Vector 3 Dial Gauge Bracket

thingiverse

Human: The Vector 3 3D printer requires a lot of trial and error to get the bed levelled correctly, making it a challenging task for users. We needed a solution that would simplify this process. This idea was sparked by a video showing a dial gauge being used to level the bed of a larger 3D printer (CR10), with the user suggesting it would be great if the Vector 3 had this feature too. Fortunately, we can now make it happen. Due to limited space on the Vector 3, I designed a two-part bracket that clamps onto the extruder head mount, which also reduces print time. The dial gauge chosen has an 8 mm shaft, and four M3 * 10mm nuts and bolts are required for assembly. The new dial back includes a replacement for the original one, featuring a bracket on its back. A 16-way male IDC connector is used, with a 100K Ohm resistor soldered between pins 5 and 6 to fool the firmware into thinking the extruder head is operating at 25 C. This device can be attached in place of the extruder head, allowing for software control if a 100 k ohm resistor is added to pins 5 and 6 on the ribbon cable.