The Buddy3D camera features high-quality optics and IR illumination, allowing you to monitor your printer even in complete darkness.
A USB-C connection can power the camera. The device supports the MicroSD memory card format. The card must be formatted (supported formats: FAT32, exFAT) before being inserted into the camera when it is turned off.
Below are instructions on how to install the Buddy3D camera. Note that the printer must be powered on for the procedure.
How to install
- Log in to Prusa Connect on your phone or computer browser.
- Enter the printer you want to use with the camera.
- Click on the "Camera" tab.
- Click on "Add Wi-Fi Camera".
- On the pop-up window, fill in the WiFi network name (SSID) and password the printer is connected to, and click Generate QR code. The maximum length of the Wi-Fi network name accepted is 26 characters.
- Subsequently, the camera needs to be connected to the power supply. A green LED near the camera itself will start blinking fast, showing that the camera is not paired.
- To enter pairing mode, reset the camera by pressing the reset button for 1 second. Point the camera up on the Buddy 3D camera to see the button near the Micro SD card slot. On the Buddy 3D camera for CORE One, use an Allen key to press the reset button.
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| Buddy3D Camera reset button | CORE One Camera reset button |
- When prompted, point the camera at the generated QR code. Do not use dark mode. You might need to try different distances from the camera to the code.
- After some time, you will be instructed to stop scanning the QR code. You should hear another one that the QR code was scanned right before or after that message. If you do not hear this message, start the process again.
- After a few seconds, you will hear a message indicating whether the connection was successful. After a successful connection, the first image in Connect will be displayed. The green LED on the camera will blink slowly, showing that it is connected. If the connection is not successful, check the troubleshooting steps below.
- The camera will automatically update after connecting to the Internet for the first time. You can then start using your Buddy3D camera.
For a time-lapse, insert a Micro SD card in your Buddy camera.
Firmware before
A tone will sound after scanning the QR code. Note that the image might take a few seconds to appear.
Successful QR code reading = short beep
Unsuccessful pairing = 3 long tones
Successful camera network connection = "Welcome tone"
LED light clues
- Solid LED: The camera is starting. If the camera has started and the light is still solid, contact Customer support.
- Fast blinking LED: The camera has started but is disconnected.
- Slow blinking LED: Camera connected.
Installing the camera through the Prusa App
It is possible to generate the QR code to install the camera through the Prusa Mobile App as well. For that, follow the following steps:
- Open the Prusa App, select the printer you want to install the camera on, and go to the Camera option in the menu. Then, click to Add Camera.
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- You will see the camera Setup Wizard. Click the side arrow, and choose the Wi-Fi camera option.
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- Type the name of your network and the password. Note that the network needs to be the same as the one connected to the printer. Click Continue, and you will see the QR code to be read by the camera.
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Mounting the camera on the printer
Prusa CORE One
The camera has magnets embedded in the casing and snaps to the metal frame of the CORE One, specifically to the front corners. While you can route the cables to either of the front corners, we suggest mounting the camera in the left corner, as the cabling will be a bit neater. For installation, follow the step-by-step guide
PrusaXL
You'll find step-by-step guide here.
MINI, MK3, MK4, Enclosure
You can find the printable mount here.
Specifications
Device: Guardian PR1
Resolution: 1920x1080
Input: 5 VDC, 1 A
Frequency band: 2.4 GHz
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz
Troubleshooting
In case you have issues connecting the camera, find the issue you are having below and check the items.
The camera does not turn on
- Check if the camera has enough power. The recommended input is 5 VDC, 1 A. The only printers that can power the camera are CORE One and the HT90.
- Try another adapter and cable.
No QR code reading
- Move the camera or QR code during the scanning so that the camera can find the correct angle.
- The recommended distance between the camera and the QR code is around 20 cm.
- On the CORE One Camera, make sure the camera lens cover is removed.
- Try using a different screen to show the QR code.
Unsuccessful pairing
An unsuccessful pairing happens when the camera can detect the QR code but can't connect. When this happens, the camera will sound three beeps.
- Check if your network is 2.4 GHz and WEP, WPA, or WPA2. If you are not sure, create a hotspot for testing.
- Firmware versions before 3.1.0 do not support hidden SSID networks and special characters in the password. If your camera has one of those firmware versions, connect to a suitable network for the firmware update.
- Check if your Wi-Fi credentials are correct.
No pictures are visible in Prusa Connect
- Make sure that the printer is powered on and connected to Prusa Connect.
- Check if the camera did not accidentally connect to another printer.
- Clear the cache and cookies in your browser, or use another browser.
- Check your Wi-Fi signal strength and the camera's location.
- Try resetting the camera by pressing the Reset button for 4 seconds. Remove any Cameras from the "Camera" Tab in Connect, and start the process again.
- If the stream is choppy, this issue is always related to the local connection, so it is a result of a poor connection.
32 comments
*edit - after over a dozen tries, it finally connects. AND now I learn that video is ONLY available in the Prusa app.. not in PrusaSlicer/PrusaConnect. I now ask myself, what is the point?
1) If your router has same SSID for 5 and 2,4 probably you'll have trouble
2) WiFI SSID should be simple and not having special characters - mine was something like ABCDEFGH_ABCD1 and even if it was read (single beep to confirm QR code scan), the pairing was unsuccessful. Of course there's no a single word how to overcome it in instruction... worked when changed 2,4 Ghz Wifi SSID to something like A1, same think may apply to password which is not very secure (didn't test but wouldn't be surprised)
3) No logs or anything
4) Look cheap as hell, closed source, and overpriced
5) cable included but no charger
6) Works only when prusa printer is on and connected
Basically simple ESP32 cam with printed body is much better and costs 4x less - and at least it can stream video locally... I also definitely prefer to check logs for errors than hearing beeps that usually are not very insightful, aaand it works even if Print is out (local stream). You can also control LED.