Turn Your FX-120i into a Prometheus

[IPSCNUT]

Needs to adapt his system to an Omega trickler instead of the "Rub Goldberg" RCBS wheeled device. It then would have great value to many people!!!!!! WAITING

 

[Sheldon N]

I've got an Omega tricker but I think his system may actually be better since it's got way more speeds than just "fast" or "slow".

 

[fastarget]

Nicely done, and reasonable. Would like to hear from people who purchased from his first production run, and some references. Will email him.

 

[Phil]

I`m in line to be a guinea pig..........

 

[Dos XX]

Needs to adapt his system to an Omega trickler instead of the "Rub Goldberg" RCBS wheeled device. It then would have great value to many people!!!!!! WAITING

I disagree. He will get more control, and variable speed using the stepper motor than if he used the 2-speed Omega.

 

[adamjmac]

Hi - this is Adam, I made this.

The website with details and where it can be ordered is here: http://autotrickler.weebly.com/

I'm excited for all the interest and I hope I can keep up with production!

To those wondering about building your own... you actually need TWO arduino's, which I discovered was the solution to the serial port interrupts interfering with the delicate timing for proper stepper motor control. But I can't give away all the secrets now can I

I've been getting a lot of questions about converting an Omega trickler. The stepper provides great speed control, but is there some other advantage with the Omega that I can incorporate into my design? Perhaps a larger hopper? Would appreciate any feedback you can give because I don't have an Omega.

Regarding having it work with other scales, it is possible but I don't have an array of expensive scales so it will take some time. I could use some help with this. Specifically Sartorius and Ohaus.

 

[fastarget]

Hi Adam, sent you email, neat solution to speed up rifle reloading.

How do you handle any potential mechanical or electronic issues?

 

[wolfman]

I took delivery of my trickler a couple of days days ago. I look forward to using it over this shooting season. I'm happy to report results.

 

[Dos XX]

Hi - this is Adam, I made this.

The website with details and where it can be ordered is here: http://autotrickler.weebly.com/

I'm excited for all the interest and I hope I can keep up with production!

To those wondering about building your own... you actually need TWO arduino's, which I discovered was the solution to the serial port interrupts interfering with the delicate timing for proper stepper motor control. But I can't give away all the secrets now can I

I've been getting a lot of questions about converting an Omega trickler. The stepper provides great speed control, but is there some other advantage with the Omega that I can incorporate into my design? Perhaps a larger hopper? Would appreciate any feedback you can give because I don't have an Omega.

Regarding having it work with other scales, it is possible but I don't have an array of expensive scales so it will take some time. I could use some help with this. Specifically Sartorius and Ohaus.

Adam,

I don't think the Omega has an advantage to your set up.

Does the calibration mode work on the FX120i while your system is plugged in? The print button is used in the cal function.

 

[nmjwolf]

I use an omega for my automated control and use pwm pulses to control the speed. The disadvantage to the omega & pwm in my opinion is as the hopper empties the rate of powder flow changes. So I tend to keep the hopper about the same level...which you wouldn't have to worry about with Adams design.

 

[adamjmac]

Adam,

I don't think the Omega has an advantage to your set up.

Does the calibration mode work on the FX120i while your system is plugged in? The print button is used in the cal function.

Good question. I haven't calibrated since I took it out the box. It's not the print button itself that starts dispensing, its the print button causing the scale to send a reading over the serial port. I would assume that when you are using the print button to do things in the menus, the scale will not actually 'print', so the dispenser won't know. I should test to make sure, if I can find my calibration weight...

 

[Dos XX]

Good question. I haven't calibrated since I took it out the box. It's not the print button itself that starts dispensing, its the print button causing the scale to send a reading over the serial port. I would assume that when you are using the print button to do things in the menus, the scale will not actually 'print', so the dispenser won't know. I should test to make sure, if I can find my calibration weight...

If not, I guess we could unplug your system, calibrate, and plug it back in and run?

 

[BP1]

Tagging

 

[Phil]

The calibration question is a good one, kinda the whole purpose to having a scale......

 

[Dos XX]

The calibration question is a good one, kinda the whole purpose to having a scale......

I don't think the cal is a big deal. I think Adam is correct that the buttons will work within the menus. However, unplugging the system to calibrate and plugging back in to run would not be a deal breaker for me.

 

[zipollini]

Take a look at this

https://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_42/447542_Poor_Man_s_Prometheus_for_drfroglegs.html

 

[allenn]

the omega has 2 batteries. when it runs on both batteries it runs fast. when it runs on one it runs slow. controlling the voltage is what makes it run fast or slow. if you can program your arduino to supply more or less voltage to the omega depending on the weight you got it made.

 

[zipollini]

I'm also wondering if we couldn't just use the control unit and trickler from a Chargemaster 1500 and somehow connect a high end scale to it and just use that. Would sell a ton. I realize that there have always been issues with over throws with the Chargemaster but I am wondering if doing the McDonald's straw mod. as well as using a high end scale would do the trick.

 

[Twoboxer]

I'm also wondering if we couldn't just use the control unit and trickler from a Chargemaster 1500 and somehow connect a high end scale to it and just use that. Would sell a ton. I realize that there have always been issues with over throws with the Chargemaster but I am wondering if doing the McDonald's straw mod. as well as using a high end scale would do the trick.

The CM's dispenser can't wait long enough for it's own scale to settle. Can't tell you how many times I've had my CM say the load was high, only to find out my A&D says it is actually low. A mag force scale could solve that, as well as all the other strain gauge issues.

Overthrows are always going to be a "problem", because the dispenser will always drop something as long as the scale reads below target, and sometimes that something will be too heavy. (Adam's unit has the same "issue".)

Someone would have to reverse engineer the CM's communication protocol. But with the RCBS Dispenser selling at $190 (Amazon) and Adam's solution at $199 and taking less space while effectively offering choice of tricklers (with mods), I don't think there's a need . . . except from those of us who already own a CM.

 

[J-rod]

I've got one of these on order and absolutely can not wait to get it! Charging has been the greatest "non-fun" thing in my process, I despise it. I told Adam that (like so many others) I have been wanting to do this for many years but didn't have the skill set or free time with my family to teach myself. This niche is a gold mine that nobody has tried to fill until now. Kudos to Adam.
I'm sure the software could be altered to wait a little longer when it is .02-.04gn low to be sure it doesn't overcharge. Either way I am just fine at +/-.02gn at these speeds as that's where I normally end up after hours of charging and I lose "interest" lol. I'll just set it .02gn low if I have to.
I was going to use the omega but after seeing his run, the rotary trickler is the best way, much more control and consistency. My omega also varies with hopper level and battery power...I fight it constantly. It would also be slower.
Thanks Adam!!