How to Install Klipper on Ender-3 Step-by-Step Guide

The Ender-3 3D printer is a popular choice among hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts, providing an excellent platform for modifications and upgrades . One notable upgrade is the Klipper firmware. This open-source firmware can significantly enhance your Ender-3's performance, offering improved print quality, speed, and greater control over your printer's settings.

But how do you install Klipper on the Ender-3? This process might seem daunting, especially if you're new to firmware upgrades.

Don't worry! This guide will walk you through the entire process. From gathering the necessary hardware to troubleshooting common issues, we've got you covered.

What is Klipper and Its Advantages Klipper is an open-source firmware designed to improve 3D printer performance. It works by offloading computing tasks from the printer's microcontroller to a more powerful host computer, typically a Raspberry Pi.

This unique approach allows Klipper to control printer movements with greater precision and speed. It also offers advanced features such as print advance for better print quality and input shaping for vibration reduction. With Klipper you can really unlock the full potential of your Ender 3 printer.

The Requirements for Klipper Installation on Ender-3 Before we dive into the installation process, let's go over the requirements for installing Klipper on your Ender 3.

First, you'll need a Raspberry Pi to act as the host computer for Klipper. Any model from the Raspberry Pi 2 onwards will work, but a Raspberry Pi 3 or 4 is recommended for optimal performance.

Next, you'll need a micro USB cable to connect the Raspberry Pi to your Ender 3. Ensure it's a data cable, not just a charging cable.

You'll also need an SD card for the Raspberry Pi and a way to write to it, such as an SD card reader on your computer or a USB SD card adapter.

Finally, you'll need access to a computer with an internet connection to download the necessary software.

Here's a quick checklist of the prerequisites:

Raspberry Pi (2, 3, or 4) Micro USB cable (data capable) SD card for Raspberry Pi SD card reader or adapter Computer with internet access How to Install Klipper on Ender-3 Here for a step-by-step guide on how to install Klipper on your Ender-3.

Step 1: Assembling the Necessary Hardware Begin by inserting the SD card into your Raspberry Pi. Next, connect the Raspberry Pi to your Ender-3 using the micro USB cable, ensuring the cable is securely plugged into both devices. Make sure your Ender-3 is turned off before making the connection to prevent any potential damage to the printer or Raspberry Pi. Step 2: Preparing Your Ender 3 for Firmware Prepare your Ender-3 by flashing the bootloader, a small program that starts the firmware on your printer and is essential for installing Klipper. If yours printer come with a bootloader already installed, skip this step. If you're unsure, flash the bootloader anyway, as it won't harm your printer if it's already. Flashing the Bootloader (If Required)

Need an Arduino Uno and some jumper wires. Connect the Arduino to your Ender-3's mainboard and use the Arduino IDE software to flash the bootloader. Once done, your Ender 3 will be ready for the Klipper firmware. Step 3: Setting Up the Raspberry Pi First, install the Raspberry Pi OS on your Pi using the Raspberry Pi Imager tool. Connect your Pi to the internet via a wired or wireless connection. Then, update your Pi's software by typing sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade in the terminal. Installing Klipper Software on Raspberry Pi

Open the terminal on your Raspberry Pi and type git clone https://github.com/KevinOConnor/klipper to download the Klipper software. Navigate to the Klipper directory by typing cd klipper Install Klipper by typing ./install-ubuntu-18.04.sh . Wait for the installation to complete. Step 4: Compiling and Flashing Klipper Firmware In the terminal, type make menuconfig to open the Klipper configuration menu. Select the correct microcontroller for your Ender 3, usually the "ATmega1284p". Set the processor speed to "16 MHz", then save and exit the menu. Finally, compile the firmware by typing make , which creates a file named "klipper.bin". Step 5: Configuring Klipper for Ender 3 Now, configure Klipper for your Ender 3 by editing the "printer.cfg" file. This file tells Klipper how your printer is set up, including settings like the size of your print bed and the type of thermistor you're using. You can find a sample configuration file for the Ender 3 on the Klipper GitHub page. Download it and open it in a text editor.

Editing the printer.cfg File

Start by replacing the [mcu] section with the path to your printer, usually "/dev/serial/by-id/usb-1a86_USB2.0-Serial-if00-port0" on a Raspberry Pi. Adjust the [stepper_x], [stepper_y], and [stepper_z] sections to match your printer's specifications. Save the file and upload it to your Raspberry Pi using the OctoPrint interface. Step 6: Calibration and Fine-Tuning With Klipper installed and configured, calibrate your printer to ensure accurate prints. Start by heating up your printer to your usual nozzle and bed temperatures. Perform a bed leveling procedure using Klipper's built-in "DELTA_CALIBRATE" command.

Bed Leveling and Extruder Calibration

For bed leveling, use a piece of paper and move the nozzle until it lightly scratches the paper. For extruder calibration, use a ruler to mark a length of filament, extrude a specific amount, and measure the actual extruded length. If it differs from the expected amount, adjust your extruder's steps per mm setting. Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues Even with careful preparation, you may encounter issues during the Klipper installation process. Don't worry, most problems have simple solutions.

One common issue is a failed connection between the Raspberry Pi and the Ender-3. Check your USB cable and try a different port if necessary.

Another common problem is a failed firmware flash. This can often be resolved by ensuring your power supply is stable and retrying the flash.

Here are some additional troubleshooting tips:

Ensure your Raspberry Pi's software is up-to-date. Check the Klipper log files for error messages. Consult the Klipper documentation or community forums for help. Conclusion Congratulations! You've successfully installed Klipper on your Ender 3. Now, it's time to explore the new capabilities of your upgraded printer. Remember, the Klipper community is a great resource for tips, troubleshooting, and inspiration.

How to Install Klipper on Ender-3 Step-by-Step Guide

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