enigmaticMrC
Joined: May 27, 2012
Posts: 105
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Posted on Jun 11 2014 01:34 AM
Using a Sewing Machine to wind pickups are nothing new. But leave it up to a Chesapeake like me to create a $1 wind counter.
Chris' Needle Counter
here's the rundown:
Take a calculator and solder two leads to the equal sign. The Machine's pressure foot holds a piece of conductive material (foil). When the needle pierces it, the open connection on the calculators equal sign is closed, counting one turn of the bobbin.
Demonstration video
link to the project on the Mosriteforums
Tell me what you guys think of my NEEDLE counter! 
Last edited: Jun 11, 2014 01:41:03
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enigmaticMrC
Joined: May 27, 2012
Posts: 105
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Posted on Jun 12 2014 03:00 AM
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bjoish
Joined: Jul 06, 2010
Posts: 597
Stockholm
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Posted on Jun 12 2014 03:35 AM
Interesting 
Nice and simple!
Is the calculator fast enough to register the pulses?
I also used a sewing machine for pickup winding. I tried several solutions. Reed switches was too slow, finally I built a counter based on an Arduino and a photo interrupter board like this:
But there was some problems...
The sewing machine generated mains interference that disturbed the counter.
By using another mains outlet for the Arduino the problem was solved.
A cover over the detector was needed to keep the windows light away.
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crumble
Joined: Sep 09, 2008
Posts: 3158
Guildford England
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Posted on Jun 12 2014 04:05 AM
Congrats on your build. Sewing machine pickup winders have a lot going for them - cheap to buy, sturdy motor, robust shaft bearings and so on. I started on almost same journey as you although I bought a 99p step counter, then I thought oh what the heck lets make a nice job and bought a JDM11-6H counter direct from Hong Kong. It didn't cost a lot and the large illuminated digits are easy to see. I like your counter switching though, switching by reed sensor and magnet in my case can be difficult.
Last edited: Jun 12, 2014 04:06:28
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enigmaticMrC
Joined: May 27, 2012
Posts: 105
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Posted on Jun 12 2014 03:47 PM
bjoish wrote:
Interesting
Nice and simple!
Is the calculator fast enough to register the pulses?
I also used a sewing machine for pickup winding. I tried several solutions. Reed switches was too slow, finally I built a counter based on an Arduino and a photo interrupter board like this:
But there was some problems...
The sewing machine generated mains interference that disturbed the counter.
By using another mains outlet for the Arduino the problem was solved.
A cover over the detector was needed to keep the windows light away.
I also have an Arduino, but I am not very good at programming. Mine is still in it's box! The Sewing machine seemed to do everything I needed it to do, just had to find a way to work it to my advantage. Foil and a needle for conductors, and pieces of papper as the insulators to keep the two conccections from grounding to the "Mains" as you call them. I alwasys enjoy designs that are simplistic and functional. This is better than the reed switch, I think.
Thanks Surfy Bear.
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enigmaticMrC
Joined: May 27, 2012
Posts: 105
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Posted on Jun 12 2014 03:55 PM
crumble wrote:
Congrats on your build. Sewing machine pickup winders have a lot going for them - cheap to buy, sturdy motor, robust shaft bearings and so on. I started on almost same journey as you although I bought a 99p step counter, then I thought oh what the heck lets make a nice job and bought a JDM11-6H counter direct from Hong Kong. It didn't cost a lot and the large illuminated digits are easy to see. I like your counter switching though, switching by reed sensor and magnet in my case can be difficult.
Absolutely, you are spot on about sewing machines Crumble. I found this machine in the corner of a Flea Market last week. The Singer 401A, tt was built in 1959! BUILT LIKE A TANK! Plus, with this Noninvasive modification, I can always turn it back into a regular sewing machine by putting the Feed dog back on. I perfer this to the Reed switch I was using before, much more accurate.
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