I know I've been ignoring this for a while, but since the control cabinet build is finally underway, I may as well add it in here.



After a few ideas were bounced around, a couple sketches done, and a mock-up of the controls done, I had a bit of eureka moment. Rather than build from scratch, why not use a bog standard enclosure and modify it to suit. That way much of the faffing around with sheet metal is removed.

The above is a 400x300x150 box. I was originally going to mount everything on the back plate (the bog standard steel one will be getting binned, for a thicker aluminium one), however things were going to be a bit too tight, especially considering I need two 25pin breakout boards for all the required ins/outs, so the computer will quite easily mount on the door (it's easier to run 4 cables between the door and body, than 30+ individual ones if I was to mount the breakout boards). I did briefly consider hardwiring things, but 25pin cables are cheap and convenient, and the breakout boards give easy access for future diagnostics.

All that will connect between this box and the main control cabinet will be the two 25pin cables, and a USB cable. Power will be supplied directly.

Now just to drill a few holes, cut some metal, and do a bit welding..