Tidy up the cabinet wiring

Previously (when I started this build a few years ago), I put work on hold while I wrestled with trying to implement Andy Pugh's macros. I spent ages on this and finally lost the will to live. It seemed that Python3 was required for correct operation, yet it wasn't expected imminently so I left it for the time being. The machine worked but the macros weren't installed and working.

Some of the wiring was lashed up for proof of function testing, so it could do with being properly tidied up at last. Here's where we are:

Looks a bit messy but it's not actually that bad by my standards. It all had to fit in this cabinet size due to the space available, so there are no cable ducts and the wiring runs on the walls and baseplate.

One key issue is the cables for the X and Z homing / limit switches. They need to run through a plug so that the cabinet can be moved without hard wired cables getting ripped out. So I cut the 2 cables and fitted a 9 pin Dsub connector:

With a mating connector in the cabinet itself. The other 3 Dsub connectors are just off the top of the picture - these are the encoders for the X axis, Z axis and spindle.

For the record, the pinouts are:

X axis:

• Blue +24V (Dsub pin 2)
• Green +24V (Dsub pin 3) - yes, also +24V
• Red TB6 pin 1 (Dsub pin 4)
• Yellow TB6 pin 2 (Dsub 5)
• Screen (Dsub pin 9)

Z axis:

• Blue +24V (Dsub pin 1)
• Green 0V (Dsub pin 6)
• Red TB6 pin 4 (Dsub pin 7)
• Yellow TB6 pin 3 (Dsub pin 8)
• Screen (Dsub pin 9)

I need (want) to fit a plug and socket on the spindle motor cable, as this is now the only remaining hard wired connection to the cabinet. This needs to be a 16A 3-phase (red) socket (on the cabinet) and matching plug on the motor. This has been ordered and should be here tomorrow.