Feeder Control V1

Building on the incredible work of Stephen Hawes and the open-source ethos of the LumenPnP pick-and-place feeder, this project aims to create a new feeder control board that extends the usability of the already excellent design. Stephen’s openness to community innovation has been a big inspiration, encouraging the development of this board to make the LumenPnP feeder even more versatile while adapting it for other machines.

Image from opulo my pcb will replace the control board and opulo are fully ok with this due to the open source nature.

About the Feeder and the First Prototype

This initial version of the control board focuses on supporting an 8mm tape feeder for SMT components, combining reliable mechanics with a robust electrical design. The feeder’s foundation is built on two N20 motors, one equipped with an encoder for precision, ensuring accurate tape advancement. The design also incorporates multiple PCBs for mechanical features, including one for the sprocket wheel to drive the tape.

In keeping with the open-source spirit, the feeder design uses 3D-printed components, keeping it accessible for makers. The board supports communication bus capabilities and direct control inputs, making it compatible with both LumenPnP and other pick-and-place systems.

Why It Matters

A Community-Driven Project:

Inspired by Stephen Hawes’ leadership in open-source hardware, this project invites collaboration and innovation, enabling more people to access and improve pick-and-place technology.

Modularity and Versatility:

This control board is designed to pair seamlessly with LumenPnP feeders while offering the flexibility to work with other machines, making it ideal for DIY and professional users alike.

Highlighting PCB Quality:

The success of the feeder relies on high-quality PCBs for control and mechanical functions. PCBWay is recognized for providing reliable, high-quality boards, and I’ll be using their services for future iterations of this project. Sponsorship from PCBWay would be an incredible opportunity to support this open-source initiative and showcase the importance of premium PCB manufacturing in innovation.

Progress and Future Plans

This project is still in its early stages, and the first version of the control board is currently under development. While the prototype is in progress, comprehensive documentation and tutorials will be created to ensure the design is easy to replicate and adapt. However, as is often the case with hardware projects, excellent documentation is best provided once a working prototype is finalized.

Future versions of this control board are already being planned, and I’m committed to refining and expanding its functionality based on feedback from the community. This is just the beginning of a project that will grow alongside the contributions and creativity of others.

This is the board design.

Join the Journey

This project is more than just a technical endeavor; it’s about fostering collaboration, creativity, and accessibility in the maker community. With its modular design, open-source commitment, and focus on quality, it has the potential to make a significant impact on PCB assembly workflows.

Stay tuned for up, this project is an invitation to join a thriving community of innovators. Let’s make it happen together!