Anet A8 Power supply cover w\LCD power meter

thingiverse

I've been searching for a power supply cover since the day I bought this amazing 3d printer, because I don't like the exposed contacts and the lack of a main power switch. Meanwhile, I decided to add something to monitor power consumption when printing, just for fun. At first, I bought a DC power meter but since power in DC is way beyond 10A, I had to buy a bulky DC power meter, which wouldn't fit the tiny space under the power supply anyway. I also thought about using all three pairs of DC outputs, but measuring that way isn't possible. Then, I found a cheap AC power meter from China that was perfect - the only problem was its size, which made it impossible to fit under the power supply again. The solution was to design my own power supply cover. I got inspiration from many other projects here on Thingiverse and added mine as a remix of those. Thanks for your great work guys! This is the cool 'n' cheap power meter I used - I paid about 7 dollars for it: http://www.ebay.com/itm/222200638853?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT. I also used an IEC socket with a lit button, found at a local electronic fair but you can easily find on eBay. In the next section, I'll show you how to wire them up. PLEASE NOTE: I have the first version of Anet's power supply, marked 250w. I believe the 240w has the same size so it would be okay too, but probably not for the 180w version (if it exists). A small video showing the LCD and some other mods I have (OctoPrint and relay board in action) is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwHwLKdr_Z0. Check out all my Anet A8 projects: Anet A8 Prusa i3 Simple filament guide (Horizontal) - http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1764285 Anet A8 RPi Camera Bed mount - http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1867549 Anet A8 Y Axis Cable Chain v2 - http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1915486 Anet A8 hotbed thermal insulation - http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1917197 Anet A8 Power supply cover w/LCD power meter - http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2087761 Anet A8 Z-Axis RPi Camera mount for panning timelapses - http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2265949 Anet A8 LED Illumination MOD - http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2285674 The One - Anet A8 - Universal Spool Holder - https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2456038 Anet A8 Easy Magnetic Extruder Access Mod (8x2 magnets) - https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3512382 Printer Settings: Printer: Anet A8 (Prusa i3) Rafts: No Supports: Yes Resolution: 0.2 mm Infill: 20% Notes: Even if Simplify3D creates supports under the diagonal part under the display, in my many tries I discovered that this isn't really needed. The only support needed is the one on the left side, where the cable from the Z-axis motor will go through. You need to place supports manually there, at least with Simplify3D. Look at the screenshot I uploaded to better understand. Post-Printing: Wiring Wiring this is really easy. Wires go from IEC connector to the switch, and then to the AC IN connectors on the power meter. Then, two wires go to the power supply IN connectors. Look at the pictures below to better understand. I just uploaded a hand-drawn schematics - it's not a piece of art but should clarify the simple wirings needed. LCD AC power meter Schematics. Picasso's hand-drawn schematics with wirings From IEC connector to switch, to power meter Almost done All connected Installing on the power supply I used an allen key screw I had as a spare that came with the printer - it's an M3 screw about 47mm long. Simply remove the screw near the "L" header and screw it in. The new screw you have left now can be used on the right side. How I Designed This Designed with Autodesk 123D Design