u/Ok_Raspberry_1204

I posted this in r/packaging but figured I would throw it up here as well since LN2 dosing is pretty common in the beer/wine/distilling world.

A customer of mine cans wine using liquid nitrogen dosing to create internal pressure in the can.  They are using an Oktober CL1 canning line which is a brand-new design that lacks an integrated controller for variable dosing.   They've been using the standard controller that comes with the Chart Ultradoser, which only has a single dose setting for all cans.  

The CL1 is a four-head filler so each fill cycle is four cans that move into the seamer one at a time.  The seamer has a rotary index which works fine but creates a significant time lag between the first and last cans in each set.  With each can getting the same amount of liquid nitrogen and fill > seam times varying by over 10 seconds, they are wasting about 50% of the cans/product since can 3 and 4 in each cycle have basically no internal pressure - all the liquid nitrogen has boiled off by the time the can is sealed.  

I have extensive canning, mechanical, and mcguyver fabricating experience, but coding and electronics are not my strong suit.  Luckily these days that doesn't really matter since Claude created the code, a wiring diagram and parts list after I laid out exactly what I needed this controller to do.  I learned as I went through the initial steps of programming an Arduino Nano (micro controller) with about 500 lines of code, testing it on a breadboard with an OLED screen, then adding a rotary encoder/potentiometer with push-button functionality to navigate the screen.  

After taking care of the programming basics, it was time to build the unit - I used an IP65 waterproof case as the housing, mounted the OLED screen and encoder on the front and mounted the other components inside - this included a buck converter for voltage step-down, an optocoupler board to receive signals from the sensors, and a mosfet module to control the solenoid that actually doses the nitro.  I loved this process so much that I did it twice (and definitely not because I shorted out some of the components the first time around)

Externally, there is a 24v power supply, 2x proximity sensors and an M12 cable that connects directly to the doser solenoid.  One sensor detects a can and triggers the dose, while the other detects the fill head assembly when it reaches the up position. This second sensor resets the dosing cycle so that if a can is pulled before the seamer, the count resets for each new set of four cans from the filler and each gets the proper dose.

It took way longer than I care to admit but I am very happy with the final product and it appears to work perfectly.  I'm shipping it to the customer tomorrow and hope it will allow them to dial in their canning process.  I learned a TON during this process and it opens the door for future custom automation for my other customers.  I already have some ideas on how basic variations or similar builds can be useful in a few different industries.  

This is a prototype so the next version will be cleaner and more well laid out. After I took these pics I covered all of the exposed leads / connections and hot glued everything so its all well protected. 

Let me know what you think! 

Hey All. I've been having a steering issue with my mojave grom. I upgraded from the standard servo a while back, and then again after this problem continued. I can't recall if the original servo had the same issue but I remember there being some sort of problem.

The steering won't center after a turn (see video). I am using a power hobby PH60 servo - its very fast and strong. I've also upgraded the steering arm / servo connection to an injora aluminum setup. At some point I tightened the servo saver as tight as it would go and that did seem to help, but I don't think it should be necessary to get the steering to self correct after a turn. And I don't think it does much good as a servo saver if its tightened alllll the way (or am I wrong?)

Not sure if its relevant but I upgraded the car with an RC AWD kit that included the motor, receiver, ESC and controller. Could the receiver/transmitter have anything to do with it? I doubt it but at this point im stumped. I do have a dumbo transmitter and receiver I could swap it out for.

Thanks!

Hey Guys - first time long time. New account, not a bot! Pic of my latest build attached. I want to attach the neck with bolts and threaded inserts AND ferrules/bushings for the body where the head of the bolt rests. Looking through amazon etc I've found plenty of bolts with inserts, and screws with bushings, but not bolts that have both inserts AND bushings. I know its probably fine without the bushings but I'd really like it for 2 reasons:

1. I like the look

2. I routed a 45 degree on the chamfer where the neck bolts will go, so I only have room for three of them in a sort of staggered pattern. (I realized this mistake immediately after I finished routing - whoops!) I need the three bolts to be as strong as possible and having the bushings will allow me to make them pretty tight without damaging the wood

Thanks everyone! I'll post pics of the finished product.