Calibrate Z‐Offset - Phil1988/FreeDi GitHub Wiki

Calibrating the Z-offset is mandatory. This ensures proper first-layer adhesion and consistent print quality.

1. Using the Display Menu (recommended)

Methods to Calibrate the Z-Offset

There are 3 ways to calibrate the Z-offset:

1. Using the Display Menu (recommended)

Follow these steps:

  • Go to "Gear Icon" -> Advanced -> Next Page -> Click on "Z-Offset". image

  • The printer will automatically start PROBE_CALIBRATE and show this screen: image

Use the card provided by Qidi or a piece of paper to raise or lower the nozzle until you feel light resistance when moving the paper.

Once you’ve reached the correct position, confirm the Z-offset.

2. Using the Console in Mainsail

This method is similar to the previous one but requires starting the calibration from the Console.
Enter the following commands in the Console to start the calibration:

G28
G1 X100 Y100
PROBE_CALIBRATE

3. Using a Macro in Mainsail

You can also initiate the Z-offset calibration by using the "CALIBRATE Z OFFSET" macro in Mainsail. The process is identical to the previous method.

Starting from FreeDi v1.40, a macro for bed leveling is included in the preconfigured images. Users who have been using it for a while can add this section to their macro.cfg to enable the feature:

# Probe Calibration
# For more information, see https://www.klipper3d.org/Probe_Calibrate.html
[gcode_macro CALIBRATE_Z_OFFSET]
description: "Calibrate the Z offset using the probe"
gcode:
    {% set max_x = printer.configfile.config["stepper_x"]["position_max"]|float %}
    {% set max_y = printer.configfile.config["stepper_y"]["position_max"]|float %}

    G28                                                                                                         ; Home all
    G0 Z10                                                                                                      ; Increase z clearance
    G0 X{max_x/2} Y{max_y-40} F6000                                                                             ; Move to bed center 
    PROBE_CALIBRATE                                                                                             ; Perform a probe calibration

image

By following one of these methods, you'll be able to successfully calibrate your Z-offset, ensuring your printer produces consistent and high-quality prints.

Why not using auto-z-calibrate?

The Q1 Pro and Plus4 comes with 4 piezo sensors under the print bed. In theory this would make it possible to measure the z-offset automatically. In reality this does not work reliably for all users. I tested the qidi_auto_z_offset adaption of frap129 to make it availible for open klipper systems.. It did not work on my Plus4 so I did not include it, but I have to say that it also didnt work on my Plus4 when it was a new unmodified (stock) system. If you want to play with it, you can go and check the [auto_z_offset] section in the printer.cfg. It does work for some users, but I can not include something, that I cant test myself and additionally does only work for a fraction of users :).