Z-Offset / Beacon Compensation / RatOS V4 500 IDEX
I originally had the issue that, during calibration, a Z-offset of around 0.138 mm was always set automatically, no matter what I did.
In order to address this, I took the following steps:
• I heat-soaked the printer for 1.5 hours with the nozzle at 150 °C (approximately 20 mm above the heated bed) and the bed at 110 °C,
• Deleted the existing Beacon model,
• Set the Beacon multiplier to 1,
• Performed a new Beacon compensation scan,
• Followed the official guide step-by-step to set up VOAC and the Z-offset again.
After this process, the calculated Z-offset was 0.088 mm.
This was much too tight during the print. I adjusted the Z-offset on the fly, saved it using the SAVE_Z_OFFSET command in the console, and then followed up with SAVE_CONFIG.
The print came out perfect, and the multiplier value updated to approximately 3.9.
The current issue:
• On the very next print start (just a couple of minutes later), the printer correctly used the saved offset of 0.398 mm.
• But with that offset, the first layer was suddenly way too high.
• I adjusted again, saved the value, but on the next attempt, it was too tight again.
• This cycle repeats itself: one time it’s too high, the next time too tight — it never settles and feels unpredictable.
It seems like some hidden compensation, conflicting calculation, or the way the expansion value is handled is interfering with the process, making it impossible to get consistent results.
At this point, I’m unsure whether I’m following the correct procedure or if there is a deeper configuration or logic issue.
I would really appreciate support to:
1. Confirm the correct workflow (regarding Beacon scan, multiplier handling, nozzle expansion values, and how and when to save),
2. Help me understand why, despite following all steps correctly, the printer does not produce consistent first layers between prints.
Thank you in advance!
1 Reply
I am having the same issue, can compensate by incresing it manualy but still feels like it compensates during layers so if first layer is good the next is bad. Not realy sure what beacon is doing but does not give me a perfect z-offset. Also when I changed from 0.4 to 0.6 CHT nozzles and changed hardware settings in the wizard the blobb at the start of every print got so big it covers the hole nozzle in filament burning it and then drags a chunk out on the printbed leaving strings that ruins first layer.