1 Topic by foul_owl

  • foul_owl
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  • Registered: 2014-07-02
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Topic: Filawinder sensor problems

Hi folks,

I have tried calibrating my filawinder sensor about 20 or so times now, so I figured it was time to ask for help.

I switch to manual mode, press and release the center button, then wave a piece of filament I have extruded in the middle of the sensor module up and down.

The failure I am running into: the filament drops down past the last photocell. Not fast, actually quite slowly. Once it does this, the spool stops winding. I am not moving while this happens, the light in the room definitely stays constant.

I'm thinking perhaps the laser isn't mounted right. When installed, the laser is free to slide in and out of the hole. I didn't have to pry the hole open with a screwdriver either. It just isn't a good fit. But it doesn't slide around during operation. When installed, the laser hits the second photocell, counting from the top down. It also leans slightly to the left, and is partially hitting the photocell, partially hitting the enclosure. However, I have tried using tape to get the laser to stay pointed directly at the photocell, and it made no difference. I have tried also moving the laser so it is hitting the third one from the top directly. This also made no difference. Tried recalibrating each time.

Where is the laser supposed to hit? How is it supposed to be focused?

2 Reply by elmoret

  • elmoret
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Re: Filawinder sensor problems

The laser should hit all 4 photocells evenly. Maybe post a photo of what you mean?

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3 Reply by milehigh3dII

  • milehigh3dII
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Re: Filawinder sensor problems

My laser isn't tight in the mount either.  I find that I needed to really play with the laser position and 'clock' angle- along with tweaking the laser bezel to get the best coverage of the cells.

4 Reply by foul_owl

  • foul_owl
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Re: Filawinder sensor problems

Let me post a pic when I get home. The laser light shines onto a circular region approx 0.5 mm in diameter. Each photocell is approx 2mmx2mm, so there is no way it can shine on all four at once.

5 Reply by IanJohnson

  • IanJohnson
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Re: Filawinder sensor problems

It should be a line.  Does the laser have a ridged plastic lens in the front, or is the outer ring empty?   If the lens is gone, it might have fallen off along the way.  If you can't find it, I can send another.

6 Reply by foul_owl

  • foul_owl
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Re: Filawinder sensor problems

Ahhh gotcha. Ok, yes my laser doesn't have a plastic lens. Please send me one. Thanks!