How to Install OctoPrint/Klipper on an SBC
mind is remote control via OctoPrint or Klipper. The ability to keep an eye on the printer while you’re away from home unlocks a new set of possibilities (and gives you some peace of mind).
Both OctoPrint and Klipper require an external computer to work and communicate with the printer. Most users install them on a Raspberry Pi, which is a single-board computer (SBC for short). It’s small, cheap, efficient, and easy to program. Unfortunately, it is no secret that Raspberry Pis are nearly impossible to come by nowadays, primarily due to the ongoing chip shortage. Luckily for us, plenty of cheap alternatives (including drop-in replacements) are perfect for our purposes.
Sometimes it’s challenging to find an installation tutorial for a specific model. This article is a (more or less) universal step-by-step guide on how to run Klipper and OctoPrint on any SBC of your choice. Keep reading to find out how to do it yourself!
HOW TO INSTALL OCTOPRINT/KLIPPER ON AN SBC
Background
So what do OctoPrint and Klipper actually do? OctoPrint is a web control interface that runs on a separate computer. It interacts with a pre-existing machine firmware, like the ever-popular Marlin. It allows you to remotely give commands to your printer, as well as monitor the status of a job, even via a webcam’s video stream. You can access it from any browser on a PC connected to your home network.
Klipper, on the other hand, is standalone firmware that runs on the printer’s mainboard and a separate compute module. It’s also controlled and programmed via a web interface and offers a set of functionalities aimed at improving print speeds while reducing vibrations.
While they are both self-sufficient and independent from each other, you can set up OctoPrint’s interface to control Klipper. This is especially helpful for those who already have OctoPrint installed or aim at having everything displayed on the same page. We will cover the procedure in the rest of this article, so stick around to find out more about the process.
Read More: How to Install OctoPrint/Klipper on an SBC: Tutorial
