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Cartographer Probe

The Cartographer Probe is a sophisticated bed-leveling sensor that uses frequency-based detection to provide highly accurate and reliable bed leveling. It's particularly well-suited for Voron printers and other high-performance 3D printers.

Features

  • Advanced Technology:
  • Frequency-based detection
  • Temperature independence
  • High precision
  • Multi-material support
  • Smart Features:
  • Automatic calibration
  • Real-time monitoring
  • LED status indicators
  • Configurable sensitivity
  • Reliability:
  • Consistent measurements
  • Long service life
  • Minimal maintenance
  • Robust design

Benefits

  • Superior Accuracy:
  • Frequency-based detection
  • Temperature stability
  • Consistent measurements
  • Reliable first layers
  • Time Efficiency:
  • Quick setup process
  • Automatic calibration
  • Reduced manual adjustments
  • Versatility:
  • Works with various bed materials
  • Compatible with multiple printer types
  • Supports different mounting configurations

User Experiences

From Voron Discord User

"The Cartographer's frequency-based detection is incredibly reliable. I've been using it for over a year now, and it's never let me down. The temperature independence is a huge plus for enclosed printers."

From Reddit User Review

"The Cartographer is accurate when it works, but the initial tuning is a nightmare. I spent days trying to get it calibrated properly. The sensitivity to electrical noise is also a real issue - I had to reroute all my cables to get stable readings."

Community Feedback

  • Users appreciate the temperature independence
  • Many report excellent long-term reliability
  • The frequency-based detection is praised for its accuracy
  • Great for users who want a set-and-forget solution
  • Active development and community support

Common User Complaints

  • Initial tuning is extremely challenging and time-consuming
  • Very sensitive to electrical noise and interference
  • Requires careful cable routing and shielding
  • Mounting and alignment are critical and unforgiving
  • May need recalibration after major printer changes
  • Documentation is technical and assumes prior knowledge
  • Support is primarily community-based
  • Some users report inconsistent behavior with certain bed materials
  • Firmware updates can require complete recalibration
  • Price is high compared to simpler alternatives

Installation Guide

Hardware Setup

  1. Mounting:
  2. Mount the probe 2-3mm above the nozzle
  3. Ensure proper alignment with the bed

  4. Secure all connections firmly

  5. Wiring:

  6. Connect signal wire to the probe
  7. Route cables away from stepper motors
  8. Secure cables to prevent interference

Software Configuration

  1. Klipper Setup: 

    [probe]
pin: !gpio0
x_offset: 0
y_offset: 0
z_offset: 0
speed: 5.0
samples: 3
samples_result: median
sample_retract_dist: 2.0
samples_tolerance: 0.006
samples_tolerance_retries: 3

  2. Calibration:

  3. Run initial calibration
  4. Set Z-offset
  5. Configure mesh leveling

Usage Tips

Best Practices

  • Perform calibration at operating temperature
  • Clean the bed surface before leveling
  • Check probe alignment regularly
  • Update firmware when available

Common Issues

  • Incorrect mounting height
  • Loose connections
  • Interference from other electronics
  • Outdated firmware

Advanced Configuration

Frequency Tuning

[cartographer]
frequency_tuning: true
tuning_factor: 1.0

Multi-Material Support

[cartographer]
material_detection: true
detection_threshold: 0.1

Troubleshooting

Common Problems

  1. Inconsistent Readings:
  2. Check mounting height
  3. Verify connections

  4. Clean probe surface

  5. Calibration Issues:

  6. Ensure proper temperature
  7. Check bed surface

  8. Verify probe alignment

  9. Communication Errors:

  10. Check signal connection
  11. Verify firmware version
  12. Restart Klipper