Connecting an actuated analog probe to Duet

[p8blr]

I'm wondering if it would be possible to use a Keyence probe with an analog output. The idea is that once the probe is deployed and contacting the bed, you wouldn't have to repeatedly raise and lower the bed/printhead to make contact. This way, you could do a mesh-leveling routine with as many points as you wanted just by sweeping across the bed.

The GT2-71MCN runs on 5-40V and outputs varying current from 4 to 20 mA, maximum load resistance 350Ω (Can be set anywhere within the analog output range).

What probe type would support this in the M558 command, and would I need to make any changes to the way mesh leveling normally functions in the M557, or would I theoretically be able to make it hundreds of points?

Thoughts?

[dc42]

@p8blr we don't currently support a Z probe type that reports a calibrated deviation from the ideal rather that just reporting that the bed is in range; but we are looking at supporting this type of probe in future. We tried something similar using our own IR probe some time ago.

The maximum number of probe points currently supported is 441 but it's likely that we will increase this in Duet 3 builds of RRF 3.5.

[p8blr]

@dc42 Interesting, I will keep my eyes out for the changes in 3.5.