Eddie Current Probe Comparison - a PERSONAL viewpoint (2024)

Eddie Probe Comparison:

·Beacon Probe:

Plastic box with connectors, probe and USB Cable

·Cartographer:

Cardboard box with connectors and pre-crimped cable

·IDM:

Plastic Bag with one connector and crimps. No cable.

Here are the probes in order: IDM, Cartographer and Beacon:

Each probe has identifying marks on the coil, but the Beacon Probe has the name written on it as well.

Whilst I had the Trident 300mm in for some repairs and maintenance, I decided to try out the IDM Eddie scanner (Canbus) that I got from Aliexpress.First impression was not good. The probe was delivered in a plastic bag, no cable, no instructions.Went ahead and installed this on both the Micron 180 and the Trident 300.

Had trouble with the alignment of the probe PCB mounting holes on both printers with the IDM probes. They were out of alignment by about 1mm and had to enlarge the mounting holes on both probes. The probe on the Micron was mounted to a printed piece which could have accounted for this, but the one on the Trident was mounted on a CNC carriage from Funsor.Also test fitted the Beacon probe on the Micron and mounting holes aligned.

Installation after that, was simple – mounted the probe and crimped a cable – one end has 4 wires from a JST connector for the probe, the other a JST connector for the toolhead board and spliced the CanH and CanL into the existing can cables on the toolhead.

Had to update the firmware on the IDM probes. Very simple process, as I followed the instructions on the cartographer github page.  Calibrated the probes and set the Z-Offset as per the instructions.

The Beacon probe (Rev D) has been installed on the VZBot and has been operating for a few months now – USB from board back to Raspi. Since then Beacon released the Rev H which is larger, but flatter than the Rev D. The overall dimensions on protruding behind the printer is similar though. Just less height.

The IDM probe on the Micron has been nothing but trouble. Seems to be losing the Z-Offset and routinely comes up with “temperature out of range for coil – shutting down”., which I suspect is the cause for the inconsistent Z-Offset.The IDM probe on the Trident has given the occasional “mcu lost communication with probe” error. I put this down to a bad splice on the CanH and CanL connections.Or maybe it is the Canbus bridge on the Octopus board? (Had this issue on another Trident – may switch to a UTOC 1 on this whilst it is out for service)

Since installing the beacon probe (months now – Rev D version) – have not had to touch it. Works flawlessly.

Since installing the IDM on the micron – ready to chuck it out. (Must qualify and say this was the cheapest probe I could get on Aliexpress.) Did this and replaced with a Cartographer probe (CanBus) - No issues as yet - works flawlessly

Since installing the IDM on the Trident – some communication issues with the probe – will need to give it a bit more time.Did that and all issues settled. Been running for 3 weeks now and no problems. Had to take the printer out of commission for some maintenance and upgrades. Think I will change to a Cartographer Probe.

Picked up some Cartographer probes from a local supplier.Very cheap indeed - AUD50 for Canbus and AUD55 for CanBus/USB.

The Cartographer probe performs very well, probably on par with the Beacon so far.But it is early days.Will have to see what time and the high chamber temperatures does in the long run.

What I love about the cartographer is that it is Canbus - no bulky USB running to the toolhead. Still just the 4 wires in the umbilical.

Which is best? - you decide