Nema 17 / GX12 Socket End Caps

4 endcaps for Nema 17 sized stepper motors, allowing the use of GX12 (12mm diameter) locking circular multi pin connectors. More robust than the usual 6 pin JST connector or straight wires coming from the coils, both of which are prone to fatigue & breakages 

Two are sized to cover a motor that has a JST connector, the others just the coil pair wires. Each type has a variation for top or side orientation of the GX12 connector. 

To install:

Remove the screws that hold the metal rear motor bearing on.

In the case of motors with just wires, leave enough slack in them to allow you to pass them through the GX12 locking nut & the cap, then solder the wires to the connector.

In the case of motors with JST connectors, ensure you have enough wire coming from the JST to allow you to put the cap on once you have the other end soldered to the GX12. 

Push the GX12  in to the cap, put the nut on the back and spin the connector to draw the nut up.

Put the cap on the back of the motor, and secure with M3 cap-head screws of sufficient length. The motor in the pics had 26mm screws originally; the ones securing the end cap and motor bearing now are 30mm so I'd suggest at least 4mm longer than the ones taken out. 

Don't put too long a screws in though, as you will lose some (or all) of the threads available at the front of the motor for mounting.

Printing Tips:

Print in PETG, with one of the angled faces with the mounting holes down on the print bed - this way you can print without any support structure.

Update 14/03/2022:

Added a new cap, with an offset top exit for motors with JST connectors. I put this together for use with my OAT focuser to allow the connector to clear the rear support of the mount - but it might be handy in other situations.

https://www.prusaprinters.org/prints/150513-openastrotracker-focuser