Panel Mounts
Using Panel Mounts
Panel mounts allow you to disconnect components without opening up the case. The simplest of these are USB, MicroSD, and Ethernet extensions, but can go as far as custom rear panels for for a removable wiring harness.
Each panel type comes with a template for customization. See Creating New Panels below for more.
Fans
OmniBox supports fans up to as large as 120mm. See the Fans page for a list of all fan options.
MicroSD Extensions
These are availabe in short or long versions and are typically used with MCUs, though they can also be used with a CPU, such as a Raspberry Pi.
Most MCUs recommend either a short MicroSD extension (15cm/6" long) or longer (48cm/18") should be used.
USB Extensions
Right angle connectors are often a good choice, particularly for CPUs and large MCUs.
Keystone Jacks
These are commonly used on the front, side, or rear panels. A blank plate can occupy an unused jack cutout.
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
Warning: Avoid JST SM as a hotend connector for 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.
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.
Molex Mini Fit Jr, 2 Position, Panel Mount
Molex Mini Fit Jr, 4 Position, Panel Mount
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.