The other day I finally pulled the trigger, and got an auto-leveling probe (Geeetech 3DTouch). Install was pretty simple, thanks to upgrading the mainboard to v4.2.7 a few months ago, but I am having serious issues trying to get the Z offset set - I've followed several tutorials, but when it comes to finding the 'center point', after selecting 'auto home' I can't lower the Z offset past 0.00 to have the nozzle just above the bed. I read something about a 'software end stop' that has to be disabled, but none of the tutorials describe how to achieve this on my particular printer - Can anyone help me out with getting this thing 'print-ready'?

Printer: Ender 3 Pro
Mainboard: v4.2.7
Firmware: Ender3-v4.2.7-BLTouch-20240331.bin (Most recent release) [Marlin v2.1.x]

Does anyone have a direction for me to go in? As I said, I have watched tutorials, and asked in several 3D printing groups, with no response anywhere - Please help!

Don't have that model, but maybe there is some useful info here if you have not already checked it:

https://www.crealityexperts.com/installi...ch-ender-3

If you can't set the offset by software, maybe consider setting it by hardware. Looks like you could lower the sensor with some spacers (maybe some metal washers).

That was the first tutorial I tried to follow - Once I get to the setting the Z offset, even with the offset as low as it will go (0.00) there's still about 5mm between the bed and nozzle. The probe and nozzle are about the same distance from the bed. I made a short video showing the issue I'm having: 
 

Maybe set your z-offset anyways (you can use a caliper to get the exact distance or just lower it in small steps) and see if that brings the head down.

Quote:

1. Navigate to Control » Motion » Z Offset.  Adjust the value by the amount you determined in the previous step (for example, if the recorded value is -0.4, adjust the value to be 0.4 less than the current value).
   
   
2. Under Control, select Store Settings to save the offset.  Note that some firmware versions store this on the SD card and not on the printer itself.
   
   
3. Power the printer off and back on, then auto home the printer, and verify that the nozzle is positioned correctly.
   

This is where I'm stuck, I can't get the offset any lower than 0.00 - I've spent an entire day trying to get this set up, and no matter what I can only go as far as setting the Z offset, which I can't get to go as low as I need it to - I'm starting to think the auto-level just isn't worth the headache!

Did you remove the limit switch? If it is physically preventing the gantry from going lower, then maybe you need to do that to, but from  your video it looks like  a software limit. And you double-checked the firmware version is the correct one?

Quote:

1. Disconnect the Z endstop cable.
   

Endstop has been completely removed, and all other axis are correct (Probe is centered on bed) - I can't find any info on disabling/removing the software endstop, and I've gone through every menu setting trying to find a setting for it (The firmware is correct)

You have gone directly into the z-offset in the menu and it won't let you set it? As you did not show that in your video.

Also looks like you are using Ender 3 firmware, this tutorial seems to suggest you need the Pro firmware (or maybe they updated the non-pro firmware). It also seems to mention that certain versions of the board requires some wire swapping.

https://youtu.be/sWKLxxFEEbc?t=733

(06-Apr-2024, 05:47 PM)mstc Wrote: You have gone directly into the z-offset in the menu and it won't let you set it? As you did not show that in your video.

Also looks like you are using Ender 3 firmware, this tutorial seems to suggest you need the Pro firmware (or maybe they updated the non-pro firmware). It also seems to mention that certain versions of the board requires some wire swapping.

https://youtu.be/sWKLxxFEEbc?t=733

I have the v4.2.7 board, which has the correct wiring (I double-checked to make sure) - I just downloaded and installed a different firmware that was hidden in the Creality support page (Ender-3 Pro- Marlin2.0.1 - V1.1.2 - BLTouch - TMC2225.bin), so once I try with this other firmware I'll post back whether I got it working or not.


UPDATE: Had to go back to firmware 'Ender-3 Pro- Marlin2.0.1 - V1.1.2 - ALT - TMC2225.bin', as the last one I tried was missing several menu options for adjusting offsets

Solved! It was several factors keeping me from getting the 3DTouch working, but I am printing perfect again!

Ima always late to the party...

3D Print - How to calibrate Z-offset with a BLTouch bed leveling probe sensor
https://www.webcarpenter.com/blog/162-3D...obe-sensor

...I would suggest bookmark it &/or save the page to your desktop.

At some point you will get tired of taping the bed, what's been working great for me instead:

G10 - The best print surface you've never heard of


...one source:

G10 FR4 Sheet Fiberglass Panel, 3D Printer Build Surface Plate Semi-Flexible Sheet, 235x235x1.5mm Yellow
https://www.amazon.com/Sheet-Fiberglass-...B0C6D6ZVV5

moar:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=g10+sheet+for+3d+printing

better than hairspray or elmers glue stick:

TH3D Bed Cement – 3D Printer Bed Adhesive – Holds Strong, Releases Easy
https://www.th3dstudio.com/product/th3d-...ases-easy/

fwiw...