New voron zero 0.2R1 build using BTT Pi

General Discussion
1

Basic Information:

Printer Model: Voron zero 0.2 r1 formbot
MCU / Printerboard: SKR pico
Host / SBC BTT pi which formbot calls klipper pi
klippy.log machine does not exist yet

I want to pre-empt a possible problem while building my software system for this nearly finished Voron Zero 0.2 R1.

I read somewhere that the BTT pi does not like the original raspberry pi klipper version, you should use the BTT version!

Now I went to BTT website and the latest versions of their pi comes with their klipper pre-installed.

First question: how can I check it is indeed on my pi as well since I bought it over 6 months ago and I have no idea when they started pre loading them?

Second: how different is this BTT version klipper? If it does not like the real deal, why is this and how will it work in the future? Updates? A lot of questionmarks suddenly poke up.

Third: If all is well with the BTT klipper pi, I simply skip this install and jump to flashing the SKR Pico as on the voron website right?

Unfortunately the kit came without instructions so I am following the voron build manual (which is pretty darn bomb proof so far). If I go by the book I could run into issues with regards to this BTTpi. Anybody any tips to share on this.

2

For this board has a micro HDMI port, you should get an output if everything works properly.

3

Do you have a display selected for your printer? The Pi should boot to klipperscreen if any display is connected. No need to be connected to a printer as long as you supply power VIA the USB-C connector or the 12-24V screw terminals.

If you don’t have a display you can establish a SSH over serial connection by connecting a PC to the USB port.

image
image1920×1120 167 KB

4

I just hooked it up and it does nothing, which means it has not got anything loaded onto it at all as yet.

Big question now is if the BTT pi is a good enough choice or should I swap it with my spare raspberry pi5?

All the rest is clear enough for now, just not sure about this BTT pi.

5

The BTT Pi manual BTT-Pi/BIGTREETECH Pi V1.2 User Manual.pdf at master · bigtreetech/BTT-Pi · GitHub says on page 11 to use the CB1 Armbian software Releases · bigtreetech/CB1 · GitHub. Did you use that software image?
First thing I would do is, get the OS running on the BTT Pi and then connect the printer.
I’m sure the BTT is good enough for Klipper, I wouldn’t waste your RPi 5.

6

If you are on HDMI you should at least get “no OS to load” or similar from the BIOS.

I don’t think the SPI will work until after Linux boots. I could be wrong.

7

i had some more insights from people I know that run a voron and some also have the BTT pi. I think you are right and I will use the BTT pi first and then see later.

It seems my pi does not yet have anything on it so I will have to go to BTT sources to load the OS and Kipper first. Then build the MCU up.

Thanks for your reply, much appreciated

8

not sure if this BTT pi dooes the same tbh, all my other real pies did what you describe.

Anyhow I will build it from scratch and see where the ship strands.

Thanks for you reply.

9

I just read my emails and Formbot has confirmed that this pi that was in my kit is empty, I need to run the full thing.

The only question now is what will happen when I run mainsail and it wants updates? If the klipper that BTT uses is different?

10

First of all, I would suggest to all Klipper users to try to understand this https://klipper.discourse.group/t/klipper-architecture-ecosystem.
I’m still having hard times with that (see all my posts to Sineos)! :wink:

Your BTT Pi is the host!

I don’t understand that.

That’s why you should follow the BTT Pi manual!

There is no “Klipper that BTT uses”. BTT is a Klipper supporter and uses genuine Klipper Sponsors - Klipper documentation. creality, bamboo, and others don’t agree to the open source idea, they steal it for commercial reasons. Boycott should be the answer to that. Just don’t buy their products!

Your BTT Pi is the host. I would suggest to follow my last post.

First get the BTT Pi running as Linux SBC! Then comes theprinter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

11

I apologise for the crooked wording and the subsequent confusion. I realise all you said, I have used sbc to automate processes for hobby and in machines.

Its just that Bigtreetech started preloading their btt pi with their versions (still not sure what is the difference) of whatever it is. People claimed they could not use the raspberry pi methods since it has differences in the kernel (above my head so I stopped right there).

Since I have kind of a dislike towards coding and flashing and building configs and makemenus, I wanted to understand if mine was preloaded or not and then, if it was, understand how to proceed with the rest of the process.

I can deal with doing it the raspberry pi way and last few times it worked fine. But now I have to use btt’s method, which possibly locks you in their ecosystem. Tbh I am thinking hard about not using the btt pi at all, since the support from the klipper community is fantastic since so many of you good people have a deep understanding of all these things. I see many posts where a machine uses a variety of new manufacturers and they all have wide ranging problems which could be due to their hardware not being equal to the original thing.

I know the pi5 is overkill and costs a whack more, but I got it for other projects now finished, and I simply have nothing else lined up for it. And the longer I debate this with myself, with you and others here and with others outside this forum, the more I am swayed by keeping it the way I know and the way it was intended.

Thanks for you concern but I would have followed those instructions that you linked to anyway. Especially since it isn’t my field, I read them through everytime. I have to say it does get easier the more you do it but it still far away from becoming my warm mug of coffee :grimacing: