4 Installing Klipper on SKR3 EZ

5 min read 30-10-2024

In the world of 3D printing, performance and customizability are paramount. One of the most popular ways to enhance your printing experience is by using Klipper, a powerful open-source firmware that significantly boosts your printer's capabilities. In this article, we will delve into the steps necessary to install Klipper on the SKR3 EZ board, ensuring that you have a smooth journey toward unlocking the full potential of your 3D printer.

What is Klipper?

Before we dive into the installation process, let’s take a moment to understand what Klipper is and why it's become a staple among 3D printing enthusiasts. Klipper leverages the processing power of a secondary device—typically a Raspberry Pi—to offload the computational demands of controlling your printer. This results in smoother, faster prints, and the ability to use advanced features such as pressure advance and input shaping.

The architecture of Klipper allows for higher step rates, making it particularly advantageous for printers with high-speed motion. Moreover, Klipper provides a robust configuration system that can be tailored to a specific printer setup, offering a high degree of flexibility and customization.

Key Features of Klipper:

Advanced Motion Planning: Utilizing a sophisticated algorithm for smoother and faster printing.
Multi-Printer Support: Ability to manage multiple printers from a single interface.
Easy Configuration: Simple text-based configuration files for easy setup and changes.
Built-in OctoPrint Support: Klipper can be integrated with OctoPrint, allowing for a user-friendly web interface.

With this foundational understanding, let's move forward to the installation process on the SKR3 EZ board.

Prerequisites for Installing Klipper

Before getting started with the installation, there are a few prerequisites to ensure a smooth process:

Hardware Requirements:
- An SKR3 EZ board.
- A Raspberry Pi or any other compatible single-board computer.
- USB cable for connecting the SKR3 EZ to your Raspberry Pi.
- Sufficient tools for 3D printer assembly.
Software Requirements:
- A compatible operating system on your Raspberry Pi (Raspberry Pi OS is recommended).
- Basic knowledge of terminal commands.
- Internet connection for downloading necessary files.
Klipper Firmware Files: You can obtain the Klipper firmware from its official GitHub repository.

With these requirements in place, we are ready to proceed with the installation process.

Step 1: Preparing the Raspberry Pi

To begin, you need to prepare your Raspberry Pi. If you have not yet set it up, follow these steps:

Install Raspberry Pi OS: Download the latest version of Raspberry Pi OS and write it to your SD card using a tool like Balena Etcher. After writing the image, insert the SD card into your Raspberry Pi.
Connect to Wi-Fi: Upon booting the Raspberry Pi, make sure to connect it to your Wi-Fi network.
Update System Packages: Open a terminal and run the following commands to ensure your system is up-to-date:
```
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
```
Install Required Software: You'll need some additional software packages to support Klipper. Execute the following command:
```
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip python3-dev python3-venv build-essential -y
```
Install OctoPrint (Optional): If you plan to use OctoPrint, you can install it by following the installation guide from the official OctoPrint website.

Step 2: Downloading and Compiling Klipper

Next, let's download Klipper and compile the firmware for your SKR3 EZ:

Clone Klipper Repository: Use the following command to clone the Klipper repository from GitHub:
```
git clone https://github.com/Klipper3d/klipper.git
```
Navigate to Klipper Directory: Change into the Klipper directory:
```
cd klipper
```
Start the Build Process: Run the make menuconfig command to configure the build options:
```
make menuconfig
```
Here, you will be prompted to select your micro-controller architecture, which in this case will be STM32F103 for the SKR3 board.
Compile the Firmware: After configuration, compile the firmware by running:
```
make
```
This will create a klipper.bin file in the directory.

Step 3: Flashing Klipper to the SKR3 EZ

Once you've compiled the firmware, the next step is to flash it onto your SKR3 EZ board:

Prepare the Firmware: Rename the compiled firmware file to firmware.bin for easier identification:
```
cp out/klipper.bin /home/pi/firmware.bin
```
Transfer the Firmware to the SKR3 Board: Insert your microSD card into your computer, and copy the firmware.bin file to the root of the microSD card.
Insert the MicroSD Card into the SKR3 Board: Once the file is transferred, safely eject the SD card and insert it into your SKR3 EZ board.
Power On Your 3D Printer: Power on your 3D printer, which will initiate the flashing process. The SKR3 EZ should now be running Klipper.

Step 4: Configuring Klipper

Now that Klipper is installed on your SKR3 EZ, it's time to configure it for your specific printer setup:

Access the Configuration File: Using a terminal on your Raspberry Pi, navigate to the Klipper configuration directory:
```
cd ~/klipper/config
```
Create or Edit the Configuration File: You may create a new configuration file for your printer based on example configurations provided in the config directory. Use a text editor to modify the file:
```
nano <printer_name>.cfg
```
Define Printer Parameters: You will need to set parameters such as the printer’s dimensions, stepper motor settings, and other specifics. This is crucial for proper operation.
Start Klipper: To run Klipper, use the following command:
```
make flash
```
Connect to the Web Interface: If you're using OctoPrint or another web-based interface, connect to it to monitor and control your prints conveniently.

Conclusion

Installing Klipper on your SKR3 EZ can significantly enhance your 3D printing experience by providing faster and more reliable performance, alongside a host of customizable features. The process, while detailed and somewhat technical, is manageable with proper preparation and following the steps outlined above.

Once you have successfully installed Klipper, you can enjoy a greater level of control and improved print quality. It's advisable to regularly refer to the Klipper documentation and community forums for updates and support, ensuring your setup remains optimized for the best performance.

FAQs

Q1: What advantages does Klipper provide over traditional firmware?
A1: Klipper allows for advanced motion planning, faster processing, and a higher degree of configuration flexibility. It can significantly improve print speeds and quality, especially for complex geometries.

Q2: Can I use Klipper with any printer?
A2: Klipper is designed to work with a wide range of 3D printers, but specific configurations are required. Ensure your printer's hardware is compatible and refer to the Klipper documentation for setup.

Q3: Is it necessary to have a Raspberry Pi to use Klipper?
A3: While a Raspberry Pi is commonly used, Klipper can also run on other compatible single-board computers. The key requirement is that it can handle the processing needed to communicate with your printer's mainboard.

Q4: What do I do if the firmware flashing fails?
A4: If the firmware flashing process fails, check your connections, ensure the correct firmware.bin file is on the microSD card, and verify that your SKR3 board is correctly powered.

Q5: How can I ensure that my Klipper installation is up to date?
A5: Regularly check the Klipper GitHub repository for updates and new features. You can pull the latest changes and recompile the firmware to benefit from improvements and fixes.