Mini - option wifi ?  

wifi

I do not think it is implemented yet.  I has been promised for a year.  I use a raspberry pi and octoprint.  

RE: Enter Title Here

There was a discussion - well, briefly - someone did added a cheap WiFi adapter to it and got it working. He mentioned that they are working on WiFi capability to Mini. 

Edited to add because I forgot the link to thread. 

The thread I speak of: https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/general-discussion-announcements-and-releases/network-connection-with-prusa-mini/#post-484372

octoprint

Posted by: @jmh714

There was a discussion - well, briefly - someone did added a cheap WiFi adapter to it and got it working. He mentioned that they are working on WiFi capability to Mini. 

Edited to add because I forgot the link to thread. 

The thread I speak of: https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/general-discussion-announcements-and-releases/network-connection-with-prusa-mini/#post-484372

I forgot about that one but I would still strongly suggest octoprint.  

At this I wouldn't hold my breath for the Wifi module. Prusa has suggested they'd come up with 4 new printers this year. Add the general materials and chips shortage thanks to Covid, and I don't think the Wifi option is—or should be—anywhere near the top of their priority list.

At this point, I concur with @cwbullet that Octoprint is your best option. But I also hope that Prusa will release their PrusaConnect offering before the end of the year, which may (or may not) provide a viable alternative to Octoprint.

I know one shouldn't predict the future, but I think wifi for Mini is dead project and as such, Prusa's false advertising. But then, I didn't get Mini because of that promised feature... actually I think majority of Mini owners don't care.

they are working on it...

There fixing the IP stack first a couple of commits ago at github I saw that they are fixing fundamental things there. I would assume that PR first want a stable IP stack before they trust it is stable enough to send GCODE through it...

RE: WiFi for Mini

I have mini connected to via ethernet (home network). I dont have network cables @home, but I have two mesh routers, one for each floor, and I have Ethernet cable connected to Mini from a Router. So far it is of little use. All one can do is check the Prusa connect, but for my single printer it is easier to just look at the controller's display. Maybe Mini is able to utilize ntp to keep clock up to date, I just don't remember.

I would like to see farm printing software, or at least ability to send print files to Mini via network. USB-stick is not optimal solution. I know I could use Octoprint, just shop for an RPI and install software etc, but as I use this for hobby, I won't bother yet.

Wifi would leave one cable less from the floor, provided that the connection is stable. So yes, I also would like to see this feature, but as far I need to use network cables for few other things I can live without it.

Mini's firmware has quite a lot of catch-up to do when compared to the functionality in MK3-series. Looks like we get updates and improvements one by one. Now that few biggies, filesystem and USB-issues are fixed, programmers can pick other tasks from the long list of To-Dos.

parts

Posted by: @bogdanh

I know one shouldn't predict the future, but I think wifi for Mini is dead project and as such, Prusa's false advertising. But then, I didn't get Mini because of that promised feature... actually I think majority of Mini owners don't care.

I am not sure this is true.  They clearly still indicate that it is in the plans for the future.  Currently, it is tough to buy the parts to make it happen.  

octofarm

To those wanting print farm capabilities, octofarm is pretty slick.  

Re: octofarm

I guess so. I do have a RPI idle atm. Perhaps I should try it out. Just looked SLS1S Speed video, it already has network control. Perhaps we get that to Mini as well given time.

Wifi

Posted by: @lupin

I guess so. I do have a RPI idle atm. Perhaps I should try it out. Just looked SLS1S Speed video, it already has network control. Perhaps we get that to Mini as well given time.

I think you are likely right.  Wifi will be available eventually.  

wifi

ok, thanks for all this information.I don't want to install Octoprint, I was looking for something plug&play.Prusa is a bit abusive to have promoted this feature, to sell the mini.To be continued...

Not sure

Posted by: @kanex

ok, thanks for all this information.I don't want to install Octoprint, I was looking for something plug&play.Prusa is a bit abusive to have promoted this feature, to sell the mini.To be continued...

It was pretty clear that this feature was a future feature with no timeline.  

Posted by: @cwbullet

 It was pretty clear that this feature was a future feature with no timeline.  

That's quite strange way to look at this... like you're trying to defend Prusa. Yes, there was no exact date set. But after more than a year without any official sign of progress (except "trying hard" rumors), things are pretty much obvious. Also trying to justify "the delay" because of troubles with sourcing components (covid), has become quite handy for many lately. But here, we aren't talking about some hi-tech parts (china stores are full of them), so that argument kinda weak.
I think Prusa has another problem... Question is: can they make wifi upgrade cheaper and better than Octoprint? I assume answer is no -and so there's no point to make it.

I'm looking at that as a customer... let Prusa prove me wrong.

Not defending

I am not defending them.  Just stating the facts.  It is clearly no abusive.  They stated the WiFi would be implemented in the future without a clear timeline.  That could be 1 or 10 years.  

Re: Not defending

I don't know the size of 32bit developer team, looking at how much issues are fixed in each mini FW release I tend to think there aren't too many developers. Or notable part of them is working on some future software waiting to be integrated, like the Prusa Connect. If the IP stack is a mess it would explain why there is no talk about the WiFi. I'm in no hurry with these features and getting RPI with Octoprint is a work-around albeit with additional cost and effort.

I also would like to hear more of Prusa's roadmap for Mini, more and more often.

Suggestion

Posted by: @kanex

ok, thanks for all this information.I don't want to install Octoprint, I was looking for something plug&play.Prusa is a bit abusive to have promoted this feature, to sell the mini.To be continued...

I set an rpi zero w as usb stick, the folder mounted as usb stick is also network shared. No way to start/monitor a print from remote but at least You can manage gcode from anywere.

RPI Zero

Posted by: @turro75

 

Posted by: @kanex

ok, thanks for all this information.I don't want to install Octoprint, I was looking for something plug&play.Prusa is a bit abusive to have promoted this feature, to sell the mini.To be continued...

I set an rpi zero w as usb stick, the folder mounted as usb stick is also network shared. No way to start/monitor a print from remote but at least You can manage gcode from anywere.

How does the RPI zero work?  I have heard of issues with it crashing.  

Roadmap Would be Nice

Posted by: @lupin

I also would like to hear more of Prusa's roadmap for Mini, more and more often.

We can speculate as to how many are on the development team, what else is being developed, and so on. No one outside Prusa really knows. But, I agree that letting their customers know more about a roadmap would be much appreciated. The Mini was announced October 12, 2019 and that announcement included mention of Ethernet printing and WiFi. It's been 22 months since then. That is a long time to deliver promised features.

I am not unhappy with the Mini. It has performed spectacularly for me, but if I was someone who bought it for these features, I would be very disappointed.

Regards,

Mark