Badminton Stringing Machine Head - PicoBETH

PicoBETH (Raspberry Pico Badminton Electronic Tension Head) is an open-source project that allows hobbyist stringers who enjoy stringing but only have mechanical stringing machines (drop-weight, manual crank) to create their own electronic tensioning head. If you have basic programming skills, this project can be easily completed.

Background

A year ago, due to company club activities, I started playing badminton. Although my badminton skills weren't great, I became fascinated with stringing. I purchased a drop-weight stringing machine and initially planned to buy an electronic tensioning head. However, I later thought about using my knowledge to create this project on the Raspberry Pico, incorporating a tension sensor, several microswitches, and buttons.

Functions

• LB/KG display and setting**
• Pre-Stretch function
• Constant-Pull system
• Knot function
• Tension adjustment manually during tensioning
• Tension calibration
• Stringing timer
• Tension timer
• Tension counter and boot counter
• Detailed recording of tensioning logs
• Pull speed of the string(Switch on the TB6600 stepper motor driver)

Features

• 0.05LB High Precision - Achieved with the Sparkfun HX711 at 94Hz and software version V2.2 and later.
• Low Power Consumption - Uses a DC12V3A power supply. Power consumption is 7W in standby mode and 15W when tensioning at 35LB.
• Real-time UPS Redundancy (Uninterruptible Power Supply) - Uses 3 x 18650 batteries to ensure at least one complete racquet stringing.
• Compact and Space-Saving - Dimensions are approximately 38(L) x 15(W) x 9(H) CM.(excluding clamp head)

Function demostration Video

Stringing demonstration video

How To Make

The process of making a condensed version.

Please refer to my GitHub and YouTube channels for detailed assembly instructions.