I wind warp for my loom on a revolving wheel which measures out several yards of yarn. I adjust the spools and the number of revolutions according to the length needed. It has a mechanical revolution counter, but a long warp requires a lot of math (division) when winding a long warp and mistakes happen. I've looked for an off the shelf counter that will simplify this and having found none, want to build it myself.
The additional counting device would count each revolution but beep when it reaches "n", a number from 4 to 9 (1, 2, 3 and 5 could be eliminated since I can do that math) depending on the project, then reset and do it again until I have reached the number of threads needed for the section, anywhere from 12 to 60 (up to 500 or 600 individual revolutions.) The controls would mount on the vertical 2x4 frame work of the warping wheel.
I think this involves:
Arduino board (which one)
A proximity sensor, (Hall effect? reed switch?) to detect a magnet to be mounted on one spoke.
A reset button to start the loop again if something happens mid cycle (it does)
A piezo speaker to beep at the end of each loop
A way to set "n" - 1 or 2 digit BCD Thumbwheel switch? Push a button "n" times?
A digital display to show number of loops made(optional) or "n" in the case of the button idea.
Battery power source
MC14018B chip?
Alternatively, I found a shield with piezo, push button and digital display that could replace some individual parts.
Is this feasible? Is this feasible for a noob? I've worked in the electronics industry for years, but am not a programmer or an engineer. (Obviously).
