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Smart V2.0, the latest BLTouch
- BLTouch is a type of semiconductor hall sensor and is an electronic component for 3D printers.
- BLTouch is an auto leveling sensor for 3D Printers based on open-source.
- Simple, Smart, High-precision
- It could work with any kinds of bed materials, such as glasses, woods, metals, and so on.
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Shipping to Canada takes much longer than other countries. If you are in Canada, please order at here, BLTouch Official Canada Seller ---> http://www.ebay.ca/itm/BLTouch-Auto-Bed-Leveling-Sensor-Probe-To-be-a-Premium-3D-Printer-/302021031246?
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https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=BLTouch
gMax 1.5XT+ Review gMax Backer's Review
Ord Bot Hadron Kossel K2 SpaceX
BLTouch demo with unlevel bed
BLTouch Auto Bed Levelling on Wombot 3d Printer
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Main functions and controls of BLTouch are same as usual auto bed leveling sensor, consists of RC servo and micro switch.
Thus, BLTouch can be applied on almost every board.
BLTouch fulfilled simple structure and high precision by using progressively designed solenoid and hall sensor, and aimed user convenience and enjoyable printing by adding many smart functions, self-test, alarm, alarm release, test mode for M119.
Simple
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BLTouch can be easily applied, since it has a small and simple structure. Gathering information & firmware setting will be an easy task, because BLTouch works as usual auto bed leveling sensor.
Smart
- Self-test : The push pin is operated two times to test when the power is on
- Alarm : The LED light blinks if a problem found on a self-test or on an operation
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The latest version of BLTouch-Smart
◈ Added internal 3.3V logic conversion
☞ You don't need 10KΩ and 240Ω for 3.3V logic board.
◈ Added blue LED for indicating servo signal and Z-probe(Zmin) Testing
◇ If Blue LED is OFF in M280 P0 S60 command and push-pin is
at down state.
☞ Servo signal wiring is not correct. Please check the orange wire.
◇ If Blue LED is ON in m280 P0 S60 command and push-pin is
at up state.
☞ There is a problem with Z-probe. Adjust the solenoid core
to the factory settings. If the problem persists, please
send email to ANTCLABS for help.
◇ Blues LED in BLTouch is very faint.
High-precision
-
BLTouch’s Standard Deviation in repeatability is around 0.005mm, at that precise. (refer to attached video)
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( The data above can be varied by assembling shape and other environments)
※ In this video, the result of Standard Deviation was around 0.001mm.
But at the other low quality 3D printer, we just get the value as 0.001~0.03mm. (It was the same BLTouch.) Actually, around 0.03 is also not much problem at FDM type 3D printers.
Unlike 3D printer firmware, There isn't any delay at BLTouch, because it uses interrupt inside.
So, BLTouch outputs pulse signal as soon as a hall sensor senses a magnet.
The things that affect to Standard Deviation is,
1. Probing speed of 3D printer
2. Assembled quality of 3D printer
3. Destroyed(Damaged) push-pin
■ BLTouch vs. other sensor
◈ BLTouch
BLTouch must be installed perpendicular to the ground.
If BLTouch push-pin can't be perpendicular to the ground, BLTouch will out put wrong signal.
BLTouch is equipped with all three function as micro switch, servo motor and also servo arm.
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◈ Micro switch
BLTouch is equipped with all three function as micro switch, servo motor and also servo arm.
Comparison would be pointless if micro switch sensor for bed leveling does not include the retraction and deployment method.
◈ Inductive Proximity Sensor
At Inductive Proximity Sensors, to calculate the sensing distance for other application conditions the following parameters, which affect the sensing distance, must be taken into account. (For example : Variations in ambient temperature(Kθ), Different types of object material(Km), Size of the object to be detected(Kd), Variation of supply voltage(Kt))
Sa(assured sensing distance) = Sn(nominal sensing distance) x Kθ x Km x Kd x Kt
If non-contacting Inductive Proximity sensor can receive the same Parameter at whole working area, it must be the best auto bed leveling sensor for 3D printers.
But who can provide this?
Most of metal beds have various temperature(Kθ) areas at one bed, and its thickness(Kd) and object material(Km) are also various because of bolts, nuts, or supporters etc.
Please see picture provided by Sensor manufacturer Schneider Electric
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If you choose BLTouch, your 3D printer will be high-class masterpiece, giving you an enjoyable experience.
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BLTouch consists of Atmel ATtiny13A, solenoid, and a push pin.
Innovative Solenoid : Ultra Power Saving
On idle state, while the push-pin is whether pulled out or retracted, there are not any electric current flowing on solenoid, and standby electric current in the whole device is below 15mA on average, whereas on working state, while the pin is moving in sudden about 100ms, under 300mA flows in the device.
Low power consumption even further drops joule heating, preventing from heat problem.
Hall Sensor : Free Bed Selection
BLTouch does not uses either optical, nor proximity(inductive/capacitive) sensor.
BLTouch is controlled by hall effect, providing high precision. Thus the bed material can be selected freely.
Optimized structure : Larger Build Size
BLTouch is a small, and technology-intensive one. Build size can be set larger than other existing auto bed leveling sensor.
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BLTouch uses existing RC Servo motor signal intactly, so just plug BLTouch on the same pins after removing servo motor.
Smoothieboard(Smoothieware) with BLTouch
About ANTCLABS :
San Mateo Maker Faire 2017
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APEC(Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) 2017 with ANTCLABS BLTouch
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Gold Prize, 2016 Korea International Women's Invention Exposition
Certificate of Achievement, Minister of Science, ICT and Future Planning Republic of Korea
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Creative Korea 2016
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Creative Korea 2015
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Seoul International Invention Fair
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SMT & Soldering : Lead Free
Signal Timing Diagram ( BLTouch-Smart )
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Wiring
BLTouch can be operated in the following condition.
- One I/O for control (PWM or Software PWM)
- One I/O for Zmin(Z Probe)
- GND and +5V power
Wiring(e.g. RAMPS1.4)
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Wiring(e.g. Sanguinololu1.3a)
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Result of the "BLTouch" Google search ![]()
CAD Dimension ( BLTouch-Smart )
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Exterior of BLTouch could be changed in order to improve efficiency.
There are many shared mounts in open source and open hardware pages.
BLTouch family have been making our Google Plus page together. You can get some information here for first-time users, about setting details and troubleshooting.
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- 1 X BLTouch (BLTouch-Smart)
- Spare parts - for just in case something happens
1 X Jumper Cap
2 X Screw & Nut & Washer
2 X Dupont Housing Shell 3Pin
2 X Dupont Housing Shell 2Pin
2 X Dupont Housing Shell 1Pin
10X Dupont Terminal
※ You don't need 240Ω, 10KΩ resistor for 3.3V logic Board
※ When replacing a conventional proximity sensor with a BLTouch,
install a jumper cap between the signal and GND if necessary.
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Q1. A Push-pin does not move and LED blinks(alarms).
A1. There is dirt( foreign substance) on the push-pin.
- Pick the push-pin softly and remove any grease or dirt from the surface(move push-pin up and down and rotate it horizontally)
- Restart BLTouch after removing them.
A2. There is dirt(foreign substance)-inside BLTouch.
- Disassemble core and push-pin with allen wrench(hex wrench).
- Clean softly and reassemble them.
- Restart it.
A3. Magnetic force is weak between push-pin and solenoid.
- Adjust magnetic-control(turn clockwise or counterclockwise) core little by little(Max0.6 ± 0.3mm) with allen key(hex wrench).
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A4. 5V Power updating might be needed when your board does not supply enough amperage(A push-pin does not work, but just a LED blinks).
Q2. When Push-pin(Aluminum rod) fall out from BLTouch body.
A. The aluminum rod was seperated by a push-pin.
1. Open the hex-screw at BLTouch, and put out the shrinkable tube
2. Push the aluminum rod inside a tube until it touches the end of the tube.
3. Heat to heat shrinkable tube for 15 sec at 200 degree Celsius
4. Cool down the push pin slowly
5. Assemble again
Q3. About Get Endstop Status(M119)
A. Please follow below
1. M280 Px S160
2. M280 Px S60
3. make the position of the push-pin up or down by your finger
4. M119
※ You can repeat from 3 to 4.
Q4. If your board is 3.3V Logic, please following below.
A1. BLTouch-Smart
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A2. BLTouch-Classic only
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- Additional power supply can be needed in case which your board does not supply enough amperage.
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Electronic devices can be damaged or even destroyed if connected to the wrong side polarity. [wrong terminal connect to 5V(+) and GND(-)]
- Install BLTouch as far as it possible from magnetic, motor, fan etc.
- The action as pulling/pushing hard the push-pin can make the BLTouch damaged and less accurate.
- Fix push-pin with locking paint after reassembling or adjusting core.
- Please do not change the position of the hex screw(core).
- Do not separate or deform elastic material attached on the push-pin.
- The action(Pull or push push-pin hard) makes damage and lowers the accuracy of Bltouch
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1. How long will it take for shipping? When will I receive my BLTouch?
Backer's BLTouchs will be shipped in : One business day
We are shipping perks everyday, except holidays of the post office.
Generally, we try to ship on the day if you order before the time below:
KST (Korea Standard Time) 15:00
GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) 06:00
PDT (Pacific Daylight Time) 23:00
※ May 5th ~ 6th is holidays in Korea.
Delivery time : 5~20 business days
We will send to all the backers a tracking number/URL to check the shipping status.
※ For Shipping safety, please tell us your name and phone number by e-mail,
antclabs@gmail.com
2. Would additional cost for shipping be needed?
International shipping is $5 USD. Fees will be added when you select your shipping destination in the pledge.
3. Where do you ship to?
We ships them worldwide.
4. What do I need to connect BLTouch with a 3D Printer?
You can connect BLTouch with an existing servo motor connector(3 pin) and Zmin connector(2 pin).
If your 3D Printer does not have the auto leveling function, then you should have it updated, and add the two connectors which is enclosed.
Rarely, some 3D Printers having the auto leveling function need that process too.
Soldering and firmware updating might be needed in the seldom case.
5. Do I need additional power supply for the BLTouch?
Additional power supply is not required to use the BLTouch in most cases.
But, 5V Power updating might be needed when your board does not supply enough amperage(For Example, a push-pin does not work, but just a LED blinks).
6. Do you have any patents?
We have several patents and some are on patent pending.
And we have already completed the patent application for this project.
7. What kinds of a technical support can I get?
We can help a little about wiring, but cannot support firmware setting except the general information that we providing.
That's because we are not familiar with all firmware and we do not want to bother you by giving you an inexact information.
You can refer to other communities, since your BLTouch uses the same servo signal, as usual auto-bed leveling sensors consists of servo motor & micro switch.
PayPal Disclaimer :
Delivery of rewards/perks are subject to best efforts and not guaranteed.
