The Electric Eel Wheel Nano 2 (EEW Nano 2) is an ultra-portable and affordable e-Spinner designed for fiber enthusiasts. This user manual, dated February 7, 2022, provides comprehensive guidance for setting up, operating, and maintaining the device.
Function Description:
The EEW Nano 2 is an electronic spinning wheel used to create yarn from fiber. It automates the spinning process, allowing users to control speed, twist direction, and yarn uptake. The device is designed for both spinning singles and plying yarn. Its portability makes it convenient for use in various settings.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Power Supply: USB Micro 5VDC 2A power supply. The power adapter, when connected, is in a standby condition, and the circuit is considered live.
- Components: The device includes a base, flyer, bobbin, sliding hook, orifice reducer, tension dial, twist switch, speed dial, orifice hook, USB power cord, drive belt, and spin card.
- Bobbins: Comes with 3 bobbin tubes and 6 bobbin disks, which are assembled by screwing the disks onto the tubes.
- Portability: Described as "ultra-portable."
Usage Features:
- Initial Setup: Requires minimal assembly without tools. Users need to assemble bobbins, slide a bobbin onto the flyer, attach a metal bearing, slot the flyer assembly into the base, put the drive belt on the motor pulley and flyer groove, and slide the tension string into the bobbin pulley.
- Speed Control: Features a speed dial that should be set to zero (fully counterclockwise) before plugging in the device. Speed is increased by turning the dial clockwise.
- Power On/Off: The device is powered via a USB extension cord connected to a wall plug or any 2A USB port. An inline USB switch is used to start/stop spinning. If the device doesn't start, flipping the USB switch to the other position is recommended.
- Adjusting Uptake: Uptake refers to how the yarn is pulled onto the bobbin.
- Mechanism: Controlled by a tension string and tension dial. The tension string goes around the bobbin pulley.
- Setting: First, adjust the dial so the tension string goes around the bobbin pulley with no tension. Then, turn the tension dial clockwise slightly until there's a small amount of tension.
- Effect: Turning the tension dial clockwise increases uptake and tightens the tension string, resulting in fewer twists in the yarn. Turning it counterclockwise decreases uptake and loosens the tension string, resulting in more twists.
- Optimal Setting: Users are advised to set the tension as light as possible while still achieving sufficient uptake, as this is easier on the motor.
- Consequences of Incorrect Uptake: Too little uptake prevents yarn from feeding onto the bobbin. Too much uptake pulls yarn from hands too quickly, leading to under-twisted and fragile yarn.
- Z and S Twist:
- Twist Switch: A dedicated twist switch sets the direction of twist (Z or S) added to the yarn.
- Z Twist: Typically used for spinning singles.
- S Twist: Typically used for plying.
- Plying: When plying, the twist direction must be opposite to that used for spinning singles to ensure correct yarn formation. The speed should be set to zero or the motor turned off before changing the twist switch position for plying.
- Spin Card: A spin card is included to help determine if yarn has Z or S twist.
- Threading the Flyer: Involves tying a leader yarn onto a bobbin disk, threading it through the flyer hooks, and using an orifice hook to pull the leader to the front of the wheel. Spinning fiber is then attached to the leader.
- Adjusting Flyer Hooks: As yarn accumulates on the bobbin, the sliding hooks need to be adjusted to ensure even bobbin filling. The device should be stopped (using speed control or USB switch) before making adjustments. The front sliding hook does not need to be moved.
- Orifice Reducer: An orifice reducer is installed on the front of the flyer. It helps reduce yarn wobble when spinning thinner yarn. For thicker yarn, it can be removed by sliding it out.
Maintenance Features:
- Changing Bobbins: A step-by-step process is provided:
- Remove the tension string from the bobbin.
- Remove the drive belt from the drive belt groove on the flyer.
- Lift off the flyer and remove its rear bearing.
- Slide the bobbin off the flyer.
- Installing a new bobbin involves reversing these steps.
- Troubleshooting Vibration: If the EEW vibrates at higher speeds, the most common cause is an unbalanced flyer. To fix this, ensure the two unused sliding hooks are directly opposite the two in use, and that one set of hooks faces upwards while the other faces downwards to evenly distribute weight. This is primarily relevant at higher speeds.
- Troubleshooting Start-Up Issues: If the EEW doesn't start, first try flipping the USB switch. If that doesn't work, remove the USB switch entirely (as it's optional) and double-check all connections.
- Safety Precautions:
- Moving Parts: The product has moving parts; improper use can cause injury.
- Speed Control: Always set the speed control to zero (fully counterclockwise) before plugging in the wheel.
- Clearance: Be mindful of surroundings and keep objects away from spinning parts.
- Not a Toy: Not suitable for unsupervised children under 14 years of age.
- Environmental: Do not expose to rain or other liquids. Do not use near flammable materials. Ensure the wheel and power supply are well ventilated.
Additional Resources:
- Battery Power Options: www.dreamingrobots.com/eew-battery-power
- Updated Instructions, Videos, and FAQ: www.dreamingrobots.com/eew-nano
- Online Community: www.ravelry.com/groups/electric-eel-wheel
- Official Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/ElectricEelWheel
The EEW Nano 2 is designed to be a user-friendly and efficient tool for fiber artists, offering precise control over the spinning process in a compact form factor.
Need help?
General
To Next Page