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P.I.N.D.A./SuperPINDA Sensor testing

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MK2.5
MK2.5S
MK3
MK3S
MK2S
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P.I.N.D.A. stands for Prusa INDuction Autoleveling sensor and is a vital component facilitating the calibration of our printers. There are 3 different versions:

  • P.I.N.D.A. V1 - used on MK2/S and MINI.
  • P.I.N.D.A. V2 - used on MK2.5, MK2.5S, MK3, and MK3S. 
  • SuperPINDA - Compatible/used with MK2.5/S, MK3/S/+, and MINI+.

The difference between P.I.N.D.A V1 and V2 is that the P.I.N.D.A V2 has an inbuilt thermistor to compensate for the difference in cold and hot measurements. V1 and V2 are not interchangeable. However, SuperPINDA and PINDA V2 are interchangeable but may require a firmware update. The SuperPINDA does not have a thermistor, as its high-quality components and manufacturing remove the need for one.

For MK2.5/MK2.5S printers that have the SuperPINDA installed, you MUST use firmware version 3.9.3, or above! In addition to this, you must let the printer know you have the SuperPINDA installed, and not the P.I.N.D.A. V2, by navigating to LCD Menu -> Settings -> HW settings -> SuperPINDA -> ON. MK3S & MK3S+ owners using the SuperPINDA must use firmware version 3.9.2, or above!

Testing the P.I.N.D.A./SuperPINDA sensor

Firstly, we need to check if the sensor works at all. For this test, you need a small and thin metal object (spatula, scissors, pliers). Your printer should also be running on the latest firmware version for your printer model.

  1. Press the knob next to the LCD for 3 sec and turn it to raise the extruder approximately 10 cm above the heatbed. This is to distance it from any metal.
  2. If you have firmware version 3.5.3 and later (unless you have an MK2/S), go to the LCD Menu -> Support -> Sensor info and see the sensor value ('PINDA:' 1 or 0)
Before firmware version 3.5.3, the P.I.N.D.A. sensor value was found in LCD Menu -> Calibration -> Show end stops. If you have an MK2/S, you can find the Z-value there.
 
  1. Place the metal object (spatula, screwdriver, etc.) underneath the P.I.N.D.A./SuperPINDA sensor. The value should change from 0 to 1, and the red light on top of the sensor should turn off.
  2. Move the extruder by hand all along the X-axis and wiggle with the extruder's cable-bundle. The value should still be 1, as long as there is something metallic under the sensor.
One of the most frequent issues is an overtightened zip-tie, which causes the P.I.N.D.A. sensor cable to fail when it reaches a specific position. Double-check all the zip-ties and make sure they are not too tight.

Testing the P.I.N.D.A. sensor-readings in Pronterface  

There is another way to check whether or not the P.I.N.D.A. sensor works correctly. Please perform the following procedure 3 times. For the sake of consistent measurements, please make sure the tests are done under identical conditions. 

Pronterface may not be supported on newer versions of iOS (Apple Laptops) after they dropped the support of 32-bit apps with Catalina. However, there are some workarounds. See this Github thread.

  1. Connect the printer to your computer following the Pronterface and USB cable guide.
Make sure the nozzle is clean, and the print surface is clear of any obstructions.
 
 
  1. Issue a G80-command into the command-line. It triggers the mesh bed leveling process.
  2. Once the process is complete, issue a G81-command which gives you a report of the interpolated Z values for a 7 x 7 array of values.

Compare the data arrays. Keep in mind that every number in the matrix has their pre-defined positions, always compare the numbers in the same position. You want to make sure there are no significant deviations (>0.2) between the 3 measurements.

After adjusting the P.I.N.D.A. sensor or any other hardware, we recommend running the Calibration Wizard from the beginning.