Assembly Guide¶
Physical assembly and mounting instructions for your SpoolBuddy station.
Tools Required¶
- Phillips screwdriver (small)
- Soldering iron + solder
- Wire strippers
- Double-sided tape or mounting adhesive
- 3D printer (for enclosure)
Assembly Overview¶
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ SpoolBuddy Station │
│ │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ CrowPanel 7.0" Display │ │
│ │ (Mounted Upright) │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│ │ │
│ ┌──────────────────────┴──────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ ┌────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ │
│ │ │ Scale Platform │ │ │
│ │ │ ┌──────────────────────────────┐ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ Spool Placement │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ ╭──────────╮ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │ NFC │ ← Antenna │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │ Reader │ Below │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ ╰──────────╯ │ │ │ │
│ │ │ └──────────────────────────────┘ │ │ │
│ │ └────────────────────────────────────────┘ │ │
│ │ ┌─────────────────┴─────────────────┐ │ │
│ │ │ Load Cell (hidden) │ │ │
│ │ └───────────────────────────────────┘ │ │
│ │ ┌──────────┐ ┌──────────────┐ │ │
│ │ │NAU7802 │ │ Pico + NFC │ │ │
│ │ └──────────┘ └──────────────┘ │ │
│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Step 1: Mount the Load Cell¶
The 5kg load cell is a bar-type single-point sensor. One end is fixed to the base, the other supports the scale platform.
Fixed End Free End
│ │
▼ ▼
┌───────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ ● ● │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ Strain Gauge Element │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────┘ │
│ ● ● │
└───────────────────────────────────────────┘
│ │
┌────┴────┐ ┌──────┴──────┐
│ Base │ │ Platform │
│ (fixed) │ │ (floats) │
└─────────┘ └─────────────┘
Mounting Steps¶
-
Attach to base - Use 2x M4x25 screws on the fixed end. Ensure load cell is level. Tighten firmly.
-
Attach platform - Use 2x M4x25 screws on the free end. Platform should "float" and only connect via load cell.
-
Check clearance - Platform should not touch base or sides. Maintain ~2-3mm gap all around.
Critical
The load cell must be the ONLY connection between base and platform for accurate readings.
Step 2: 3D Printed Enclosure¶
A complete 3D printable enclosure kit is available on MakerWorld:
Download Enclosure from MakerWorld
The enclosure includes:
- Base plate with load cell mounting points
- Scale platform (connects to load cell)
- Electronics bay for NAU7802 and Raspberry Pi Pico
- PN5180 NFC antenna mount
- Display frame for CrowPanel 7.0"
Print Settings¶
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | PETG |
| Infill | 15% |
| Walls | 3 |
| Supports | None |
Final Checklist¶
Mechanical¶
- Enclosure printed and assembled
- Load cell securely mounted
- Platform attached to load cell (free-floating)
- Platform has clearance (doesn't touch sides)
- Display mounted stably
Electrical¶
- All wiring complete per Wiring Guide
- No loose connections
- Wire routing away from moving parts
- Power cables accessible
Verification¶
- Platform moves freely when pressed
- No binding or rubbing
- All components secured