Umpire's 4-dial and 3-dial Indicators (Traditional)

Umpire's 4-dial and 3-dial Indicators

These indicators have the dials in the traditional order of strikes, balls, outs, inning. If you prefer a “count order” you can find them here. There are two options of indicator: a four dial indicator that counts strikes, balls, outs, and innings, and a smaller three dial indicator that counts strikes, balls, and outs. Each number on each dial is precisely indexed by an integrated print-in-place spring. Turn the dial until you feel it snap to the next number. Print the parts you want and snap them together, no additional hardware needed. 

In addition to the two options for indicators, there are four options for dials. Two sets of dials return to zero when you reach three strikes, four balls, or three outs. The other two count all the way to three strikes, four balls, or three outs. Choose your preference. Additionally, two of the sets of dials have there numbers embossed(raised) on the dial surface and two have the numbers debossed(engraved) on the dial surface. Depending on how you chose the print the dials one set may be more legible than the other. If you are printing the three dial indicator you should not print the inning dial. 

Confused by all the options? Check out this handy guide!

Printing:  This model has been optimized for 0.2mm layers. Thinner 0.1mm layers can be used, but it is not recommended to use thicker layers. This model requires some bridging but no supports should be used. In order to print the small characters legibly a nozzle no larger than 0.4mm is recommended. There are two options for dials, a set with inset/debossed numbers and a set with raised/embossed numbers. The set with embossed numbers is only legible when printed in two colors, with a color change operation performed after 0.4mm (layer 3 if using 0.2mm layers) above the print bed. This is the recommended set to use if you have two filaments of contrasting color and can perform filament change mid-print. The two-tone dials are the most legible. If you are printing the dials in one color, use the set with inset/debossed numbers. This model prints well in PLA or PLA+ but if it might be left in the sun or in a hot equipment locker PETG or ABS would be a better choice.

Assembly:  Place the dials in the part labelled “back." Each dial has a letter printed on it's upper surface that indicates where it goes. Match the letter on the dial to the letter by the socket on the back piece. Finally, snap the front cover on by carefully aligning the pins and tabs with the front cover and press it down until the tabs click into place. 

Print Quality Issues:  The first layer is critical for a great result. If it is too squashed the text will be hard to read. Make sure your first layer height is dialed in. A squashed first layer can also affect the fit of the axles. Turning on “External perimeters first” in PrusaSlicer might help with this. There is some bridging so make sure your cooling fans are working. The bridging in the sockets in the “back” is stepped by 0.2mm with straight edges so if you're printing with 0.2mm layers you won't be printing anything in mid air. I recommend turning off “Thick bridges” in PrusaSlicer for best results. The bridging over the numbers on the embossed dials will probably collapse onto the print bed. This is why I only recommend that set of dials for two color prints. Turn off “Detect bridging perimeters” in PrusaSlicer. For me (using version 2.7.1) enabling “Detect bridging perimeters” resulted in weird concentric bridges in the embossed dials. 

Last notes:  I hope this model is useful for coaches, umpires, and players of softball and baseball everywhere. If you print one of these models and like it please let me know! Also feel free to remix, modify, share, and give away prints and files. But do not sell prints or files without contacting me first. 

Update 2/4/24:

I noticed that with some filaments certain springs were a bit rough and squeaky. I modified the springs to make them smoother. No incompatible changes were made. 

Changes: Fine tuning of the springs, inverted inning spring, changed strike spring.

Update 1/26/24:

I added the 3-dial indicator model and while I was at it I made several improvements to the original to make the dials interoperable and the operation smoother. This version is not 100% compatible with the original (the indexing spring has changed sides), so if you have previously downloaded the files please do not use old files or prints with the new version.

Changes:

• added 3-dial model
• added 4,3,3 dial sets
• indexing springs are tighter
• front text more legible
• inning dial more legible
• inning window sized to fit text