Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
I'm a new user, been printing for a few months with my i3 MK3 and I'd like to add Octoprint, but I am quite bewildered by all the information that's out there. Can anyone point me to a "for dummies" guide using a Raspberry Pi 3B, from start to finish?
I have read that the Prusa recommended Pi Zero W is underpowered for this which is why I'm asking about the Pi 3B.
RE: Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
Actually, the Pi 4B supports the video much better, if you're adding a camera.
RE: Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
@gerrykaslowski
Thanks for this, that is helpful.
RE: Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
I see a lot of printed cases with a fan for the Pi. Is a fan necessary?
RE: Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
The fans are quiet and cheap. Good insurance. You can even get a 5V fan and connect it to the Pi 3V outputs. It'll run slower, but very quiet.
RE: Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
I have the MK3S and i've just fitted the Pi 3B+ along with the Pi camera and it was all very simple. I did have a couple of issues with the first install but I just had to install the image to the card again and its been ok since. I had no previous experience with a Pi.
RE: Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
I got Octoprint up and running without problems. Nice!
Another question, Octoprint is specifically for 3D printing. Is it possible to install a typical operating system on the Pi and also have Octoprint running? I'd like to be able to do a few other things with the Pi as well as print. If anyone can point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it.
RE: Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
@buckeyestargazer
AFAIK OctoPi uses Raspian Lite but you can install OctoPrint on top of Raspian https://community.octoprint.org/t/setting-up-octoprint-on-a-raspberry-pi-running-raspbian/2337 among others, sorry thread is hugh.
RE: Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
@buckeyestargazer
AFAIK OctoPi uses Raspian Lite but you can install OctoPrint on top of Raspian https://community.octoprint.org/t/setting-up-octoprint-on-a-raspberry-pi-running-raspbian/2337 among others, sorry thread is hugh.
Thanks. That's quite beyond my understanding so I'll just leave well enough alone.
RE: Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
Hello there, I am planning on doing the same thing when my printer ships (in 4 weeks ;(), I was reading through the how to where they use the Pi Zero and saw they have a Prusa version of the OctoPi image. Did you download that one, or just use the standard one?
I am thinking that special version might be just for when you are using the Pi Zero with the internal connector. And if you use USB it just works as is?
From what I have been reading, I think the Pi Zero might be ok if you do a basic install. Just for sending files over wifi. But if you want to add cameras, or do fancy processing stuff you need something beefier.
I ordered a Pi 4, a touch screen, and the new HQ camera to try out. So all of those things are too much for the Zero.
RE: Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
FWIW The zero is most definitely not recommended for any OctoPrint install.
RE: Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
@towlerg
I have gathered the same thing from doing a little research. But it's very confusing when the officially supported method to add Octoprint to a MK3S to use a Zero. Like I said I think it will work fine for just adding remote printing to your printer. But not if you want a camera, time-lapse, or added complex plugins. It's just something people need to keep in mind when picking the parts they want to use.
RE: Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
FWIW The zero is most definitely not recommended for any OctoPrint install.
This, a thousand times this! The developer of Octoprint specifically recommends against using the Zero W for Octoprint... period.
Please note that the Raspberry Pi Zero W is not recommended explicitly since severe performance issues were observed
This doesn't mean you can't do it, or that you'll never be able to get it to work, but it is not recommended and not supported.
I can only assume that the design decision to include a Zero W in the Mk3 was made early on after the Zero W release before these problems were apparent.
and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
RE: Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
@bobstro
Yeah I think I have decided on a Pi4 because I would like to add extras, and it sounds like the Zero might have issues.
I am not sure if you know, but is there a benefit to using the GPIO interface to communicate with the MK3S instead of USB? I think I am going to make a wire to connect the Pi4 to the same internal header as the Zero uses. It seems like this will bypass the USB bus and just use direct serial coms.
It would be nice if Prusa would update that guide, or make an additional guide that shows how to wire up a Pi4/Pi3B instead with some nice parts etc.
RE: Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
The video was helpful. I'll be adding a Pi3 today.
RE: Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
I'd like to mount a 3.5" TFT screen on the MK3S next the the oem screen. Have already printed the case for it.
I wanted to know if i can have an additional 7" table mounted touchscreen as well, this setup will have its own rpi4. Do i need to connect this Pi to the prusa board as well? Can i connect two rpi's to the prusa board, or will this secondary monitor be connected through wifi and still be able to do everything the primary rpi touchscreen mounted on the prusa would do?
RE: Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
The Prusa only has one usb port for connecting the Pi, so I'm assuming you can only connect one at a time.
RE: Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
The Prusa only has one usb port for connecting the Pi, so I'm assuming you can only connect one at a time.
Even if possible it sounds like a really bad idea. There are few plugins fro OctoPrint that handle add on LCD's, suggest you post on OctoPrint board and ask.
RE: Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
@luvology
I have been reading more about this planning how I want to configure this. And it looks like Octoprint is just running as a webserver on the Pi connected to the printer. Then the interfaces connect to it.
So in theory you could setup another Pi with the 7in touch screen, install TouchUI on to that Pi then just connect to the ip address of your Printer's Pi instead of localhost.
I have not tried this because I do not have any of the stuff I ordered. But I am hoping this will work. Because I would like to have a Pi that just does printing stuff. And another than handles having X Windows installed, plugins etc etc seperate.
RE: Octoprint + i3 MK3 for dummies?
@cmx
"But it's very confusing when the officially supported method to add Octoprint to a MK3S to use a Zero" I'm not sure that statement is trus but anyway it's certainly not the officially supported method from OctoPrint.
I suspect the development of the Pi Zero, OctoPrint and the Mk3 controller coincided in some way. If you already have a zero and don't mind wasting a few hours, I see no harm in trying. I suspect there are some circumstances where this might work adequately.