AnyCounter: Customizable OpenSCAD Pocket Tally Counter

AnyCounter is a script-driven OpenSCAD model for building compact, reusable counters that can track almost anything: scores, pills, rounds, habits, rows, parts, turns, and more. You choose your value set, case style, window placement, wheel text style, and detent behavior, then export print-ready parts.

What you can customize:

• Value labels (wheel_values) with presets or your own custom arrays

• Case shape (square or circle)

• Window location (top or side)

• Wheel and title text mode (emboss, cutout, or inlay)

• Rotation direction, wheel side, keyring option, grip ridges, and title text

Build instructions:

1. Open models/anycounter.scad in OpenSCAD.

2. Set core options in the Primary Configuration section:

   • case_shape, wheel_values, windowpos, wheel_text_mode, wheel_diameter, title_text, title_text_mode, etc.

3. Preview assembly:

   • orientforprint = false

   • whichtoprint = "all"

4. Export parts for printing:

   • orientforprint = true

   • Export whichtoprint = "case"

   • Export whichtoprint = "wheel"

   • If using inlay mode, also export whichtoprint = "inlayvalues" and/or whichtoprint = "inlaytitle"

5. Print and assemble:

   • Break the tiny breakaway support under the detent arm by gently applying force horizontally at the end of the detent arm.

   • Align perimeter rails and grooves first, then seat the center post. Parts should snap together reasonably tightly but you can still disassemble. Make it permanent with a drop of superglue.

Print tips:

• Baseline settings: 0.20 mm layer height, 0.4 mm nozzle, 2-3 perimeters

• If fit is tight, increase fit_xy_running by 0.02 to 0.05 mm

• Rail/groove fit tuning: align_rail_width controls rail width; groove width follows rail width plus align_post_d_clearance

• For embossed text, pause for a filament swap before label layers

• For inlay text, print inlayvalues and/or inlaytext first, then the wheel without changing XY origin

• Use explodedist, section, and section_angle in preview mode for quick diagnostics before exporting STLs

Included sample scenarios (11):

1. Golf Stroke Counter Scenario: Carry this on your bag and click one step after every stroke on the current hole; reset between holes for quick manual scoring without a phone.

2. Daily Pill Tracker Scenario: Keep this on your nightstand and click forward to the current day immediately after taking your dose so later you can confirm when you last took medication.

3. Workshop Bin Counter Scenario: Mount this near small-parts bins and click forward one number each time you remove an item to keep a quick visible pick count before restocking.

4. Interval Trainer Counter Scenario: Clip this to your gym bag and click to the next round when each work interval ends; directional detent helps prevent accidental reverse during fast transitions.

5. Crochet Row Counter Scenario: Set this beside your project and advance one step after each completed row so you can pause anytime and resume exactly where you left off.

6. Habit Streak Counter Scenario: Place this at your desk and click forward once when you finish your daily habit; the visible number becomes your current streak length.

7. Board Game Round Tracker Scenario: Put this in the center of the table and increment at the end of each round so all players have a shared reference for turn timing effects.

8. Parking Level Finder Scenario: After parking, rotate to your current garage zone and leave it set until you return, giving you an instant reminder when exiting the venue.

9. Water Intake Dial Scenario: Keep this near your bottle and advance to the next mark after each drink so you can see your current intake at a glance throughout the day.

10. Classroom Participation Counter Scenario: Use this during group discussion and click to the next group after each contribution so speaking turns stay fair and visible to students.

Updated 2026-10-07 - SCAD file updated to include support for inlay text on the case lid and additional sample values collection for camera film speeds (thanks AJS!)