Starting an Open Source Reloading Press Monitor

[Rcmaveric]

With another deployment coming any time now. I need something to commit my self too to pass the time.

I have seen these ammo reloading press computers floating around. They are expensive. I saw an article from a maker fair where an older gentleman made one for less than 200 bucks. If he can do it then I can. I all ready have a RasberyPi for my dual cam press monitor. Why not expand functionality for 40 bucks. Pretty sure it will take me a long time to learn how to code. Doubt I can make something as sexy as the Mark IV control panel. But I hope to create something simply and stylish and functional.

So back ground I have 17 years experience as an electrician. I am familiar with 3M but never went down that feild of my job. So time to learn. I can read and write schematics.

If you are curious I started a github and posted my flow ideas. Got a few prices of code posted that I got working. But I have long ways to go. www.github.com/Rcmaveric/Reloading-Press-Monitor if you are curious have a look. If you have any python experience learning, criticism and pointers are welcome.

I have no back ground or experience in coding or Python. I am learning and making this up as I go. I dont even know python well enough to ask questions.

Attached is a picture of the dual cam monitor.

 

[Brad]

Ok, if I understand this it is a computer hooked to press via sensors and camera. You can see via camera what is going on, things like verify powder drop.

What other “data” is gathered?

I love your use of pipe for the bullet and case feeders.

 

[Rcmaveric]

A round counter module that will pulse vibe motors on the primer feeder and powder feeder after each round. I cant figure out how to get a pause button working. But that code is made and posted. Need to find a way to make it so it can count ever 4th or 5th button press for turret presses.

A low primer warning module to sense low primers. Need to figure out how to make a delay so if light is sensed for longer than 2 seconds the alarm is tripped. I am bad about running out. Issues visual and audio warning. Just got that semi working.

Got buzzers working.

I want a powder level module. Needs parts and make the code.

Then an LCD. Because what if someone doesn't want a graphical interface and just wants a round counter and primer alarm. Havent written module or got parts.

For GUI it will display under the cam feeds. Show warnings, powder level and round count. Also boxes for load info. So once your done you can click export and it will save your reloading to a CSV file. Basically auto update your reloading log.
Haven't written module yet.

I know this isn't necessary but it is a nice convenience. But it would be highly use full if I find a way to automate my Loadmaster. Then warning could trip it and pause the automation. I also tend to get constantly interrupted reloading by wife, kids, and cats. The more safe guards the better.

 

[Rcmaveric]

Here is my idea in a flow chart. If I can make it modular enough and easily to understand. Then anyone can make it and use it and only active what they want or need.

 

[Brad]

That is a bunch of information.
I could be happy with just a camera over the case to verify powder charge.
I have ZERO electronics knowledge. If it takes much more than plugging it in then I tend to avoid it.

Will be very interested to see how this works out for you.

 

[popper]

The pi is just a small single board computer. Install Linux on it and program in C. Python is Silly for your application. You are basically sensing an event and turning on or off something. Delay timer is simple delay loop.

 

[Ian]

I thought Python was for AI? Programmer buddy of mine was just telling me about a company that builds inventory control systems using intelligent drones that literally fly through the store or warehouse and determine what is actually on the shelves by "looking". All Python-based. I think he'd recommend C+ or Q-Basic for what you're doing.

 

[Rcmaveric]

I dont know any program languages. Most projects are have seen and the examples i am working with are in Python. So I rolled with that. I am using GPIOzero library, GUIzero and openCV.

Funny you mentioned it, OpenCV is actually an AI library. But it was the only way I could easily see two webcams.

I am running the Rasbian OS and using VSC to code it all.

Just got the low primer warning module working. Trying to get it tweaked now to work better. This alone has taken me 4 days.

Python documentation is over whelming. I keep getting lost in it to trying to figure out my head from my butt.

 

[Rcmaveric]

Got the low primer warning code perfected and code is updated on github.

 

[dannyd]

I still think you spent to much time on the "B's". (inside joke)

 

[oscarflytyer]

Clueless. But, my kid programs Python. I sent 2-3 of your posts to him in an email, including the link. He may weigh in.

 

[CZ93X62]

All of this is WAY PAST my pay grade.

 

[fiver]

I got a low primer buzzer that goes beeeep when I got 4-5 primers left.
I adjusted it with a piece of sandpaper.
simple enough I done all 5 of mine in about 10 minutes.
other'n my scale that's pretty much as far as I go, unless you count the shut-off when the case feeder is full, but that's just a switch that's activated when a case is there.