Anet A8 Power supply cover w\LCD power meter

I was looking for a power supply cover since the day I bought this wonderful 3d printer, because I don't like the exposed contacts and the lack of a main power switch. In the meantime I decided to add something to monitor power consumption when printing, because... well mainly for fun :D

At first I bought a DC power meter but since power in DC is well beyond 10A I had to buy a bulky DC power meter, and it won't never fit the tiny space under the power supply. Also, I was thinking about using all the three pairs of DC outputs so measuring that way is not possible.

I then found a cheap AC power meter from china that was perfect.. the only problem was that due to size it will not fit again under the power supply. The only solution was to design my own power supply cover. I took inspiration (for an artist it meanscopying) from many other projects here on Thingiverse and I 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 O\I lighted button, found at a local electronic fair but you can find on ebay easily. In the next section I'll try to show you how to wire them up.

PLEASE NOTE: I have the first version of the Anet's power supply, marked 250w. I believe the 240w has the same size so it would be ok too, but probably not on the 180w version (if it exists).

A small video showing the LCD and some other mods I have (OctoPrint and relay board in action) 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

Print 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 from it two wires go to the power supply IN connectors. Look 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 come 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

Support me

If you want, you can support my projects by buying me a coffee :)

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/papinist

Category: 3D Printer Accessories