Since I also run my Ender 3 V2 overnight for long 3D-prints, I have been looking for a solution to have the printer automatically turn off when it has been idle for several minutes. Normally, when the print finishs, all fans continue to run and the printer is still on.

In order for OctoPrint to intelligently decide if the 3D printer should still be on or not, I bought a TP-Link KP115 Smart Plug. This smart wifi plug can not only turn the printer on and off but also measure and record the power that the printer is currently using.

There are several plugins that allow OctoPrint to communicate with the TP-Link KP115. I chose the “TP-Link Smartplug” plugin, which I am very happy with so far. The setup of the plugin was super simple. However, you first have to install the plugin via the KASA app on your smartphone, which shows you the IP address, which is important for OctoPrint. What’s cool is that you can also turn the outlet on and off with your phone, even though it’s connected to OctoPrint.

There are numerous settings that can be used to turn the printer on automatically when OctoPrint is started, for example. The most important feature for me, however, is that the printer automatically turns off after a certain amount of time when not in use to save power.

TP-Link Energy Monitor

In order to display the consumption of the 3D printer in a clear web interface, I downloaded the open-source project “TPLink Energy Monitor” from Github. I installed the project on my Linux VM, which is running 24/7 on our Home-Server. Installing the Docker container for the Energy Monitor is super simple using a terminal command.

In the web interface you can see different information like “Plug State”, “Total kWh today”, “Monthly kWH average” or even diagrams showing the consumption. You can see in this diagram that my Ender 3V2 uses about 20W when idle.

When Docker is already installed on your Linux device, you can just fire that into your terminal and your webinterface will be visible at localhost:3000. You can read the compelte instructions on Github here.

docker run -d --network host jbarnett/tplink-energy-monitor

All in all, this is a great extra to my Spagehtti Detective to keep track of everything the printer is doing. In addition, I think a smart socket is a great upgrade for anyone who runs their 3D printer overnight or isn’t always home to turn it off when not in use.

Since I recently bought an Ender 3 V2 3D printer, I wanted to not only use templates from Thingiverse but also construct my own objects. The following post is about my experiences so far and my opinion about AutoDesk Fusion 360.

What is a CAD program?
For those who do not know CAD programs: These programs are used to design objects that you can later 3D print, laser, or mill. Many different programs are suitable for this. I used Fusion360 from Autodesk and tried it out.

When you first open Fusion 360, you are overwhelmed by numerous functions, which makes the program seem complicated (similar to when you use Photoshop for the first time). If you are looking for a less complicated program to design with, I can recommend TinkerCAD, which is also from AutoDesk. TinkerCAD is much more simple and can be used via a browser.

I watched a 30 minute Youtube tutorial and was then aware of the basics. I can only recommend this to any newcomer. The easiest way is to “build” the object with round and/or angular objects.

The top bar shows you the basic programs, such as flattening, extruding, drilling, and joining. A small arrow at the bottom left lets you create different objects, such as circles, cylinders, or squares. Using the Sketch button you can view the object from one axis only, which sometimes makes it easier to put writing or other things on an object.

So far I have constructed a cigarette lighter cover for the car, which was relatively simple because it was only 2 round shapes. Making flats and holes is super simple thanks to the quick menu. After a few attempts, the cover for the car fit, even if it is not yet perfect. I find it super interesting to see how self-designed things are printed.

In addition, you have to decide for yourself in the slicer whether you need supports or rafts for your constructed object or how much infill the object should be printed with. AutoDesk is free of charge for one year only for non-commercial use.

I rendered my finished file as an .STL, which took 10 minutes, despite the fact that the file was very small. This is apparently a known problem in the community.

After having designed a few objects, I think AutoDesk Fusion 360 is a great CAD program, for which there are numerous tutorials on Youtube. So you are never lost if you have a problem. For beginners like me, the program is suitable, even if it looks super complicated at first glance.

I recently wrote about TheSpaghettiDetective in my Post My Top 4 OctoPrint Plugins. Now I’ve installed the open-source software on my home server for free. You can download TSD here from their official GitHub page.

Besides the cool name, this plugin is especially popular because it automatically detects when the printer is not printing properly. The plugin has a so-called AI-failure detection. It has happened to me many times when the printer was not properly leveled or the bed was not cleaned properly, that the print slipped and was unusable.

The plugin is in my opinion in any case a must-have, because you can not always check your print. The free version of this plugin can use the AI Failure feature for a maximum of 10 hours per month. Alternatively, you can invest $4 per month and use the feature for 50 hours. You can also install the software on your own server for free since it’s open-source.

Read my full article about OctoPrint HERE.

I have installed the “theSpaghettiDetective” on my home server. In detail, I have installed the spaghetti colleague in a 4GB Linux VMWare. Recommended on the GitHub page is at least 4GB and that has worked very well so far. It also explicitly states that a Raspberry Pi 4, which also has 4Gb or up to 8Gb will not work because it is too slow.

The software is installed in a Docker container, which makes the server super fast and requires few resources. On the GitHub page, there is a tutorial that allows you to install it easily with a few Linux basics.

The important thing is that the VMWare or computer needs a fixed IP address on the network so that OctoPrint and the server can communicate. You can reach the server later at http://youripadress:3334.

The web interface looks the same as the free version of www.thespaghettidetective.com. If you want to change anything after the installation, you have to go to http://youripadress:3334/admin.

If you host the software, you also have the option to use the IOS app to get the most important information about the print. Unfortunately, this does not work with the self-hosted version. Unfortunately, I have not found anything that this feature is still in the pipeline. The app is really handy and it would be cool if this was still compatible in the future.

If you have multiple 3D printers running OctoPrint, you can also use them with the same server. The best thing about this software is that you have unlimited AI hours and can 3D print as long as you want and the detective is always watching. You can also upload GCode files via the TSD web interface if you don’t want to do it via OctoPrint.

I also noticed that the video stream from my webcam hangs on the printer via OctoPrint and does not run smoothly. Possibly my Raspberry Pi 3b+ is overloaded with my numerous plugins. However, when I play the video via my TSD server, everything runs smoothly.

If you have a home server or an old computer sitting around, I can definitely recommend this project as it will save you many kilograms of filament. I often print overnight because the printer is noisy and prints for a very long time, for me the plugin is a must-have. In case you want to try the server, you can download it from their official GitHub page here. Thanks for this cool software!

What is OctoPrint?
Octoprint is open-source software that allows you to control your printer via a web interface. I installed the software on my Raspberry Pi 3b+ and I am very happy with it so far. Alternatively, you can install OctoPrint on a computer or in a VMWare. The Raspberry Pi is connected to the 3D printer via Micro USB. OctoPrint is compatible with many 3D printers. Both WIFI and Ethernet are possible with the Raspberry Pi.

Read my full article about OctoPrint HERE.

Installing plugins is super easy! In the Octoprint web interface, you can install any of the plugins listed below with a few clicks. The link for each plugin is in the header if you are interested in one.

CameraSettings
If you are using OctoPrint, you most likely have a camera connected to it. I, for example, have a night vision camera connected to my Raspberry pi that often produces overexposed images. With the CameraSettings plugin, you can adjust sharpness, contrast, brightness, and saturation.

You have numerous other settings that you can change without editing any config files on the Raspberry Pi’s SD card. This way you can significantly improve the image of an old USB camera. A great plugin if you are not using a high-end camera.

The Spaghetti Detective
Besides the cool name, this plugin is especially popular because it automatically detects when the printer is not printing properly. The plugin has a so-called AI-failure detection. It has happened to me many times when the printer was not properly leveled or the bed was not cleaned properly, that the print slipped and was unusable.

The plugin is in my opinion in any case a must-have, because you can not always check your print. The free version of this plugin can use the AI Failure feature for a maximum of 10 hours per month. Alternatively, you can invest $4 per month and use the feature for 50 hours. You can also install the software on your own server for free since it’s open-source.

Setting this plugin up was super easy. During the installation there was a step-by-step guide, so you could not do anything wrong. Keep in mind, that you need an Account on their Website for this plugin.

OctoPrint Dashboard
This plugin allows you to create an additional tab in the OctoPrint user interface where you can view important data about your printer. You can see most of the information without this plugin, but not at a glance.

It really looks well visually organized and super clean. For me, the plugin is a great addition to my OctoPrint installation. Sure this plugin is just nice to have but still pretty cool.

OctoText
If you’re not using an app that sends you push notifications about the status of your printer, this plugin is great! The OctoText plugin automatically sends you status updates via email, for example when the print has reached 50% or when it is finished. Also, the plugin informs you when the print failed or was paused. In the mail that is automatically sent to you, you can even view a photo of the printing process, provided you have a camera.

Of course, there are thousands of more plugins out there, but I’ve listed my top 4 plugins above. If you have any other plugins that are missing from this list, feel free to send me a tweet. @speichermann

When I tried my Ender 3 V2 for a few weeks, it bothered me that you always have to move the SD card with the GCode files from the computer to the printer. There is a great solution that allows you to control your 3D printer via a web interface or app and even monitor it via camera.

Octoprint in a nutshell
As explained above, Octoprint is open-source software that allows you to control your printer via a web interface. I installed the software on my Raspberry Pi 3b+ and I am very happy with it so far. Alternatively, you can install OctoPrint on a computer or in a VMWare.

The Raspberry Pi is connected to the 3D printer via Micro USB. OctoPrint is compatible with many 3D printers. Both WIFI and Ethernet are possible with the Raspberry Pi, but be aware that the WIFI module in the Raspberry pi is very weak.

Features
You can upload finished GCode files directly via the web interface of Octoprint. This saves you from having to plug the SD card from the computer into the printer. In addition, you can preheat and even move the printer via Octoprint. Another feature is that you can update the firmware of the 3D printer via OctoPrint. This all works wirelessly and you don’t have to plug-in SD cards.

Installation on Raspberry Pi
The installation on my Raspberry pi 3b+ was super easy. I just had to download the image and flash it to the SD Card. I started to use the Pi via WIFI, so I had to edit a config file before starting off, but even that was easy with a Tutorial. When you first access the WebInterface, you have to adjust a few things, but after 10mins, you’re ready to go. Super easy, super good!

Camera/Timelapse
The best thing about Octoprint is that you can connect a camera to monitor the print. You can also make cool timelapse recordings that you can upload directly to YouTube or stream on Twitch with various plugins.

I bought this Night Vision Camera for my Raspberry Pi, with which I can always keep an eye on the printer. The downside is that you can see a red cast on the camera, making it not ideal for time-lapse photography. The camera is attached to the Z-axis so it always adjusts to the height of the 3D printer. I printed this holder with PET-G, it fits great, even if you have to fix the camera a bit better with some cable ties.

IOS App
I normally use the App OctoPod on my iPhone/iPad for monitoring prints on the go. The App has most of the features that the WebInterface has and is structured very well in my opinion. The App even sends me a notification, when the print is at 50% and when it finishes.

Plugins
Octoprint has hundreds of plugins that are developed by the huge OctoPrint community. Currently, I use the plugin The Spaghetti Detective, which is there to detect failed prints and stop printing automatically. Since it has happened to me several times that prints have slipped, I can recommend this plugin to everyone.

Final thoughts
All in all, I think OctoPrint is a must-have for anyone who owns a 3D printer. Especially if you print overnight, which happens often, it’s important to always know if the print is going correctly.

I’ve been doing a bit of research into 3D printers and as a result bought the Ender 3 V2 from Creality. I have not modified it yet, but there are several things I would like to change in the future.

3D printers for hobby use have been on the market for a few years now. Creality produces the Ender 3 series and is extremely successful with it. About half a year ago they released the latest generation of the Ender 3, the Ender 3 V2.

Features
The 3D printer has a silent board, a resume function, and an improved 32-bit mainboard. The print size can be up to 220x220x250mm. Creality has also given the printer a large color display, which works very well except for the poor viewing angles.
The Ender 3 V2 can print with an accuracy of up to 0.1mm, so you can print very detailed objects.

Software
For the construction of objects, I use Fusion 360. The program is free for one year for personal use and offers all features to construct objects. The program is clearly structured so that you can quickly find the functions you are looking for. Nevertheless, you have to practice a bit until you can construct something cool.

As a slicer, I use the Cura Slicer. The program is completely free and super simple. In this program, you can change the print speed, print accuracy, infill, and many other important things. In addition, you can set the temperature of the nozzle and the bed. A very important function of the slicer is to generate support material so that the 3D printer can also print difficult things.

My Settings
Of course, my settings depend on what I print. At the moment I use PLA filament from Geeetech. I usually have the bed temperature between 55 and 65 degrees and the nozzle temperature almost always at 200 degrees. The infill rate is completely dependent on the object being printed, which can be 10%, but sometimes 100%.

Other Printers?
As an alternative, I compared the Ender 3 Max. This has a larger print bed (300x300x340mm). However, this printer is based on a normal Ender 3, has an old display and no silent board. I chose the Ender 3 V2 because of the already outdated technology. There are also possibilities to upgrade the print size of the Ender 3 V2 (EnderExtender).

Upgrades?
You have to re-level the bed of the printer before each print to make sure it is completely straight. This is because of the springs, which warp in a short time. With silicone dampers or other springs, the problem is largely solved.
Another upgrade is a BLTouch that auto-levels the bed. This works via a sensor attached to the extruder. This sensor measures whether the bed is also properly leveled before each print.

Video is recorded via Octopi and a Logitech C270. Get the STL Files here.

Even in 2021, I think a 3D printer is still a gadget that you don’t really need. Nevertheless, the Ender 3 V2 is a super printer that is easily upgradeable. For me, this is the ideal printer.