Mechanical Tally Counter 5.0

READ BEFORE PRINTING!

This is a non-commercial print, this means you are not allowed to sell files or prints of this model.

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This is my fifth attempt on creating a mechanical tally counter.

It's adjusted so anyone with a reasonably dialed in 3D-printer will be able to print it. There are some non-printable parts but they should be easy to find at home, in any hardware store or as in my case, the grocery store.

I said earlier that I wouldn't continue developing this project... I was wrong. I found far too many ways to improve on the v.4 design to ignore it. Version 5 is based on the v.4 mechanism, but a lot more compact and easier to assemble, as seen in the pictures.

The key added in this project is also works for version 4! ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Videos and assembly instructions:

A PDF assembly-instruction can be found among the download files. The key works both as a tool to screw together/apart the case, as well as a crank to reset the dial to any number.

Assembly instructions and demo (Animation):

How to use the counter:

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Troubleshooting:

Heres a list of problems and some possible solutions. If your problem isn't in the list please let me know what the problem is so I (depending on the problem) can add it.

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Problem: My buttons stick when I press them down.

Solution 1: Clean your prints from any brims etc. No movable parts should have any significant friction.

Solution 2: The pen springs you used might be too weak.

Solution 3: Loosen the screw on the back of the back case, you might have over tightened it.

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Problem: My buttons are loose.

Solution 1: The pen springs you used are too short, they should be over 23 mm long in order to be slightly pre-tensioned.

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Problem: The Dials move but doesnt align with the window on the front case.

Solution 1: Make sure you followed the dial assembly step correctly.

Solution 2: Clean your prints from any brims etc loosen the screw, and make sure all parts are pushed together correctly.

Solution 3: The pin spring is too weak, try swapping it with another spring or a longer spring piece.

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Problem: The first digit dial turns when I press down the button, but turns back again when I release the button.

Solution: The rubber band is way too strong. The ratchet arms doesn't fold on their way back, which means the pin slips. Change to a rubber band which is barely in tension when assembled.