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Feeder Overview

PikkoBot offers two feeder options for the Vertex 4: the native Photon feeder covered on this page, and the AS feeder, a different protocol with its own setup process — see AS Feeder Setup.

The feeder is an open-source SMT component tape feeder, originally designed by Opulo as part of the LumenPnP project, that can reliably feed components as small as 0402. It's designed to work with LumenPnP-based machines like the Vertex 4, but can mount onto any 20mm x 20mm v-slot extrusion. Source files are on the Opulo GitHub.

The feeder uses the open-source Photon feeder controller firmware, and talks the Photon protocol over RS-485 to any Marlin host with RS-485 support.

Feeder Slots​

There are 50 Feeder Slots on the Vertex 4:

  • 8mm and 12mm feeders take up one slot
  • 16mm and 24mm feeders take up two slots
  • Fit up to 50x 8mm or 12mm feeders on the front and back rail (with two staging plates)
  • Add a third staging plate to fit 25x 8mm or 12mm feeders on the front rail

Parts of the Feeder​

  • Pick Window — where the component is exposed for picking
  • Buttons — forward and backward feed buttons
  • Status Light — indicates feeder state and mode
  • Peel Gears — strip the cover film from the tape
  • Release Lever — used to mount and unmount the feeder

Feeder Buttons​

Feeding and Driving Tape​

  • Tapping the forward button feeds the tape forward 2mm
  • Tapping the backward button feeds the tape backwards 2mm
  • Pressing and holding the forward or backward button drives the tape at full speed

Changing Drive Mode​

Press and hold both buttons at the same time to toggle between driving tape with long presses and peeling film with long presses.

  • Gold status light = Peel mode
  • Blue status light = Drive mode

In Peel mode, press and hold the forward and backward buttons to peel or unpeel film.

Feeder Variants​

12mm Version​

The 12mm version is very similar to the 8mm feeder but designed for 12mm tape. It operates the same way, but uses a spool guide that acts more like a ramp for mounted feeders below.

16mm and 24mm Versions​

The 16mm and 24mm versions have a different design and are loaded a little differently. They also take up two slots on the Vertex 4 instead of the one slot used by 8mm and 12mm versions.

Next: Continue to mounting feeders.

Need help? Check the Calibration guide or visit the Store for replacement parts.