Octoprint vs Repetier Server comparison - Repetier Server - Part 2

** Rons Place **
This is the SECOND of 2 parts showing a comparison between Octoprint and Repetier Server. They are both great alternatives; with very loyal fan bases.
Octoprint
octoprint.org/
Repetier Server
www.repetier-s...
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[@thecomiccircuit]

I ran into the same issue, I control multiple printers and I wanted to do that with minimal setup, I am running a multi instance pi, but am running into its limitations. Thanks Ron for sharing your experience it was informative, I am checking out Repetier server next.

[@TheTmw86]

Thank you for such detailed comparison. You have certainly converted me to repetier server.

[@dschony]

I did some tests too: Repetier prints 5 times faster on my Raspberry 1b - in fact without any lags. Octoprint is a Python software, which means, everything has to be interpreted first, which slows it incredibly down. On my system Octoprint fails after 30 hours printing and has to be restarted everytime. Repetier prints since on week without failures. I'm using the free Repetier server version 1.4.10 without camera. A camera is not really required for me, because the printer is right to the left of my workplace. A printer controller is required for me, because I often have to restart my PC to change between Windows and Linux.

[@EdS808]

new to 3d printing does the pi just plug into the printer board of do you need to setup a new board to run the pi on. And if you use the board already on the printer does octoprint or repetier use the software all ready on the board.

[@rickb1444]

Ron, you can set up a separate Raspberry Pi to each of your 3D printers. Then, you can forward the different ports to the different Raspberry Pi printers. For example, when I am home, I use 192.168.0.50 for my Prusa MK2s and 192.168.0.51 for my CR-10. When I am at work, I use 184.101.96.140:80 to view my CR-10 and 184.101.96.140:88 to view my Prusa MK2s. The 184.101.96.140 is my external IP address. In my router, I set up port forwarding to direct Octoprint to the correct Raspberry Pi based on the port number. Octoprint lets you change the background color so you know which printer you are hitting. The background color for my Prusa MK2s is orange, of course, and the background color for my CR-10 is blue.

[@RonsPlace]

I just get a bit paranoid of my network only being protected by port forwarding (and login of Pi of course).. interesting thought though. I will ponder it :) Thanks for the tip!

[@WhereNerdyisCool]

I've used Octoprint for about a year and always have that worry, deep down, about relying on the USB connection to print. I seem to recall some synch issues happening to some people a while back. Maybe that's been resolved? I took a look at the Repetier website and if I understand your setup and what they mention, you are largely limited on how many USB ports you have? My printers are pretty spread out across the shop, so I'm not sure Repetier would work for me. (That would be a lot of USB cords!)

[@RonsPlace]

USB ports would be the limit for sure.. I have 4 on my Rpi and they are full with 2 printers (and 2 cams). I think it really only makes sense for tightly clustered printers.

[@version2653]

at the beginning under Network your IP is visible should avoid that in the future

[@gab-3d]

I’m having connection problems on mk3 if you reset one printer it never reconnect. The only way to reconnect is rebooting which is not possible if you are printing on the other printer. Another side effect is that often switch cams from a printer to the other.

[@RonsPlace]

Interesting.. I can’t say I’ve had any connection issues. Occasionally the Prusa hangs at welcome screen though.

[@Grumpyoldtwit]

Hey Ron, you've got me VERY interested in Repetier. Did you keep Klipper or did you have to change to Marlin? I can't find any tutorials on how to install it with Klipper.

[@Grumpyoldtwit]

Are ya there Ron???

[@AERuffy]

I've had multiple SD Cards fail across different raspberry pis, from all brands. Because of this I can't rely on a single point of failure (One Repetier server for multiple printers) Repetier is great but expensive, even on sale. What we need is an open source print server manager. Astroprint sort of does that.

[@miljnor]

is the display on the 7" touch screen also Reptier? or is that some third party option? I really like the icon screen you showed on it.

[@RonsPlace]

The 7” is indeed Repetier.. i really like the controls; they work well and are lag free

[@questioning3388]

Thanks for the comparison. Look like Repetier offers more if you are running remotely or multiple printers. I use S3d and it is setup to automatically send the gcode to Octoprint. Does Repetier offer anything similar?

[@RonsPlace]

There is a way.. but I never used the feature on either. I just use "upload"

[@dasquiddi]

I would recommend a better power supply for your RPi … the bolt Symbol in the top Right Corner indicates too low current.

[@dasquiddi]

it's low voltage not current .. mixed that up www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/configuration/warning-icons.md

[@RonsPlace]

Thanks! I truly appreciate the info; I had no idea. I'll dig up another supply for sure. Thanks again.

[@sebastianc1639]

Is possible to add a USB HUB to use more than raspberry usb port quantity??

[@sebastianc1639]

must be a powered usb hub for sure

[@sebastianc1639]

great video by the way!. I was looking for Octoprint information but seeing what Repetier Server is capable of...I am doubting

[@RVJimD]

I'm just getting started trying to understand the intermediate hardware and software. One noob question, are the gcode files stored on the Pi? So, you run your favorite slicer on the PC like normal, but then send the code to the Pi using Octoprint? Does the printer have to use USB from the Pi? What about printers that have wifi built in, can the software and the Pi use the wifi on the printer instead of the USB? Thanks for the intro/comparison. P.S. Do you have some links to other videos you like for a noob just trying to understand the overall architecture, install and configuration? Thanks, Jim.

[@RonsPlace]

Short answer is yes.. you transfer the gcode to the pi and the print runs from there. It’s possible to also transfer to the SD card; but it still prints from the Pi. The printer is connected to the Pi via the usb cable as you said. I don’t believe you can connect Octoprint to a printer on WiFi; but haven’t really researched that. The Pi is wireless so its not bad.. and the idea is to try minimizing the chances for a failed print while making it as convenient as possible. I really just read a lot and have always been a bit geeky. I’ll see if I can pull together a bunch of video links and do a basic run down to try timing it all together. I’ll add the project idea to my whiteboard! Thanks for the questions

[@IgnoreMyChan]

Warning! Your Raspberry Pi runs on low power, hence the lightning bolt in the corner. You should check the power supply but also the micro USB cable. The shorter and thicker, the better.

[@RonsPlace]

I appreciate the warning! A few people have mentioned it and I will have to try another power supply. Its likely because of 2 cams and 2 printers, along with a 7" display :) Thanks again..

[@IgnoreMyChan]

Yeah, I thing that's the problem. You can also power the display with a separate power supply.

[@RonsPlace]

just a quick update.. I tried 2 other supplies with no luck. I'll try running the display on its own next.. I'm sure its just drawing to much.

[@avejst]

Thanks for sharing :-) INteresting stoff/Software :-)

[@boostmonkey942]

Can you share the settings for the MK3 for your setup? I have not been able to find a good source for information or a setup pertaining to the MK3. Thanks

[@RonsPlace]

Are you talking slicer setups or how I setup in Repetier Server?

[@SysdefWonder]

Where is the Octoprint comparison?!

[@ArvoBowenIII]

I had to dig on his channel but I found it... kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHO6amCkpK-mgKc

[@android4cg]

Great review! Repetier Server seems to be quite cool. Btw ... I also own CR-10 and MK3 which seems to be good combination. ;-)

[@RonsPlace]

All the cool kids have these printers :)

[@3dgussner958]

Repetier looks nice, still like Octoprint bit more due open source. Same with S3D it has somethings better than other slicer but also closed and updates take long long time, and gcode differs after reboot.

[@RonsPlace]

The open source is exactly what bugs me about Repetier as well..

[@kyrie26]

Ron, you missed the apostrophe, it should be "Ron's Place".

[@davidthompson9359]

Have you checked into how secure both are and if it's easy to hack into it? Being a network engineer the hardest thing is keeping people out. Great video, thanks for your time.

[@RonsPlace]

Yes and no.. I use an external forwarding to reach my ip.. and of course have my rpi passworded. I will rely on "hope" to be safe? :) Seriously though I did do some reading and never heard of a problem as long as you protected the rpi login.

[@tedder42]

gahhh the shake on the LCD!

[@RonsPlace]

my 7" screen you mean? Yea its like a video game sometimes!!

[@blic-sx9ix]

I don't use either print server. Your "comparison" really did not compare the 2 products but was just a bunch of video screenshots of your setups. There was no rundown on ease of install, price, key features (other than multiple printer support), missing features, tech support (company or community). I have followed you for a while and usually find good info on your channel. I just think these 2 could have been better.

[@RonsPlace]

I tried showing all the features of both.. not sure exactly what I missed. I did mention I wasn't going to cover install; unless it really is needed. I did a quick search on you tube and got TONS of people that already did this. I did cover price I thought.. Octoprint was free and Repetier Pro is 60. I do appreciate the feedback though! I'll keep it in mind moving forward to try being a bit more detailed.

[@blic-sx9ix]

I watched the first video a couple days ago and maybe I forgot you covered some stuff. I did not need an install guide but if you had any problems with getting the setup to work with the directions provided (ie burn SD, set WiFi stuff, choose printer profiles). It is clear your need the multi printer feature pushed you in that direction but not all of have the need or budget for multiple printers. Would you still spend the $60 if you only had one? That info and your pros and cons that you are good at giving just seem to be missing here. I still like the channel.

[@RonsPlace]

I really had zero issues installing either systems.. it was very boring :) you are absolutely correct that multi printer was my driving force. If it were not for that I would never have stopped using octoprint.. with 1 printer it is probably not worth using Repetier; unless you like the layout better.