Design enhancements

[j3qq4hch]

Greetings! I really like your idea and the implementation in a form if mostly PCBs.
I hope your crowdsupply campaign will be succesfull.
However I see at least several improvements to this project that may be very useful for high scale manufacturability, BOM cost and components lead time reduction. As well as for higher device reliability. Please let me know if you are interested. If not - just delete this issue.
Best regards.

[NPoole]

I think we're locked in for the campaign hardware, but I'm happy to hear any feedback you have for future revisions or "Pro" model offerings.

[j3qq4hch]

Well, I will just leave a small list of enhancements here

• Switch to a cheaper and more available MCU like something from STM32G0 series
• Get rid of the 3d printed part and replace it with either another PCB or laser cut plastic part.
• The way everything holds together using soldered pins is a bit untidy... It is always better if no circuitry is exposed. Also, its good to have a device that can actually be disassembled with a screwdriver
• It seems like something has to be done with the indicator. I think its readability can be improved a bit.
• I am not sure but it seems that mechanical buttons may be replaced with sensor ones. It may reduce the BOM cost a little bit and also ease the overall construction.

[NPoole]

Thanks for your time! I'm going to leave this issue open for the time being while I collect feedback and compile it.

[je2442]

I would add a few things to the list:

• It would be really nice if it could be enhanced to handle slightly taller and possibly wider components (1206 and SOD-123, for a couple of examples).
• I find that the count is sometimes off by 2 or 4...not sure why. That's not a huge issue for me, but I wonder if that could be improved. Maybe it depends on where the tape is cut exactly in relation to the holes.
• I also think the LED display readability should be improved a bit. Some of our office lighting makes it unreadable.
• Future enhancement to work with additional tape widths would be great.
• I might try to retrofit mine with a rechargeable battery. That would be a good option for future consideration.

It is pretty nice for a budget-friendly counter, though!

[Geo-7777]

For our application we would need a 4th digit our counts are usually close to 3000 to 4000 pcs otherwise your unit works really well for our needs, hope you consider this in your next revision

[HipMusicman]

Hello! I've been working on a variation of the case the electronics will go into to accommodate all tape sizes as the counting is strictly done via the holes. This involves a sprung adjustment to the tape section. Maybe this would be a good addition for a future revision. Also, I'm planning to make the case assembled with screws and made from aluminum.