Made a number of improvements to the Mechanical Counter by brlaw. This improved version works much more reliably, especially when using if you're using it in a public setting where many people unfamiliar with the counter will be pressing the actuator. The old version had lots of issues with the actuator and pawl, especially if the actuator sees any sideways force when pressing the actuator down.
- Made the pawl captive to the actuator so it can no longer fall out downwards or slide out to the left.
- Added a snap-in clip to the right frame for the actuator. Now the actuator won't accidentally sway to the left when it is pushed. The sway would cause the actuator pawl arm to jam on the first number wheel rather than incrementing it.
- Moved the windows so they are easily viewed. It's not natural to look directly down on the mechanical counter, and it's also difficult for newbies to read when below the window the number wheels are in plain sight. Need ot hide the adjacent areas of the number wheel so it's clear where to read the number. So I moved the number windows forward by 36 degrees (1/10th of the wheel). This necessitated the next change:
- Added a 2nd pin to the lost motion drive wheels so that number wheels will cycle when using either the top window or improved forward window. Improved the lost motion drive wheels by making them with the pins built in, so you don't have to glue anything. This does necessitate printing them with supports, but with a good printer like a Bambu Lab whose slicer does a wonderful job with slicing easily removed supports.
OPTIONAL WINDOW POSITION: I have included the original windows in this remix in case you want to use the improvements to the pawl/actuator/right frame/lost motion gears with the original window position. That is why the lost motion gears have 2 pins, so you can assemble it for either window.
IMPORTANT:
- When assembling the number wheels and lost motion gear wheel, align the lost motion gear wheel's slot with the number 2 to use the original top-facing number display, but align the wheel slot with the number 1 to use the new forward-facing number display. The 2 pins will not interfere with the wheels in either position. If you do not align the correct pin, the counter will not count properly. Proper counting is dependent on where the viewing window is located.
- Make sure the numbers are aligned to the number window when installing. If you are not paying attention, it is possible to install the 10's and 100's place value wheels halfway between numbers.
- Slid the pawl into the actuator arm before snapping the actuator arm into the right frame clip.
- The right frame clip can make it more difficult to install the 0.2mm diameter piano wire on which the actuator slides. Use a interchangeable bit screwdriver over the end of the wire to hammer it in place if needed.
- Just like the original, you'll need 3 pieces of 0.2mm diameter piano wire.
PRINTING:
- Print the new number windows with support, with openings printed on the bed surface. Supports will just be generated for the 4 tabs.
- Print the updated actuator with support in the area where the pawl attaches, but not in any other area.
- Print the new 2-pin lost motion gear wheels with pins facing up, and with support enabled to support the rim.
- Of course the improved right side frame needs to be printed with support under the indexing arm. It won't work if you have "support on bed only" enabled. Do not print supports for the music wire holes. This is just unnecessary.
ASSEMBLY: Refer to the original for pictures showing the order of assembly. Note that 0.2 diameter music wire is hardened steel, and you will need bolt cutters to cut it.
Category: Gadgetsモデルソース
