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Load cell gram scale #6729

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16 changes: 16 additions & 0 deletions docs/API_Server.md
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -396,6 +396,22 @@ and might later produce asynchronous messages such as:
`{"params":{"data":[[3292.432935, 562534, 0.067059278],
[3292.4394937, 5625322, 0.670590639]]}}`

### load_cell/dump_force

This endpoint is used to subscribe to force data produced by a load_cell.
Using this endpoint may increase Klipper's system load.

A request may look like:
`{"id": 123, "method":"load_cell/dump_force",
"params": {"sensor": "load_cell", "response_template": {}}}`
and might return:
`{"id": 123,"result":{"header":["time", "force (g)", "counts", "tare_counts"]}}`
and might later produce asynchronous messages such as:
`{"params":{"data":[[3292.432935, 40.65, 562534, -234467]]}}`

The "header" field in the initial query response is used to describe
the fields found in later "data" responses.

### pause_resume/cancel

This endpoint is similar to running the "PRINT_CANCEL" G-Code command.
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9 changes: 9 additions & 0 deletions docs/Config_Reference.md
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Expand Up @@ -4659,6 +4659,15 @@ scale.
[load_cell]
sensor_type:
# This must be one of the supported sensor types, see below.
#counts_per_gram:
# The floating point number of sensor counts that indicates 1 gram of force.
# This value is calculated by the CALIBRATE_LOAD_CELL command.
#reference_tare_counts:
# The integer tare value, in raw sensor counts, taken when CALIBRATE_LOAD_CELL
# is run. This is the default tare value when klipper starts up.
#reverse:
# Reverses the polarity of the load cell. This is a boolean value, the
# default is False.
```

#### HX711
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34 changes: 34 additions & 0 deletions docs/G-Codes.md
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Expand Up @@ -700,6 +700,40 @@ and RAW sensor value for calibration points.
#### DISABLE_FILAMENT_WIDTH_LOG
`DISABLE_FILAMENT_WIDTH_LOG`: Turn off diameter logging.

### [load_cell]

The following commands are enabled if a
[load_cell config section](Config_Reference.md#load_cell) has been enabled.

### LOAD_CELL_DIAGNOSTIC
`LOAD_CELL_DIAGNOSTIC [LOAD_CELL=<config_name>]`: This command collects 10
seconds of load cell data and reports statistics that can help you verify proper
operation of the load cell. This command can be run on both calibrated and
uncalibrated load cells.

### CALIBRATE_LOAD_CELL
`CALIBRATE_LOAD_CELL [LOAD_CELL=<config_name>]`: Start the guided calibration
utility. Calibration is a 3 step process:
1. First you remove all load from the load cell and run the `TARE` command
1. Next you apply a known load to the load cell and run the
`CALIBRATE GRAMS=nnn` command
1. Finally use the `ACCEPT` command to save the results

You can cancel the calibration process at any time with `ABORT`.

### TARE_LOAD_CELL
`TARE_LOAD_CELL [LOAD_CELL=<config_name>]`: This works just like the tare button
on digital scale. It sets the current raw reading of the load cell to be the
zero point reference value. The response is the percentage of the sensors range
that was read and the raw value in counts.

### READ_LOAD_CELL load_cell="name"
`READ_LOAD_CELL [LOAD_CELL=<config_name>]`:
This command takes a reading from the load cell. The response is the percentage
of the sensors range that was read and the raw value in counts. If the load cell
is calibrated a force in grams is also reported.


### [heaters]

The heaters module is automatically loaded if a heater is defined in
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102 changes: 102 additions & 0 deletions docs/Load_Cell.md
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@@ -0,0 +1,102 @@
# Load Cells

This document describes Klipper's support for load cells. Basic load cell
functionality can be used to read force data and to weigh things like filament.

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Consider adding a note that weighing things is only possible on printers with the load cells in the bed, and not those with the cell in the extruder.

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I don't want to get into applications because there are many. You don't even have to put it in the printer! Several people want to use this functionality to weigh filament spools mounted outside the printer. E.g. https://klipper.discourse.group/t/filament-spool-scale-hx711/19800/

  • You could check before a print if there is enough filament on the spool based on the print weight
  • Track filament used by weight.
  • Track drying if the filament by weight lost
    In the future this may be in an application that is just a dry box and not even a printer.
    One community member is even working on runout detection in a resin printer.

A calibrated force sensor is an important part of a load cell based probe.

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not knowing what a load cell does/means for a 3d printer, could you add a sentence or two describing it's usage/benefits for 3d printers/klipper?

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I made some updates to the documentation including a little bit more exposition at the top and a section about how to read the load cell gram force

## Related Documentation

* [load_cell Config Reference](Config_Reference.md#load_cell)
* [load_cell G-Code Commands](G-Codes.md#load_cell)
* [load_cell Status Reference](Status_Reference.md#load_cell)

## Using `LOAD_CELL_DIAGNOSTIC`

When you first connect a load cell its good practice to check for issues by
running `LOAD_CELL_DIAGNOSTIC`. This tool collects 10 seconds of data from the
load cell and resport statistics:

```
$ LOAD_CELL_DIAGNOSTIC
// Collecting load cell data for 10 seconds...
// Samples Collected: 3211
// Measured samples per second: 332.0
// Good samples: 3211, Saturated samples: 0, Unique values: 900
// Sample range: [4.01% to 4.02%]
// Sample range / sensor capacity: 0.00524%
```

Things you can check with this data:
* The configured sample rate of the sensor should be close to the 'Measured
samples per second' value. If it is not you may have a configuration or wiring
issue.
* 'Saturated samples' should be 0. If you have saturated samples it means the
load sell is seeing more force than it can measure.
* 'Unique values' should be a large percentage of the 'Samples
Collected' value. If 'Unique values' is 1 it is very likely a wiring issue.
* Tap or push on the sensor while `LOAD_CELL_DIAGNOSTIC` runs. If
things are working correctly ths should increase the 'Sample range'.

## Calibrating a Load Cell

Load cells are calibrated using the `CALIBRATE_LOAD_CELL` command. This is an
interactive calibration utility that walks you though a 3 step process:
1. First use the `TARE` command to establish the zero force value. This is the
`reference_tare_counts` config value.
2. Next you apply a known load or force to the load cell and run the
`CALIBRATE GRAMS=nnn` command. From this the `counts_per_gram` value is
calculated. See [the next section](#applying-a-known-force-or-load) for some
suggestions on how to do this.
3. Finally, use the `ACCEPT` command to save the results.

You can cancel the calibration process at any time with `ABORT`.

### Applying a Known Force or Load

The `CALIBRATE GRAMS=nnn` step can be accomplished in a number of ways. If your
load cell is under a platform like a bed or filament holder it might be easiest
to put a known mass on the platform. E.g. you could use a couple of 1KG filament
spools.

If your load cell is in the printer's toolhead a different approach is easier.
Put a digital scale on the printers bed and gently lower the toolhead onto the
scale (or raise the bed into the toolhead if your bed moves). You may be able to
do this using the `FORCE_MOVE` command. But more likely you will have to
manually moving the z axis with the motors off until the toolhead presses on the
scale.

A good calibration force would ideally be a large percentage of the load cell's
rated capacity. E.g. if you have a 5Kg load cell you would ideally calibrate it
with a 5kg mass. This might work well with under-bed sensors that have to
support a lot of weight. For toolhead probes this may not be a load that your
printer bed or toolhead can tolerate without damage. Do try to use at least 1Kg
of force, most printers should tolerate this without issue.

When calibrating make careful note of the values reported:
```
$ CALIBRATE GRAMS=555
// Calibration value: -2.78% (-59803108), Counts/gram: 73039.78739,
Total capacity: +/- 29.14Kg
```
The `Total capacity` should be close to the rating of the load cell itself. If
it is much larger you could have used a higher gain setting in the sensor or a
more sensitive load cell. This isn't as critical for 32bit and 24bit sensors but
is much more critical for low bit width sensors.

## Reading Force Data
Force data can be read with a GCode command:

```
READ_LOAD_CELL
// 10.6g (1.94%)
```

Data is also continuously read and can be consumed from the load_cell printer
object in a macro:

```
{% set grams = printer.load_cell.force_g %}
```

This provides an average force over the last 1 second, similar to how
temperature sensors work.
11 changes: 11 additions & 0 deletions docs/Status_Reference.md
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -282,6 +282,17 @@ The following information is available for each `[led led_name]`,
chain could be accessed at
`printer["neopixel <config_name>"].color_data[1][2]`.

## load_cell

The following information is available for each `[load_cell name]`:
- 'is_calibrated': True/False is the load cell calibrated
- 'counts_per_gram': The number of raw sensor counts that equals 1 gram of force
- 'reference_tare_counts': The reference number of raw sensor counts for 0 force
- 'tare_counts': The current number of raw sensor counts for 0 force
- 'force_g': The force in grams, averaged over the last polling period.
- 'min_force_g': The minimum force in grams, over the last polling period.
- 'max_force_g': The maximum force in grams, over the last polling period.

## manual_probe

The following information is available in the
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