Michal
/
3d-printed-nas
mirror of https://github.com/sb-ocr/3d-printed-nas.git
1
0
Fork 0
Code Issues Packages Projects Releases Wiki Activity
3d-printed-nas/ASSEMBLY.md

4.2 KiB
Raw Blame History

Assembly Overview

This document provides a high-level assembly reference for the 3D Printed NAS. For detailed step-by-step instructions with photos, see the Instructables guide or the build video.

Before You Start

  • All parts printed (see PRINT_SETTINGS.md for quantities and settings)
  • All components sourced (see BOM.csv)
  • Heat-set inserts installed in all structural parts (72× M3 inserts)
  • Soldering iron, hex drivers (M3, M6), and wire tools on hand

Assembly Order

1. Install Heat-Set Inserts

Insert all 72× M3 heat-set inserts into the structural parts using a soldering iron with a heat-set tip. Parts requiring inserts:

  • Base
  • Side plate L / Side plate R
  • Brace
  • Back fan housing
  • Zima support

2. Assemble the Frame

  1. Attach Side plate L and Side plate R to the Base using M3×10-12mm countersunk screws
  2. Install the Brace between the side plates
  3. Mount the Back fan housing to the rear
  4. Install the Front grill
  5. Install the Zima support bracket
  6. Install the PCIe card support

Use M6 threaded rods with M6 hex nuts and M6 nylon washers for the drive bay rail system.

3. Mount Electronics

  1. Mount the ZimaBoard 832 onto the Zima support bracket
  2. Connect the PCIe SATA expansion card via the 90° riser cable
  3. Secure the power adapter PCB in its designated location

4. Wire Power

Important: Double-check all connections before powering on. The power adapter PCB handles dual 5V/12V rails at significant current.

Power adapter PCB connectors:

Connector Pins Function
PSU_IN 3-pin terminal block Power supply input (5V, 12V, GND)
ZIMA_PWR 6-pin header Power to ZimaBoard
ZIMA_IO 14-pin header ZimaBoard IO connection
POWER_SW 4-pin header Momentary power button
DRIVES_PWR1 4-pin Molex Drive power rail 1 (drives 1–3)
DRIVES_PWR2 4-pin Molex Drive power rail 2 (drives 4–6)
X1–X4 3-pin Molex Fan headers (12V)

Wiring sequence:

  1. Connect the PSU output to the PCB's PSU_IN terminal block
  2. Connect ZIMA_PWR and ZIMA_IO to the ZimaBoard using the ribbon/header cables
  3. Connect the power button to POWER_SW
  4. Connect DRIVES_PWR1 and DRIVES_PWR2 to SATA power splitters → drive extender cables
  5. Connect fans to X1–X4 headers

5. Install Drives

  1. Slide each drive into a Caddy
  2. Snap on the Cover
  3. Insert assembled caddies into the Slots separated by Separators
  4. Connect SATA data cables from drives to the PCIe SATA card
  5. Connect SATA power via the extender cables

6. Install Covers

Attach in this order:

  1. Back IO panel
  2. Back plate
  3. Side cover
  4. Top cover
  5. Face plate (front)

7. Power On and Configure

  1. Connect power cable to the Power Socket Inlet Module
  2. Press the power button
  3. Access the ZimaBoard via network to configure your NAS OS (CasaOS, TrueNAS, OpenMediaVault, etc.)

Safety Notes

  • The power adapter PCB switches up to 40A across dual rails using P-Channel MOSFETs. Verify all connections before first power-on.
  • Use a multimeter to confirm correct voltage on the 5V and 12V rails before connecting the ZimaBoard.
  • Ensure adequate ventilation — the 4-fan setup is designed for continuous operation.
  • PTC resettable fuses on the PCB provide overcurrent protection, but they are not a substitute for correct wiring.

Troubleshooting

Issue Check
No power PSU_IN terminal connections, power button header, PSU switch
Drives not detected SATA data cables seated, PCIe card in slot, riser cable connection
Overheating Fan headers connected (X1–X4), fan direction (intake front, exhaust rear)
Drive caddy too tight/loose Print tolerance — try ±0.1mm horizontal expansion in slicer instead of scaling

Need More Detail?

The full photo-illustrated build guide is on Instructables. The build video walks through the entire process.