Orbitool O2 incompatible with BTT MicroProbe v2

[christianbundy]

The documentation indicates that the Orbitool O2 supports the BTT MicroProbe v2, but when I plug it in the probe only turns on the LED. When using other power sources, it turns on the LED and runs a self-test that actuates the servo three times. Specifically:

• When connecting +5VDC and GND from my Meanwell RS-25-5 to the MicroProbe v2 it powers on correctly (blue LED + 3 deploys as a startup sequence).
• When connecting +5VDC and GND from the Orbitool O2 to the MicroProbe v2 it does not power on correctly (blue LED, but no deploys for the startup sequence and the probe is unresponsive)

Is this a faulty Orbitool O2, or is the Orbitool incompatible with the MicroProbe v2? Or maybe something else?

---

See-also: #17

[smbenson0712]

I am having a similar issue with a btt microprobe. The pinout diagram in the manual and the btt probe section show different wiring configurations. I have wired both ways and tried 2 different probes and still can't get the unit to self test or deploy. The LED does turn on when powered. Can you confirm which diagram is correct? Pinout - Gnd,+5, Probe, Gnd, Servo. Section 3.8 BQ Microprobe Connection shows Gnd, +5, Probe, Servo, Gnd.

[smbenson0712]

After reviewing the first issue on S03 board and wiring the probe this way - Pin1 - Black, Pin2 - Red, Pin3 - Yellow, Pin4 - Black, and Pin5 - White (Like the pinout diagram with servo and probe swapped) and changing the servo pin to PA15 and Probe Pin to PB3 as suggested, I can get the probe to deploy on power up, but not do the full self test. It will not retract the probe with the stow macro. The end stop works as it should, open when deployed and triggered when stowed. If I wire like Section 3.8, I get no probe movement on power up or via macro, leading me to believe that the PA15 is actually the servo pin. This is very confusing as the silkscreen on the board shows pin 5 as gnd like section 3.8, The pinout shows ground as pin 4. Can you please advise on correct wiring and pin configuration for the O2 toolboard.

[christianbundy]

Thanks! For what it’s worth, my problem occurs even when the only pins connected are +5V and GND, and this is specifically the Orbitool O2. I appreciate the heads up on the similar problem, but for other issues (especially unrelated to these 2 pins or the Orbitool O2) it might be better to create a new issue so that it can be thoroughly documented and easy for others to find!

[smbenson0712]

Noted. I am also using the 02 board and having the same problem with power up self test. My concern was also the wiring discrepancies in the docs that may also be causing an issue. Maybe we both have bad boards, as I have tested with 3 new probes, I would say it's not the probes.

[christianbundy]

On Discord I saw someone say that they had the same problem with the MicroProbe with the Octopus board, which makes me wonder whether this is an issue with the BTT Microprobe requiring lots of current on startup rather than specifically an issue with the Orbitool. It isn't clear to me whether this is as simple as "the buck converter doesn't supply enough current" or whether there's some safety feature that's preventing the MicroProbe's high current draw. (Or, maybe it's something else entirely?)

Happy to test if you have any ideas, I have a bunch of capacitors laying around and thought maybe that would help maintain 5V as the current increases (if that's even the issue), but I'm not great with electronics.

[christianbundy]

I've opened an issue in the MicroProbe issue describing the issue as well, but it isn't clear to me where the problem is: https://github.com/bigtreetech/MicroProbe/issues/38

[christianbundy]

I measured with a multimeter today, and when I hook my 5V power supply up to the probe it pulls 2A to deploy the servo. When using the Orbitool, I see a current draw of 0.15 mA, which makes me think it's an issue with the Orbitool rather than the probe.

[smbenson0712]

I can confirm that the probe it not getting enough power. It will self test when the probe is in the horizontal or probe up position. When the probe is facing the bed it will not self test completely. It will deploy, but can't get enough power to retract. According to the BTT documentation, the probe only requires 350mA to operate , what is the max 5V output from your board on the probe servo pin?

[norston]

I am having exactly the same issue as you smbenson0712. My microprobe will work just fine in a horizontal or upside down position. I discovered this by accident, BTW. When I was swapping the probe to my spare probe I didn't bother to connect it to the print head, so I was just holding it in my hand, and viola, it worked! My printer is a normal type printer in the sense that it requires the probe pointing downward at the print bed. This problem seems to indicate that the probe isn't getting enough current to lift the probe upwards in it's normal position. I measured my voltage and the circuit is getting 5v. I've tried a couple different Microprobes v2.0 and it's exactly the same issue. These same probes work just fine on my EBB42 in any position. I should also add that the probe is correctly triggering the end stop when the probe is actually able to deploy or retract.

Look, I'm not trying to hijack this issue but since smbenson0712 went down this path I felt compelled to respond. I'll now open my own issue in case this one gets closed. Thank you.

[christianbundy]

According to the BTT documentation, the probe only requires 350mA to operate , what is the max 5V output from your board on the probe servo pin?

My memory is that plugging it in would start between 300 mA and 400 mA and then drop to around 200 mA, but I tried to test today and accidentally fried my board. I’m not sure how. I tried to power a small light bulb but kept getting 0A on my multimeter, and then the board popped and the magic smoke came out.

I’m not sure what happened, but West3D confirmed in Discord that they’d had a few other bug reports from the Orbitool not supporting the MicroProbe, so its unlikely that I’ll be actively working on this problem any longer. I’m out $45 and way too many hours of debugging, but hopefully my flailing around GitHub/Discord/etc at least helped make this problem more apparent.

Good luck y’all!

[norston]

Thanks for going as far as you did Christian. Sorry to hear about your board. Does anyone have the actual circuit layout for this board? I’m curious to see how they are bucking down the voltage to 5v. At this point in time I think we need Dr Lorincz to shed some light.