RatRig V-minion Timelapse Mod G-code Included

Enhance your RatRig V-Minion 3D Printer experience with this Timelapse mod, designed to capture high-quality Timelapse footage using your mirrorless or DSLR camera. 
While not tested with smartphones, it may be compatible if you have an auxiliary plug to trigger the camera.

To get started, you'll need:

1. Print the provided STL model. 0.2 height, no support.
2. A limit switch.
3. Two-conductor cable (black and red 22 AWG recommended, though other gauges will suffice).
4. A 3.5mm 3 Pole TRS Stereo AV Male to 3-Screw Terminal Stereo Female Headphone AUX Balun Connector Converter Adapter (M/FM). Alternatively, you can repurpose an AUX cable by connecting the Positive and Negative wires to the micro-switch.

Before setting everything up, it's important to test to ensure that triggering the limit switch results in the camera capturing a photo.

Here's the step-by-step setup process:

1. Begin by connecting the ground cable to the limit switch.
2. Next, attach the other cable to one of the remaining connections on the switch.
3. Once connected, press and hold down the switch. If a photo is taken, you're good to proceed. If the photo is taken when you release the switch, switch the cable that is not grounded to the other connection on the switch and try again.

If the previous step functions correctly, proceed with the following:

4. Complete the setup by connecting all components.
5. Paste the provided G-Code into the slicer software.
6. Start your print.

Now, observe that after every layer change, the toolhead should move to the right of the printer, triggering the limit switch, and capturing a photo.

The two screws used are: M2.3 10mm long

The Limit switch is from the RatRig Store, if you want to source from somewhere else, there is a image with the exact dimensions.

G-code for PrusaSlicer

Add the following in Printer settings under layer change:

;AFTER_LAYER_CHANGE
;[layer_z]

G90;                                  Absolute position
G1 F9000 X170 Y180;     Move
G1 F1000 X174;                Precise Poke
G4 P700;                           Hold
G1 F9000 X170;               Release
 

If your printer's toolhead isn't engaging the switch properly, follow these steps to calibrate it using RatOS:

Adjusting G-Code Values for Timelapse Calibration

If your printer's toolhead isn't engaging the switch properly, you can follow these steps to calibrate it using RatOS:

1. Home Your Printer

2. Incremental Movement: Use RatOS to incrementally move the toolhead in small increments.

3. Listen for Click: While moving the toolhead, listen for the audible click indicating engagement with the switch.

4. Note X Value: Once you hear the click, take note of the current X value displayed in RatOS.

5. After noting the click X value, move the toolhead to un-click. Once you hear it, note the value displayed in RatOS.

6. Adjust G-Code: Modify the G-code values accordingly based on the noted X value to ensure accurate switch engagement. Modify the "Precise Poke" section.

7. Test and Iterate: Upload the adjusted G-code to your slicer and test the functionality. Repeat the process if further calibration is needed.

By following these steps, you can fine-tune the toolhead's behaviour to ensure precise switch engagement during printing operations.