After several days of research, I just ordered my M2 today direct from MakerGear. I have been interested in 3D printers for 3-4 years, but finally decided to research and get a one. The M2 has amazing reviews on amazon and I hope to have patient and kind resources to help me learn here in the forum. Really looking forward to getting started.
I plan to add a RaspberryPi and Octoprint to prevent me from having to tie up a laptop when printing. I plan to connect the RaspberryPi with ethernet and control using the Octoprint software. Once the raspberry pi is booted, can you SSH into it to configure, or will I need a monitor/keyboard to configure.
If anyone can suggest a Raspberry Pi solution that would work with the M2/Octoprint software, I would appreciate it. I prefer to order from Amazon, but that is not an absolute.
Other than the RaspberryPi, I thing the only other need will be the Simplify3D software and I will look at the next week. Does the Simplify3D allow you to create designs or just edit designs that were created in CAD software. One of the projects I am interested is my wife's name for her desk. I have seen some cool designs on Thingiverse. How would one create such a design?
Thank you,
Jerold
New M2 User
Re: New M2 User
you need to connect the pi to a monitor only to do the initial install and setup of octoprint. once thats done you dont need a monitor anymore. you access octoprint on your network through your web browser. as for simplify, that is just a slicer. you cannot create anything with it. it takes your designs and creates the gcode that tells your printer what to do. if you want to create anything then you need cad software. thats another learning curve all in itself. if you plan to use the m2 to make things that you need then you will need to teach yourself cad. you cant rely on most of the crap you find on thingiverse.
Re: New M2 User
Good choice, and welcome to the group! 
Quickest way to learn to use the machine is to read through the Beginner's Guide here while you wait:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3542
If anything is unclear, just ask - there are several folks around here who use the Octoprint setup (jim is one of them) and can give you tips on how to set it up and use it.
Quickest way to learn to use the machine is to read through the Beginner's Guide here while you wait:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3542
If anything is unclear, just ask - there are several folks around here who use the Octoprint setup (jim is one of them) and can give you tips on how to set it up and use it.
Re: New M2 User
There are numerous free cad programs with many tutorials on the internet. I really like the Autocad free programs. 123D Design is their simplest, but if you want to invest a little time in learning to use a more powerful tool Fusion 360 is also free for private use.CCRN wrote:After several days of research, I just ordered my M2 today direct from MakerGear. I have been interested in 3D printers for 3-4 years, but finally decided to research and get a one. The M2 has amazing reviews on amazon and I hope to have patient and kind resources to help me learn here in the forum. Really looking forward to getting started.
I plan to add a RaspberryPi and Octoprint to prevent me from having to tie up a laptop when printing. I plan to connect the RaspberryPi with ethernet and control using the Octoprint software. Once the raspberry pi is booted, can you SSH into it to configure, or will I need a monitor/keyboard to configure.
If anyone can suggest a Raspberry Pi solution that would work with the M2/Octoprint software, I would appreciate it. I prefer to order from Amazon, but that is not an absolute.
Other than the RaspberryPi, I thing the only other need will be the Simplify3D software and I will look at the next week. Does the Simplify3D allow you to create designs or just edit designs that were created in CAD software. One of the projects I am interested is my wife's name for her desk. I have seen some cool designs on Thingiverse. How would one create such a design?
Thank you,
Jerold
Do a search for either of those programs beginner tutorial videos and see if they are right for you.
Welcome to the group and make sure you have a sturdy table or bench to put your M2 on. You won't believe how solid this thing is built!
-Tom
Re: New M2 User
Thank you all!
I have prInted the manual and beginner manual and have started to look at cad videos on you tube.
Do I need to worry about getting a spare hot end/nozzle right away?
Thank you,
Jerold
I have prInted the manual and beginner manual and have started to look at cad videos on you tube.
Do I need to worry about getting a spare hot end/nozzle right away?
Thank you,
Jerold
Re: New M2 User
I got Octoprint up and running on my Raspi without plugging a monitor into it. I used the Octopi package for the installation.
Re: New M2 User
A second hot end and nozzle are great to have for troubleshooting or for switching quickly between filament types, but not not required.CCRN wrote:Thank you all!
I have prInted the manual and beginner manual and have started to look at cad videos on you tube.
Do I need to worry about getting a spare hot end/nozzle right away?
Thank you,
Jerold
-Tom