Instructions PrintCam

This page is made to help you setup your PrintCam. The PrintCam is a camera that can be used to monitor your 3D printer. It is connected to the printer and can be accessed through the Prusa Connect interface.
Firmware Repo
Hardware Repo

! Prerequisite: For this to work you need to have a register Prusa Printer at https://connect.prusa3d.com/ !

Firmware Instructions

Step 1: Get token from Prusa Connect


- Go to connect.prusa3d.com and login with your Prusa account.
- Go to the printer you want to connect the PrintCam to.
- Click on the camera tab
- Click on Add New Other Camera
- Copy this token and save it for later use.

Step 2: Generate Camera Fingerprint


- Generate a camera fingerprint that is unique and is at least 16 characters long.
- You can use Bitwarden to generate a random password. (it is free and open source!)
- Copy this and save this fingerprint for later use.

Step 3: Flash the ESP32


- Connect the ESP32Cam to your computer using an FTDI controller like this or this.
- Make sure the ESP32 is in flash mode by connecting GPIO0 to GND during power on, some boards to it automatically.
- Click on the button below to flash the ESP32 with the correct firmware. (Make sure to close anything using your devices com port (e.g. Serial monitor))


- Go through the steps on the popup to flash the ESP32 with the correct firmware.
- Once completed unplug the ESP32 Cam and connect it again to power.

Step 4: Connect the ESP32 to your network


- Connect to the ESP32Cam's WiFi network. The name should be something like "ESP32Cam-XXXXXX"
- Open your browser and go to 192.168.4.1
- Enter "Change settings"
- Enter a AP password (this is required and used to change settings later!)
- Enter your WiFi SSID name and WiFi password
- Enter desired startup delay (I recommend at least 15 seconds, then the printer is fully up and running)
- Change any of the camera settings if desired
- Make sure PSRAM is enabled
- Enter the fingerprint and token you saved earlier
- Click on "Save and Reboot"




Hardware Instructions

Step 1: 3D Print holder


- Get files from the Hardware Repo
- Print holder with PETG face that is towards you on the plate, no supports needed
- Print USB connector A and B with supports
- Solder male and female USB connector togeth with cable
- Connect 50cm cable between USB connector and ESP32Cam

Step 2: Prepare Printer


- Make sure the printer is turned off
- Unplug the USB drive

Step 3: Assamble PrintCam


- Insert USB connector in the USB port of the printer
- Insert USB drive in the connector
- Connect the ESP32Cam to the printer using the 3D printed mount
- Connect with zipties

Step 4: ENJOY!




About the project

You can support the project by buying the PrintCam from my website or from Tindie.
Software with the help from @witnessmenow (webflash) and firmware by: @oguegan and @rzeldent
License:
Software: GPL-3.0 license
Hardware: CERN-OHL-S-2.0 license
Media: CC-BY-NC-SA-4.0 license