I did some work on the HB2 power supply/controller today. I have all the panels cut or drilled and some components mounted. I have a lot of wiring to make up so that will take a bit of time. The hardest thing for me to do was commit to a final layout. When I get to make all the decisions myself it is sometimes easier to not make any. But once I started drilling holes it gets easier and more exciting. I am liking my new layout very much.

Where in the heck is the time flying? I look at the blog calendar and it is weeks since my last post. Uh… make that a month! I guess that sort of proves I don’t spend all my time in front of the one wide-eyed monster. Then again I do. I really do if you count the time at my real job.

I have been working in Aspire which is the new CNC graphic and vector to code software from Vectric. Wow! What a powerful tool if you want to do detailed CNC carving, engraving and router work. I have posted a few times in the Vectric forum and am dieing to get the HB2 Power Supply and controller working to run some larger projects. All the other operational mechanical work on the HB2 is finished. I will add limits switches and other details once I get it running.

I ordered the last few parts for the power supply/controller. I am going to use 5 pin XLR plugs for the motor leads. I have been wracking my engineering brain trying to decide on suitable connectors that look good. Not cheap but neither is the project. The plugs and sockets are big enough for the 20 ga. super flex wire I am using and the pins in the 5 pin style can take the current flow. They are like a DIN connector/plug on steroids.

I had considered DB9 style connectors but the pins are just too small and close together. The current rating however was not going to be a problem. The DB9 is used by several name brand controllers. The motor (stepper) wiring must be lighter than what I am using.

My steppers are not large but they will be running for hours at a time.… Continue reading →