OctoPrintTutorial

What is OctoPrint?● OctoPrint is a host software similar to

Printrun, Cura, Repetier Host or MakerWare.● The host software controls the 3D printer by

sending it the commands necessary to do it’s job.

How?● Host software is run on a computer that is

connected to the Arduino/microcontroller through a USB cable.

● Host software sends GCode files to the 3D printer, one line at at time.

Why?The ATmega328 chip found on the Uno:

Flash 32k bytes (of which .5k is used for the bootloader)SRAM 2k bytesEEPROM 1k byte

The ATmega2560 in the Mega2560 has larger memory space :

Flash 256k bytes (of which 8k is used for the bootloader)SRAM 8k bytesEEPROM 4k byte

Problem● Computer must be tethered to computer

throughout the job.● Inefficient. This is not computationally

intensive process. All it does is send a couple of text lines at a time.

Solution: OctoPrint + Raspberry Pi

Advantages● Using a Raspberry Pi, OctoPrint allows you

to untether your existing 3D printer from your laptop or workstation and turn it into a WiFi enabled one.

Installation

Installation❏ The software is completely free and open

source.❏ Go to octoprint.org and download OctoPi, an

SD card image that includes OctoPrint plus everything needed to run it.

❏ Flash the image to your SD card (detailed instructions are linked in the website).

Instructions❏ Connect WiFi dongle and make sure the

Raspberry Pi is connected to the local WiFi.❏ After booting up the Raspberry Pi, OctoPrint

should be available at http://octopi.local

Features

Real time monitoring.

Manual controls and webcam view.

Preview of the printer movements.

Terminal Tab