Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S  

RE: Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S

Octoprint works just fine over USB with the MK3S. I'm Using the Pi4B/OctoPi 0.17 image with the MK3S/MMU2, absolutely no issues.

RE: Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S

The PrusaSlicer also supports slice/send/print thru octoprint, if you set it up in the slicer printer profile. Works really really well.

The concept of piggyback the PI Zero W onto the printer itself was to make an integrated sleek solution, but in practise a bad idea as the Zero is underpowered for the purpose and would share the PSU of the printer.

Using USB you can separate the power, and use what ever PI you want, and easily upgrade, and control multiple printers thru octoprint instancing.

RE: Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S

Thanks for the prompt replay with answers I was hoping to receive.  My MK3 is on order and I just ordered an additional Raspberry Pi 3B +.  Now I just have to wait like a kid anticipating Christmas because the normal ultra quick delivery is now extended to a couple of weeks.............. sigh.

RE: Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S

@anders-3

I have a mark three and since I  broke my neck and ended up quadriplegic being able to print remotely with the camera would make a massive difference. At the moment I have to wait for someone to do everything for me once I’ve got the G code ready. Even typing this has taken me ages.

Is there a guide anywhere That explains how to do this with USB port as there is no way I can get anybody to solder my board?

that explains how to do this with USB port as there is no way I can get anybody to solder my board?

Thanks for your help 

andy

RE: Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S

@andrew-h43

Hi Andy,

You basically just install OctoPi on the RPi and connect it to the printer via a USB cable.  It's quite easy.

-Mike.

RE: Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S

As Mike says its basically plug and play:

1. Get a raspberry Pi. I would get a Pi4B, if you want to be future proof and run a webcam. 3B+ is also perfect. Get a USB webcam (I have the Logi C920) almost any model will do.

2. Burn OctoPi image to the pi sdcard. https://octoprint.org/download/ (there is also a small guide there)

3. Mount the sdcard on a computer, and edit the file octopi-wpa-supplicant.txt Use notepad++ on win, or sublime text on a mac

Look for the lines here:

## WPA/WPA2 secured
#network={
#  ssid="put SSID here"
#  psk="put password here"
#}

and remove the 4 single # symbols from the last four lines. exchange put SSID here with your wifi name, and exchange put password here with your wifi password

5. (optional) If you want max resolution on the webcam also edit the file octopi.txt and find the line that starts with
#camera_usb_options=...
remove the # and change it to camera_usb_options="-r 1920x1080 -f 30" this will set it to 1920x1080 30 fps

6. connect printer and webcam with usb to the pi. and insert the sdcard and power on. let it boot.

7. On a Mac you should bee able to access the octopi using bonjour, by visiting octopi.local in a browser

8. follow the install wizard and input the printer profile. I used this info from the Prusa GitHub site as reference:

axes:
  e:
    inverted: false
    speed: 7200
  x:
    inverted: false
    speed: 10200
  y:
    inverted: false
    speed: 10200
  z:
    inverted: false
    speed: 720
color: default
extruder:
  count: 1
  nozzleDiameter: 0.4
  offsets:
  - - 0.0
    - 0.0
  sharedNozzle: false
heatedBed: true
id: _default
name: Prusa i3 MK3
model: Prusa i3 MK3
volume:
  custom_box: false
  formFactor: rectangular
  origin: lowerleft
  width: 250.0
  height: 210.0
  depth: 210.0

And also added the following in the octoprint UI because octoprint complained that the printer was different than my sliced files.

Under "Printed & Build volume"
Enable Custom bounding box
Set min to X=0, Y=-3, Z=0

- If you have a MMU2 mounted:
Under Printer profiles >  hotend and extruder:

Number of extruders = 5
Enable "Shared Nozzle"

9. Under settings > webcam. make sure "Enable webcam support" is checked and change "stream aspect ratio" to 16:9

10. (optional) Plugins:
OctoPi have a lot of plugins. I have the following enabled:
Dashboard - Gives you a very nice print overview on the frontpage.
Themify - Gives a nice theme to the UI
Display layer progress -u sed by dashboard
Action command
Printtimegenius
Enclosure plugin

11. In Prusa slicer you can add your octoprint server in your printer profile to make it possible to slice sand send it directly to the printer. Just edit the printer profile in prusaslicer and under General > Printer upload, you can add the octoprint address. The api key is fount in the octopi ui > settings >API

Thats about it.

RE: Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S

There is a possible Gotcha, 

As standard the printer has the internal USB selected for the Raspi W0...   which will stop an external Raspberry Pi, working.

all you need to do is to turn the Internal port off, via the LCD. 

Regards Joan

RE: Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S

@joantabb

Thanks Joan, totally forgot that. 

RE: Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S

Thanks everyone, I will order my Pi and try and follow these instructions.

And I have a few webcams lying around 

andy

RE: Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S

@andrew-h43

Can I add that there is no soldering necessary, just a matter of loading a plugin into OctoPrint and connecting the camera to a USB port on the Pi. If there is anything I can do to help please don't hesitate to either post on this forum or message me (click on towlerg)

Please disregard the following if you already have OctoPrint up and running and just wish to add a camera.

I would suggest using Octopi rather than Octoprint. To install OctoPrint you need to install an operating system (Raspian) first, then install OctoPrint as an application.

OctoPi is the operating system and the OctoPrint application in one package.

Comprehensive instructions as provided here https://octoprint.org/download/

Can I suggest that you join the OctoPrint forum here https://community.octoprint.org/

Althought the current version of OctoPi is built around the previous version of OctoPrint, it is a simple task to upgrade.

RE: Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S

My apologies to the several posts ahead of mine, they provide much more info. I took ages composing my post and therefore missed all the intervening ones.

BTW I can't edit my previous post.

RE: Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S

Posted by: @joantabb

There is a possible Gotcha, 

As standard the printer has the internal USB selected for the Raspi W0...   which will stop an external Raspberry Pi, working.

all you need to do is to turn the Internal port off, via the LCD. 

Regards Joan

Really?  I could have sworn that on my MK3S it was the opposite. By default external USB was enabled and you had to enable the internal USB through the LCD. Maybe it depends on the printer model or firmware rev. 

RE: Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S

Hi everyone, 

I have ordered the following 

i thinki don’t need the noob drive, but might try and use the pi for others things, and on off switch I might just be able to press with my left hand.

andy

p.s. I’m not allowed to pm anyone yet as I’m too new, thanks though towlerg 

RE: Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S

I'm going to chime in here on your Pi4 for a second.  If you plan on using the Pi for octoprint control, monitoring, and the camera, then you will probably want to order a cooling fan/case for the 4....those can get pretty toasty when loaded down.  Lots of variety and options, and many will run plug right into the pin header....but I would definitely look into cooling. If nothing else, at least get a passive heat sink.

You could also find and print your own case to save yourself some money...there are many available!

Also, on both on my kit versions of the MK3S, the external USB is enabled by default.  In order to enable the internal pins, the RPI Port has to be enabled in the LCD Menu.  No idea if that is universal, luck, or special to the kits.

RE: Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S

Ok I’ve managed to add a fan to the order.

thanks for the heads up.

it gets pretty hot here in Perth, although we are heading to winter.

Andy

RE: Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S

I got a static 60°C on my pi4 without cooling, but after overclocking it a bit (not nesccessary at all, but could not help myself...) it got really hot.
I ended up printing this case and added a Noctua 5V fan and added small heatsinks on cpu and ram. Now a solid 40°C.

I was impressed by the thermal management by the pi and octoprint, the pi automatically clocks down when overheating (think its around 75°C) and you get a small notification icon in the Octoprint UI that you hit thermal throttling. Very nice. Haven't seen that since adding the fan.

RE: Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S

@anders-3

Nice case, I see there's others (can't remember the name) that are cast aluminum and act as a heat sink.

RE: Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S

Posted by: @mdaneman

Really?  I could have sworn that on my MK3S it was the opposite. By default external USB was enabled and you had to enable the internal USB through the LCD. Maybe it depends on the printer model or firmware rev. 

The gotcha that Joan may be talking about, and shut me down for a couple hours...

In the menu, when not printing, the Live Z-Adjust is right next to the command to turn the RPi Port on/off.  And sometimes the encoder/display don't quite catch up to where it is when you click.....

RE: Can I use Octoprint via USB with MK3S

Posted by: @mdaneman

Really?  I could have sworn that on my MK3S it was the opposite. By default external USB was enabled and you had to enable the internal USB through the LCD. Maybe it depends on the printer model or firmware rev. 

The gotcha that Joan may be talking about, and shut me down for a couple hours...

In the menu, when not printing, the Live Z-Adjust is right next to the command to turn the RPi Port on/off.  And sometimes the encoder/display don't quite catch up to where it is when you click.....