V0.4 Getting Started with Octolapse

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

This page is about a feature that is only available in a devel/rc release, and it is still under construction. Things will change here a lot over the next days and weeks, so be sure to keep checking in!

INSTALLATION

If OctoPrint is installed on a computer running Windows or Mac, you will need to install a C++ compiler in order for Octolapse to build properly. It should work out of the box on a Raspberry Pi, especially if you are using OctoPi.

You can install Octolapse V0.4.0rc1.dev0 in one of two ways:

1. Using the OctoPrint plugin manager - Open the OctoPrint Settings(wrench/spanner icon)->Plugin Manager->Get More… and then pasting one of the following URLs into the "… from URL" box:

https://github.com/FormerLurker/Octolapse/archive/rc/devel.zip

https://github.com/FormerLurker/Octolapse/archive/devel.zip - Use this link ONLY if you've been asked to install the development version

2. If Octolapse is already installed, you can upgrade using the Software Update plugin (OctoPrint Settings->Software Update) by changing the OctoPrint version tracking to Release and by selecting the Devel RCs OctoPrint Release Channel.

3. Alternatively, if Octolapse is already installed and you only want to try maintenance release candidates (often much more stable than the development RCs), you can upgrade using the Software Update plugin (OctoPrint Settings->Software Update) by changing the OctoPrint version tracking to Release and by selecting the Maintenance RCs OctoPrint Release Channel.

Note that installation will take longer than most plugins, since the install is complicated.

If you have a previous version of Octolapse installed, the settings should be upgraded. This is the least-tested portion of the program at the moment. In other words, you can expect a few problems here. Let me know if you have issues.

AFTER INSTALLATION

Optional - Restore the Default Settings

You might want to restore the default settings (Octoprint Settings->Octolapse->Restore Defaults) after you install. Your original Octolapse settings for V0.3.4 will be backed up in /home/pi/.octoprint/data/octolapse if you ever want to downgrade.

Add/Update Your Printer Profile

Once you have it installed, you will want to add (or update) your printer profile. The new version allows you to import printer profiles by selecting your make/model from the drop down list at the top of the printer profile. If your printer is not in the list, let me know and I'll try to create a profile for it.

Use Automatic Slicer Configuration

If you are using Slic3r, Cura, or Simplify3d, be sure to set your slicer within your printer profile to "Automatic Configuration". If you are using Slic3r, Slic3r PE, PrusaSlicer, or Simplify 3d, this will work out of the box. If you are using Cura, take a look at this brand new (and beta) guide.

Warning: I've discovered (and fixed) a few issues with the automatic slicer configuration, so if you get an error when starting your print that says something like ‘missing settings’, send me your full Gcode file and I'll get it fixed.

If you are using a different slicer, please let me know which one you are using. I plan to add support for more slicers eventually. If you're using a different slicer, you'll need to select 'other slicer' from the drop down and enter your settings as best as you can. Let me know if you need help with this.

Extra steps for Slic3r, Slic3rPE, and PrusaSlicer

Octolapse can now detect what features (infill, perimeters, bridges, prime pillars, etc.) your printer is printing based on Gcode comments. Cura and Simplify3d are compatible out of the box, but Slic3r variants require you to enable verbose Gcode comments. See this guide for detailed instructions.

Enabling Custom Image Preferences

You will definitely want the ability to change your webcam settings. As long as you are using mjpg-streamer, you should be able to do this.

If you are using the Raspberry Pi camera, follow this comprehensive beta guide.

If you are using any other USB camera, follow these steps to allow access to control.htm, then enable custom image preferences within your camera profile. If you have problems here, take a look at the last few steps of the Raspberry Pi camera guide and see if that helps. I will be adding a more comprehensive USB camera setup guide soon.

Things to Try After Installation

I recommend you start out by using the new 'Smart - Compatibility' Trigger profile (formerly called the snapshot profile) and using the 'Test Mode' debug profile (prevents extrusion and warm-up, allowing you to run a test quickly without wasting any filament).

If that works, you may want to try out the new 'Smart - Snap To Print' or the 'Smart - Highest Quality' trigger profiles. Note that if you are using the 'Snap To Print' trigger, you may want to turn your camera delay down to between 0 and 50 MS for the best print quality.

After this, go ahead and switch the to the Live Print debug profile and print something small. Let me know how it goes!

I will be updating and enhancing this guide as testing continues, so please give me your feedback! Any and all feedback is welcome, including just letting me know you installed it. Feedback is absolutely critical to getting this ready for production, so thank you in advance for helping to make Octolapse better!