Hawk Matic HK-3+ Auto Start Tube Feeder (3D Print/Build/Assembly)
Finished the HK-3+ Auto Start Tube Feeder project after 4 days of P/T work (I'm retired...) to 3D print the parts, build, and wire the assembly consisting of 4 servos, a color sensor, Arduino IDE compatible ESP32 control board and component wiring. I'm currently building my second auto tube feeder as a gift to my brother who introduced me to the MYO hobby. Pretty sure the second build will go much faster...
I found the FREE 3D print model and assembly instructions online at Maker World (https://makerworld.com/en/models/2048328-hk-3-automatic-shell-feeder#profileId-2210469).
The detailed 42-page PDF Instructions in German was converted to English using Google Translate. I used GROK (xAI) to convert the Arduino IDE 2.3.8 control file/comments in German to English,
If you have an HK-3+ and 3D printer (or know someone who has a 3D printer) I highly recommend this project. Load your king size tubes, favorite tobacco... press the GREEN Master Start Cycle button and away she goes!!!
(Edit: The HK-3+ sits on top of the assembly and DOES NOT require opening the HK-3+ or altering it in any way. A servo arm depresses the HK-3+ START button. The Auto Start Tube Feeder is like an octopus that is wrapped around the HK-3+ and easy to remove and use manually if desired. The feeder gets its power from the HK-3+ power adapter and a female to two (2) males adapter cable. Cost to build was approx. $125 USD in parts and one (1) roll of 3D printer filament from Amazon.com. The required parts/shopping list is included in the PDF instructions.)