[Cayenne]

Is there any reason one couldn't put all the electronic components in one metal cabinet?

Mobo
HDD
Power supply /pc
Bob
Drivers
Power supply /controller

Thanks, Carl

[Al_The_Man]

None, if done properly.
Al.

[UA_Iron]

I was looking at using this guy right here for a PC included in my electronics box (coupled with a USB smoothstepper):
Black ECS LIVA 2GB DDR3L RAM installed 32GB eMMC Storage - Newegg.com
+
Mean Well USA - RS-25-5 - RS Series Switching Panel Mount Enclosed 88-264V In 5V@5A AC-DC Power Supply - Allied Electronics
(or the medical grade variant)

I would never have a monitor/keyboard/mouse hooked up to it - I would just remote into the computer and control everything from a remote laptop or computer.

Pros:
Super low power consumption -
Use a single 5V power supply and distribute it to your smoothstepper, BOB and AIO PC linked above. This gets rid of the 12V power supplies needed for most PC components. 24V/5V power supplies are very typical as well.
Linux distributions would probably work (linuxCNC)


Cons:
It would force you to use windows 8 - which has *some* compatibility issues. Not a game changer though
Possible interference of signals if you don't adhere to some rules in your electronics box design

[Mogal]

I just finished building this and its working great!

[Iron-Man]

Is there any reason one couldn't put all the electronic components in one metal cabinet?

Mobo
HDD
Power supply /pc
Bob
Drivers
Power supply /controller

Thanks, Carl

I have been working on a design based on the iBOB2 and Gizmosphere 1. I hope in a few weeks to have video uploaded of a converted Denford Novaturn lathe with Yaskawa SGDA 01AS Servos. The Dimensions of the GQ1 are Width 6.79", Height 6.61" and Depth 10.29". It has 6 axis of +- 10V analog servo control and all IO are available on 2 DB50 and 1 DB 25 connector. The RJ45 is for a pendant interface. It could also be made for step and direction. I prefer true closed loop control. I plan on selling the iBOB2 for anyone who wishes to make a ultra small CNC controller or place the complete controller within a small case or enclosure. The small circuit board in the back left is the iBOB2.

Hope this helps,

Iron-Man