Octoprint with mk4s status?
It's been a bit but last I checked the mk4 had severe problems with octoprint, and this is one of the big things holding me back from replacing my mk3s+, was that it would basically be a huge downgrade for my workflow going to mk4.
What's the current status as of mk4s release with updated firmware and updated prusa slicer and how it works with octoprint? Have these issues been fixed? Can I get the same octoprint compatibility and functionality now as I currently have on my mk3+?
Example past issues post:
Thanks!
RE: Octoprint with mk4s status?
When I first got my MK4, I was very concerned about getting Octoprint to work with it just like my MK3. But since the reports showed problems with Octoprint and the MK4, I decided to try out the Prusa tools before setting up a new Raspberry Pi system. I found PrusaLink to be a very simple, bare bones monitor of the MK4 and its prints. I found PrusaConnect to be an interesting mix of information and control that covered more of the functionality of Octoprint in a utilitarian way. Niether of these programs, by themselves can replace Octoprint completely. However, they have a few features not found in the base Octoprint program (although I'm sure someone could write an add on for these features). My surprise came with the new functionality of PrusaSlicer with the MK4. I love the ability to start a print directly from the slicer with a single button press. It saves the steps of storing the gcode, uploading it to Octoprint and then starting the print from Octoprint. So now I work with two systems. I print on my old MK3S driven by Octoprint, and I print on my new MK4 using the Prusa tools. For me, the workflow is faster using the MK4 and Prusa tools (direct print submission from PrusaSlicer, and the raw speed improvement of the MK4). The only thing I really miss from Octoprint is the live GCode viewer. The forums make it sound like many people are now successfully using Octoprint with the MK4, but I have grown accustomed to the Prusa tools flow with the MK4 and now prefer it. I don't know what specific Octoprint feature you rely on, but if you are like me you might be pleasantly surprised with the MK4 and prusa tools.
RE: Octoprint with mk4s status?
Starting a print job on an MK4 with OctoPrint directly from PrusaSlicer is very much possible, it works exactly the same way as with an MK3S+.
If that is a drawback for you, you must be doing something wrong or you are missing something in your setup in PrusaSlicer, like setting up a physical printer for it.
RE: Octoprint with mk4s status?
I don't have an MK4S so I can only speak to the MK4. I've ordered the upgrade, but it hasn't arrived yet.
I sold my MK3S and bought an MK4 back in January. I've only ever printed using OctoPrint. I have no complaints using it with the MK4. I can't see the progress on the screen, but who really cares. I can see it on my phone using a very handy app called "OctoApp".
I usually start my prints from PrusaSlicer. After I slice I press the "Upload and Print" button.
I can control the printer from the OctoPrint web interface, OctoApp, or I can pause, resume, and cancel from the printer control panel if I need to.
The MK4 is so much better than the MK3S. I would not hold back if I were you.
RE: Octoprint with mk4s status?
I appreciate all the replies!
I'm especially looking for feature parity with the mk3 and octoprint, and has the mk4 or mk4s reached that yet with the latest firmware and slicer versions.
So as an example from the post I linked, the runout sensor not working while printing from USB, has that been fixed? Because that will be a problem if it's not fixed and I run out of filament on a long print, then it's ruined.
Another example from that post, since I use Obico (aka spaghetti detective) it needs to support printing pausing while printing from USB when sensing a problem while watching the webcam, with spaghetti. Has that been fixed yet?
Not entering printing mode might or might not be an issue for me, I guess it depends if all the other pieces work and it can be controlled from octoprint. Like will it properly go into a color change mode?
I probably will try prusa connect, but it's not going to support all the things I have setup with octoprint, so I need that.
My surprise came with the new functionality of PrusaSlicer with the MK4. I love the ability to start a print directly from the slicer with a single button press. It saves the steps of storing the gcode, uploading it to Octoprint and then starting the print from Octoprint.
That sounds like a neat feature! In addition if the printer in prusa slicer is setup to have octoprint as a gcode upload host, it will show an extra button to upload the gcode directly to octoprint without storing it etc.
https://help.prusa3d.com/article/sending-files-to-octoprint-duet_1663 Here's the prusa support URL on setting this up if anyone is curious (I also suggest following the info in the comments so one can avoid using the global API key for octoprint, that's not good security practice).
RE: Octoprint with mk4s status?
The only difference between MK3xx and MK4 with OctoPrint is the missing progress display on the printer's display when printing via OctoPrint.
Everything else works the same on both printers: filament runout sensor works, color changes work.
I have never used Obico so I can't say if this works.
RE: Octoprint with mk4s status?
It has "worked" with Octoprint for a while now, but don't expect any useful information on the printer's display other than nozzle + bed temperature...
RE: Octoprint with mk4s status?
OctoPrint mostly 'works' exactly the same way as with the MK3S+. In my opinion PrusaConnect is simply easier to use and is a more 'plug-and-play' solution.
RE: Octoprint with mk4s status?
The only difference between MK3xx and MK4 with OctoPrint is the missing progress display on the printer's display when printing via OctoPrint.
Everything else works the same on both printers: filament runout sensor works, color changes work.
I have never used Obico so I can't say if this works.
I agree with this and still find Octoprint more useful and flexible than Prusa Connect. I have given up hoping for M117 (status message) support on MK4/MK4S; even though it was available on MK3, Prusa has stubbornly refused to bring it to the MK4/MK4S.
I mostly use Octoprint to monitor progress remotely, so this isn't usually a big deal. But there are times when I am standing in front of the printer and would like to see (at least) the print completion percentage. So here is the solution I used. This is an ESP32 with 1.2" display, which wirelessly requests status using Octoprint's REST API and displays it. I would prefer Prusa add M117 support, but until they do, this will suffice.
RE: Octoprint with mk4s status?
Adding links for the ESP32-based "printer monitor" project shown above.
Original project:
https://github.com/Qrome/printer-monitor
My fork of the code:
https://github.com/ScottWell1/printer-monitor
RE: Octoprint with mk4s status?
They works. I have couple of those monitors.
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
RE: Octoprint with mk4s status?
Yep -- And wireless, so they can be anywhere. I made two, put one by the printer (shown in video I posted) and another near my PC so I can quickly see remaining time without opening a browser. It's a fun project!
They works. I have couple of those monitors.
RE: Octoprint with mk4s status?
Thanks for the link, and updating/improving the project. Adding a direct link to PrusaLink to the list of supported hosts looks pretty simple. Are you open to a PR?
RE:
Thanks for the link, and updating/improving the project. Adding a direct link to PrusaLink to the list of supported hosts looks pretty simple. Are you open to a PR?
That would be a cool addition, but I do not use (and do not foresee using) PrusaLink myself so I am probably not the best person to host that. Probably best to go with your own fork and add it there. As you say, probably pretty straight-forward to add a "PrusaLinkClient" since the "client types" (currently Octoprint and Repetier) are already modular.