7 Segment Counter v2.0 Tutorial, 3D Printed, STL Files Link

[@Flower-3D]

New Version v3.0 video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gn7am36wp7adfsk

[@dmytro.d]

A potential feature idea is to have carryover output/input so you could chain them.

[@cbs1710]

I was just about to suggest the same. Excellent design thus far!

[@mungewell]

Maybe the plunger could be split, so that it only activated the rachets if 'activated' from the side (ie lower digit carry).

[@squatchhammer7215]

Make it like the Burroughs mathematical machine kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJaQaqiKi7KEotEsi=IJKJGkil5CPoZzBd

[@Internetzspacezshipz]

The mechanical losses are already pretty big... Having to also actuate another one might end up being either REALLY stiff to press, or even break something... But idk! It would be cool to see regardless.

[@dmytro.d]

@@Internetzspacezshipz the lever could actuate all 7-segment assemblies simultaneously and the carry over mechanism could act like a clutch. the force will indeed be greater when going over several orders of magnitude.

[@JamsterJules]

That has to be the best project ive seen for a long time - bravo. Tempted to make a clock using steppers with it

[@Kihidokid]

Why use steppers when you can use a single motor and gears.

[@skmgeek]

​@@Kihidokidstepper motors can be controlled precisely so they always spin at an exact speed, the only control you have over the speed of normal DC motors is the voltage that you put into them (and even then, any amount of load will make them go out of time)

[@soundspark]

​@@skmgeek You could use a DC motor on a cam and a limit switch, with an Arduino counting the time.

[@Kihidokid]

@@skmgeek just use a 4rpm motor, input 120v and a small transformer. If you use 4 stepper motors you have to write code. For a clock. You have to use a complicated piece of machinery that has a clock in it to build a clock.

[@Kihidokid]

@@soundspark why do you people want to use Arduino in everything. Stop it. You're building a clock using a clock.

[@imogen1]

Finally a handheld way to count to ten

[@happycolours8551]

I've been waiting so long

[@rangerCG]

One handed though, so it improves upon the technology of the hand

[@NthDegree256]

I printed this for my numbers-obsessed kid, and he loves it - he was very excited to help me put it together! And thanks for adding the printed screws, saved me a trip to the hardware store.

[@davidrowley-ic6dx]

Can be argued as being a bit big and clunky, but this is rather driven by the limitations of the 3D printing and associated materials. The design, however, is absolutely exquisite in its elegance and I truly love it. Masterful !!!!

[@rangerCG]

One thing that's cool about this is that it could be built in any time period in history, if the correct shapes were known, and yet it feels so electronic and digitally driven. Most of our technology requires usage of a long list of previously created tech

[@Flower-3D]

Love this comment

[@cal6995]

Compliant springs in place of the bands and a way to link multiple together would be fantastic upgrades. Great project, thanks for sharing! :)

[@critical_always]

What a beautiful design! Assembly so satisfying that I am going to print this, assemble it and then take it apart and give the parts as a present. Your video serves as the assembly guide.

[@marcor6403]

You are an amazing person for giving this model out for free. I wish you 20 million subscribers and all the wealth in the world. Have a nice day!

[@tommyunreal]

Wow! I love this, thank you for making the files available for all of us. I immediately thought of using it to make a counter for our sports match, which is currently made out of paper and no one wants to go there and turn the number after a goal. With this tactile feedback, I wouldn't be afraid of it. xD So I basically need to connect two double counters together!

[@bdot02]

This is a super impressive project considering that the only non-3d printed things needed are rubber bands and a couple screws. You could probably even design it to be held together without screws. Super impressive. Well done.

[@mmrow1634]

Detents printed into the body components, especially within the stand-off structure, to hold it together. Printed springs for the push-action return and for each individual segment, a lot more fiddly and might require expanding the body. Yeah, all of it could be printed in some way for sure.

[@xandermckay9806]

Or 3D print the screws

[@almosh3271]

I design, build and fly radio control airplanes as a hobby. As a designer, I appricate how much work you've put in your project. Job well done and 2 thumbs up !!

[@sceptrdisle1766]

Thank you for sharing this and making the files available. Very well designed and explained. Great for helping my grandchildren to count!

[@berni_schmorg]

I love this design a lot! A lot of these highly complex models are insanely difficult to assemble but this is poka yoke heaven! Product design mastermind.

[@Flower-3D]

Thank you very much!

[@mariostar13]

@@Flower-3D 5:38 - For your next update, you could print each stack as one part so you don't have to bother with gluing them together.

[@alex_thecarguy]

This is one of the most impressive things I've ever seen printed. The level of thought and math behind it is nuts. People don't realize, you can use CAD to do a lot of heavy lifting, but not for the creativity side of actually conceiving how to go about this and knowing what cams to use. Amazing work. A lot of people overuse the word "engineering" when talking about prints and inventions. This is NOT one of those instances.

[@Flower-3D]

Thank you! I agree, CAD is a great tool to get ideas into drawing form. As for the creativity side of things, this project has been an absolute blast. The best part of projects like this is the continuing improvements and progress. Much more to come!

[@AmusementLabs]

Given how simplistic the mechanism is, this could very well be shrunken into a very slick mechanical watch. Would LOVE something like this on my wrist.

[@critical_always]

Wow yes that would be impressive. We have come full circle. Iove it how 3d printers put design in the hands of so many.

[@tymofiidanylevskyi9822]

I think the design of this product is very beautiful, this is how products should be made. Pragmatic and reparable

[@meisievannancy]

Mechanical engineering making a comeback of note.

[@Flower-3D]

I agree! Despite being an electrical engineer, my true passion is in mechanical engineering.

[@meisievannancy]

Great gift you have. Electrical engineering is a fantastic combination to widen what you can do in mechanical engineering. Particularly in your case. Be blessed.

[@Nifty-Stuff]

WOW! Why did the KZbin Gods take so long to show me your channel!?!? I'm printing this and subscribing. Keep these free designs and great videos coming!!!

[@orange_district]

Pretty impressive! Purely mechanical projects are so satisfying.

[@LincolnWorld]

I rarely subscribe to a channel. When I consider it, I usually watch a few videos by the person first. Not this time. Instant subscribe. Before I even finished watching the video. This is so cool! I mostly print things I designed myself, but I'm planning to print this. Been wanting to keep track of how many containers of water I drink each day. This will be perfect!

[@Flower-3D]

Thank you for the kind words. Like you, I too mainly only print things I make/design myself.

[@NigelTolley]

This is absolutely brilliant. The design must have taken ages!

[@VIDEOEPPO]

i am happy I landed on the good side on KZbin. Subscribed. What you have given me is ...food for thought. I may or may not attempt this...but there are many things I learnt from this video. Thanks a bunch!

[@lifelies]

Thank you a lot. This is going to be my 1st project of 3D print as this is so greatly designed and step-by-step guide.😊

[@AckzaTV]

thanks for making this free and not trying to nickle and dime people who are just trying to have fun building stuff for free not havibng to worry and have anxiety. i really do apreciate youf or not being irrationally greedy

[@computerjantje]

AMAZING!!! Fantastic. I LOVE the mechanics and the fact that one can print this at home. Thank you so much for this.

[@gpearl77]

Count down and / or connecting multiple segments would take this over the top. Amazing work keep it up. +1 for subscriber count!

[@Dormikon01]

Fascinating! You have a very pleasant and calm voice, clear instructions and the project seems "doable", it really tickles me to power up my 3d printer right away! ☺ Thanx very much, you got a new subscriber!!!

[@Flower-3D]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@bobbleczar]

Im printing 2 of the 2 segment versions for a competition im holding. THANK YOU!

[@cees9314]

Pretty amazing! You areca master Sir... well done! Awesome design and very clear video. I love how it is all 3D printed. Downloading as we speak

[@adoradornocturno]

The mechanism is incredibly, I definitely printing this model, you are a genius

[@zk_6312]

I am not sure why anyone would want something like this, but it is very interesting.

[@nataliapisaruk]

Table tennis score 😊

[@tim71291]

This is a very cool project! Thanks for sharing - I admire the dedication to making something like this and taking the time to explain the operation.

[@Flower-3D]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Highspeedfutzi]

I really love this thing, great design! I might have an area of improvement: The „locking spring“ (inner part of the spring) doesn’t have enough force to lock number one into place (after some use). I guess it needs the most force out of all the numbers when counting form zero to one. It worked fine at first but after some use it won’t count from zero to one. I‘m probably going to squeeze some foam behind that spring to increase the force. For a design improvement: Maybe „support“ the spring by making the cam flat or even a little bit concave at the number one position. Of course stiffening the spring somehow would work too. It could also be that I‘m missing something.

[@markusallport1276]

F' ING BRILLIANT !! How satisfying is that! Thank you, this is a fun project. Mine is half printed so far.

[@llpBR]

That mechanism is amazing. What a great job!

[@michaelcampbell1471]

Really awesome concept, video, and delivery. I’m going to love printing this. Subscribed!

[@nicocalimero]

Awesome job. It is a just mechanical mesmerising mechanism to look at. I ❤ it. As a mechanical engineer who like to play with his 3D printer, I clearly now what my next print will be.

[@KlaasDeSmedt]

Poka Yoke: If you offset the key in the shaft out of the center, each with a different amount, you'll prevent wrong assembly of the cam wheels - 6:28

[@raspberrypiploy771]

What a lovely design have downloaded so will be printing this. Also what a brilliant idea to use emery boards. How on earth do you begin designing something like this ? The total build the completed modelled this absolutely brilliant video wow. No shouting no going off at a tangent just clear precise instruction A good example for other you tubers Thanks

[@MovieMationStudios]

Thanks for making this really cool design free. You are a real one for that.

[@SOHCHEAD]

I can definitely tell you’re a This Old Tony fan, awesome project!

[@Flower-3D]

Thank you! I actually just had to search for that channel. I had not heard of him!

[@BRUXXUS]

This is one of the coolest things I’ve seen! What a cool and accessible project for 3D printing.

[@devtasingh]

Such a nice video. Impressive design and a very good and full detailed explanation. Thank you!

[@PastThePoint]

You've earned yourself a new sub JUST based on this video! Can't wait to see what else you've done and will do!!

[@glennfelpel9785]

Totally outstanding content. And this is a very impressive design. Thank you for all the effort you put into this video. It was well done.

[@Flower-3D]

Thank you very much!

[@fik_of_borg]

Very nice project indeed! I suggest moving the actuator to the right side (maybe with a detachable extension rod to the top to keep the existing functionality), and add a recessed "carry lever" on the right side so it can operate a digit at it's right and be stack-able. Of course the amount of digits would be limited by the force needed to turn from 9999... to 0000...

[@pferguson2212]

Fantastic build and looks like a works an absolute treat! Have to say I am getting some serious This Old Tony vibes from your content production :D

[@Flower-3D]

Thank you! I had to search for This old Tony. I had not heard of that channel.

[@m3rdpwr]

Ain't gonna lie, this is pretty cool. Subscribed.

[@RCake]

What a beautiful Design 🤩

[@mdaqudamazimee5386]

wow dude taht's superb! wishing u luck to a profound youtube channel

[@louayk1870]

Awesome project. For the inner parts not to be seen, you can use a constant white background as a zero, and hide the relevant segments when counting, using the same case's color.

[@liamlaw0156]

I was having an issue where the push action plate was sliding out of the spring barrel holes. I made the pins the same length as the pin holding onto the rubber band and it doesn't slip anymore. And I would love to see somebody make this into a working clock!

[@Internetzspacezshipz]

This print is so great! I actually ended up using some hairbands I had laying around instead of rubber bands, but mileage may vary with those hahah. Thank you for putting together the video as well, otherwise I am sure it would have been fairly confusing to put together. I did have to sand some of the cams down, but that's probably just a tolerance issue on my side honestly. Thanks so much for posting this one! It's awesome!

[@Flower-3D]

Thank you for the comment and feedback! The tolerance issue is something I'm working to reduce with the ongoing design. I had not even considered hairbands! Glad to hear those worked.

[@JulianMakes]

This is SO great. Beautiful design. How about adding another timing gear that can protrude sideways and power a carry in the neighbouring unit. So we can have 2 or 3 chained for larger numbers. Just brilliant bravo!

[@KatTheFoxtaur]

Neat! I wonder if the white segments could be made to attach to another part, the same color as the seg plate, so that when the white part gets pulled out of the way, it pulls the blue part into its place, so that you don't see the seg plate at all, especially the slots. It might not be as straightforward as it sounds, since the edges of two white segments are already close to each other as it is when they are both "on", but maybe something that could be accomplished!

[@jacklewis100]

This is absolutely beautiful - design/theory and execution. Awesome. A mod to allow for servo control (to make a clock) would be great.

[@davecrabbe4579]

Very impressive.. I also just watched the V3 design. Great work for sharing this. My only concern would be the rubber bands.. do you find they wear out? Maybe I buy cheap rubber bands. Would be nice to integrate some of the wiring into a single PCB.. I’ve recently used KiCad to create some PCBs and was easier than I thought. I was using ESP32 so had Bluetooth & WiFi which would be nice if you could integrate with a phone app for setting.

[@Robothut]

Amazing design and great build video. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@charliebrady3751]

Would you be able to publish a STEP file as well as the STL files?

[@WilliamLeue]

That's a remarkable piece of engineering!

[@JohnBrandt1]

I had a problem where the cams wouldn't rotate after the springs and drums were installed. My printer ended up connecting the inner portion of the springs and they needed to be broken free. If you're using an ender 3, check to make sure the inner end of the springs are free or they will lock the drums and keep anything from moving. Thank you for sharing this amazing design! So many hours clearly when into this.

[@PlaneAwesome]

Fantastic! This was a great video with great detail and explanation. I've been working on my own design for a smaller 7 segment, but I'm not sure I'll get close to the same thickness with your slim profile and clever cam design.

[@Flower-3D]

Thank you and good luck! I like the slim design of this one but I'm also considering making a version where the cam stack can be printed as one piece which would add a bit of depth to the body. The slim design can be sensitive to sloppy tolerances.

[@esqueletomvrix4235]

The most wonderful thing i've seen... Thank u

[@Eduardo-Brasil]

Fantastic Project , I'm thinking about printing it but first modifying it so that instead of the manual button it's possible to put a stepper motor by controled with AVR Microprocessor, I could then replicate 4 displays and turn it into a beautiful wall clock !!!

[@MaskedMarble]

Suggestion: Add individual PLA springs behind each segment so you don't have to rely on rubber bands which become brittle. Same with the push button. Second suggestion....add a mechanism that when it cycles to 0, will trigger the cycling of an adjacent 10's place valuem. Third suggestion: due to my experience using a similar mechanical 3D printed counter in a real world situation where lots of people were pushing the button, make the push button arm way thicker and more robust. Some people will literally slam that button down. In my model, the push button button broke because of this, and I am glad I had 3D printed a backup counter for the event.

[@randyscorner9434]

Nice design! Clever cam and gear arrangement. I'll test this at my grandson's hockey games and we'll see how it hold up.

[@cold_station7646]

Beautiful project, congratulations, I'd love to have a 3D Printer to try it, really good stuff, it is wonderful what it is possible to do nowadays with one of those machines, thanks for sharing!

[@Flower-3D]

Thank you! 3D design and printing has been a total blast!

[@MrCoolAttitude]

Bless you for making this available.

[@MrGunzedreng]

This deserves a 👏 and a subscription... This is absolutely top notch and great audio quality which I appreciate. Thx

[@Flower-3D]

Thank you!

[@TheJeepster51]

I was thinking how it could be actuated electronically. Wheels turning. Awesome job!

[@Xanthopteryx]

Amazing! Now a suggestion: Leaf springs or similar instead of rubber bands, and plastic screws or some nice snap together (with reverse open possibility). So it is 100 percent 3D printed. =)

[@gregclare]

When I saw his 3D printed springs, I had the same thought. Especially considering that today’s thin rubber bands tend to go off reasonably quickly. More so, making the design 100% 3D printed (including snap together instead of screws), would be truely next level!

[@mtslyh]

Nice project. You have a new subscriber. I'm looking forward to future projects.

[@rackbites]

Incredible engineering. Thank you for sharing.

[@Ernzt8]

This explains so much about how this works. Great video, thanks!

[@jewijk]

Very nice design with a great end result!

[@rmatveev]

What a great job!!! The only thing I'd change is replace the 4 dome type screws with flat heads to make the whole stack back flat.

[@lach808]

Definitely adding to my to do list. Awesome stuff. Thanks for sharing! Subbed.

[@Flower-3D]

Thank you!

[@doofy440]

Slick design, easy sub, look forward to everything you create

[@illusionmanager]

wow, just appreciate all the work that went into it behind the scene. Only thing I would change is to remove the visible slot, although this might make the device slightly wider

[@Spartacusse]

That is an amazing project, congratulations. I hope in the future the rubber bands get replaced by compliant mechanism, rubber bands, at least those simple yellow ones used to hold money, which are the only ones I can find in my country, get ruined after a few months, specially after a hot summer, they melt and glue to the object resulting in a mess. Also the screws, 3d printing allows for so much freedom in shapes otherwise impossible to make by any other manufacturing processes, so many interesting latching options, screws almost feel like a step backwards.

[@Flower-3D]

I don't disagree! Phasing out the rubber bands and wood screws are high on the list of future improvements.

[@johnvodopija]

A fantastic project and expertly presented. I will be making one of these for sure to track boxing rounds. The big button will be easy to press with gloves on. Many thanks. Subbed! Cheers 👍🇦🇺😎 🥊

[@iFlyByWireless]

I like the design, really cool. 3D prints often require a level of fettling to get things working, but after two build attempts with different filament, I'll wait for V3. The mechanism would bind up and fail after a couple of cycles. There is nothing retaining the seg plate in place, maybe a retaining ring between the seg plate and the mid plate? The cam locating pegs on the Segment plate need to be longer so the cams stay in place, I had to ream the cam pin recesses and the gear barrels to fit the locating pegs. The gears need to be thicker to stop them jumping. I understand their purpose from your reply to @ouroborusseven 2 weeks ago, but when this happens the strain of the gears appears too great and they jump, causing the cams out of synchronization, this in conjunction with he push action pegs jumping out of the spring barrel slots causes the mechanism to fail completely. The push action pegs fitting into the spring barrels need to be longer to stop them jumping out, maybe a t-slot mechanism? The push action is too flimsy. I can't see how to do that without increasing the mechanism thickness... Rubber bans, Yeah Nah... I don't mean to be critical, but every design can me improved. That's what testers are for...

[@urmok6iv]

I also had a really frustrating experience building this. Wasted a lot of time, but it turned up to be an unreliable design.

[@Flower-3D]

Thank you for the feedback! I completely agree that every design can be improved, including this one. Most of what you commented is currently being addressed/improved in the upcoming v3. One of the biggest challenges I'm facing based on feedback is creating a final design that is compatible with the inconsistencies between various printers. I really want this to be a "plug and play" experience for everyone. I'm slowly moving away from rubber bands. V3 currently calls for the push-action to engage (2) 4mm x 50mm springs. The segments still require a rubber band but the seg-plate now has additional pegs to better support and distribute the rubber band's force on the segments. Segments and followers will be one printed piece requiring no supports (no more glue!). Many elements have had their depths increased for better engagement with acting components (to eliminate the jumping over effect). Thank you for testing this design.

[@JoshSteiner14]

This is awesome! If you’re open to recommendations, I’d say an asymmetrical key on the cam shafts would help to make it so the other cam pieces could only go on the shaft the correct way. In this case they can be flipped upside down

[@Flower-3D]

I'm absolutely open to recommendations. Your idea makes total sense. I'm still working on the final aspects of v3 but I think I'll work something into the cam design to eliminate upside down installations. Thank you!

[@KrazeeKraftZ]

I'm thinking I could use these in my escape room as a puzzle, would need to add some kind of electronic sensor to make it activate something when the correct numbers are set. I'll think more on that and see what I can come up with

[@Flower-3D]

That's an interesting application. Sounds like it'd be a fun escape room!

[@josephcatano4705]

On the double I think you could make the bigger digit auto. In my head I am imagining a smaller ratchet with 10 teeth, as you click 10 times it adds the tension to push the next button, on the 10th it is released.

[@sethjones5250]

I'd like a variation that only displays 1 and 0 and another that only counts from 1-5. These would be essential to build a clock with this.

[@Flower-3D]

Agreed. I currently have a 0-5 version that I need to update to the later version. As for a 0-1 variant, new cams could be designed that basically just alternate between 0 and 1 for 10 cycles.

[@system247]

Awesome work! I need this project evolved into a powered clock!

[@kevinj9059]

I've found that using dry lube on any moving parts on PLA works wonders.

[@Flower-3D]

Such a great comment. I've been experimenting with various lubes lately. It has really improved the functionality and success of some of the critical parts. At first I was convinced that if it needed lube, it was a bad design. Not any more, lube has become a necessary component and is a topic I plan to cover in the next video. Thanks!

[@luuksta1027]

Super Nice design! And clear explanation. As a remark I would like to mention that having it fully printable would be a big plus (with compliant springs). Rubber bands do not last that long and need to be sourced. Any ways great project!

[@Flower-3D]

Thank you and I like the suggestion of fully printable. I need to explore deeper into printed spring designs that allow for longer stroke distances without experiencing plasticity.

[@mungewell]

Very nice solution. Do you have alternate cams/ratchets for 0..5 and 1..12, for assembling into a clock display?

[@Flower-3D]

I have 0..5 cams for the version 1 model (I need to modify them to be compatible with the version 2 shown in this video). I also have 0..12. Check out the 7 seg clock video I posted on 5/24/23. I plan to post a version 2 clock soon.

[@mungewell]

@@Flower-3D I saw your servo based clock after commenting. As others are asking for 'carry flag' perhaps this could be a standardized location and re-used to activate the 10-digit (ie for 10, 11 & 12).

[@torstonvodesil6709]

I would love to see a loud clicky version of your clock with this new design, I just love the sound

[@andrewhofmann5453]

Perhaps a low strength pen spring to provide some tension on the center bar?

[@Flower-3D]

Not a bad idea. I'm currently thinking of adding a profile to the upper (D1) cam to push the D segment back in the opposite direction.

[@james.a]

Excellent design! I want to print the numbers in glow in the dark filament. My only gripe is the push button looks flimsy. If I print one for my kid they will snap it almost immediately.

[@Flower-3D]

Thank you! I'd be very excited to see glow in the dark filament used! I agree, the push-action is on the thin side at 1.6mm. The next version will include a thickness of at least 3mm. Stay tuned!

[@KarasCyborg]

That's pretty cool, could use something like that when I am loading my dump trailer so I don't overload it with buckets from the tractor.

[@krige]

3:54 how are these sanded sticks called?

[@krige]

Emery board!

[@chiparooo]

Excellent! Subscribed! Thanks for sharing!

[@EvilSpyBoy]

This is pretty slick. Though on something I designed that had rubber band then spring approaches someone redesigned it to use magnets (reversed poles) to work as springs which was a good idea in the compact space + for a longer lifespan.

[@Flower-3D]

Thanks! I would prefer to get away from rubber bands on future designs. Magnets do sound appealing. I'm going to consider them.

[@gregclare]

Awesome work! My first thought goes to how you could make this display electrically driven (which would probably also need a zero position feedback). You could then use multiple segments for making a clock, or a multi-segment counter etc. That would be even more awesome!

[@Flower-3D]

Agreed! I'm finalizing a clock version of this digit based on version 1 seen here... kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4nRi5ecmbWDd6s&ab_channel=Flower-3D

[@gregclare]

@@Flower-3D Awesome! Your video just randomly popped up on my YT home page. I must take the time to explore your channel more!