Running from a Linux machine
Hi, I have a MK3 (now upgraded to MK3S) and it's awesome. I installed the Raspberry Pi Zero W with OctoPi and run it wirelessly from a client computer on the network. What a dream machine.
I'm putting together another MK3S at work, and I'll not be able to access the WiFi network through a Raspberry Pi there. (Take that as a given.) I have a Linux laptop running Mint that will be dedicated to the MK3S, and I'm thinking through the best way to run the printer from the laptop. (I can put any flavor of Linux on the laptop.)
What are people's suggestions for the cleanest, simplest way to run the MK3S from a Linux laptop? Many thanks in advance 😀
RE: Running from a Linux machine
Most laptops have an SD card reader built in these days, why not just use the SD card and not worry about connecting the laptop and printer to each other? That's actually what I'm doing, running Ubuntu
RE: Running from a Linux machine
It's also worth noting that printing directly from PrusaSlicer has been removed in the redesign (last I saw it wasn't clear if that is temporary or not). So you would need to install Octoprint on laptop or use a different slicer that supports printing over serial.
I agree with just using the SD card though. It's the simplest answer and means the print won't get messed up if someone shuts down/disconnects the laptop mid print.
RE: Running from a Linux machine
Thanks--but I really enjoy the Octoprint interface. Sure, I could just download to SD card, but I'm looking for a different way. I have a dedicated Linux laptop, and I could easily put OctoPi on a, for example, Pi 3+, that connects to the laptop, but I'm not sure if that's necessary. Looking for the simplest, creative solutions here 😀
RE: Running from a Linux machine
Does octoprint work on the latest prusa firmware, with all protections/possibilities?
SD card is the safest way, and all protections/possibilities work.
RE: Running from a Linux machine
You can install octoprint on any machine, even on your laptop. But it consumes more electricity and you have to turn off any stand-by options on your laptop. Beside of that it's always the question what do you want to achieve? "clean and simple" is always a matter of personal choice and requirements.
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RE: Running from a Linux machine
As I've answered on Facebook, you can connect your computer directly to your printer via USB and use Repetier Host software to control the printer. Octoprint in theory can do this too, but the instructions on their web site make it clear that their normal and intended use is for you to be using a Raspberry Pi in between your computer and the printer. The Octoprint "server" that actually communicates over USB is a bit of a foreigner within the Windows framework. And if you do decide to use the Pi, how do you communicate from the computer to the Pi if you can't do wireless? I don't know.
Of course you can go the SD card route.
Full disclosure: there are other programs besides Repetier that will allow you to connect your computer directly to the printer with no intervening hardware or "sneakernet" transfer of files on physical memory devices. Pronterface, Cura, and Matterhackers all will do the job. I've tried all of them and strongly prefer Repetier - but that's just me.