Open Trickler: The DIY Smart Powder Trickler

[itchyTF]

Just curious, has anyone tried Eric's project? I already had a Dandy so I'm using that and I made a tilt base for it (not quite done with it). The angle makes a big difference, also the position of the hopper on the rod makes a big difference.

 

[kineteks]

I'm working on one and will try to get it to work with my Sartorius Entris scale. Adafruit board is populated and the motor wired to it. I'll be setting up the Rasberry Pi next and then figuring out the 25 pin RS232 to USB pinout. If I get it working I'll post an update.

 

[cyclepath37]

Just curious, has anyone tried Eric's project? I already had a Dandy so I'm using that and I made a tilt base for it (not quite done with it). The angle makes a big difference, also the position of the hopper on the rod makes a big difference.


View attachment 1157773

How is your dandy working with this system? I have been having some issues with it clumping in the tube and not keeping the kernels in a single file line. I have tried many combinations of the pulse rates in the code. I’m currently considering removing the OEM dandy tube and installing one that is a few inches longer. Also looking at installing a small baffle or inserting the tube farther into the funnel so that the opening into the tube is reduced, or maybe drilling a hole in the tube for the intake.

 

[itchyTF]

My trickler app expired a while ago so I haven’t been playing with it recently. Eric just fixed it.

My experimentation was just with H4350 but I did have times when it clumped and times when there were long gaps where no powder was flowing. I was spending a fair amount of time experimenting with pulse width and frequency. I don’t recall where I left it. One issue I was having was when it needed to drop one kernel at a time when the kernels were not in single file.
I haven’t considered modifying the Dandy yet. As I originally mentioned - the height of the hopper on the rod, location of the weight on the feed rod, tilt of the Dandy and the pulse structure all have a noticeable impact on the result. In short, I’m not done yet. Too many other projects getting in the way.

 

[bozo699]

Just curious, has anyone tried Eric's project? I already had a Dandy so I'm using that and I made a tilt base for it (not quite done with it). The angle makes a big difference, also the position of the hopper on the rod makes a big difference.


View attachment 1157773

Itchy,
That’s very nice I’m gonna build me one of those!....
Wayne

 

[cyclepath37]

My trickler app expired a while ago so I haven’t been playing with it recently. Eric just fixed it.

My experimentation was just with H4350 but I did have times when it clumped and times when there were long gaps where no powder was flowing. I was spending a fair amount of time experimenting with pulse width and frequency. I don’t recall where I left it. One issue I was having was when it needed to drop one kernel at a time when the kernels were not in single file.
I haven’t considered modifying the Dandy yet. As I originally mentioned - the height of the hopper on the rod, location of the weight on the feed rod, tilt of the Dandy and the pulse structure all have a noticeable impact on the result. In short, I’m not done yet. Too many other projects getting in the way.

Im also using 4350 & sometimes varget. Mine is acting the same with irregular flow, clumping and sometimes no flow. I feel good about my parameters when it has a consistent kernel flow.

 

[Ammolytics]

Hey everyone! I created a Discord to make it easier for folks who are building an Open Trickler to chat with and support each other.

https://discord.gg/Bx3ynT

This invite link expires in 1 day to keep out spammers, but feel free to email me directly and I'd be happy to invite you!

 

[TQB]

Hi,

I am buying the components to build an Open Trickler and I have one question. The resistor should be 220 Ohm and with which power rating: 0.25W; 0.5W; 1W; 2W or 3W?

Thank You,
Tiago Cunha

 

[itchyTF]

1/4 W

 

[TQB]

1/4 W

Thank You!

 

[TQB]

I need some help.

The trickler can connect to the scale and can get a stable reading. I input the target weight on the APP but the vibration motor does not move.

I tested the motor and its works, just not when it's connected to the proto bonnet.

Is anything wrong with my wiring?

Thanks you,
Tiago

 

[itchyTF]

It’s hard to say if there’s anything wrong with the wiring when we can’t see what it is. The picture doesn’t really help. Can you draw a schematic with part info?

 

[memilanuk]

FWIW... I believe Eric (@Ammolytics ) has a Discord server to help support some of his projects. Might be a better (or more responsive) venue for build support?

 

[itchyTF]

Are you using the right output pin? I’m using pin 12 (GPIO 18). Can’t remember if I had to change it in the code. Obviously, pin used has to match pin in the code.

 

[grovey]

TAG

 

[Ammolytics]

FYI: I added a link to the Discord server at the bottom of the blog website

 

[jxb]

Is anyone making these as a kit at least pie-vibrator portion (I can get the tube and do that part easy enough) or another simple not costly trickler that will directly interface with the A&D FX-120i ?
My intention is to simply throw close to charge and trickle up the last bit so this would work really well.

 

[itchyTF]

I’m using one but it’s already in a “sort of” kit form.

 

[jxb]

I’m using one but it’s already in a “sort of” kit form.

Can you share what you mean by sort of kit form and if it's available where I can get it? Would be super nice to get the Pi already wired to the vibrator and verified working. I can do the tube work and bluetooth connectivity is simple enough. Er a, and connectivity to the scale tested too of course. lol

it's unfortunate the OP didn't offer kits, but I get it. We're all busy and just trying to do what's needed to make our workflow better.

 

[Papa Charlie]

I would love to have a kit available that I could connect to my vibrating trickler. I am not electronics savvy enough. I tried to program one of those Arduino's for a small project I was playing with and never could get it to work.