This is a quick summary of my solution for mounting an access point and neatly routing the cables in my shop that I call “CubicleLabs.” I designed this a short while ago and decided to upload the CAD and share the information.
CubicleLabs is where I build and do things related to my tech enthusiast hobby as well as change my oil or rotate my tires on my vehicle. I needed to better mount the access point in the shop area. I determined that the best solution was to design and 3D print a hanger that cleanly clips on the beam and guide the cables away from any danger of being snagged.
Design
The first step, as I saw it, was to design the hanger, using a FreeCAD derivative Ondsel. Using my calipers and a ruler, I was able to take the measurements of the mounting holes on the backside of the AP.
The design of this was to easily fit the base of the hanger and slot it into the back of the AP. That part of the design was a bit more troublesome than I expected as the thickness of the button portion of the hanger wasn’t right initially. The neck between the button and the base also needs to be the right length to ensure a proper, firm fit.
The hanger mounts to the metal I-Beam using the power of an interference fit which is convenient if I want to move the AP at any point in time.
The next and equally important task was to create some hangers that would clip onto the two different sizes of piping in the building to hang the wires. Using zip ties was certainly an option but this was only the first of at least 3 APs I was going to add to the building and having the ability to hold multiple cables was important.
The trick here was designing the clip to be able to be flexible enough, strong enough and also have the right compression force on the conduit to not just spin and move too freely. The area that the cable is cradled has an inward tilted lip to help with preventing the cable from inadvertently falling out as I was moving to run the ethernet cable from the source to the destination.
Since the ladder that I use did require me to reach just a bit over my head, a bit more than what was comfortable, it was very important to be able to easily clip the hanger onto the conduit or pipe with little resistance but also firm enough to not fall off. Thankfully, after a few trials, this ended up being perfect.
Printing
Printing was straight forward, I didn’t use supports but ended up using the brim for the build plate adhesion on the pipe clip cable guide. The final prints are holding up great. Using ABS was the right choice for having the necessary flexibility and durability for this task.
I printed this on my Ender3 that I built an enclosure that uses OctoPrint to manage the printer. I have made several modification to this printer, the latest being the removable, flexible spring steel build plate. Something I highly recommend.
There was a bit of trial and error on whole design as well as getting good prints with ABS but the final result was good enough to share. I will be making more of those cable guides and at least one more hanger for the western portion of my building for another access point.
CAD Documents
If this is something of value to you, the CAD can be downloaded at Thingiverse.com, Printables.com and Cults3D.com. I print these off with ABS because I wanted to use plastic that was more flexible. I am certain that other plastics would be fine.
Thingiverse.com
Aruba IAP-105 Access Point Hanger on Thingiverse.com
Pipe Clip Cable Guide on Thingiverse.com
Printables.com
https://www.printables.com/model/1054853-aruba-iap-105-access-point-hanger
https://www.printables.com/model/1054852-pipe-clip-cable-guide
Cults3d.com
https://cults3d.com/en/users/CubicleNate/3d-models
What I Like
Creating cable guides that neatly run across the open spaces of the shop area makes for a much neater appearance and also allows me to easily add two additional APs using the same hangers where it makes sense. Whenever I take the time to do this, it too will have a generally pleasing aesthetic to it.
Being able to cleanly mount the Access Point in the near-center of the room has been fantastic for connectivity. I previously had the AP to one side of the building hung up with some wire which looked awful. The 3D printed components make the room look far better.
What I Don’t Like
I’m not sure if orange was the best color to use but when I did the first one, I just decided to go with it. Maybe the orange goes well with the rust color around it? Either way. This makes me want to do something to rehab the building.
Final Thoughts
This is yet another reason why being able to use CAD and operate a 3D printer is incredibly useful. There are solutions that are waiting to be implemented with the use of these tools. I also believe that a good 3D printer is key in having good results. I am not sure how good my printer is but it does its job.
This does make me think that I really need a better and bigger printer because there are other, larger, jobs that need to be completed.
References
https://www.thingiverse.com/cubiclenate/designs
https://www.printables.com/@CubicleNate_400476
https://cults3d.com/en/users/CubicleNate/3d-models
Ender3 Ikea Lack Table Printer Enclosure
FreeCAD Project
Ondsel CAD Application
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