Panel Mounts
Using Panel Mounts
Panel mounts are external connections points that allow the user to disconnect components without opening up the case. Some examples:
- USB extensions for a webcam.
- SD extensions for an MCU or SBC.
- Rear panel connectors for quick-disconnect from the printer.
Each panel type comes with a template for making your own panels. See Creating New Panels below for more.
Front Panels
The front panel often mounts small hardware ports; the most common examples are SD Card extensions and USB extensions. You can find predesigned files in the /Panels/Front Panel git folder along with a template.
Side Panels
Introduced in version 0.9.9, the side panel replaces the "Unused CPU Cover". Side panels can be used to mount a single 40mm or 50mm fan, keystone jacks, or panel-mounted connectors.
Files for the side panel can be found in the /Panels/Side Panel git folder.
Rear Panels
Rear Panels are the most customizable part of OmniBox and may be modified to suit the user. There are a number of generic files available in the /Panels/Rear Panel git folder.
The table below explains where to get started.
| Folder | Description | Use If You... |
|---|---|---|
Generic |
These have large holes for passing wires through and come in a number of common variations. | ...Want a simple, off-the-shelf solution and there is not a custom panel that suits. |
Custom |
Designed for users of common printer configurations. | ...Have a configuration available for your printer. |
Template |
A Fusion 360 template with profiles for panel-mounted connectors and fans. | ...Want to create your own panel. |
Supported Hardware
Fans
See the Fans page.
MicroSD Extensions
These are availabe in short or long versions and are typically used with MCUs. They can also be used to give access to other SD card slots, such as an SoC CPU.
Each MCU lists whether it can use a short extension (about 6" long) or of the longer extension is needed (about 18").
Short MicroSD Card Reader Extension
Long MicroSD Card Reader Extension
USB Extensions
USB extensions are usually USB B or USB C. Some boards still use Micro-USB; for these extensions, a keystone jack extension is needed.
Right angle connectors are often a good choice, particularly for larger boards.
Keystone Jacks
Keystone jacks support a variety of multimedia cables: USB, HDMI, and Ethernet, among others. As a result, keystone jacks offer flexibility in choosing which connectors to mount. A blank plate can occupy an unused jack cutout.
These are commonly used on the front, side, or rear panels. Currently, designs with keystone jack cutouts exist for the front and side panels.
Below are several common keystone jacks.
| Description | External connector | Internal Connector | Cable Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB 3.0 extension | USB 3.0 Type A | USB 3.0 Type A | 6" |
| HDMI | HDMI | HDMI | Coupler only |
| Ethernet | RJ-45 (Ethernet) | RJ-45 (Ethernet) | Coupler only |
| USB C | USB C | USB C | 8" |
Other Connectors
JST SM and Molex's Micro Fit 3.0 connectors can both be panel-mounted. These are useful when creating detachable wiring harnesses.
JST SM
Caution: Avoid JST SM as a hotend connector on enclosed printers
These are good, low-current (3A Max) connectors for devices such as limit switches, lights, steppers, and fans. However, they are larger than connectors with similar pin spacings.
Further reading: JST SM on The Clockmaker Project
Molex Micro Fit 3.0
These make excellent connectors for printers, particularly for hotends. They are rated to 5 Amperes with standard pins (9.5A with gold pins).
Connectors up to 2 row, 24 positions are available.
Molex Micro Fit 3.0 connectors
Further reading: Molex Micro Fit 3.0 on The Clockmaker Project
XT-60
This connector is most well known for RC electronics and Creality printer beds. They should be used with 12 AWG wire for their rated current, though 13 AWG/2.5mm2 is often used for 220W beds.
Further reading: XT-60 on The Clockmaker Project
Molex Mini Fit Jr.
Mini Fit Jr connectors are commonly seen in computers for the ATX and PCIE connectors. They are reliable connectors rated up to 9.5A with 18 AWG (~1 mm2) wires.
Mini Fit Jr 2 Position Connector Sets
Mini Fit Jr 4 Position Connector Sets
Further reading: Mini Fit Jr on The Clockmaker Project
Creating New Panels
In addition to templates for the panels themselves, template cutouts are available for panel-mounted connectors.
The solid bodies in the STEP and Fusion 360 files:
- Have sufficient clearance to insert the connector; and
- Are the correct thickness for the connector (e.g. for panel mount ears to engage).
The Fusion 360 file also contains sketches for cut-and-paste.
Other Templates
Ginger Saw published on Printables a more extensive set of JST SM panel mounts, up to 10 pins.