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Klipper on the MK4?  

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Marc Griffith
(@marc-griffith)
Active Member
Klipper on the MK4?

Might be flamebait, but I'd like to do it. I've noticed there is a config for the mini+, has anyone done it with the MK4 yet? Are there any significant hurdles? Load cell sensor? Flashing issues?. If I have a go can I easily go back?

Since I've got my Mk4 I've upgraded one of my old ender 3 pros to klipper and mainsail.  They have a few cheap mods and I'm impressed with the speed and quality improvements. Especially with the one click upload to the printer from the slicer. As far as I can tell there is no option like this for the mk4 and you have to go via Prusalink. 

 

 

 

Publié : 30/12/2023 2:24 am
miroslav.h4
(@miroslav-h4)
Honorable Member
RE: Klipper on the MK4?

The possibility of directly uploading gcode to the printer from the latest Prusaslicer exists, you just have to define this printer as a new physical printer. You can read how to do it in an article with a description of the Prusaslicer.

Publié : 30/12/2023 6:35 am
nhand42 a aimé
Marc Griffith
(@marc-griffith)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Klipper on the MK4?

Missed that, thanks. I'll get physical then. Still keen on klipper down the line.

Publié : 30/12/2023 10:46 pm
gareth.ky
(@gareth-ky)
Active Member
RE: Klipper on the MK4?

Is there anyone interested in trying this out? I have been working on integrating the ideas from Prusa's load cell probing into a PR for Klipper. I've used the MK4 toolhead (with some new plastic parts) on a Voron 2.4 to prove out that this works. The code is now at the point where I would like to start testing with different printers and get user feedback. I'm not sure what additional steps would be required to get the MK4 to run klipper. It runs on the Prusa Mini so I suspect there is a path forward.

Proof I'm not trolling:


The details are in this thread: https://klipper.discourse.group/t/strain-gauge-load-cell-based-endstops/2134/352

The only caveat is that I'm not using any of the machine learning data that Prusa have embedded in their firmware. This means it does not support "bad tap" detection caused by filament ooze (there is a plugin architecture to support this if you are very handy with Python). So probing has to happen with a clean nozzle below the oozing temp of the filament. If thats a deal breaker for your workflow then don't take this on... yet.

 

Publié : 05/02/2024 11:18 pm
Zappes
(@zappes)
Reputable Member
RE: Klipper on the MK4?

I'm not sure if I'm reading this correctly - does that require flashing the original electronics, i.e. is this a warranty-voiding move? Or does it work by simply attaching something to the MK4's USB port?

Sorry for the presumably very dumb question, but my experience with Klipper is close to zero. I do seem to recall that Klipper typically requires a firmware bit quite close to the hardware and then the major part on an external device like as Raspberry Pi. I'm not sure how to translate that to what you are doing here, though. 🙂

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Publié : 06/02/2024 8:08 am
gareth.ky
(@gareth-ky)
Active Member
RE: Klipper on the MK4?

Yes you have to flash it. It’s not for the “average user”. Ideally someone has done this to another printer before and understands what they are getting into. It’s experimental, and less user friendly than Prusa’s firmware. But more customisable.

Publié : 06/02/2024 4:22 pm
Zappes a aimé
Zappes
(@zappes)
Reputable Member
RE:

Alrighty. I know my way around software and electronics, but as I'm still very new to 3D printing, I'll probably hold off until this gets slightly more mature. 🙂

If my understanding of Klipper is correct, the part to be flashed on the printer itself is rather small. Would it, in theory, be possible to integrate that part into the default firmware, thuis making the printer capable of stock function as well as Klipper at the same time? Sadly, my C knowledge is limited, so I wouldn't dare doing that myself - but it might be something for the engineers at Prusa to consider if something like that is possible in theory.

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Publié : 06/02/2024 4:28 pm
gareth.ky a aimé
gareth.ky
(@gareth-ky)
Active Member
RE: Klipper on the MK4?
Posted by: @zappes

I'll probably hold off until this gets slightly more mature. 🙂

Yes, I think this would be a good second or third klipper project for someone to take on. Its not something you want to do to your primary printer. You have to break the warrantee void tab on the motherbaord.

Would it, in theory, be possible to integrate that part into the default firmware, thus making the printer capable of stock function as well as Klipper at the same time?

Klipper is small, but it is a complete low level firmware. You loose everything that Marlin/Prusa Buddy firmware does for you. The two cant co-exist.

Publié : 06/02/2024 7:04 pm
Zappes a aimé
Zappes
(@zappes)
Reputable Member
RE: Klipper on the MK4?
Posted by: @gareth-ky

Klipper is small, but it is a complete low level firmware. You loose everything that Marlin/Prusa Buddy firmware does for you. The two cant co-exist.

Hmm. I somehow have to think of my Amiga back in the day... That baby had two Kickstart ROMs and a switch to choose one on boot. I think I have an idea for a slightly crazy hardware mod. 😀

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Publié : 07/02/2024 7:57 am
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