Filament sensor integration Taz Workhorse

[jldrooger]

Does anyone have a comprehensive solution to adding a filament runout sensor on the Workhorse without the need for Octoprint? I just bought a couple of these and was hoping someone already had this doped out.

[GreenEllipsis]

While I’m using Octoprint, I haven’t yet added a filament sensor. Interested in the solution, too.

[b-morgan]

Without OctoPrint, the printer controller board needs to support connecting the runout sensor. Either using existing endstops or a dedicated connection and the firmware needs to be configured with support for a runout sensor.

With OctoPrint, the runout sensor can be connected to the computer running OctoPrint (usually an RPi using GPIO pins) and a plugin is installed to monitor it.

If the printer controller board supports connecting the runout sensor and the firmware is configured correctly, then OctoPrint will be able to respond to messages sent by the firmware.

[ZackT]

I found some solutions to your issue. I am thinking about implementing some version of these at my work. I will also note that Luzbot’s parts for the filament system are printed in ABS so that should be strong enough to be used for any of these parts.

Simple filament runout sensor

I designed a simple microswitch based filament runout sensor here http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1698397. I appreciate Lulzbot adding the pause function to Cura, but I really get tired of waiting for the spool to run out. Sebastian’s version of Marlin supports filament runout.

Filament Sensor for Luzlbot TAZ 6 (2.85mm Design) by sneaks

[LDG]

For less than $1.00 I added this switch which works flawlessly. I had a Raspberry Pi-3b laying around which I just plugged in the two wires. On the end-stop switch, I used the first and middle prongs to connect the two wires. I used the Octoprint “Filament Sensor Reloaded” plugin. On thingaverse I used this case I redesigned for it. Filament runout sensor (2.85mm filament) by L-D-G - Thingiverse. There were 2 videos on youtube that showed settings and how to add this sensor using Octoprint. My settings simply pause the print and raise the hot end 20mm. Some people add commands like turn off the heat etc. which I’ve not needed. Here are the links to the two youtube videos I found helpful. 1. Tutorial - Adding a Filament Runout Sensor to OctoPrint - YouTube And I liked Chris’s basement video on Youtube. Funny, just today I got a promotional email for Lultzbot that they are making a 30.00 filament switch that goes on the 6 workhorse.