extruder stepper movement indicator

thingiverse

I have always wanted to see my stepper motor move now that I am using direct drive. Just some sort of visual representation. Had a Saturday off, so here we go... I didn't find one on here when looking so I just went basic needle with two small holes that you can insert a contrasting section of filament into. I printed black and inserted red, heated the back with soldering iron to hold in place. Simply print flat side down, no support, finer the better (it is a quick print) then firmly press it on the end of your stepper shaft and watch your expensive filament go. No glue or magnets needed. I won't lie, it actually gives me a little anxiety seeing how many revolutions per minute are actually occurring... lol. I printed in PLA, don't think the stepper is warm enough to distort the opening. The opening is designed for a 5mm shaft, should fit round and D shaped. I will added the step file so you can tweak if desired.