This product is no longer available
We no longer stock BeanCounter, but here are current alternatives in Hand Tools (pliers, screwdrivers, etc.).
BeanCounter
Discontinued
BeanCounter is a pocket-sized SMT parts counter that uses IR photointerrupters to count surface-mount components on standard 8mm carrier tape. Simply turn it on, pull the tape through, and the LED display shows your count in real time — about as fast as you can feed it.
It works with any opaque 8mm carrier tape carrying components up to 2mm tall (plastic tape) or 1mm total thickness (paper tape), covering most 0805-or-smaller passives, LEDs, and SOT23 transistors. The open-source design is based on the Microchip ATTINY861V and runs on a single CR2032 coin cell.
Key Features
- Two Counting Modes – Inventory Mode (fast single-sensor counting) and Dispense Mode (bidirectional counting for cutting fixed quantities)
- Adjustable Part Pitch – Configure for any component spacing on 8mm tape
- Pause Button – Freeze the count while pulling empty leader/trailer tape through
- No Moving Parts – IR optical counting means less wear over time
- Pocket-Sized – Under 50g with lanyard hole for wrist strap or cable
- LED Segment Display – Visible in all lighting conditions
- CR2032 Powered – Single coin cell or external 3V supply
- Open Source – OSHW certified design
Specifications
- Tape Width: 8mm standard carrier tape
- Max Component Height: 2mm (plastic tape) / 1mm total (paper tape)
- Power: CR2032 coin cell or 3V external supply
- Microcontroller: ATTINY861V-10MU
- Weight: Under 50g
Ideal For
- Counting SMT components on reels and cut tape
- Kitting and dispensing fixed quantities
- Electronics inventory management
- Hobbyist and small-batch manufacturing
