garage to cut the lumber. FWIW, I did the cabinet drawing about 5 times, forcing myself to learn how to make proper components, instead of just plain bodies, etc. And my clumsy CAD skills gave me the opportunity to Google some answers to things I didn’t do correctly, etc.
But, I finally finished the drawing to my satisfaction, then headed to the garage…and even got most of it put together. Just some door hinges and plexiglass left to install.
I also need to install some lighting and add the down-draft dust collection…but it’s coming together!
Looks like the Rambo, where did you find that box for it? I assume it’s printed? I haven’t seen one with the aeronautical plug holes yet. Would love the .stl file if you have one.
That’s what I get for reading on my phone, didn’t scroll up enough to see the photo of your print. Still, if you’re willing to share I’d love to snag a copy of that file.
LOL, just realized I couldn’t find it earlier because you just uploaded it! Thanks for doing that though, I’m sure others will find it very helpful as well. Love the connector ports you added too.
That’s a nicely done case and wiring job. Very clean installation.
I find it interesting they market those electrical connectors as “Aviation” connectors though. I’ve been an aircraft mechanic for ~25 years, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a connector quite like those in an aircraft. I suppose it’s meant to imply a certain level of quality and robustness? They do look to be well suited to the task here.
I can guarantee they’d cost at least 20x what I’m seeing them listed for on ebay and amazon, if they were sold through aviation channels with requisite FAA form 8130-3 attesting to their airworthiness. 8^)
