Simplify 3D can't home the Z-axis, might be a switch issue

Well, after much experimentation, the printer prints great with MatterControl, so I abandoned Simplify 3D for now (at large prints, the nozzle is extremely precise, the Z-rods move during in-layer movements) (so the calculations probably offset the switch activation differences)

I've created a feature request for autoleveling on Simplify3D forums

Until they implement it, I don't think Simplify 3D is too useful with Robo 3D R1

Thanks a lot for all your help and input and if anyone has time to pitch in, here is that post: http://www.forum.simplify3d.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1412&p=5199#p5199

 

Yes, it probes at 9 points with Simplify 3D, doesn't level
At MatterControl, it probes at 3 points

How do you level it manually? Since it's a 3 dimensional issue

 

Yes, but the issue isn't just Z, it's the change of Z with changing X/Y

When the X axis moves 200mm's - the Z offset should change significantly, same for Y (the bed isn't angled with the X/Y plane)

That's why I was able to build small things, with a constant offset, however larger things failed

 

That's what I was intending to do, however switching to MatterControl after all these trials just felt great

It would be great if it was possible to use the Simplify 3D slicer on MatterControl, currently using Slic3r, not too bad

 

Good to hear
I will try that, hope MatterControl will be able to insert the autolevel routines

 

I just bought Simplyfy3d last night -- Ill be fiddling with it tonight -- wanted to make sure you -- you've tried the M565 Z offset command and G29 Autocalibrate bed codes and they didn't work? These codes certainly fixed my issues and worked in CURA. In Simplyfy3D there is a button called "Edit Process Settings" and under it is scripts tab where custom starting Gcode can be entered -- is this where you tried to add the commands?

 

Yes I've tested them extensively, however didn't test different values of M565's Z offset

Did you find a value that worked for you by trial and error?

Also have you tried large prints / verified that angle imbalances are being automatically offset?

 

@Kaan -- Ive successfully used the Z offset now within the process settings -- you can go to the GCODE tab, mark the Z offset as needed ( mind you a negative # will lower the head towards the bed and a positive will raise it ). Then you need to hit select models button at the bottom and apply it to the models you want those process settings to be used with -- you have to do this with every model you work with -- the process settings don't automatically apply when you hit the prepare model for print button. Ive added the G29 code to my custom settings so the bed autocalibrate as well -- you can actually see this work cuz the unit does its autocalibration and then right before it starts printing will ( in my case ) raise the head.

 

FYI -- I don't use the M565 command anymore....

 

I've also done the things you did, didn't work for me, have you printed something large?

Do you see the Z-rods move while printing a layer?
(Otherwise the Z-rods only elevate when you are switching to a new layer, however if auto leveling is on, they should move slightly while the X/Y changes)

I also have the V1 as the firmware, have yet to upgrade to V3 Mike sent over the forum, I'm too lazy to re-dive into the arduino world

What is your firmware name?

 

Im using firmware V4 actually -- wish I could find V5 thought, it does exist somewhere....

And yes my my z rods move ever so slightly back and forth as the print head is doing it's thing on any given layer...

 

lol, I wonder why I have the V1, why matter control doesn't upgrade it itself, and why these firmwares are so mysterious

thanks for the information, it's very helpful

 

Bahhaa yeah I know right the firmware thing is pretty bizarre -- here's my dropbox links to V3 and V4.

v3 -- https://www.dropbox.com/s/uhlisgn485w5n73/Auto_Level_6_10.zip?dl=0

v4 -- https://www.dropbox.com/s/8328enm7cxfu5ix/Auto_Level_7_17.zip?dl=0

 

Oh and be aware I guess V4 has some hot bed temp. limitations so if you're printing with ABS you'll need to set it's default to a higher value -- thats part of the reason why Im wanting V5 lol

 

Additionally, please keep in mind that MC is on V1.1.6 now -- the firmware, of course, is completely seperate from the software version.

I was able to force the MC update by going to the file tab and IIRC the update or about button. It should update if you push it too but I don't like MC's 3pt software leveling so I don't use MC at all anymore.

 

Ive been using the M575 and G29 in the startup script of simplify3D for a few weeks now. It works great and works everytime consistently, which i cant say the same about MC, every third to fifth print it would refuse to so the autolevel routine, S3D does ot everytime.
Its so reliable now, i can actually start a print and walk away before the first layer is done with no concerns.