Build a shutter tester for Focal Plane shutters - Cheap, Easy & it Works

[Niglyn]

Hi!
I can't open the new file, it's giving me an invalid PDF error. All the others are fine.

Edit: it is working now, thank you for fixing it!

Sorry, yep file was corrupted on upload.
Have replaced the file & also added a firmware beta folder.

In there is the latest 4-0-09b firmware.
alignment screen also now allows touch to scroll down the menu as well as pressing the encoder.

 

[Dmitry K]

Sorry, yep file was corrupted on upload.
Have replaced the file & also added a firmware beta folder.

In there is the latest 4-0-09b firmware.
alignment screen also now allows touch to scroll down the menu as well as pressing the encoder.

Hi!
I have installed the beta version, it is working fine. My blue button is not working on the alignment screen (it does switch the info on the main screen), but touch does.

 

[Dmitry K]

And I think I found an error in SD-card wiring. At least on my display-pcb pins go like this: CDI SDO SDI SCS. So the wiring will be: blue, yellow, green, white. I repinned my connector (switched green and yellow) and SD card is working now.

 

[Niglyn]

Hi,
Thanks for the feedback.
New beta firmware on Github (still the same file name).
Encoder & touch works in the Alignment screen, for progressing the menu selection.

For parameter changing, one still has to turn the blue button/encoder.
Touch parameter functionality will be added shortly.


Will look at the SD card wiring.

 

[bto]

Hello would need possibility to PM to get Code?

thx

 

[simplex]

Finally ... it took AliExpress weeks to deliver that tiny encoder. Now it's time to build ...

And now I know why that orange cable has been in my basement for years after a different project. No need for colour replacements!

If you look closely, the space between display and encoder is very limited, in fact zero. This is because AliExpress delivered a case that is 2 mm shorter than your prototype. The encoder board touches the screw holding the display, but it just works out.

 

[simplex]

Just soldered a piece of my orange cable to a shortened cable from the kit. A bit of shrink wrap over it: done.

 

[simplex]

More colour emulations: no grey and no purple cable in the kit? Simple:

A red cable from the kit combined with tiny bits of blue shrink wrap? Purple!
A black cable from the kit combined with tiny bits of blue shrink wrap? Grey!

 

[simplex]

Top section finished.

 

[Niglyn]

Top section finished.

View attachment 400735

Hi, it's looking good.

The pcb for the encoder does overhang the tft a bit. There is only just enough space in the box to fit everything in. Some people have used smaller buttons.

Originally I used single Dupont wires, but found they did not fit tightly.
So I changed to pre-made JST-HX connectors, however they required the pins removing to swap colours around, which was quite fiddly.

Final solution was the kit of separate wires and connectors, so the colours could be plugged up in the correct order.
Only issue here is the kit does not contain all of the colours or the 8-pin connector. Details are on the parts list for purchasing the additional colours.

A bespoke pcb would be good, to replace the breakout board. It would fit directly onto the back of the tft board, so all of the tft & SD car connections would be automatically made without additional wiring (see my weather-station project) however this starts adding additional cost & complexity with ordering the pcb.

Look forward to seeing the completed project.

 

[simplex]

Hi, it's looking good.
...
Look forward to seeing the completed project.

Thank you! Regarding a housing for the lasers and receivers, I've decided not to fiddle around with prototyping using Lego or simple wood. A few weeks ago, a 5 minute walk from my home a 3d Print Shop has opened. I'm not sure about it from a business model point of view in a small town of 20,000 inhabitants. But I'll give them a try on my 1st design.

So last week I downloaded FreeCAD, a 3d modeling software, all open source, and made my first steps. Finding really nooby friendly YouTube tutorials isn't so easy, by the way. First videos I watched were more suitable for engineers than 3d noobs like myself.

Wish me luck, guys - I'll need it! Will keep you informed.

 

[Timur]

Hello, friends!
Today, I finally managed to assemble the basic model.
I'm still waiting for the sensors, but once they arrive, I'll definitely send you the final result.
Many thanks to Niglyn for the clear instructions.
Niglyn, could you please send me the authorisation code? My reference code is: 44784760.