Step 1: Prepare the cable carrier

Remove all of the snap-in tabs from the x-axis cable carrier. Note that the x-axis and y-axis cable carriers are the same length, but the x-axis cable carrier is narrower than the y-axis one.

Step 2: Orient the cable carrier

There is only one orientation that the x-axis cable carrier mounts to the gantry and tracks, and it is determined by the orientation of the end pieces. Lay the cable carrier onto the track’s horizontal cable carrier supports to ensure you have it correctly oriented. Do not attach it at this time.

Step 3: Lay everything into the cable carrier

Disconnect the power supply cable from the power supply.

Lay the x-axis water tube and the power supply cable into the open x-axis cable carrier. The gray connector of the power supply cable should extend beyond the gantry-mounted cable carrier end by about 50cm so that it can plug into the Farmduino. The water tube should be extended the same distance.

Organization is important!

When laying the cable and tube in the carrier, ensure that they do not criss-cross over each other. If they do, you will have trouble snapping in the tabs and you risk compressing the tube and preventing water flow.

Step 4: Snap in some tabs

Snap in three cable carrier tabs at both ends of the cable carrier, and a few more spread throughout the middle of the cable carrier so the cable and tube stay in place. You do not want to snap in all of the tabs at this time because that will make it difficult to make adjustments if needed.

Step 5: Mount the cable carrier to the gantry

Attach the x-axis cable carrier to the 30mm horizontal cable carrier mount using two M3 x 16mm flat head screws and M3 locknuts.

Step 6: Mount the cable carrier to the tracks

Attach the other end of the x-axis cable carrier to the 30mm horizontal cable carrier support nearest the middle of the tracks using two M3 x 16mm flat head screws and M3 locknuts.

Does your mounting slot look different?

Some kits shipped in August of 2022 included horizontal cable carrier supports that are 10mm wider than shown in the images above and feature a different slot. If your kit is like this, there should be one more cable carrier support in a small plastic bag (shown below) that has a narrower width and a slot compatible with your cable carrier.

Replace the cable carrier support nearest the middle of the tracks with the narrower cable carrier support from the plastic bag and then mount the cable carrier as described above.

Step 7: Snap in the remaining tabs

Once everything is situated well, snap-in the remaining cable carrier tabs, ensuring that you maintain organization of the cable and tube.

Not easy to adjust

Once you snap-in the remaining tabs, it will become difficult to adjust the cable and tube without removing many of the tabs first. Make sure everything is in place before you make a bunch of extra work for yourself.

What’s next?