Z-Probe Calibration

The Z-Probe calibration macro configures the servo angle, X pickup position, and optionally the Y pickup position and servo height for reliable probe pickup and placement. Run this procedure after replacing the servo motor, repositioning the probe dock, or if the probe fails to pick or place correctly.

The calibration has four stages:

1. Servo height adjustment — only needed after a servo motor replacement. Skip to Angle Calibration if the servo was not replaced.

2. Angle calibration — aligns the probe holder angle with the dock station.

3. X and Y position calibration — centers the toolhead over the dock.

4. Overall test — runs multiple pick/place cycles to verify reliability.

You must calibrate when:

• Servo motor has been replaced
• Probe dock has been moved or reinstalled
• Probe fails to pick or place correctly
• Major hardware changes to the toolhead or X-axis
• Lost user/ folder on the SD card

You do not need to calibrate when:

• Changing nozzles
• Routine maintenance that does not affect the probe area

Tools and Materials

• 2.5mm HEX - Wera Screw Driver (hex wrench)

1. Starting the Calibration

1. Open the Web Interface and navigate to Macros > System > Calibration > Z Probe.

2. If the probe is attached to the toolhead, detach it manually and place it in the dock at the back of the printer.

3. Run the Probe Calibration macro. The printer homes the X, Y, and U axes, then moves to the starting position.
4. If the macro detects the probe is still attached, a dialog asks you to detach it. Remove the probe, place it in the dock, and press OK. If the probe is still detected after manual removal, the macro aborts — check the probe sensor wiring and the optocoupler PCB. See Z-Probe Troubleshooting for diagnostics.

2. Servo Height Adjustment

5. The macro asks: "Would you like to calibrate the probe pickup height?" Select Yes, Calibrate.

Loosening the Servo Screws

6. The servo rotates to position S0. Loosen three servo screws by approximately one full turn each. Press OK.

7. The servo rotates to position S180. Loosen the remaining (fourth) servo screw by approximately one full turn. Press OK.

Adjusting the Height

8. The servo rotates to the saved pickup angle. Slide the servo assembly all the way down until it stops. Press OK.

9. The servo cycles through its positions (0° → set angle). Verify the probe is in the dock at the back of the printer.

10. If the probe is not in the dock, install it manually with magnets facing up. Press OK.

Angle Fine-Tuning During Height Setup

11. The toolhead moves near the probe dock. A dialog appears with five options:

    • Turn CCW — rotate the probe holder counterclockwise (+1°)
    • Turn CW — rotate the probe holder clockwise (−1°)
    • Test — cycle the servo to see current alignment
    • Done — proceed when the holder appears horizontal
    • Cancel — abort calibration

12. Press Test to see the current angle. The probe holder should appear horizontal relative to the toolhead when extended.

13. Adjust with Turn CCW or Turn CW in 1° increments. Press Test after each change. When it looks correct, press Done.

Saving the X Position and Tightening

14. The toolhead moves to Y-max. You can jog the Y-axis for better access if needed. Press OK to save the current X position.
15. Tighten at least two of the servo screws. Do not fully tighten yet. Press OK.
16. The toolhead moves away (X −200 mm (≈ 7.9 in.)), then moves to Y = 0. The servo rotates to S0.
17. Tighten all servo screws firmly. Press OK.
18. The servo rotates to S180. Double-check that all screws are secure. Press OK.

3. Angle Calibration

The servo angle controls how the probe holder rotates toward the dock. It must match the dock angle for the probe to attach and detach cleanly. The adjustable range is 155° to 180°.

If you just completed servo height adjustment, the macro continues to this step automatically.

If starting fresh (no servo replacement): the macro reaches this step after you select No, Skip at the height calibration prompt.

19. The servo cycles through its positions (0° → set angle), and the toolhead moves near the probe dock.
20. A dialog appears with five options:
    • Adjust CCW — rotate the probe holder counterclockwise (+1°)
    • Adjust CW — rotate the probe holder clockwise (−1°)
    • Test — cycle the servo to observe the current angle
    • Done — proceed when the angle is correct
    • Cancel — abort calibration
21. Press Test to observe the current angle. Look at the probe holder from the side — it should be parallel to the dock when fully extended. Compare the holder angle to the dock angle at the back of the printer.

22. Make small adjustments (1° at a time) using Adjust CCW or Adjust CW. Press Test after each change. When the holder angle matches the dock, press Done.

4. X and Y Position Calibration

The X position determines where the toolhead stops horizontally over the dock. The Y position determines how far back the toolhead travels to reach the dock.

X Position

23. After angle calibration, the toolhead moves to the current saved pickup position. A dialog appears with X and Y jogging enabled.
24. Look at the probe holder from the front. Jog the X-axis until the holder is centered over the dock — equal gap visible on both sides.

25. Press OK to save the new X position.

Y Position (Optional)

26. The macro asks: "Do you want to save Y position?"
    • Yes, Save Y — saves the current Y position. Use this only if the probe is not making full contact or is being pushed too far into the dock.
    • No, do not Save Y — keeps the default Y position (Y-max). Recommended for most machines.

27. If you selected Yes, Save Y, you can jog the Y-axis before confirming to fine-tune how far back the toolhead travels. Open the printer lid and look down at the probe holder and dock from above to check contact depth.

5. Overall Test

28. The macro runs an automatic test sequence:
    1. Places the probe (if currently attached)
    2. Picks the probe — three consecutive attempts
    3. Places the probe
29. Watch each cycle. The probe should attach cleanly during pickup and detach cleanly during placement — no scraping, bumping, or missed connections.

30. The macro asks: "Was the probe picked and placed correctly?"
    • Yes — calibration is complete. The macro displays "Probe calibration successful."
    • No — the macro displays "Please repeat the procedure." Run the calibration again, focusing on whichever step looked off:
      • Probe scrapes or misses magnets → adjust angle (step 20)
      • Probe off-center → recenter X position (step 24)
      • Probe does not contact dock → check Y position (step 26)

FAQ

Troubleshooting

Support

If you could not find an answer here, reach out to our support team.