Servo Motor Mod: Diy Easier Speed Control

[Iron Pounder]

Has the dealer asked about the fix and are they planing on fixing it at least for future machines? I understand no machine is perfect but when I fix is available to what I hear is a fantastic machine it seems it should be upgraded. I did try an Artisan and a model 4 side by side and that was the first thing I noticed is the Artisan had full range of pedal and the model 4 had almost full speed with the pedal barely moved. Having said that both had a great stitch and unless something else comes along I will be purchasing one of these.

[Bobby hdflame]

I shot a little video last night of me sewing one of my pancake holsters using the post-it-note mod shown in my previous post above. What you can't see in this video is that I now have FULL use of the entire range of motion on my foot pedal to control the speed. Granted, with this particular color of paper an the amount of layers I'm using, I can't make full range of the maximum speed of the machine. But, 22-23 (out of 40) is still pretty fast for this type of work - much faster than I need to be using. Honestly, if I was able to utilize the entire speed range from 1-40, the pedal would be twice as sensitive as it is now (with the post-it-note mod installed). So, even though I can't use the full range of speed, the pedal is effectively twice as controllable since it's half as sensitive as it "should" be (to utilize the entire speed range of 1-40 over the same foot pedal range of motion).

I have a Cobra on order from Cobra Steve. It's supposed to ship in about 3 weeks. In the video that you shot above, what speed range were you sewing in? Something like 1-4 maybe?

I haven't looked at the other links that are shared in this thread, but after looking at them, I'm going to email them to Steve at Leather Machine Company. I can't imagine from what I've heard about him that he wouldn't make this mod to machines that he sells.

I also have a Highlead GC0618-1sc with a servo. Even though it sews good, I'm thinking this will help it too. Guess I'll find out after reading more about it. Thanks for the info!

c

[particle]

I had the motor set at 40 when I started my current batch of ten orders. My post-it layering is only allowing a max of about 22 - still way too fast for this type of work. But, towards the end I put the servo at 15 after I noticed it was still set at 40 (maxing at 22 because of the post-it setup I have right now).. Without the mod, there is no way I could leave the machine set at 22. About 7 was all I could risk because of the lack of control.

[SWFLholsters]

Year and a half old Cobra 4. TN 421. On my machine I had about 1/8 inch actuator arm travel from low to high speed. The actuating arm is a little different shape than in the videos and it is not removable. It has a set screw keeping the arm tight to the pivot shaft but I noticed that there is a pin that is not removable that keeps the arm from being lifted up off the pivot shaft. I didn't try to remove it as there is no need to remove it. There's a small "L" shaped metal plate attached to the arm with two screws. The "L" shaped plate is removable and adjustable with these screws. One end of the "L" shaped plate is the part that moves under the light beam. I taped the post-its to the "L" shaped metal plate. Sorry no time for pics and better detailed explanation. I think anyone who opens theirs up will see how to do it. Outside cover comes off easy with just 3 screws instead of 4. It is not mechanically connected to anything on the inside of the motor case, just 3 wires attached to the actuator that have enough slack in them and don't get in the way. Very easy. Much more control now. I loved this machine before the modification as I had gotten used to the speed control and it has been great!. It's even better now.

Thanks for the update and info on how you accomplished the mod, I am sure this will help others down the road.

I will add your servo motor to the list.

SewQuiet 5000

SewQuiet 4000

Skyrit TN-411 (looks very similar to a Consew)

TN-421 (no name)

Enduro Pro SM600-1

Do you mind if I add your procedure to the end of the how-to?

[Cobra Steve]

Hello. We too have experimented with the motors. We have been in contact with the factory and are waiting to hear from them. They have all the info that they will need to correct this problem. Just like others that have posted pictures and videos, we have done the same with our factory. We will keep you updated when we have more info. Thanks, Steve

Edited August 6, 2012 by Cobra Steve

[Bobby hdflame]

Hello. We too have experimented with the motors. We have been in contact with the factory and are waiting to hear from them. They have all the info that they will need to correct this problem. Just like others that have posted pictures and videos, we have done the same with our factory. We will keep you updated when we have more info. Thanks, Steve

Hey Steve!

I was going to forward this thread to you, but looks like you've already read it.

I'm really looking forward to getting my new Cobra Class 4! Do you have anything that you're doing to the new machines when you set them up or is this mod something I'll have to do when I get it? If the factory comes up with a fix, will it be something that will be shipped out to existing customers to install?

I'm going to look at doing the same thing with my Highlead. The servo on my Highlead has a know for speed adjustment and is not a digital read out. I'm wondering if it has the same kind of speed control on it? I didn't find this post till late last night, and I'm at the fire station today, so it'll be tomorrow before I can check my motor. I think it's a SewQuiet 4000, but not sure.

Edited August 6, 2012 by Bobby hdflame

[KAYAK45]

cf-400c. That's the motor on my Cowboy 4500. does this improve it's performance? HAS anybody tried?

Didn't even know I had a control problem, maybe I don't. Always looking for improvement though.

BTW. Have two, (soon to be three, 111-w155) so it might matter on my 31-15.

Kevin

[SWFLholsters]

cf-400c. That's the motor on my Cowboy 4500. does this improve it's performance? HAS anybody tried?

Didn't even know I had a control problem, maybe I don't. Always looking for improvement though.

Kevin

Kevin, if your motor looks like the one in the link below then I am almost certain that this mod won't work. Any motor that has a knob for speed adjustment most likely does not use an optical speed control and therefor this mod would be useless. You could research more on your motor to be sure.

http://image.made-in...or-CF-400C-.jpg

On the other hand if you don't have a control problem you most likely don't need to worry about modifying anything.

You know the old saying... If it works don't ... with it.

Cheers!

[Bobby hdflame]

I had the motor set at 40 when I started my current batch of ten orders. My post-it layering is only allowing a max of about 22 - still way too fast for this type of work. But, towards the end I put the servo at 15 after I noticed it was still set at 40 (maxing at 22 because of the post-it setup I have right now).. Without the mod, there is no way I could leave the machine set at 22. About 7 was all I could risk because of the lack of control.

Eric,

I watched your video again and can't believe how quiet such a BIG machine is. I'm really looking forward to getting my Cobra. It's quieter than my Highlead!

Just curious, what size thread are you using on the holster and what colors have you been able to find in the bigger thread sizes? I currently use mostly #138 and a little bit of #92. #207 is the biggest size my current machine can use but it doesn't sew real good with it, although I was told to try 207 on top and 138 in the bobbin.

How many bobbins did you get with your Cobra?

[Northmount]

1344276556[/url]' post='259501']

cf-400c. That's the motor on my Cowboy 4500. does this improve it's performance? HAS anybody tried?

Didn't even know I had a control problem, maybe I don't. Always looking for improvement though.

BTW. Have two, (soon to be three, 111-w155) so it might matter on my 31-15.

Kevin

Most motors with a knob for speed control have a potentiometer under the knob. That is a wire wound resistor with a metal wiper that rubs against the resistor wire, giving you a variable resistor. The speed control arm adjusts another potentiometer. All analog electronics, no digital stuff. No optical sensors. Usually good heavy duty stuff.

CTG