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1 Equipment requirements
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2 Set up
Recommended setup for most users
One Raspberry Pi is required for each printer you want to connect. This is the simplest and most reliable way to run OctoPrint.
We need to make your printer smart: it needs some more powerful hardware.
Do you have a Raspberry Pi?
To make your printer smarter, some more powerful hardware is needed. This guide assumes you have a Raspberry Pi. Check the list below if you have everything that is required.
What do I need?
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A Raspberry Pi (per. printer)
Recommended and supported models are: Raspberry Pi 5, 4B & 3B (any GB-variant), Raspberry Pi Zero W 2, Raspberry Pi 400.
See our guide on how to pick the right Raspberry Pi here. -
Official power supply for Raspberry Pi
Not using an official power supply can result in the Pi not getting enough power. Remember to get the right power supply for the Raspberry Pi model you're using - it varies from micro-USB to USB-C.
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SD card - minimum 4GB
Most SD cards will do, but it's smart to invest in a good and fast SD card, to ensure a longer lifespan. It's recommended to use SD cards with at least speed class 10. If got an SD card with your Raspberry Pi, you're probably good to go!
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Connection cable for Pi ➜ Renkforce rf100v2
To connect the Raspberry Pi to your Renkforce rf100v2, you must use a connection cable. It varies from printer to printer which cable is needed, but it's often either USB C, micro USB, mini USB or USB B. See our guide on which cable to use here.
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WiFi or internet cable
For you to be able to connect to your OctoPrint instance, the Raspberry Pi must beconnected to the internet via either WiFi or ethernet.
NOTE; the Pi 2 doesn't have WiFi capabilities unless using a dongle, but it does have an ethernet port. The Pi Zero W (both 1 and 2) doesn't have an ethernet port.
Don't have the required items?
Buy Raspberry Pi 5 (4GB)Remember to get an SD card and a power supply too!
Advanced setup
This setup is more advanced and is not recommended unless you're willing to get your hands dirty with no lifeline and have basic Linux knowledge. For most users, we recommend the standard 1 Pi ➜ 1 printer setup.
Important: SimplyPrint does not provide support for these alternative setups - you're on your own.
Yes, running multiple printers on a single Raspberry Pi is possible - but it requires more technical knowledge. Here are some ways to achieve this:
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OctoPrint Deploy Recommended
Using OctoPrint Deploy allows for quite easy setup of multiple printers on a single Raspberry Pi (or any Linux machine). Check out the OctoPrint Deploy GitHub repository for instructions on how to set up, as well as a YouTube video.
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Docker container
If you're familiar with Docker, you can run multiple OctoPrint instances as containers. Check out the OctoPrint Docker documentation to learn more.
Note: Once you've successfully set up OctoPrint for your multi-printer setup, you can proceed to the next step.
Advanced setup options
These alternatives require more technical knowledge and may not be suitable for beginners. For the best experience, we recommend using a Raspberry Pi with the standard setup.
No Raspberry Pi? No problem!
If you don't have a Raspberry Pi or prefer a different setup, there are other options. You can run OctoPrint on various devices like old Android phones, Windows/Mac/Linux computers, or other single-board computers.
Important: SimplyPrint does not provide support for these alternative setups - you're on your own.
Octo4A - Android phones
If you've got an old Android phone laying around, check out Octo4A. This setup works surprisingly well for many people, and the phone's camera can even be used - and it's as simple as installing an app on your phone.
Learn more about Octo4AOrange Pi—cheaper Raspberry Pi alternative, and similar boards
Alternative single-board computers like Orange Pi can run OctoPrint.
View Orange Pi setup guideBuy Orange Pi boards on Amazon:
Windows computer
A Windows computer can also be used to run OctoPrint, which then connects to SimplyPrint.
Note that the computer will have to be turned on at all times
for the printer to remain online.
Mac computer
A Mac computer can also be used to run OctoPrint, which then connects to SimplyPrint.
Note that the computer will have to be turned on at all times
for the printer to remain online.
Linux computer or device
Most Linux-based computers and devices can be used to run OctoPrint.
View Linux installation guideDocker (on any device)
If you're familiar with Docker, there's an official OctoPrint Docker image available.
View Docker documentationThat's it! You're all set
You're now ready to connect your printer and start using SimplyPrint.
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