AC-2 Auto Pickup Winder - Prototype #2

A rundown of the most recent AC-2 Auto Coil Machine prototype.
Many features are not seen in this video - a complete feature preview will be uploaded once the third (and final) prototype is finished. The current iteration is fully-functional, but an improved tensioner and bobbin holder are required before it's made available for purchase. It will also be receiving upgraded components and additional software features.
Join the email list at www.ac-2.net to receive updates.

[@user-um3ur1vg7s]

Can't wait to buy! Intelligent work!

[@pepticon]

interesting winding machine. I might be interested in getting the machine if it still within my budget range.

[@Saxoprane]

Hello, are you selling the final version of this machine ?

[@simplycm]

Any idea regarding release date?

[@joelbennett9014]

Funnily enough, I just started working on the final push yesterday. All the parts and metalwork are finished, but I went ahead and decided to make a better looking GUI and add some features, like a fancy coil calculator and a better file saving system. So that's what I'm working through now - I'll put a new video up when it's done, hopefully in a month.

[@THRobinson]

@@joelbennett9014 guess that month eta didn't happen. :D Hopefully still coming though. Love to see how it works. Do you plan to sell plans?

[@joelbennett9014]

@@THRobinson I did finish the programming, then ran into some resonance issues over a certain RPM threshold, so I ended up switching to new drivers and a higher voltage power supply...which required a new PCB board. It's all sitting here waiting for me to get to it, but I'm a little tied up lately. I don't think I'll be selling plans for it because I would probably recommend a different approach for someone trying to do something similar...cut out some of the issues I've experienced.

[@joelbennett9014]

@@THRobinson The new software is finished now, just doing some testing before I make a new chassis for it.

[@joeyramonelookalike]

This is really cool. What happened with it? Di you manage to pass the prototype phase?

[@joelbennett9014]

Hi Joey - this video is an old prototype, I have the new version sitting next to me. I'll have to get around to making a new video at some point, but I just did a Strat set with it and they came out great.

[@THRobinson]

Well, I am designing a winder myself, and this puts it to shame. I'd like to make one with auto traverse but have no idea how to program an arduino.

[@joelbennett9014]

I posted the first prototype video about 3 years ago, and I've seen a few attempts at traversing mechanisms pop up since then. They tend to be the same, which is a simple back and forth strafe completely independent of the motor speed. Something like that would be a lot easier to come up with if you were going to design your own. I think that Highline Guitars guy sells some plans for that kind. You just have to be careful to take note of whether or not your strafing mechanism is performing repeated passes in the same areas and adjust accordingly if reduced parallel capacitance is something you're aiming for.

[@joelbennett9014]

The new design won't have any loose pulleys ;) - actually, it won't have any pulleys at all.

[@tonyflies1]

Hi, what’s the software written with. Has great potential

[@joelbennett9014]

Hi Tony - the original machine used an Arduino and was programmed using the Arduino IDE, which uses a mishmash of C and C++. However, I switched to an ESP32 MCU early on so I could split the two cores and have one dedicated to GUI comms and sensor readouts and the other dedicated to motor movement (to ensure smooth operation). Rather than switch to Python, I continued using the Arduino IDE since I had all my libraries set up already. The version of the machine in the video is about two prototypes ago, the latest is much quieter and has a more attractive GUI.

[@PaulA-ig4us]

Amazing. Any idea on price and availability?

[@joelbennett9014]

It had a number of upgrades but I myself have had some setbacks with my health and other projects. It's very difficult to jump back into, but I'm ordering some new parts today and seeing if I can.

[@viscaheriawan1186]

is this project still alive? looks very promising

[@joelbennett9014]

It is, but I had a number of setbacks - health issues, a hard drive with the latest software and GUI files seems to be dead and beyond saving, changed out the PSU and drivers to try to address some resonance issues at over 600rpm, which necessitates a new custom PCB that can stepdown from a larger voltage...the PCB is redesigned and just having someone assemble it now so I can get back to work. Would save a lot of time if I could get my data on my dead drive back too. I do intend to finish it, but it's turned out to be a big one for one person without any funding, but I'll get there.

[@viscaheriawan1186]

@@joelbennett9014 glad to hear that the project is still going on. it has some really interesting features. I really like pattern mode feature and focus feature. waiting forward to see futher development, hope you can finish the project soon. I'd be really interested in getting one.

[@capaya8139]

any updates?

[@joelbennett9014]

Hello - everything is essentially finished but due to resonance issues with higher RPMs, I'm replacing some parts. Shouldn't be long now.

[@capaya8139]

@@joelbennett9014 awesome, signed up for the newslist

[@capaya8139]

@@joelbennett9014 Hey Joe, just checkin up on the project

[@joelbennett9014]

@@capaya8139 Hi again - sorry about all the delays...had a persistent stomach infection followed by covid. There are some motor resonance issues so I've upgraded the drivers and power supply, just waiting for someone to get back to me about fabricating the new PCB to handle higher voltage. Software is pretty much completely done, so once those issues are worked out, I'll run tests and make a new video.

[@capaya8139]

@@joelbennett9014dont sweat it, i feel you, had a terrrible booster shot reaction compounded with covid as well; bed ridden for days with fevers up to 105. I was just checking along to see how things were going, best of luck to you!

[@vreevroow]

How's this coming along?

[@joelbennett9014]

Hi - this video is so old, the machine has gone through two other prototype designs, complete gui overhaul, etc. The latest version is being made in China right now, should be able to assemble in a few weeks whenever it arrives.

[@joelbennett9014]

Here's a couple pictures of the latest version: imgur.com/a/BBSydI5 I decided to do a rail mount system for the main components, better drivers / PSU, ball-screw drive (which reduces the clacking from the constant back and forth, much quieter now), larger 7" capacitive touch screen with a much prettier GUI, simplified thread guiding system (any tensioning you want has to be done with a secondary device that sits apart from the machine)....the list goes on, but the core ideas for the movement modes are the same.

[@vreevroow]

@@joelbennett9014 ​ @Joel Bennett Oh! The imgur link currently does not work, but still, this is all so lovely to hear! Thank you for sharing. I've no idea if you're planning on selling these or if you already are, but I'm excited!

[@joelbennett9014]

@@vreevroow I'm not 100% certain yet, the price tag would likely be over $2000 USD if I were to sell them because I'd not be doing massive production runs or anything. This thing has a lot of components. I'll get this latest (and hopefully final) version done and then see how I'm feeling - there's a certain amount of support I'd have to offer after the fact as well, and I'm still just one person, so it's a bit of responsibility I'd be taking on by selling them.

[@vreevroow]

@@joelbennett9014 Yeah, I fully empathise with the difficulties of production and running a business, I wish you luck. Very cool project you've got here.

[@danilocorrea8046]

price lol

[@joelbennett9014]

that won't be clear until the final prototype is made and all the import costs are calculated, but it won't be as expensive as you may be thinking. the cost is going to be kept reasonable. you can receive notifications about the final design update and pricing by putting your email address on the mailing list @ ac-2.net

[@artdelay9433]

any updates regarding release date?

[@joelbennett9014]

Still waiting to hear back from someone regarding PCB design adjustments. May have to find someone else..