Introduction: Da Vinci XYZ 3D Printer Filament Counter Resetter

One of my XYZ 3D printer cartridges died a couple of days ago :( (so sad) -- the printer was showing 0m left, where there was still filament in the cartridge ... ?!?, so I made this simple cartridge counter resetter that snaps at the bottom and resets the internal eeprom counter. It uses an Arduino Pro Mini PCB, spring-action push pins and a 3v button cell. The code on the Arduino allows you to set the filament length to 240m so it should not bother you for a while.

Step 1: Building the Cartridge Resetter

If you want to make your own, you will need the 3D printed shell published on Thingiverse.com, an Arduino Pro Mini

(either this one or any other compatible depending on how long you want to wait to get it, 3 spring-loaded pins the actual code (you can use the original code on github written by votivo) and the wiring instructions (below). If you can't be bothered getting into programming or having to buy the USB programmer etc, or if you simply dont' have the time, you can get the whole thing (less the 3d printed shell) from me - see below for the magic paypal buy now button.

Step 2: Cutting the Wires

Cutting the wires

This is a guide to help you prepare the 3 needed wires (can be any wire, the thinner the better since there is no much space under the controller). The wires must be insulated and can be of any color. They should be stripped using the below (approximate) lengths (they are not critical, just make sure it all gets wired correctly and fits snugly - there is no much space in there!).

Step 3: Wiring the Controller

Insert the golden pins into the 3 holes in the shell/enclosure, making sure you push them in to their end (they should have a tight fit, if they are loose, try the other shells with different size holes which I published in Thingiverse).

Use the diagram image to wire the Arduino to the 3 golden pins with the shell/enclosure.

The resetter only fits one way (which prevents you from accidently reversing it). The tab always faces the outside (or end) of the filament cartridge.

Step 4: Using the Cassette Filament Resetter

Connect the 3V battery into the battery slot (the power light on the Arduino will come on and the programming light will start flashing – if not, check the wires and make sure they connect to the battery properly, also, make sure that the battery is inserted correctly. The negative of the battery should face the outside of the shell/enclosure and the positive towards the Arduino). Position the resetter as per the pictures below (Fig 1, Fig 2), press on it and wait 2 seconds, the flashing light will stop flashing and go solid for about 2 seconds. Once programming is complete, it will turn off. At this point you can remove the programmer from the cartridge and disengage the battery – do not leave the battery plugged into the programmer or it will drain. If needed, please visit wctek.com/shop and take a look at the video on that page …

Step 5: