Octoprint/LCD

[mrc93]

I have been have connectivity problems between the computer and my printer for a couple of days, and I am working with Josh to try and fix that, but I am strongly considering getting the LCD mount and setting up Octoprint on a raspberry pi so that more than one person can start prints. Previously we have printed over usb from one computer, where there are three of us printing parts.

I was curious how the community felt about octoprint, also what happens if the octoprint looses its connection to the internet while printing.

Thanks.

[dryeti]

I don't regret switching to the octoprint setup. As the raspi is connected to the printer by USB, printing is not affected by a loss of network connection. I like that I can use my smartphone or tablet to control the M2 now (there is no app though - just using the default browser). As my desktop PC is not next to the M2 this helps when I want to manually control the printer while standing next to it.

[benavery]

I'm a big fan of Octoprint (on a raspi). Super fast to upload gcode to. Zero problems with it printing. You don't need network, or a PC running in order for it to keep printing happily.

I have zero problems with it on wifi. You don't need any internet connectivity at all for it to print.

Also, you don't need the LCD panel, if you use Octoprint. They are kind of orthogonal - you would use the LCD panel + controls if you want to jog/calibrate/start prints from the SD card directly from the printer. You can do all of that with Octorprint, using any PC that is on the network and has a browser (or even a mobile phone).In fact, if you are actually printing from the raspi, you won't even get progress meters on the LCD panel. If you just use Octoprint as a interface to upload gcode to the SD card, then the LCD panel is helpful - but personally I wouldn't - its super slow compared to how fast you can dump a file direct to the raspi thru the web interface.

[MG_MLS]

I like the others love Octoprint! I have it setup to control a relay so the printer will shut off after a print. I will be posting pics in a few days of my modifications I've done lately with the relay. Here is a pic of my modified power supply that now houses the relay.

[mrc93]

Thanks for the input. I got Octoprint working and have already run a couple prints through it.
It was a lot easier then expected.

[helifrek]

If you have an android phone you can use an app called octodroid. It is a bit simplistic but does work.

[Volcom7114]

I know this is an older post but im interested in getting a raspi but im not real sure what one to get that will work best for the M2 or my iPhone and i also have an Android tablet. I would def want wifi..

D

[jdacal]

These are the parts I got from Amazon to set mine up:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MAR ... UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LUC ... UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003MT ... UTF8&psc=1
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LU5 ... UTF8&psc=1

NOTE: There is a newer version out of the Raspberry Pi than the one in the link. My current one has been working great though.

Additionally you'll need a keyboard and mouse to get the software setup initially and an HDMI cable to connect to a TV.

If you turn on the the SSH option when you set it up, you can log on using an SSH client from your desktop when you need to access it in the future instead of having to connect it to a TV each time. I use Bitvise SSh Client with mine. You really don't need the SSH unless you want to go into the operating system folders or you want to do software updates without having to go through the whole re-installation. The settings you will be using to print you can access directly from a web browser, so the SSH is optional.

Once you start printing the Raspberry doesn't need any additional input. If the network goes down or you close your browser it just keeps printing.

I love Octoprint, its worked great for me so far.

[Volcom7114]

Awesome thanks. Being in a wheelchair will make playing with the printer that much easier! now i have seen some that come with the micro SD card with NOOBS is that needed or not? also found this kit, would it be worth getting or not.. this is all just something for me to do and have fun with. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Raspberry-Pi-St ... 2a307bf51c

thanks again!

[jdacal]

Awesome thanks. Being in a wheelchair will make playing with the printer that much easier! now i have seen some that come with the micro SD card with NOOBS is that needed or not? also found this kit, would it be worth getting or not.. this is all just something for me to do and have fun with. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Raspberry-Pi-St ... 2a307bf51c

thanks again!

That's a nice kit if you want to experiment with circuits. These guys also have a lot of kits for Raspberry and other processors.

I did order a kit on Amazon my first time around, but it came with a really cheap network adapter. But I was probably just unlucky on that one.

You do need a micro SD card if one doesn't come with it. I use the Octopi version which is found on this page under "Setup Raspberri Pi Running Raspbian" link. Not sure what NOOBS does, I'm really not into Linux stuff, just basically followed the installation instruction on that link.

EDIT: Forgot to include the link for the kits:

http://www.makershed.com/products/raspb ... tarter-kit