Ganesh Divte
Numerous individuals often ponder the process of establishing a connection between their Raspberry Pi and an Ender 3 or a similar 3D printer, which unlocks a plethora of exciting capabilities. When configured correctly, this setup empowers you to remotely oversee your 3D printing endeavors from anywhere with an internet connection, enabling real-time print monitoring.
In this article, I have taken the initiative to guide you through the step-by-step procedure for establishing a seamless connection between your Raspberry Pi and an Ender 3. Continue reading to discover the comprehensive process.
How to Connect Raspberry Pi to Ender 3 (Pro/V2/S1)
Connecting your Raspberry Pi to an Ender 3, regardless of whether it’s the Pro, V2, or S1 model, is a valuable endeavor that enhances your 3D printing experience. This guide will walk you through the process step by step:
- Purchase the Raspberry Pi
- Download the OctoPi Image file and Balena Etcher
- Flash the OctoPi Image File onto your SD Card
- Edit the Network Configuration file on the SD Card
- Configure the Security Set up of the Raspberry Pi
- Configure other Raspberry Pi settings
- Complete the Setup process using the Set Up Wizard
- Connect the Raspberry Pi to the Ender 3
Purchase the Raspberry Pi
To begin, your initial task is to acquire a suitable Raspberry Pi for your Ender 3. To ensure optimal compatibility with your Ender 3, you’ll want to obtain either a Raspberry Pi 3B, 3B+, or 4B. You can conveniently purchase the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B through Amazon.
In addition to this procedure, it’s essential to procure an SD Card such as the SanDisk 32GB and acquire a 5V Power Supply Unit with a USB-C cable specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi 4B from Amazon if you don’t already possess these components.
Furthermore, it might be necessary to obtain an enclosure for the Raspberry Pi or create a 3D-printed one. This precautionary measure helps safeguard the internal components of the Raspberry Pi from exposure.
Download the OctoPi Image File and Balena Etcher
The subsequent step involves obtaining the OctoPi image file tailored for your Raspberry Pi, facilitating communication with your Ender 3.
Retrieve the OctoPi image file directly from OctoPrint’s official website.
Furthermore, you’ll need to procure the Balena Etcher software for the purpose of flashing the OctoPi image file onto your Raspberry Pi. This procedure effectively transforms the SD card into a bootable storage device.
Flash the OctoPi Image File onto your SD Card
To proceed, once you have the OctoPi image software downloaded, insert the SD card into the computer where you’ve saved the file.
Initiate the Balena Etcher software and proceed with flashing the OctoPi image by selecting “Flash from file.” Pick the OctoPi image file, and designate the SD card storage device as the target storage device, then commence the flashing process.
For Mac users, please note that this operation may necessitate administrative access, requiring you to provide your password to complete the flashing procedure.
Edit the Network Configuration File on the SD Card
Now, let’s move on to editing the network configuration file on the SD card. Locate the file named “OctoPi-wpa-supplicant.txt” on the SD card and open it using your preferred text editor. On Windows, you can utilize Notepad, while Mac users can opt for TextEdit.
Once the file is open, identify the “WPA/WPA2 secured” section if your Wi-Fi network requires a password, or the “open/unsecured” section if it doesn’t. Typically, Wi-Fi networks are secured with a password.
Remove the “#” symbol from the beginning of the four lines situated below the “WPA/WPA2” section to activate that part of the text. Then, assign your Wi-Fi network name to the “ssid” variable and your Wi-Fi password to the “psk” variable. After making these adjustments, save the changes and safely eject the SD card.
Configure the Security Set up of the Raspberry Pi
Now, let’s proceed with configuring the security settings on the Raspberry Pi’s operating system to enable connection via an SSH client, ensuring seamless access to OctoPrint through a web browser.
You have two options: You can utilize the Command Prompt on Windows or the Terminal on Mac. Open your Command Prompt or Terminal and enter the following command: “ssh [email protected],” then press Enter. When prompted, confirm by typing “Yes.”
Next, you’ll encounter another prompt requesting the Raspberry Pi’s username and password. Here, you can enter “pi” as the username and “raspberry” as the password.
Upon successful login to the Raspberry Pi operating system, you’ll remain within the Command Prompt or Terminal. To create a superuser profile on the Pi’s OS, input the command “sudo raspi-config” and hit Enter. This action will prompt you for your Pi’s password.
Once you’ve entered the default password, you should be directed to a menu displaying various configuration options. Navigate to “System Options” and select “Password.” Enter your desired password and save the settings.
Configure Other Raspberry Pi Settings
Exploring the menu bar, you have the option to adjust additional settings such as the hostname or your time zone. Although not mandatory, personalizing these settings can enhance your overall experience.
For modifying the hostname, navigate to “System Options,” then select “Hostname.” Here, you can designate a fitting name, preferably your printer’s name, such as “Ender 3.” Upon completion, click “Finish,” and proceed to confirm the Raspberry Pi’s reboot. The reboot process typically takes a few seconds to complete.
Complete the Setup Process Using the Set Up Wizard
With the hostname successfully changed, access the URL “https://hostname.local” (for instance, “https://Ender3.local“) on a device connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Raspberry Pi, instead of the default “https://Octoprint.local.”
Upon visiting this URL, you’ll encounter a setup wizard. Utilize this wizard to establish your OctoPrint username and password, which will enable you to log in via your web browser.
Please keep in mind that the credentials you set here are distinct from the username and password previously created for the superuser.
Within the setup wizard, you also have the freedom to toggle other configuration settings based on your preferences.
Additionally, take a moment to adjust the printer profile settings. For an Ender 3, set the build volume dimensions to 220 x 220 x 250mm. Pay attention to the hotend extruder setting, where the default nozzle diameter is typically set to 0.4mm. Adjust this parameter if your nozzle diameter differs.
To save your configurations, simply click “Finish.” At this point, the OctoPrint user interface should initiate successfully.
Connect the Raspberry Pi to the Ender 3
We’ve reached the last phase of this procedure. Begin by connecting the USB cable from the Raspberry Pi to the micro USB port on the Ender 3. Once this is done, check the OctoPrint user interface, and you’ll notice that a successful connection has been established between the printer and the Raspberry Pi.
If you prefer seamless connectivity, consider enabling the auto-connect option. This will ensure that the printer establishes a connection automatically as soon as the Raspberry Pi boots up.
Now, you’re ready to put the OctoPrint user interface to the test. You can initiate a test print to observe its functionality in action. To get a visual walkthrough of this process, you can watch a video demonstration by BV3D.
FAQ’S
Can you use OctoPrint with Ender 3?
OctoPrint provides the capability to remotely manage your 3D printer, enhancing the utility of your Ender 3. If you’re uncertain about the process of configuring OctoPrint for your Ender 3, you can begin by following this comprehensive step-by-step guide to unlock its full potential.
Why add a Raspberry Pi to Ender 3?
Enhancing your Ender 3 with OctoPrint grants you remote control and access to a multitude of supplementary features through plugins. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough on linking your Raspberry Pi, equipped with OctoPrint, to your Ender 3 printer.
How do I connect my Raspberry Pi to the Ender 3?
Begin by plugging the Raspberry Pi power supply into a wall outlet and providing power to your Raspberry Pi using a Micro-USB cable. Turn on your Ender 3. Then, establish a connection between your Raspberry Pi board and the printer’s mainboard using a USB cable. Use a Mini-USB cable for the original and Pro versions, and a Micro-USB cable for the V2.
Ganesh Divte
I am Ganesh Divte. I work as a Quality Assurance Engineer at Dhruvtara WireTech PVT LTD. I have experience in SLS, DMSL, FDM, and SLA additive manufacturing processes. I am very enthusiastic about additive manufacturing and its potential to change the way we manufacture products. I believe that Additive Manufacturing has the potential to revolutionize the manufacturing industry and make it more efficient and sustainable.
