8. Connect Cables
During this step you will be connecting the motor and limit switch cables to the machine and then to the controller.
Video
Tools
- 2mm allen key
- 2.5mm allen key
- 3mm allen key
Hardware
- M3x6 flat head screw x 17
Cables
- Y1 motor cable
- Y2 motor cable
- Y1 limit switch cable
- Y2 limit switch cable
Steps
- Identify Motor and Limit Switch Cables
- The motor cable connectors will only connect in a single orientation. The motor connectors include a feature that allows the connectors to securely attach together by threading a metal collar from the male end into the female end.
- The motor cable connectors will only connect in a single orientation. The motor connectors include a feature that allows the connectors to securely attach together by threading a metal collar from the male end into the female end.
- Connect Motor Cables and Limit Switches to Z-Axis
- Using a 3mm allen key, remove the 4 M4 outer screws on the back of the Z-axis to allow for an easier installation of the Z-axis motor.
- Insert the Z-axis motor cable into the female connector and thread the collar onto the connector.
- Connect the Z-axis limit switch from the drag chain to the black/blue limit switch pigtail at the front of the Z-axis.
- Route the spindle cable through the notch on the left hand side of the Z-axis. Slide the gasket installed on the spindle cable into the notch.
- Reinstall the Z-axis back plate using the 4 M4 screws using a 3mm allen key.
- Reinstall the plastic Z-axis cover using the 4 reserved screws and a 2.5mm allen key.
- Using a 3mm allen key, remove the 4 M4 outer screws on the back of the Z-axis to allow for an easier installation of the Z-axis motor.
- Connect Motor Cables and Limit Switches to X Axis
- Insert the X-axis motor cable into the female connector behind the gantry and thread the collar into the connector.
- Route the X-axis limit switch through the hole in the back of the Y1 gantry riser and attach to the black/blue limit switch pigtail on the X-axis. Attach a zip tie through the white zip tie pad to keep the connector in place.
- Insert the X-axis motor cable into the female connector behind the gantry and thread the collar into the connector.
- Attach X Axis Riser Covers
- Use a 2mm allen key and 9x M3x6 flat head screws to attach the Y1 metal riser cover to the Y1 side of the gantry. The riser covers are located under the drag chain in the top section of the packaging.
- Repeat for the Y2 metal riser cover with 8x M3x6 flat head screws.
NOTE: Do not over-tighten the M3x6 flat head screws as doing so may lead to the strip the screws.
- Connect Motor Cables to Y1 and Y2 Axes
- Insert the Y1 axis motor cable (packaged separately) into the female connector on the Y1 motor and thread the collar into the connector.
- Insert the Y2 axis motor cable (packaged separately) into the female connector on the Y2 motor and thread the collar into the connector.
- Insert the Y1 axis motor cable (packaged separately) into the female connector on the Y1 motor and thread the collar into the connector.
- Connect Limit Switch Cables to Y1 and Y2 Axes
- Attach the Y1 limit switch cable (packaged separately) to the black/blue pigtail coming out of the back of the Y1 front plate.
- Attach the Y2 limit switch cable (packaged separately) to the black/blue pigtail coming out of the back of the Y2 front plate.
Note: Pigtail connector should be outside of the housing and secured under the crossmembers with a ziptie. Ensure cable is not getting pinched or touches the ballscrews.
- Attach the Y1 limit switch cable (packaged separately) to the black/blue pigtail coming out of the back of the Y1 front plate.
- Route Cables
- Route all of the cable ends that were inserted in step 10 under the machine frame and toward the back of the machine near where the controller is placed.