Awesome

Same Idea; different MCU

(this project is a 2024 re-working for my original, obsolete, PrintEYE project.)

Proudly Presenting the PrintPy.

A dedicated Output / Display device for 3d printers running RepRapFirmware v3.4.0 and later.

It displays the current machine mode, current job status, network status, info messages and temperature plus status of the extruder and chassis heaters.

• Supports Single or Dual extruders.
• Supports Heated beds and Heated Chambers.
• Shows when a heater is in a fault state

It uses two OLED displays for it's output, and these can be configured to turn off automatically in certain states (eg off / idle).

There is a button on the rear of the unit; this can wake the display for a (configurable) time when pressed.

Wifi / Ethernet connection status is displayed, and the rear button can enable or disable the network as appropriate on a long press (configurable).

Messages set by M117 and M291 are displayed in a scrolling box along with the machine state.

Job progress is displayed when processing, simulating, paused etc.. The IP address or interface (error) status is displayed otherwise.

The onboard NeoPixel on the XiAO board is used to flash the current status after each update; it changes color depending on the printer 'mood':

• 🔴 Red for machine or network errors, 🟡 Yellow for off, 🟢 Green for idle, ⚪ White while busy, 🟣 Purple when processing jobs and 🔵 Blue for paused states.

Hardware

This is designed to be a relatively simple build using commonly available inexpensive parts.

It needs some soldering and 3d printing skills, and care, but little more; there are no custom PCB's or parts.

An alternate, angled, 'foot' design with a mounting hole is included in the models; the upper case is printed from Neutral (translucent) material to allow the NeoPixel to be seen.

See the HARDWARE document for a parts list, important construction notes, wiring diagrams and more.

Software

Code for the SeeedStudio XIAO RP2040 is in the micropython folder.

It is written in a well structured and modular way; the output is driven by a self-contained class that could be used as a template for alternative displays and hardware.

See the micropython README document for install and comissioning details; plus some architecture /development notes.