klipper/docs/HallFilamentWidthSensor.md

Hall filament width sensor

This document describes Filament Width Sensor host module. Hardware used for developing this host module is based on Two Hall liniar sensors (ss49e for example). Sensors in the body are located opposite sides. Principle of operation : two hall sensors work in differential mode, temperature drift same for sensor. Special temperature compensation not needed. You can find designs at Thingiverse

Hall based filament width sensor assembly video

How does it work?

Sensor generates two analog output based on calculated filament width. Sum of output voltage always equals to detected filament width . Host module monitors voltage changes and adjusts extrusion multiplier. I use aux2 connector on ramps-like board analog11 and analog12 pins. You can use different pins and differenr boards

Configuration

[hall_filament_width_sensor]

adc1: analog11
adc2: analog12
# adc1 and adc2 channels select own pins Analog input pins on 3d printer board
# Sensor power supply can be 3.3v or 5v

Cal_dia1: 1.50 # Reference diameter point 1 (mm)
Cal_dia2: 2.00 # Reference diameter point 2 (mm)

# The measurement principle provides for two-point calibration
# In calibration process you must use rods of known diameter
# I use drill rods as the base diameter.
# nominal filament diameter must be between Cal_dia1 and Cal_dia2
# Your size may differ from the indicated ones, for example 2.05

Raw_dia1:10630 # Raw sensor value for reference point 1
Raw_dia2:8300  # Raw sensor value for reference point 2

# Raw value of sensor in units
# can be readed by command QUERY_RAW_FILAMENT_WIDTH

default_nominal_filament_diameter: 1.75 # This parameter is in millimeters (mm)

max_difference: 0.15
# Maximum allowed filament diameter difference in millimeters (mm)
# If difference between nominal filament diameter and sensor output is more
# than +- max_difference, extrusion multiplier set back to %100

measurement_delay: 70
# The distance from sensor to the melting chamber/hot-end in millimeters (mm).
# The filament between the sensor and the hot-end will be treated as the default_nominal_filament_diameter.
# Host module works with FIFO logic. It keeps each sensor value and position in
# an array and POP them back in correct position.

#enable:False
# Sensor enabled or disabled after power on. Disabled by default

# measurement_interval:10
# Sensor readings done with 10 mm intervals by default. If necessary you are free to change this setting

#logging: False
#  Out diameter to terminal and klipper.log
#  can be turn on|of by command

#Virtual filament_switch_sensor suppurt. Create sensor named hall_filament_width_sensor.
#
#min_diameter:1.0
#Minimal diameter for trigger virtual filament_switch_sensor.
#use_current_dia_while_delay: False
#   Use the current diameter instead of the nominal diamenter while the measurement delay has not run through.
#
#Values from filament_switch_sensor. See the "filament_switch_sensor" section for information on these parameters.
#
#pause_on_runout: True
#runout_gcode:
#insert_gcode:
#event_delay: 3.0
#pause_delay: 0.5

G-Code Commands

QUERY_FILAMENT_WIDTH - Return the current measured filament width as result

RESET_FILAMENT_WIDTH_SENSOR - Clear all sensor readings. Can be used after filament change.

DISABLE_FILAMENT_WIDTH_SENSOR - Turn off the filament width sensor and stop using it to do flow control

ENABLE_FILAMENT_WIDTH_SENSOR - Turn on the filament width sensor and start using it to do flow control

QUERY_RAW_FILAMENT_WIDTH Return the current ADC channel values and RAW sensor value for calibration points

ENABLE_FILAMENT_WIDTH_LOG - Turn on diameter logging

DISABLE_FILAMENT_WIDTH_LOG - Turn off diameter logging

Menu variables

hall_filament_width_sensor.Diameter current measured filament width in mm

hall_filament_width_sensor.Raw current raw measured filament width in units

hall_filament_width_sensor.is_active Sensor on or off

Template for menu variables

[menu __main __filament __width_current]
type: command
enable: {'hall_filament_width_sensor' in printer}
name: Dia: {'%.2F' % printer.hall_filament_width_sensor.Diameter}
index: 0

[menu __main __filament __raw_width_current]
type: command
enable: {'hall_filament_width_sensor' in printer}
name: Raw: {'%4.0F' % printer.hall_filament_width_sensor.Raw}
index: 1

Calibration procedure

To get raw sensor value you can use menu item or QUERY_RAW_FILAMENT_WIDTH command in terminal

1. Insert first calibration rod (1.5 mm size) get first raw sensor value

2. Insert second calibration rod (2.0 mm size) get second raw sensor value

3. Save raw sensor values in config parameter Raw_dia1 and Raw_dia2

How to enable sensor

By default, the sensor is disabled at power-on.

To enable the sensor, issue ENABLE_FILAMENT_WIDTH_SENSOR command or set the enable parameter to true.

Logging

By default, diameter logging is disabled at power-on.

Issue ENABLE_FILAMENT_WIDTH_LOG command to start logging and issue DISABLE_FILAMENT_WIDTH_LOG command to stop logging. To enable logging at power-on, set the logging parameter to true.

Filament diameter is logged on every measurement interval (10 mm by default).