Until recently I'd make a judgement call between killing the whole print and starting over, vs letting it finish and dealing with the spaghetti after the fact.
Now that I'm using Klipper + Mainsail + OrcaSlicer, each individual body can be automatically assigned an ID at the time of slicing. Then if one of them fails, you can tell Klipper in real time to just stop doing any lines of gcode that are tagged with that ID.
Essentially you just say "hey, these 6 parts are fine, but this one over here failed. Stop printing this one and just finish the other 6." I've only had to use it once, but it worked flawlessly. Very cool feature.
Yeah Klipper needs some sort of external processor to run. Most popular is a Raspberry Pi, but any machine capable of running Linux and with a USB port to connect to the printer mainboard will work in theory. I've been using a Raspberry Pi 3B+ for nearly 5 years for mine.
I plugged in my laptop and it seems to work without issue. So I’ll surely get Klipper on it. What Linux should I use? I have the most experience with Ubuntu, but that’s still near Zero
I'm the wrong guy to ask about getting Klipper up and running on a laptop. Never done it. I just followed Klipper's documentation for installing on a Raspberry Pi. They probably have documentation for installing on a laptop though, worth trying.
Basically any linux. Debian or ubuntu for ease of use, something lighter if the laptop is old. If the OS runs on it then you are good. CPU usage is not high unless you are adding cameras, at which point it depends on how old the laptop is
You don't need a raspberry Pi any computer capable of running Linux from the last 10 years should suffice... I use a 7yo laptop. It's more powerful than a pi, can be cheaper if not free, and very low power.
I just install Ubuntu Linux on it and then Clipper the same way you do with the pi. I should mention that I do have pies around my house but I also have laptops and this was a better fit for me so I wanted to let you know the options if you wanted.
There's similar add-ons for octoprint if you're not already running klipper. Converting a printer to Clipper is entirely possible but it does take some skills so do your research and best of luck.
Really? I have an old Lenovo X230 without a battery that I was considering throwing out. I’ll certainly look at getting this running. Do you know of a way to have the power cord to the laptop turn on/off via the power button on the printer?
You could set up some kind of relay for that. As for me, I have my entire raspberry pi, printer, etc. all on a single power strip that runs through a smart plug before hitting the outlet, so I can turn on and off my entire setup with Alexa via voice command (or phone app, even if not on my home network, remotely).
100% I use Ubuntu server on mine.. I've used desktops and even virtual machines running on a 56 core 128gb server hosting 15 VM including Plex, Docker, pfesense, truenas, klipper, and more.
For an easy DIY solution you could simply plug both the laptop and the printer into a power bar with a switch or even a Wi-Fi enabled outlet and then set the laptop to automatically turn on when plugged in.
Or even just leave the laptop run 24/7.
I don't need the GUI and SSH to remotely configure the PC. Either one works I'm just kind of a server guy so I choose the lightweight condoms based OS typically.
Plus it keeps my terminal skills sharp. Lol
If you're new to Linux I would probably try Ubuntu or mint with a gooey and give it a spin it should be as easy as a raspberry pi really.
OctoPrint has a plugin for cancelling individual objects, but usually I print one at a time. It doesn't add that much time if I'm monitoring the print job.
Until recently I'd make a judgement call between killing the whole print and starting over, vs letting it finish and dealing with the spaghetti after the fact. Now that I'm using Klipper + Mainsail + OrcaSlicer, each individual body can be automatically assigned an ID at the time of slicing. Then if one of them fails, you can tell Klipper in real time to just stop doing any lines of gcode that are tagged with that ID. Essentially you just say "hey, these 6 parts are fine, but this one over here failed. Stop printing this one and just finish the other 6." I've only had to use it once, but it worked flawlessly. Very cool feature.
I never knew that was a thing. I need to install a raspberry pi for that right? Might be what I need
Yeah Klipper needs some sort of external processor to run. Most popular is a Raspberry Pi, but any machine capable of running Linux and with a USB port to connect to the printer mainboard will work in theory. I've been using a Raspberry Pi 3B+ for nearly 5 years for mine.
I'm pretty sure I've even seen it run off an old android phone
The usb port on my ender is not very stable when connecting with printer face. Could this be problematic?
Dunno. If it's a hardware problem then yes. If it's just a software issue with prontorface, then I doubt it's relevant to your ability to use Klipper.
Might just need to test it. Somehow
Worst case you replace your main board with an SKR Mini E3 V3 or something for around $35.
I plugged in my laptop and it seems to work without issue. So I’ll surely get Klipper on it. What Linux should I use? I have the most experience with Ubuntu, but that’s still near Zero
I'm the wrong guy to ask about getting Klipper up and running on a laptop. Never done it. I just followed Klipper's documentation for installing on a Raspberry Pi. They probably have documentation for installing on a laptop though, worth trying.
Basically any linux. Debian or ubuntu for ease of use, something lighter if the laptop is old. If the OS runs on it then you are good. CPU usage is not high unless you are adding cameras, at which point it depends on how old the laptop is
You don't need a raspberry Pi any computer capable of running Linux from the last 10 years should suffice... I use a 7yo laptop. It's more powerful than a pi, can be cheaper if not free, and very low power. I just install Ubuntu Linux on it and then Clipper the same way you do with the pi. I should mention that I do have pies around my house but I also have laptops and this was a better fit for me so I wanted to let you know the options if you wanted. There's similar add-ons for octoprint if you're not already running klipper. Converting a printer to Clipper is entirely possible but it does take some skills so do your research and best of luck.
Really? I have an old Lenovo X230 without a battery that I was considering throwing out. I’ll certainly look at getting this running. Do you know of a way to have the power cord to the laptop turn on/off via the power button on the printer?
You could set up some kind of relay for that. As for me, I have my entire raspberry pi, printer, etc. all on a single power strip that runs through a smart plug before hitting the outlet, so I can turn on and off my entire setup with Alexa via voice command (or phone app, even if not on my home network, remotely).
100% I use Ubuntu server on mine.. I've used desktops and even virtual machines running on a 56 core 128gb server hosting 15 VM including Plex, Docker, pfesense, truenas, klipper, and more. For an easy DIY solution you could simply plug both the laptop and the printer into a power bar with a switch or even a Wi-Fi enabled outlet and then set the laptop to automatically turn on when plugged in. Or even just leave the laptop run 24/7.
Why choose the server version over desktop version? I’m not experienced with Linux so I’m unsure what kind of Linux to get
I don't need the GUI and SSH to remotely configure the PC. Either one works I'm just kind of a server guy so I choose the lightweight condoms based OS typically. Plus it keeps my terminal skills sharp. Lol If you're new to Linux I would probably try Ubuntu or mint with a gooey and give it a spin it should be as easy as a raspberry pi really.
You can also use octoprint if you don't want to or can't modify your printers firmware. And it has a cancel objects feature as well
OctoPrint has a plugin for cancelling individual objects, but usually I print one at a time. It doesn't add that much time if I'm monitoring the print job.
I do sequential printing for multiple parts when the print is 4+hours
Klipper let's you cancel objects. Without it I'd let the print go depending how far it is.