Z-Calibration after heat bed installation (Ultimaker Original)

[UltiSo 0]

Hi everybody!

Yesterday I installed the Heat Bed (Original Ultimaker Heat Bed Upgrade).

Everything was fine, I updated the firmware and calibrated the heat bed, but for some reason the calibration doesn't work correctly, when I do the testprint the distance between nozzle and bed is too big and the filament doesn't stick.

Does anybody know this problem after installing the heat bed?

The new bed installation doesn't reach the bottom end stop anymore, is that normal? Can that be a reason?

Does anybody have an idea?

I'm very thankful for every help!

[SandervG 1,521]

Hi @UltiSo,

When you say you calibrated the heated bed, what did you do exactly?

How far is it from the nozzle?

Did you change the position of the end stop (during calibration?)

The Ultimaker Original should determine its height based on the top end stop, not based on the bottom end stop.

[UltiSo 0]

Hey SandervG,

thanks for the quick answer.

I connected the printer via USB and did it like in the heat bed installation manual:

I updated the firmware with cura ('add new printer'-window, where I could tell what changes I made), then first moved the extruder-head-thing to to all x,y,z endstops (clicked the bottom end stop manual, because it was required), then I did the bed calibration with paper and setting the spring.

The nozzle is not very far, only few milimeters, but to much to print properly.

I didn't change the end stop, during calibration.

[SandervG 1,521]

It would probably help if you could include a picture of what it looks like when you press Auto Home on the UltiController.

I think, depending on the picture, there are 2 possible solutions.

1: use the thumbscrews at the bottom of the bed to find the right height.

If the distance is to much, this won't work. If it is only 1 or 2mm it could work.

2: You have to put the top end stop (in the top right corner on the back) a few mm higher.

The bed will home the exact amount of mm higher, as you move it up.

So lets say your bed is now 3mm to low, move the top end stop up 3mm. Then press

auto home on your UltiController and potentially a piece of paper if you prefer and complete the bed levelling procedure with the thumbscrews.

[UltiSo 0]

I already tried both of your ideas, it didn't work.

Another thing I forgot to mention: it seems like the distance is getting bigger with every layer he is printing.

[SandervG 1,521]

Assuming you have a stock Ultimaker hot end, your nozzle should be screwed in further in the heaterblock.

First screw in the nozzle, and then the brass tube.

(you can do this now by heating the heaterblock, loosening the brass tube, and further insert the nozzle). But be careful that you don't break the brasstube, and watch your fingers while operating

You're not getting any temperature fluctuations with the thermocouple so close to the aluminum heaterblock?

But that has nothing to do with your levelling.

Can you explain why it didn't work?

For example, if you put the end stop 5mm higher, the bed doesn't go 5mm higher?

only 3mm? Or 0mm?

The distance should become bigger with every layer you print obviously

With what distance does it increase?

[UltiSo 0]

Good monday morning,

After trying to optimize the home position this morning it worked, when I press AutoHome now the distance looks quite fine.

But it still is too big when I start to print a file. It seems to me like the printer thinks that the layer height is much bigger (which could also explain why it's increasing so much with every layer). I thought it could be a problem with the slicing software, but I tried two different ones and it's always the same problem...

[SandervG 1,521]

Hi @UltiSo,

Can you double check if you have uploaded the proper firmware?

Since you have upgraded your Ultimaker Original, you need the Ultimaker Original firmware, not an Ultimaker Original+ since even though you do have a heated bed.

Please install the (right) firmware again.

If you do have it and the problem remains, could you swap 2 stepperdrivers on your electronics board? Let me know if after replacing the oddity skipped to a different axis.

It would mean the stepperdriver is defective.

[UltiSo 0]

Doublechecked firmware, everything is correct.

I swaped the drivers, but, as the swaped axis have wrong height-informations now, I can't print like that, can I?

What I noticed after swaping the drivers is, that, when I move the axis 1mm, the swaped axis do not both move 1mm as they should, the y-axis with the z-stepperdriver is definitely moving more. Is that normal, when there is the wrong driver connected..? If a video or something would help I can send you one.