DaVinci Clip-on Calibrator by Menneset

Last crawled date: 3 years ago

Updated 3/26/15
This item helps the Da Vinci 3D printer user to calibrate, or level, their print bed. The other items of this nature that I have seen on Thingiverse have been a bit clumsy to use. This version snaps into place quickly and easily and holds the dial gauge firmly thus allowing a fast and accurate measurement of the bed height at almost any point.
At the request of a friend, I have included a version with an LED light. Stepper motors generate a significant electrical current when moved by hand, so some prefer to do a manual calibration with the printer turned off. In this case, they can have an LED shining on the dial and another shining on the tip of the probe. The LED(s) and battery simply press into place, no soldering required. However white LEDs typically are rated at 3.2 volts while a typical button cell battery supplies 3.0 volts--therefore you may find the LEDs are a tad dim, especially if you have two installed. (See the Instructions tab.)
This is one source for the dial gauge, there are many others. http://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-7169-0-1-Inch-Dial-Indicator/dp/B000NPPBVK
(Note 3/26) Updated the LED version to clear the belt. Replaced the file DaVinci_Calibrator_with_LED.stl with DaVinci_Calibrator_LED_V2.stl. I added some Mesh Mixer supports in the battery slot, they should come out very easily. Also. there is not much space between the gauge and the LEDs, I had to trim the legs on the bottom LED by about ¼" (6mm) to line it up properly.
(Note 3/24) The file DaVinci_Calibrator.stl was replaced with DaVinci_Calibrator_V2.stl. This version (shown in green in the pictures) has a notch added so as not to rub on the belt when used. I also tightened up the hole for the gauge just a hair. In the next day or two I will add a version with a clip to more securely hold the dial gauge. When all versions are complete I will update the 123D file.