Requirements - Phil1988/FreeDi GitHub Wiki

This section provides the necessary hardware, software, and information to convert your stock X-3 series printer into a FreeDi printer.

Hardware Requirements

1. Storage for the Operating System (OS) and Software

You have several options:

  • Option A: Use the original EMMC flash with a Makerbase MKS EMMC Adapter 1.0
    image image

  • Option B: Use the original EMMC flash with a Makerbase MKS EMMC-ADAPTER V2 USB 3.0 Reader
    image

  • Option C: Use a standard USB flash drive. Attention! This is currently under review, as its not working for every user, see FreeDi not booting from USB stick While slower than an EMMC, it is a simpler option for getting your hands on this project because you might have a spare one already. Recommendation: For long-term use, an EMMC flash drive is advised.

  • Optional: If you want more storage, you may consider purchasing a new EMMC memory card with a reader as kit (e.g., 32GB instead of 8GB).

2. Wired connection

Unfortunately your printer needs to have a (wired) ethernet connection during the first installation process. After flashing the OS, the WiFi dongle loses your WiFi login data and you will not be able to connect to it wirelessly.

When the installation / first configuration is completed, you can use WiFi with no issues. With the latest firmware (>=v1.20) there are even Moonraker update manager based OTA updates available :)

3. (Optional) MicroSD Card

Only needed for for FreeDi v1.30 and lower. For FreeDi v1.40 and later, the "klipper auto flasher" (KAF) can be used to flash the MCU on the mainboard via software.

  • Format: FAT32
  • Storage: Minimum 16MB; maximum 32GB.
  • Note: Larger microSD cards may work if you create a partition not exceeding 32GB.

Attention: If your microSD cards has a hidden partition, you must format it entirely. On Windows, I recommend formatting using **SDFormatter **and turn the "FORMAT SIZE ADJUSTMENT" option to "ON":

Software Requirements

  • SSH Terminal: To connect to your printer for the installation process.

    • Recommendation: PuTTY for Windows users.

  • Image Writing Tool: Required to write images to USB/EMMC.

  • SFTP Client (Optional): Handy or necessary depending on your setup.

    • Recommendation: WinSCP for Windows users.

Required Information

  • Printer IP Address: You'll need the IP address of your printer to connect via SSH.
  • Default Login Credentials:
    • User: mks
    • Password: makerbase

Next:

Why a backup is important!