3D-printed Badminton Stringing Machine Head

This project is an improved version of the PicoBETH open-source badminton stringing machine head. It primarily replaces components requiring complex mechanical machining with 3D-printed parts, significantly simplifying the production process. Before starting this 3D-printed version, please carefully review the original project's documentation (available on GitHub) to understand the relevant details and precautions.

Functions

1. LB/KG display and setting
2. Pre-Stretch function
3. Constant-Pull system
4. Knot function
5. Tension adjustment manually during tensioning
6. Tension calibration
7. Stringing timer
8. Tension timer
9. Tension counter and boot counter
10. Detailed recording of tensioning logs
11. Pull speed with 9-speed selection

Features

1. 0.05LB High Precision
2. Achieved with the Sparkfun HX711 at 94Hz and software version V2.2 and later.
3. DEMO Video
4. Low Power Consumption
5. Uses a DC19V4A power supply.
6. Simple structure, low cost, and easy maintenance
7. All components are easy to source and inexpensive

3D-Printed Parts Download

PicoBETH HW 3D Printed Version

3D Viewing Model (Non-Printable)

PicoBETH HW 3D Viewing Model

Main Components

1. Part-1 Main Body

2. Part-2 Rear Limit Mount

3. Part-3 Load Cell Bracket

4. Part-4 PCB and TB6600 Mount

5. Part-5 Power and Switch Cover

6. Part-6 LCD and Button Mount

7. Part-7 Rear Cover

8. SGX 1610 200mm Sliding Table

9. PCB Mainboard, Raspberry Pico, SparkFun HX711, Buzzer

10. PCB Button Board

11. 2004 i2c LCD

12. TB6600 Stepper Motor Driver

13. NJ5 20kg Load Cell (YZC-133)

14. WISE 2086 Clip Head

15. Activation Switch Mount

16. Ø4 20cm Wire Wrap

17. Power Switch 12cm

18. DC Jack Cable 15cm

19. Mainboard Power Cable 20cm

20. TB6600 Power Cable 28cm

21. XH2.54mm 4P Stepper Motor Signal Cable 15cm

22. XH2.54mm 2P Front Limit Switch Cable 20cm

23. XH2.54mm 2P Rear Limit Switch Cable 20cm

24. XH2.54mm 4P LED Signal Cable (Same Direction) 25cm

25. XH2.54mm 2P Cancel Button Cable (Same Direction) 25cm

26. XH2.54mm 6P Five-Way Button Cable (Same Direction) 25cm

27. XH2.54mm 4P LCD Signal Cable 40cm

28. XH2.54mm 2P Clip Activation Switch Cable 50cm

Screw List

A. Gray Spring Wire Connectors X 3

B. M3 × 10mm Self-Tapping Screws X 8

C. M3 × 6mm Self-Tapping Screws X 5

D. M2.6 × 10mm Self-Tapping Screws X 4

E. M3 × 6mm Round-Head Screws X 2

F. M4 × 16mm Hex Screws X 4

G. M4 × 20mm Hex Screws X 4

H. M4 × 30mm Hex Screws X 2

I. M4 × 8mm Hex Screws X 2

J. M4 Spring Washers X 10

K. M4 Flat Washers X 10

L. M5 × 70mm Hex Screws + Washers X 2

Assembly Steps

Follow the YouTube Tutorial Video for detailed assembly instructions.

Main Body (PART-1)

The main body must withstand significant deformation forces. Recommended print settings:

1. Wall Thickness: At least 5mm
2. Infill: At least 30%

Load Cell Bracket (PART-3)

This part serves as the mounting bracket for the Load Cell and the sliding table. Recommended print settings:

1. Infill: 100%

1. Attach the bottom of the main body to the sliding table using M4 x 30mm screws + spring washers + flat washers x2 (keep them slightly loose for adjustment).
2. Attach the sides of the main body to the sliding table using M4 x 20mm screws + spring washers + flat washers x4 (keep them slightly loose for adjustment).
3. Align the main body with the sliding table.
4. Tighten the bottom M4 x 30mm screws x2 to a torque of 1.5 Nm.
5. Tighten the side M4 x 20mm screws x4 to a torque of 1.5 Nm.

Caution: Ensure washers are installed, and tighten screws to the recommended torque to prevent damage to the 3D-printed parts.

1. Secure the TB6600 to the mount using M3 x 10mm self-tapping screws x4.
2. Secure the PCB using M3 x 10mm self-tapping screws x2 and M3 x 6mm self-tapping screws x2.
3. Connect the TB6600 power cables, control signal cables, and motor signal cables.
4. Secure the TB6600 mount to the frame using M3 x 10mm self-tapping screws x2.

1. Install the power switch and DC jack onto the Power Cover (Part-5).
2. Insert the mainboard power cable into the mainboard.
3. Use gray spring wire connectors to connect the DC jack positive wire to one side of the power switch.
4. Connect the remaining three positive wires into another gray connector.
5. Use another gray connector for all negative wires.

1. Thread the XH2.54mm 4P LCD Signal Cable through the conduits and insert it into the mainboard. Mark the GND pin on both ends.
2. Thread and connect the Five-Way Button (XH2.54mm 6P), LED Signal Cable (XH2.54mm 4P), and Cancel Button (XH2.54mm 2P) to the mainboard.

1. Drill a 6mm hole 5mm above the Load Cell and attach it to the clip head.
2. Attach the Load Cell to the Part-3 Load Cell Bracket using M5 x 70mm hex screws + flat washers (leave a 5mm gap for adjustment, do not fully tighten yet).
3. Secure the activation switch mount to the clip head using M3 x 6mm round-head screws.
4. Attach the XH2.54mm 2P Clip Activation Switch using M3 x 6mm self-tapping screws.
5. After organizing the cables, tighten the M5 x 70mm hex screws to a torque of 2.0 Nm.
6. Secure the M4 x 16mm screws + spring washers + flat washers x4 to a torque of 1.5 Nm.
7. Connect the XH2.54mm 2P Clip Activation Switch to the mainboard.
8. Use Ø4 wire wrap to organize the cables for the Load Cell and Clip Activation Switch.

Caution: Ensure washers are installed, and tighten screws to the recommended torque to prevent damage to the 3D-printed parts.

1. Secure the Rear Limit Switch (XH2.54mm 2P) to the Rear Limit Mount (Part-2) using M2.6 x 10mm self-tapping screws x2.
2. Attach the Rear Limit Mount (Part-2) to the Main Body (Part-1) and secure it with M3 x 6mm self-tapping screws.
3. Secure the Front Limit Switch (XH2.54mm 2P) to the Main Body (Part-1) using M2.6 x 10mm self-tapping screws x2.
4. Connect the front and rear limit switch cables to the mainboard.

1. Attach the Power and Switch Cover (Part-5) to the Main Body (Part-1) using M3 x 6mm self-tapping screws x2.
2. Organize the power cables.

1. Position the LCD and Button Mount (Part-6) on the Main Body (Part-1) (do not secure yet).
2. Connect the XH2.54mm 4P LCD Signal Cable to the 2004 i2c LCD (ensure the GND pin is marked), and secure it using M3 x 6mm self-tapping screws x4.
3. Connect the Five-Way Button (XH2.54mm 6P), LED Signal Cable (XH2.54mm 4P), and Cancel Button (XH2.54mm 2P) to the PCB Button Board.
4. Secure the PCB Button Board to the LCD and Button Mount (Part-6) using M3 x 6mm self-tapping screws x4.
5. Secure the LCD and Button Mount (Part-6) to the Main Body (Part-1) using M4 x 8mm hex screws.

1. Before installation, design a custom adapter base to fit your stringing machine platform. Refer to EP.9 Positioning and Fixing.
2. It is recommended to use M8 screws with flat washers and tighten them to a torque of 3.0 Nm.

1. Enter HW Testing Mode by holding the middle button during startup.
2. Follow the prompts to complete all hardware tests.

1. Refer to EP.10 Final Settings (Tension Calibration) to complete the tension calibration process.
2. Test the accuracy of the tension at 20LB and 30LB settings.
3. After calibration, save the parameters by selecting "S" in the menu.

Load Cell Signal Wires

Due to design constraints, the Load Cell's installation direction is reversed compared to HW1 and HW2. Swap the green and white signal wires on the connector to ensure the correct force detection direction. Incorrect wiring may result in reversed tension readings.

Load Cell Installation Direction

Pay attention to the installation direction of the Load Cell. The NJ5 YZC-133 shown in the video has a different orientation compared to most other YZC-133 models. If using other brands, the Load Cell may need to be rotated 180 degrees. For more details, refer to EP.5 Supplement - Slope Adjustment and YZC-133 Load Cell.

Project Completed! Ready to Use

Congratulations on completing the 3D-Printed version of the PicoBETH badminton stringing machine! You now have a powerful and cost-effective DIY stringing machine.

Happy stringing! 🎉