Can I use an IR sensor as the X and Y endstop?

fho

I noticed that could probably detect the edges of the build plate with the IR probe.
It's mounted slightly to the right and behind the nozzle, so I would have to probe the +X and +Y edges, ie the high ends.

The Reprap configurator has options to do this, but looking at the generated g-code it does not look like it would do anything different.

Would I have to plug the sensors output into one of the endstop pins? That way I would lose the fractional speed reduction right?

dc42

The Ormerod printer uses the IR sensor not only as the Z probe but also as the X endstop. There is a tab mounted at the end of the X axis, which the sensor sees. The sensor must not be too close to the bed during homing, so that it doesn't respond to the bed, only to the tab.

I hadn't considered the possibility of sensing the edges of the bed instead. The problem would be working out a sequence of moves that will succeed in homing regardless of the initial position. One possibility might be:

With reduced motor current, move both X and Y a small amount in the negative direction, to ensure that the probe is over the bed. If X or Y is already at or close to the minimum stop, the reduced motor current will avoid damage.
Home Z using the sensor.
Drop the head a little, invert the trigger polarity in M558, then home X using the sensor to find the +X edge of the bed.
Move back a little in X to place the sensor over the bed again, then home Y using the sensor.
Move to bed centre, restore the original trigger polarity, and re-home Z.

57buick

I was curious about this same thing but doing it in a little different way. Mounting the board horizontal in place of my switches. And then just mounting a small printed black block or something on the frame.
I already have my config set to Y home before X home so it doesnt drag the switch for X.
I know none of this is necessary per say I just enjoy custom building stuff. Do you think it would work well? Here are pictures of my current X and Y home switches

Veti

i just came across this from the voron project

https://de.aliexpress.com/item/1005001408751896.html

not ir but hal for x and y

dc42

There are much simpler Hall effect endstops available, all you need is a 3-pin IC and a capacitor.

57buick

@dc42 said in Can I use an IR sensor as the X and Y endstop?:

There are much simpler Hall effect endstops available, all you need is a 3-pin IC and a capacitor.

Oh wow, I was not aware of using hall effect sensors for endstops I just googled it. lol That looks like a great way to go. I see a lot of them on amazon with led and resistor on board already. I dont wanna have to solder pc boards so i will try some of these pre made ones