Testing the BLTouch

If you suspect that your BLTouch is not functioning properly, then you may follow this guide to test it using MatterControl 2.0.

First, make sure you have both the Terminal and Controls tab available. If you have not enabled these tabs, you may follow this guide: Enabling Secondary Tabs in MatterControl 2.0

The order of operation is quite simple, here is the outline:

Home the printer
Deploy Probe macro
Test Probe macro
Send M119
Trigger Probe with finger
Send M119 and see if the state changes in the Terminal.

Let's put this into practice.

Before the testing may begin, be sure to Home your printer using the Home icon under the Controls tab.

For Pulse users: Navigate to the Controls tab and then the Macros section, then click the Deploy Probe button. Check the BLTouch to see if the Flag (Probe leg) deployed (extended downward). If the Flag did not deploy, then you will want to check the cable connections between the BLTouch and the Mainboard. If these connections are secure, then you may need a new BLTouch.

For Non-Pulse users: Go directly to the Terminal tab and input the following lines of code and hit [Enter] after each:

"M280 P0 S10" ;(Deploy)
"M280 P0 S60" ;(Test Probe)

Next, If the Flag deployed, then select the Test Probe button from the Controls tab, then move back over to the Terminal tab.

Controls tab

In the Terminal tab, type in the code "M119" (without the quotation marks) and hit [Enter], or select the Send button -- the printer should report back "ok" once it receives the command. The line that follows should read as: "X_min:0 Y_min:1 Z_max:1 pins- (X)P1.24:0 (Y)P1.25:1 (Z)P1.29:1 Probe: 0"

Next, you will want to manually push the Flag up into the BLTouch -- this can be done with your finger by giving it a gentle tap to get the flag to retract -- and then send the "M119" again. This time the line should read something like: "X_min:0 Y_min:1 Z_max:1 pins- (X)P1.24:0 (Y)P1.25:1 (Z)P1.29:1 Probe: 1"

Terminal Tab

If the second report does not show the code of "Probe: 1", then the BLTouch should be replaced if all connections are secure. If this guide did not work for you, or you encountered issues with this test please reach out to us at support@matterHackers.com for further assistance.