PrintSphere

PrintSphere is a dedicated hardware companion for Bambu Lab 3D printers, designed to provide a high-resolution, circular interface for monitoring print jobs. Utilizing the ESP32-S3 microcontroller and a vibrant AMOLED touch display, it acts as a bridge between the user and their printer, offering features like live status updates, cover art previews, and camera snapshots without requiring an intermediate server like Home Assistant.

Hardware and Technical Stack

The project is built on the ESP-IDF v5.5.x framework and utilizes LVGL v9.4.0 for its sophisticated graphical user interface. The primary hardware target is the Waveshare ESP32-S3 AMOLED 1.75, which includes integrated touch support and an AXP2101 Power Management Unit (PMU) for battery-aware operation. This setup allows the device to function as a standalone portable monitor or a desk-mounted status display.

Key technical components include:

• Official Waveshare BSP: Handles display and touch alignment.
• NVS-based Storage: Manages configuration data across reboots.
• Hybrid Routing: A custom logic layer that switches between Bambu Cloud and local printer paths.
• MQTT Integration: Uses both cloud and local MQTT paths for live status and metadata handling.
• Embedded CA Bundle: Facilitates secure local MQTT TLS verification.

Core Features and Connectivity

PrintSphere offers a robust set of features designed for the Bambu Lab ecosystem. It supports a hybrid connection mode that combines cloud data (for metadata and cover previews) with local network data (for low-latency status and camera streams). The firmware includes a built-in Wi-Fi manager and a local setup portal hosted on an esp_http_server.

During initial provisioning, the device creates a setup access point. Users can configure their Wi-Fi and choose between three connection modes:

• Hybrid: The recommended mode, combining cloud and local data paths.
• Cloud only: Focuses on monitoring via Bambu Cloud, suitable for remote tracking.
• Local only: Operates entirely on the local network, bypassing the cloud for status and camera functions.

User Interface and Model Support

The UI is organized into three main pages accessible via touch. The first page displays a progress ring, lifecycle state, temperatures, and layer information. The second page provides cloud-provided cover images and project titles, while the third page is dedicated to local camera snapshots.

Model support varies based on the printer’s protocol version:

• A1 and P1 Series: Full support for status and local JPEG camera snapshots.
• P2S and H2 Series: Supports the newer V2 protocol fields for filament and spool detection.
• X1 Series: Provides status monitoring and chamber light control.

Note that camera snapshots are currently limited to the A1 and P1 series. Newer models like the X1 and P2S utilize RTSP streams, which exceed the processing and memory capabilities of the ESP32-S3 hardware.

Web Configuration

Beyond the on-device display, PrintSphere features a comprehensive Web Config portal. Once the device is connected to the home network, the portal is secured via an on-device PIN/session unlock flow. This interface allows users to fine-tune arc colors with live previews, adjust screen rotation, and manage credentials for both Bambu Cloud and local printer paths.

The configuration portal ensures that hardware-specific settings, such as display rotation and touch alignment, can be updated without reflashing the device, making it a flexible tool for various mounting configurations.