EEW Yarn Counter Feedback Wanted
I still have enough stock of these to last a while, but it is time to start thinking about an update since manufacturing takes time. I’m happy with how these are performing and have had very few complaints.
I’ve considered changing to a screen with a backlight so the screen can be easier to read in the dark, or switching from the optical sensor to using a hall sensor (magnets) to make it more dust resistant. The screen idea would use a lot more power. The hall sensor idea would increase power usage moderately. I’m leaning towards not doing these changes since I think having a very long battery life is really nice.
I have a few other very minor ideas. For example an assembly change so the yarn guides don’t move as easily.
Right now I’m leaning towards just the assembly improvements. However, I’d like to ask the community for ideas and if I get any that justify an updated version I’d consider that. If you want to make any suggestions please just respond to this email.
EEW Fold Update
I’ve been making rapid progress on the EEW Fold. I made a short new video showing off some of the changes.
Since making that video I’ve sent off prototypes to a few testers. I’m just starting to receive feedback and plan to do some more updates based on that feedback and then more testing. After a few rounds of this back and forth I’ll finalize the design and start getting it ready for manufacturing. Once I’m convinced that the molded plastic parts will work well, I’ll do a Kickstarter for this. I’m still hoping to do that around the end of this year, but there is a lot of variability in this part of the process so that date is just an estimate. If I need to do a few extra rounds of prototyping or if there are unforeseen issues with the molded parts (both of which have happened on past products) then this date will get pushed out. When I run the Kickstarter or pre orders I want to have things far enough along that I have a good chance of hitting my delivery dates.
EEW Nano 2.1 Info
I’ve got some nice improvements coming with the EEW Nano 2.1. Some of the big ones are changing to a spring tension system, bearings in the bobbins, and a new flyer design. I’ve already had some beta testers try it out and they were pretty happy with it, but they did have some suggestions which have required me to make some changes to the molds. I’m going to wait until I get a near final version before doing a video showing the full list of improvements in this new version.
The motor and electronics are unchanged. Most of the changes are focused on the flyer/bobbins which means I’ll be able to offer an affordable upgrade kit for those who want to upgrade from the EEW Nano 2.0 to the EEW Nano 2.1. These upgrade kits should be available at the same time as the EEW Nano 2.1. Right now my best estimate is this will be around January 2021. I’m not accepting preorders, but when I get the items in stock there should be enough for everyone who wants them.
Tripod Mounts
I made 3D printable mounts for the EEW 6.x and EEW Nano. As always the files are freely available. If you don’t want to deal with the files this page explains various ways to get them.
I’ve seen a few people make wooden mounts to hold their eSpinners and I thought a 3D printable mount would be an improvement on those. The eSpinner slides right into the mount and you can tilt the tripod to any angle you want to spin at without worrying about the eSpinner falling out, but it’s still easy to remove the eSpinner any time you want to spin without the tripod. I’m happy with how this tripod mount turned out.
Product Updates
Below are estimates and the dates may change.
- EEW Fold Kickstarter – December 2024
- EEW Nano 2.1 – January 2025
– Maurice Ribble
Inventor of the Electric Eel Wheel
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