¶ Introduction
A properly calibrated Z-Probe is essential for accurate homing and precise first-layer printing. This manual will guide you through the complete calibration process using the built-in firmware macros. The calibration consists of three main components: servo height adjustment (only needed after servo replacement), angle alignment, and pickup position (X and Y axes).
¶ Safety Precautions
- Power Safety: Ensure the printer is powered on and all cables are firmly connected
- Moving Parts: Keep hands clear of moving components during calibration
- Hot Surfaces: Allow hotends and build surfaces to cool before beginning calibration
- Proper Installation: Verify the probe is installed in the holder with magnets facing down and lever facing up
¶ When to Calibrate
You MUST calibrate when:
- ✅ Servo motor has been replaced
- ✅ Probe docking station has been moved or reinstalled
- ✅ Probe fails to pick or place correctly
- ✅ After major hardware changes to the toolhead or X-axis
- ✅ Lost "User" folder
You do NOT need to calibrate when:
- ❌ Changing nozzles
- ❌ Regular maintenance that doesn't affect the probe area
¶ Calibration Overview
The calibration process is divided into distinct steps:
- Servo Height Adjustment (Only if servo motor was replaced) - Skip to Part 2
- Angle Calibration (Align probe holder to docking station)
- X-Axis Position Calibration (Center probe pickup)
- Y-Axis Position Calibration (Optional - adjust pickup distance)
- Overall Test (Combination of all calibration factors)
¶ Part 1: Servo Height Adjustment
Important: Only perform this section if you have replaced the servo motor. If the servo has not been replaced, skip to Part 2: Angle Calibration.
¶ When This Step is Required
This calibration is only necessary after replacing the servo motor. The servo controls the probe holder's rotation and must be positioned at the correct height to function properly.
¶ Starting the Calibration Macro
-
Navigate to Macros:
- Open your printer's web interface
- Go to Macros > System > Calibration > Z Probe
- Run Probe Calibration
-
Prepare the Probe:
- If the probe is attached to the toolhead, the macro will prompt you to detach it
- Place the probe in the holder at the back of the printer
- Correct orientation: Magnets facing down, lever facing up
-
Height Calibration Prompt:
- The macro will ask: "Would you like to calibrate the probe pickup height?"
- Select "Yes, Calibrate" if servo was replaced
- Select "No, Skip" if servo is already at correct height
¶ Loosening the Servo
-
Initial Loosening:
- The servo will lower to position S0
- Loosen three servo screws by approximately one full turn each
- Press OK in the dialog
-
Complete Loosening:
- The servo will rotate to position S180
- Loosen the remaining servo screw by approximately one full turn
- Press OK in the dialog
¶ Adjusting Servo Height
-
Position the Servo:
- The servo will rotate to the set degree position
- Manually slide the servo assembly down completely until it cannot go lower
- Press OK when fully lowered
-
Verify Probe Installation:
- Ensure the probe is in its holder at the back
- If not installed, install it manually with magnets facing up (for this step)
- Press OK to continue
-
Test Horizontal Alignment:
- The toolhead will move near the probe holder
- The servo will rotate to test the pickup angle
- Observe if the probe holder is horizontal relative to the toolhead
¶ Angle Adjustment During Height Setup
While still adjusting height, you can fine-tune the angle:
- Turn CCW - Rotate probe holder counterclockwise (increases angle)
- Turn CW - Rotate probe holder clockwise (decreases angle)
- Test - Cycle the servo to see current alignment
- Done - Proceed when probe appears horizontal
Goal: The probe holder should be horizontal when fully extended toward the toolhead.
¶ Saving X Position
-
Initial X Position:
- The toolhead will move to Y-max position
- You can jog the Y-axis if needed for better access
- Press OK to save the current X position
-
Partial Tightening:
- Tighten at least two of the servo screws
- Do NOT fully tighten yet
- Press OK when ready
-
Final Positioning:
- The toolhead will move away (X-200mm)
- Then move to Y=0
- The servo will rotate to S0, then S180
-
Final Tightening:
- Tighten all three screws firmly
- The servo will rotate through test positions
- Double-check all screws are secure
- Press OK to continue
Note: After this step, the macro will automatically proceed to angle calibration. Do not exit the macro.
¶ Part 2: Angle Calibration
This step aligns the probe holder angle to match the probe docking station angle, ensuring smooth pickup and placement.
¶ Understanding Angle Alignment
The probe docking station at the back of the printer is fixed at a specific angle. The rotating probe holder on the toolhead must match this angle perfectly for the probe to attach correctly.
What You're Adjusting:
- The servo angle (range: 155° to 180°)
- This rotates the probe holder to be perpendicular to the toolhead
- Proper alignment prevents the probe from scraping or missing the magnets
¶ Starting Angle Calibration
If you just completed servo height adjustment:
- The macro automatically continues to this step
- The toolhead is already positioned near the probe holder
If starting fresh (no servo replacement):
- Navigate to Macros > System > Calibration > Z Probe
- Run Probe Calibration
- Select "No, Skip" when asked about height calibration
- The macro will move directly to angle calibration
¶ Adjusting the Angle
The macro will display: "Adjust the angle if needed"
Available Options:
- Adjust CCW - Rotate probe holder counterclockwise (increases angle by 1°)
- Adjust CW - Rotate probe holder clockwise (decreases angle by 1°)
- Test - Cycle the servo to observe current angle alignment
- Done - Proceed to position calibration when angle looks correct
- Cancel - Abort calibration
¶ Visual Inspection
How to Check Alignment:
- Look at the probe holder from the side
- Compare its angle to the docking station angle at the back
- They should appear parallel/matching when the servo is extended
Adjustment Strategy:
- Start by using Test to see the current angle
- Make small adjustments (1° at a time)
- Use Test again after each adjustment
- Continue until the probe holder appears horizontal and matches the docking station
Tip: Take your time with angle adjustment. Proper angle alignment is critical for reliable probe pickup. It's better to make small adjustments and test frequently.
¶ Completing Angle Calibration
Once the angle appears correct:
- Select Done
- The toolhead will move to a new position for X/Y calibration
- Do not exit the macro - continue to Part 3
¶ Part 3: X-Axis Position Calibration
This step ensures the probe is picked up from the center of the docking station, with equal distance to both sides.
¶ Understanding X-Axis Position
The X-axis position determines where the toolhead stops when picking up the probe. If the position is off-center:
- Too far left: Probe magnets miss the left side of the holder
- Too far right: Probe magnets miss the right side of the holder
- Centered correctly: Probe attaches with equal magnetic contact on both sides
¶ Adjusting X Position
After angle calibration, the toolhead will be positioned at the probe pickup location.
The macro will prompt: "Press OK to save new X and Y position"
-
Jogging Access:
- The dialog allows jogging in X and Y axes
- Use X-axis jogging to move the toolhead left or right
- Observe the probe holder relative to the docking station
-
Visual Alignment:
- Look at the probe holder from the front
- The holder should be centered over the docking station
- Equal space should be visible on the left and right sides
- Save X Position:
- Once centered, press OK
- The new X position will be saved automatically
¶ Part 4: Y-Axis Position Calibration (Optional)
The Y-axis position determines how far back the toolhead moves to pick up the probe. This setting has a default value and typically does not need adjustment.
¶ When to Adjust Y Position
Adjust Y position if:
- ✅ The probe is not making full contact during pickup
- ✅ The probe is being pushed too far into the docking station
- ✅ You've made physical changes to the probe mount location
Do NOT adjust Y position if:
- ❌ Probe pickup is working correctly
- ❌ You're unsure if adjustment is needed
- ❌ This is your first calibration
¶ Default Y Position
Standard distance: 175mm from the front of the build area
This default value works for most machines and configurations. Only change it if you observe pickup issues related to distance.
¶ Adjusting Y Position
After saving the X position, the macro will ask: "Do you want to save Y position?"
Option 1: Yes, Save Y
- Select "Yes, Save Y"
- Before confirming, you can jog the Y-axis to fine-tune position
- Press OK to save the new Y position
Option 2: No, do not Save Y (Recommended for most users)
- Select "No, do not Save Y"
- The default Y position will be retained
- This is the safer option if you're unsure
¶ Inspecting Y Position from Above
For precise Y-axis adjustment:
-
Open the Lid:
- Carefully open the printer's top lid
- Ensure you have a clear view from above
-
Observe from Top:
- Look down at the probe holder and docking station
- Check if the probe holder is:
- Too close (pushing into the dock)
- Too far (not making full contact)
- Just right (light contact, secure attachment)
- Make Adjustments:
- If too close: Decrease Y value (move toolhead forward slightly)
- If too far: Increase Y value (move toolhead back slightly)
- Make small changes (1-2mm at a time)
Important: If the probe is picking and placing successfully with the default Y position, do NOT adjust it. Unnecessary changes can introduce problems.
¶ Part 5: Overall Test
After completing all calibration steps, the macro automatically performs an overall test combining all calibration factors.
¶ Automatic Test Sequence
The macro will run the following sequence:
- Place the Probe (if currently attached)
- Pick the Probe (first attempt)
- Pick the Probe (second attempt)
- Pick the Probe (third attempt)
- Place the Probe (final test)
What to Observe:
- Smooth approach to docking station
- Clean magnetic attachment during pick
- Secure probe retention during movement
- Clean detachment during place
- No scraping, bumping, or misalignment
¶ Interpreting Results
After the test sequence, the macro will ask: "Was the probe picked and placed correctly?"
If successful:
- Select "Yes"
- The macro displays: "Probe calibration successful"
- Calibration is complete
If unsuccessful:
- Select "No"
- The macro displays: "Please repeat the procedure"
- Run the calibration macro again
- Focus on the step that appeared problematic:
- Angle misalignment → Adjust angle more carefully
- Off-center pickup → Adjust X position
- Distance issues → Consider Y position adjustment
¶ Troubleshooting
¶ Probe Fails to Pick Up
Possible Causes:
-
Angle misalignment - Probe holder not perpendicular to toolhead
- Solution: Repeat angle calibration with smaller adjustments
-
X position off-center - Holder missing magnets
- Solution: Recalibrate X position, ensure equal spacing on both sides
-
Y position too far - Not making contact
- Solution: Adjust Y position to move toolhead closer (increase Y value)
-
Weak magnets - Probe not attaching firmly
- Solution: Check probe magnets for debris, replace if damaged
¶ Probe Fails to Place
Possible Causes:
-
Angle misalignment - Probe scraping docking station
- Solution: Fine-tune angle to match docking station exactly
-
Y position too close - Pushing probe too far into dock
- Solution: Adjust Y position to reduce depth (decrease Y value)
-
Obstructed docking station - Debris preventing placement
- Solution: Clean docking station area thoroughly
¶ Probe Attaches at Start of Calibration
The macro checks if the probe is already attached. If detected:
- Dialog appears: "Please detach the probe from the tool head"
- Manually remove probe from toolhead
- Place in docking station (magnets down, lever up)
- Press OK to continue
If probe remains attached after manual removal:
- Calibration aborts with error
- Check probe connection to toolhead
- Verify probe sensor wiring
¶ Servo Angle Limits
The servo angle has safety limits:
- Minimum: 155°
- Maximum: 180°
If you reach these limits:
- Error message appears: "Reached minimum/maximum"
- Physical adjustment may be required
- Contact support if unable to achieve proper angle within limits
¶ Manual Macro Access
If you need to test individual components outside the full calibration:
Individual Macros Available:
- Pick the Probe - Test probe pickup only
- Place the Probe - Test probe placement only
- Rotate holder to 0 degree - Move servo to fully retracted position
- Rotate holder to a set degree - Move servo to saved pickup angle
- Adjust pickup angle CCW - Increase angle by 1°
- Adjust pickup angle CW - Decrease angle by 1°
- Enable Probe - Turn on probe relay (activate sensor)
- Disable Probe - Turn off probe relay (deactivate sensor)
Location: Macros > System > Calibration > Z Probe
¶ Best Practices
- Calibrate methodically - Complete each step fully before moving to the next
- Document your values - Note your final angle and position values for reference
- Test thoroughly - Run multiple pick/place cycles to verify reliability
- Keep area clean - Remove filament strings or debris from probe area
- Recalibrate after changes - Any physical modification requires new calibration
¶ When to Contact Support
Contact Vision Miner support if:
- Calibration repeatedly fails after multiple attempts
- Servo cannot reach proper angle within 155-180° range
- Physical damage to probe, docking station, or servo
- Probe sensor not responding (check with Enable/Disable Probe macros)
- Wiring or electrical issues suspected
¶ Summary
Proper Z-Probe calibration ensures reliable automated bed probing and accurate first layers. By following this guide systematically—adjusting servo height only when needed, carefully aligning the angle, centering the X position, and optionally fine-tuning Y position—you'll achieve consistent probe pickup and placement.
Remember: Skip servo height adjustment unless the servo was replaced, and avoid adjusting Y position unless necessary. When in doubt, use default values and only change settings to solve specific observed problems.