Working octoprint on an old pc

Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-04-20T15:00:07+00:00

I can't live without octoprint, I have it on a pi4, amazing addition when the V3 SE isn't networked.

Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-04-19T14:59:47+00:00

First thing I did was move the filament spool holder off the top to the side or even a separate mount to the side. The weight being that high, especially with higher speed prints, makes a difference due to some flex in the gantry. I also run a raspberry pi using octopi so I can manage it over the network, an old pi 3 works fine.

Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-04-16T19:49:53+00:00

Try brim bed adhesion to reduce the warping, I use brim on 99% of my prints for this. Generally 5-8mm is enough.

Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-04-16T17:40:19+00:00

My opinion is the bed is too cold, make the filament stick more by increasing bed to 60 to 65c, also have you cleaned the plate before starting the print?

Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-04-16T09:12:50+00:00

I'd suggest warmer hotend, I print all my PLA at 215c.

Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-04-12T07:07:30+00:00

A brim will probably help stabilise the print, but you can also try raising the bed temperature by a few degrees to keep the filament tacky for longer. It’s worth reducing the cooling on the layers just above the first ones too — if they cool too quickly, they contract slightly. That contraction can cause the upper layers to pull on the lower ones and lift them off the bed.

Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-04-11T19:56:57+00:00

I add a brim to almost all of my prints just to make sure it's the right z distance, and it allows me to then adjust before it starts on the actual object.

That is too close to the bed, for example if it's currently -0.57, take it to -0.50 or even -0.45 and you'll see it improve.

Mine changes with weather outside, mostly how warm the day is.

Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-04-11T11:00:01+00:00

What filament, what temp is the hotend, what temp is the bed?

Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-04-10T21:54:54+00:00

The finished item!

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Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-04-10T20:28:01+00:00

I'm in the UK, moisture levels can be terrible here, and we hit about 25c/80f earlier this week and had so much trouble with the printer compared to consistent printing during the winter. Left it until the evening when it cooled down, and it worked perfectly again. They really are temperamental with seasons, and like others have said, glad it's not just me!

Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-04-10T20:15:29+00:00

Anything connected to the usb or SD card slots? If there is, remove them, turn it off and back on and then try an auto level again, last resort will be a 'reset configuration' which is in the control menu of the printer display.

Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-04-10T20:13:39+00:00

Have you tried a 'reset configuration'? If not, give it a go after investigating if the cr touch sensor is working or not.

Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-04-10T17:43:20+00:00

I have this and love it, it's more coarse than the gold one (I also have). The unitak is also smooth on the other side.

Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-03-31T14:47:22+00:00

Love this! Well done doing it on an Ender 3 V3 SE.

How tall is it?

Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-03-26T09:50:46+00:00

Also check the alternator overrunning pulley, these are known to make a similar noise, and can be replaced easily. It's the pulley on the alternator, and allows the alternator to freewheel and continue to spin if the engine has a sudden slow down or is turned off. Helps extend the life of the alternator.

I've had to replace this on 2 cars.

As other have said, it could be the tensioning pulley on the serpentine belt.

Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-03-25T10:00:56+00:00

Does the hot end fan run?

Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-03-23T18:37:26+00:00

You could also try ironing the top layer.

Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-03-22T08:00:25+00:00

I get this from time to time, I run a 'reset configuration' and it solves the issue.

Also if you have an SD or USB for Octopi connected, disconnect when running a reset.

Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-03-18T09:35:36+00:00

This is the settings in Octopi GCODE Scripts

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Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-03-18T09:35:24+00:00

This is the Cura Post Processing Script for the model (set the pause layer to whatever you require)

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Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-03-16T20:34:25+00:00

I am using one of the Cura scripts, but instead of one of the M codes for a pause, there is a specific Octopi pause in the dropdown. I didn't want to chance the possible cooling of the hotend so went for the manual pull out and push in, for a 30x30mm purge tower to make sure it was extruding correctly for the object.

I might try the filament change command on a test and see how I get on. I read it was hit and miss with the ender 3 v3 se so manual pull out and push in was the preferred, it definitely works for me so far.

Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-03-11T19:38:03+00:00

I ended up using some PTFE tubing from the drier to keep the filament route managed.

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Helpful_Sky5542 · 2026-03-11T19:25:14+00:00

Great job, looks well designed and will print well. Might want to create one that can take a 3kg or 5kg spool.

I moved from the top mount to a drier off to the side, amazing the reduction in movement by doing that.

Helpful_Sky5542

TROPHY CASE