Thanks! Well the clones look seem to implement the same principle, but the implementation is slightly different. I also notice that is a section of peeled tape is much shorter than on mine. It looks like if you unload the tape from it you will lose only 4 parts. On mine it will be more. Don't remember exactly, maybe 8. The sprocket also seems to be closer to the pick up location. So maybe that is not exactly a prototype for the Chineese clone
Actually, with a little technique, you can usually get it down to just a couple parts, although I generally don't quibble over 2 or 4 0805 resistors.
I do get more concerned with several $ op-amps and $0.50 capacitors. I just about never use cut tape for resistors and small capacitors, just buy a whole reel with leader. But, I do use cut tape for expensive parts. For those, I have a technique to peel a little of the cover tape, and then feed the tape into the feeder such that the cover tape catches on the slot where it is supposed to come out of. This is pretty tricky, but I can get it to work. Then, I splice the little bit of cover tape that is sticking out to some old cover tape with masking tape, and feed through the puller mechanism.
Still, I'd like to know if there is a procedure to tune these to work better.
Well, the little bent blade that covers the next-up pocket really does keep the part in the pocket. Then, when the feeder lever is pressed, the feeder must not be vibrated. Even a LITTLE vibration is enough to make the part fly. That is part of the reason the CSM84 weighs 780 kg or so.
Oh, on your machine, do feeder get a separately regulated pressure? I'm thinking that maybe they don't need full 80-90 PSI and will work better at lower pressure.
No, the 8 and 12 mm feeders do NOT have any air. They are mechanically actuated by the same air piston on the head that lowers the nozzle. The 16mm and up feeders do get air, at constant pressure. But, the air valve has a "speed controller" that is basically just a needle valve. I think there's just one needle valve that controls both the extend and retract of the air cylinder.
This is an older style of feeder than is used in the Gem series of Assembleon machines.
Jon