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0. Preparing necessary components

Written By: Jakub Dolezal
  • Comments: 148
  • Favorites: 6
  • Completions: 172

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  1. The Original Prusa i3 MK3 is compatible with OctoPrint, but Prusa Research isn't developing this software. For connection issues please contact our support. In case of general issues, please use the official OctoPrint's FAQ.

    • The Original Prusa i3 MK3 is compatible with OctoPrint, but Prusa Research isn't developing this software. For connection issues please contact our support. In case of general issues, please use the official OctoPrint's FAQ.

    • OctoPrint homepage: octoprint.org

    • Please report all the bugs here: github.com/foosel/OctoPrint/issues

    • You can share your experience and discuss your issues during prints on our forums with other MK3 owners: OctoPrint issues and tips

    • DO NOT disassemble the printer yet!!! We need to print some parts first.

    • Certain parts of this manual require usage of soldering or cutting tools. Please read carefully the instructions for such device/tool and use personal protective equipment. Prusa Research does not assume responsibility, and expressly disclaim liability for loss, injuries or damage.

  2. Make sure you are buying the original Raspberry Pi Zero W. This guide isn't covering any other fruit alternatives like Banana Pi, Orange Pi, etc. RPi Zero W isn't recommended in case you want to use webcam or multiple plugins.

    • Make sure you are buying the original Raspberry Pi Zero W. This guide isn't covering any other fruit alternatives like Banana Pi, Orange Pi, etc.

    • RPi Zero W isn't recommended in case you want to use webcam or multiple plugins.

    • Also, distinguish between models Pi Zero W and Pi Zero. The letter "W" stands for Wireless. Buying cheaper Pi Zero without Wi-Fi radio won't work for this guide!

    • For the list of official dealers for your country, please visit Raspberrypi.org and click on "Buy now".

    • No need to buy a power supply, your RPi Zero W will be powered directly from the printer. Purchase only the Zero W and Micro SD card (8GB card is recommended) .

  3. To ensure correct position of pins and optimal distance, our developers created a printed part RPi Zero Frame, which is placed between RPi Zero W and EINSY board. RPi Zero Frame is part of the MK3 package, download it from our pages: prusa3d.com/prusa-i3-printable-parts/ Prepare the G-code using Slic3r PE or PrusaControl, both applications are part of the driver's package: prusa3d.com/drivers/

    • To ensure correct position of pins and optimal distance, our developers created a printed part RPi Zero Frame, which is placed between RPi Zero W and EINSY board.

    • RPi Zero Frame is part of the MK3 package, download it from our pages: prusa3d.com/prusa-i3-printable-parts/

    • Prepare the G-code using Slic3r PE or PrusaControl, both applications are part of the driver's package: prusa3d.com/drivers/

    • Recommended settings for print are profile 0.2 Normal and material PETG or ABS. You can also use PLA, but it might be exposed to high temperatures.

    • Print the frame before you proceed further, you will need it in the next steps.

  4. Printing this part is optional as it is only compatible with printed parts B7 or latest. Check you printer, if it has removable part on the Einsy-case. In case your Einsy-case is compatible, please look for a file called "raspberry_cover.stl" in the MK3 zip archive, you've downloaded in the previous step.

    • Printing this part is optional as it is only compatible with printed parts B7 or latest. Check you printer, if it has removable part on the Einsy-case.

    • In case your Einsy-case is compatible, please look for a file called "raspberry_cover.stl" in the MK3 zip archive, you've downloaded in the previous step.

    • Recommended settings for print are profile 0.2 Normal and material PETG or ABS. You can also use PLA, but it might be exposed to high temperatures.

  6. To create a connection between RPi Zero W and EINSY board you need to purchase GPIO header and solder it to the RPi board. First, you need to buy break-away 2x20-pin Strip Dual Male Header. You need a version with 18mm pins.

    • To create a connection between RPi Zero W and EINSY board you need to purchase GPIO header and solder it to the RPi board.

    • First, you need to buy break-away 2x20-pin Strip Dual Male Header. You need a version with 18mm pins.

    • However, the Dual Made Header pins are quite often shorter, so as a second item, you might need to purchase blanket header. Pins must be 18 mm long and you need at least 6 pins.

  7. Take the dual male header and cut away part with 7x2 pins. Remove all the short pins from the dual male header. Instead, insert longer 18mm pins as shown in the scheme. You need ONLY SIX PINS!

    • Take the dual male header and cut away part with 7x2 pins.

    • Remove all the short pins from the dual male header.

    • Instead, insert longer 18mm pins as shown in the scheme. You need ONLY SIX PINS!

    • Before soldering, make a quick check the pins overlap from the board at least 1 mm. Don't forget to use the printed adapter.

  8. Double check your work! Incorrect position of the pins can lead to damage both to RPi Zero W and EINSY board. Solder the header to the RPi Zero W. Make sure you are soldering the header to the correct position and side.

    • Double check your work! Incorrect position of the pins can lead to damage both to RPi Zero W and EINSY board.

    • Solder the header to the RPi Zero W. Make sure you are soldering the header to the correct position and side.

  9. You can either download PrusaPrint (modified OctoPrint build) created by Josef or visit our Knowledge Base to see step by step guide, how to build your own. This depends on your skills. Download link for prebuild image: PrusaPrint Link to Knowledge Base guide: OctoPrint - Raspberry Pi Zero W

    • You can either download PrusaPrint (modified OctoPrint build) created by Josef or visit our Knowledge Base to see step by step guide, how to build your own. This depends on your skills.

    • Download link for prebuild image: PrusaPrint

    • Link to Knowledge Base guide: OctoPrint - Raspberry Pi Zero W

    • Next download Etcher utility, install it and open it.

    • Unpack the zip archive and "Flash" the image to the MicroSD card. Keep in mind, all the data will be erased.

    • When the process is ready, reinsert the SD card to your computer and open the boot partition, find file octopi-wpa-supplicant.txt

    • Edit the highlighted rows with your Wi-Fi name and password, delete the # sign on indicated rows, then save the file.

  10. ATTENTION: for the security reasons please change the default root password. As soon as you connect your printer to the internet, the bots will try login using default password and can DAMAGE your printer! Open any text editor and create a file named: octopi-password.txt (use plain text)

    • ATTENTION: for the security reasons please change the default root password. As soon as you connect your printer to the internet, the bots will try login using default password and can DAMAGE your printer!

    • Open any text editor and create a file named: octopi-password.txt (use plain text)

    • Type your password, use special characters, CAPS, numbers, etc. For example Prusa3D.MK3 (don't use the same password)

    • Save the file and place it on the boot partition.

    • During the first boot, OctoPrint will change the password according to this file and delete the file for security reasons.

    • Unmount the card and place it into the RPi Zero W.

  11. The following chapter should be selected according to the version of the Einsy-case you have on your printer: Version with removable back, follow this chapter : Einsy-case with the RPi preparation
Finish Line

172 other people completed this guide.

Author

Jakub Dolezal

Member since: 02/20/2017

225 Guides authored

Team

Prusa Research Member of Prusa Research

Community

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367 Guides authored

38 Comments

Add a comment

Joseph P. mentioned in a YouTube video interview with Thomas Sanladerer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuvaSTg3...) that you could also use other Raspberry Pi boards such as a 3B. I have a 3B onhands and would rather use it for the added horsepower and keeping the heat out of the controller box.

Any plans on adding tutorials for other Pi models?

William - Reply

I also have Raspberry Pi 3 Model B and would love to see a tutorial for this as well. The Raspberry Pi Zero W is having performance issues when a camera is added.

Emre Erokyar -

Probably a little late for you but maybe not, also for anyone else who finds this it’s very easy to run any 3d printer with marlin firmware at least off the pi3 or pi2 I used both on my old i3 mk1 clone machine and am working on adding the pi zero W to the prusa because it’s just too convenient and I’m lazy. Anyhow to get to the point you can just flash the regular octopi to an SD card and load it up on your pi3 following the instructions on the octopi site all you’ll need to do after setting up octopi itself (basically setting ssid and pass for wifi and username/pass for octopi itself) you’ll just need to connect it to your printer and select the USB serial port and hit the checkboxes to save and autoconnect on startup. Happy Printing!!

Shaun Husain -

Hi, link to prusaprint.zip is not active (404), will be there soon?

Hejki - Reply

Hi Hejki, yes it is down on purpose. New improved build will be out soon.

Jakub Dolezal -

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