A solution to my brass-tumbling-woes

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Stu1987

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I just finished a project I have been working on for a while and wanted to share it.
I work much of the day and only have time to do one load of brass. I also have a habit of forgetting to shut the tumbler off and losing the window of maximum shine. I decided a timer of sorts would help me immensely, only problem is I hate buying things I can build. I dug through the old electronics bin and pieced together a 16x2 character LCD display with a power supply and some relays. I programmed a microprocessor to make everything talk to each other. All the time values are adjustable via push buttons and are stored in non volatile memory so if you happen to notice an abnormally shiny (or dirty) batch you can check how long it tumbled for. The timer goes up to 11 hours, I didn't see the point in having it go any longer. All the electronics are powered off the 120 volt line so no batteries or cables are required. Just plug it in, enter the time, and go do something else. I left the programming interface accessible so I can update the firmware in the future. I should be able to do 3 loads a day this way. I'm well aware there are 10 dollar analog christmas light timers that would do the same thing but I had way more fun building this! Cost me about 20$ to build.

Here's a short video of it in action - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU3UaE7h1UA&feature=youtu.be

Prototyping stage
http://imgur.com/a4ovhtp

Mounting the microprocessor on the main interface board
http://imgur.com/p3LRvn8

Mounting the main interface board on the back of the LCD
http://imgur.com/hPw2hVn

The relays and power supply in the enclosure
http://imgur.com/eLWNSC0

The 120 volt wiring
http://imgur.com/eIrhG0m

Finished Product
http://imgur.com/eIrhG0m,h8Jzfd4,a4ovhtp,p3LRvn8,hPw2hVn,eLWNSC0#1



For those interested in the nerdier aspects..
Microprocessor: ATMega328 5v/16mhz
32kb flash, 2kb ram, 1kb EEPROM
Programmed via a USB to UART interface.
 
Sweet, once I get up off my lazy ... I'm got "most" of the stuff I need except a PLC, I'm going to try to build a PLC pin tumbler with some sort of an automatic drain and rinse. I have the ideas floating around in my head, just have to convince the wife to let me shell out for a PLC.
 
I'm actually a professional PLC programmer, micro controllers are just a hobby. I could suggest some VERY inexpensive PLCs with free programming software if you're interested. Usually 5-10 digital I/O.
 
I was looking at a micrologic unit, I used too work with them and RS500, but I don't have access anymore.
I have worked with RS5000, but it is out of the price range for personal use lol. What have you got in mind for cheap to free .
Just started playing with Pi and sometime in the future arduinos, but time is currently an issue.
 
Funny, I'm actually programming with 5000 as we speak... Automation Direct has some 70$ PLCs with free software, I'm pretty sure they can be programmed with a standard ethernet cable. They take 24vdc, which will require a power supply though. I have made some fun GUI and I/O projects with a Pi but Arduino is my favorite of all. You could use a 5$ pro mini for your application along with a 5$ USB programmer and have plenty of I/O leftover. I'll even write the code for you if time is an issue:D
 
We have 5000 at work, but using it other than for work is instant buh bye.
I've got 3 supplies and numerous 24 transformers, a few powerflex 4s at hand, a couple of 225 kbbm's , so most of the pricy hardware is covered.
I'm thinking this is going to be a winter project, still lots of thinking to do.
 
Sounds like a great project. You certainly have some nice hardware at your disposal. I assume you're going to build the whole thing instead of modify a pre-built one?
 
yeah, everything is going to be built from scratch all in the name of, for the fun of it.
I would love to also tackle an automated brass sorter, but that is WAY more complicated than the washer.
 
Magellann said:
I like building my own stuff too, I bet you could convert an old clothes dryer into a tumbler.....
Click to expand...

An old front loading washer would be even better, wash and rinse already built in.
Just need to line it with rubber so it isn't too loud and maybe an auto dump onto a drying conveyor.
 
Very nice build. I wish I had the knowledge of how-to for stuff like that..Sadly, my only experience dates back to Heathkit days..Heavy sigh..
dB
 
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