From f5c67baac2a4b3f3db3ba4d091bd44462dcd731d Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Kevin O'Connor Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2018 12:43:41 -0400 Subject: [PATCH] docs: Recommend running PID_CALIBRATE in Config_checks.md Signed-off-by: Kevin O'Connor --- docs/Config_checks.md | 23 +++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 23 insertions(+) diff --git a/docs/Config_checks.md b/docs/Config_checks.md index e45964a0..628719e2 100644 --- a/docs/Config_checks.md +++ b/docs/Config_checks.md @@ -115,6 +115,29 @@ turns in the correct direction. If it does not, see the troubleshooting tips in the previous section to confirm the "enable_pin", "step_pin", and "dir_pin" settings for the extruder. +### Calibrate PID settings + +Klipper supports +[PID control](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PID_controller) for the +extruder and bed heaters. In order to use this control mechanism it is +necessary to calibrate the PID settings on each printer. (PID settings +found in other firmwares or in the example configuration files often +work poorly.) + +To calibrate the extruder, navigate to the OctoPrint terminal tab and +run the PID_CALIBRATE command. For example: `PID_CALIBRATE +HEATER=extruder TARGET=170` + +At the completion of the tuning test, update the printer.cfg file with +the recommended pid_Kp, pid_Ki, and pid_Kd values. + +If the printer has a heated bed and it supports being driven by PWM +(Pulse Width Modulation) then it is recommended to use PID control for +the bed. (When the bed heater is controlled using the PID algorithm it +may turn on and off ten times a second, which may not be suitable for +heaters using a mechanical switch.) A typical bed PID calibration +command is: `PID_CALIBRATE HEATER=heater_bed TARGET=60` + ### Next steps This guide is intended to help with basic verification of pin settings