Since their release in 2003, I have been a fan of the beautifully designed (and manufactured) aluminium Apple PowerMac G5 cases. When searching for enclosure solutions for my CNC electronics it seemed like the ideal opportunity to to repurpose one of these cases, especially since they can be picked up complete for next to nothing (~$40 NZD).
Completely removing the contents proved surprisingly difficult and time consuming, especially as I was intending to retain the elegant side panel locking mechanism.
I mounted most of the electronic components on acrylic sheets which were then attached to the inside of the case using some of the original mounting posts.
Electronic Component list:
- Ethernet Smooth Stepper Board
- 5V regulated power supply
- 48V Regulated power supply
- Gecko G540 stepper driver
Laser cut rear panel + labelling.
Jeremy Young Design 
What are your thoughts on the SmoothStepper controller? any issues?
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Hi Felipe, I like the ESS a lot, it was easy to set up with the G540 and I haven’t had any trouble with it. I also love that I can control my CNC machine just using my Macbook connected via Ethernet.
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Hi Jeremy. What G-Code software are you using on Mac to run your CNC? I am intersted in building and being a Mac user I am battling to find something decent.
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Hi Leigh,
I actually have Windows installed on my MacBook (via Bootcamp) which allows me to use Mach 3. It runs flawlessly with the Electronic Smooth Stepper.
Cheers,
Jeremy
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Hi Jeremy. Your designs have been a great help on my machine. You’ve seemed to have gone through a lot of trial and error from which I’m certainly benefitting. I’m new to CNC and seeing your electronics setup as well really helps as well. I take it the 6 connectors on the left next the the gecko board are for the limit switches?
thanks again,
Zeke
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