March 01, 2025
Thanks to CraftMeHappy for providing this beautiful photo of the latest EEW Fold prototype in action!
Product Updates
Periodically, I like to provide a roadmap of the things I’m putting effort into. Most of these don’t have timeframes yet, but these are all the things that are high on my priority list and expect to ship eventually.
EEW Nano 2.1
I’m working on an updated EEW Nano with a much-improved flyer, tension system, and more. What started as a quick update has turned into a longer process due to ongoing mold issues. I still haven’t approved the final molds. I’m hopeful that will happen very soon, with shipping targeted for August (sorry for another date slip on this one).
The 3D-printed prototypes worked great right away, but transitioning from prototype to full production has been more challenging than ever before. Despite the delays, I’ve learned a lot, and I appreciate everyone’s patience. I know many of you have been eagerly waiting for this release, and I’m doing everything I can to get it right.
EEW Fold
I’m addressing the last few details and testing some new software features before moving this into production. I gave myself plenty of time to refine everything, and things are looking great for the planned March 2026 release.
EEW Yarn Counter Update
I’m making improvements to the yarn guides and circuit board. Parts for prototypes have been ordered, and I’ll begin testing soon. I don’t have a firm timeline yet. Once I’ve done some tests with the new circuit board, I should have a clearer timeframe.
That said, the current stock is running low, and it will be out of stock for a while as I work through these updates. I want to ensure these improvements are in place before ordering a new batch.
EEW Cone Winder Update
I’m making small improvements to the cone holder, and I’m also introducing a bigger change. I will be switching from the ATTiny microcontroller to an STM8.
This new microcontroller is more powerful, easier to source in large quantities, and half the price. While the end user might not notice an immediate difference, this upgrade will lay the foundation for future enhancements in more advanced projects.
Switching microcontrollers is a big undertaking—I need to rewrite all my code since STM8 operates differently. But once I complete this transition for the Cone Winder, I’ll likely migrate other products to the new microcontroller over time. It’s a lot of work upfront, but it’ll improve my products in the long run. This is one of those investing for the future changes.
EEW Drum Carder
The electric drum carder is moving forward, albeit slowly. There’s a lot of excitement around this project, and I’ve received great feedback from a beta tester. That feedback led me to a major redesign, which I believe will make the product much better. We’ve hacked the current prototype to test the new configuration, and the results have been great. This is why I have the confidence to do a large redesign now instead of waiting for more testing.
I’m waiting to see how the STM8 microcontroller transition goes for the cone winder. If that is successful, I’ll likely use it for the drum carder as well.
This is my “when time allows” project, so I don’t have a firm timeline yet. However, my goal is to launch a Kickstarter in 2026, and I hope to have the drum carder in a more polished state than the EEW Fold was at its campaign launch so it can ship sooner after the Kickstarter completes.
EEW 6.1 Motor Testing (Maybe You Can Help!)
I’ve significantly reduced motor failures on the EEW 6.1 by updating the circuit board, and I’ve extended the motor warranty to one year. However, a small number of motors are still failing more often than I’d like. To investigate, I’d appreciate getting back failed motors and the circuit boards that were used with them.
- If you have a failed EEW 6.1 motor and still have both parts, please contact me if you would be willing to send these back to me.
- If you didn’t receive a replacement board, I can mail you one first, and then you can send back the failed motor and board.
- I’m hoping volunteers can cover the shipping cost to simplify the process, but if that’s a hardship, let me know and I’ll help.
The most common failure is when the motor sometimes won’t start until you push the flyer—and this issue tends to worsen over time. Thank you for helping me pinpoint the cause!
EEW Fold Prototype Video
Check out the latest prototype of the EEW Fold in action! This version features injection-molded parts, a redesigned control system, an improved clamp, and several other exciting upgrades. Watch the video to see the progress and get a closer look at what’s coming next for this new eSpinner.
Product Updates
Below are estimates and the dates may change.
- EEW Nano 2.1 – August 2025
- EEW Fold – March 2026
– Maurice Ribble
Inventor of the Electric Eel Wheel
www.DreamingRobots.com
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