UPDATE: For managing multiple OctoPrint instances check out my Hexa-Bramble-Berry-OctoPi Guide

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Octopi vs. Octoprint

Octopi is the Raspian based SD Image you download, it has the Operating System and Octoprint.

Octoprint is the interface you use to manage your printer.

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In order to get started you will need a Raspberry Pi – preferrably a 3 or a 3+

Canakit makes a solid starter kit with everything you need for around $80.00.  This include the Pi 3+, 32GB SD Card, case and power supply.

I purchased 2 V-Kits Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ (Plus) Basic Starter Kit for my Ender 3 builds for $54.00 each.

Also needed a couple SanDisk SD Cards

You will also want a PiCam to allow you to remotely monitor your Octoprint.

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Insert your SD Card in the Adapter and plug it into a USB port on your computer.

Next, head on over to Octoprint.org and download the latest version.

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Once it is downloaded, you will need some software to copy the Octoprint Image to the SD Card.

I use Etcher.. download and install as well.

Load Etcher

Select the Octoprint Image you downloaded…

Plugin in the SD Card with the adapter and select the drive it correlates to.

Click flash and get to cooking…

Should be complete in a few minutes.

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Assembling the Raspberry Pi

Pick your case.. I went with the one that came with the kit….

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A note on power supplies..

I prefer the ones that come with buttons or switches and if you can get a 3.0 Amp power supply, that is always preferred.  Most kits come with 2.5 Amp power supplies.

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Look at your new Raspberry Pi 3B+ Card!

Install your heat sinks.

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Connect up the Pi Cam Cable.. be sure to feed it through the case.

Ensure the ribbon is inserted and seated correctly, Blue strip should be facing the USB and Ethernet connections.  Pull up the black ears on either side, then push it in, then push the ears down.

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Install the SD Card

 

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Connect the Ethernet cable and power….

For simplicity, you should connect the Pi to your network using Ethernet… Wifi is another write up.

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And Octoprint is live!

Once booted you will have to figure out what IP Address your Octoprint has, I use my ASUS RT-AC3200’s “Client” feature.. it shows all the systems connected to my network.  Fing or Angry IP Scanner are other options.

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Finding your device on your network…

This is the view of the network on my ASUS RT-AC3200.  It is simply listed as “octopi”

I narrowed down my search by selecting wired devices.. and I have lots of devices.

Once you have located the IP address you can connect to Octoprint by entering the IP into your web browser and begin the basic setup.

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Initial Setup using the Octoprint Setup Wizard

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Configure Access Control

As a network/firewall/router/security guy with years of experience I could go on a rant about security and the IoTs (Internet of Things).  My Masters in Network Security and CISSP, CEH, outdated MCSA and various other certs and degrees aren’t going to get you near capable to defend your network.  But you want to print to your 3D Printer remotely, I can help with that.

Just make sure you use a username and password and you are relatively safe. 

If hackers really take the time to attack your 3D Printer, maybe they will print something nice.

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Configure online connectivity check

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Configure Plugin Blacklist

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Configure CuraEngine – or don’t

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Configure Default Printer Profile

Provide a name..  ensure you have the Print Area specs for your Printer.

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Finish it off…

This is the Interface

This is the default camera view with the hidden easter egg, can you see me?

Now let’s setup that printer.. In my case it is a Creality Ender 3

Open Cura, click Settings -> Printer -> Add Printer…

Select Creality CR-10 – because they don’t have the Ender 3 in the version I use.

Give it a name…

Input the Printer dimensions…

Click close and Connect to Octoprint

Enter the instance name and IP address of your Octoprint

Snag your API Key from Octoprint

Paste in the API Key and Click Connect

Next pick your print profile

And get printing…

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Be sure to check out my Ultimate Build Guide for Creality Ender 3 and Ultimate Build Guide for Creality CR-10S and CR-10

If you find this useful, please consider purchasing products through any of the links on the page, it’s free to you and I get a little something for my time.  Or, just go shopping at Amazon or Ebay  or Gearbest.

You can also support me through Patreon or buy me a Ko-fi!

Happy Printing,

Steve