This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:13:48
The video provides an in-depth introduction to the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro, detailing its features and enhancements. The 3D printer is noted for its affordability and rich feature set, including a 235 x 235 mm bed with a PEI coated surface, a segmented PCB bed heater, an auxiliary cooling system, and a dual gear drive extruder system. It operates on Clipper firmware, offering advanced functionalities like filament run-out detection, auto bed leveling, and dual z-axis motors. A notable limitation is the lack of built-in Wi-Fi, necessitating a wired connection or compatible Wi-Fi dongle for network access.
The setup process for network connectivity is addressed, with steps provided for establishing both wired and wireless connections using tools like PuTTY and Network Manager on the Armbian Linux system. The presenter also gives practical advice on configuring Wi-Fi using a recommended dongle and ensuring the device's successful recognition and connection.
In a concluding note, the presenter shares their decision to shift the channel's focus from detailed machine reviews to engaging 3D printing projects and machine-building content, citing the unsustainable nature of the review model. Viewers are invited to explore previously posted content, particularly around the Elegoo Neptune 3 Max, and to stay tuned for future projects.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker introduces the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro, a 3D printer powered by Clipper firmware. The segment highlights that this printer continues Elegoo’s trend of offering feature-rich, affordable FDM printers. It is not a review, but an instructional on adding Wi-Fi to the printer due to its current lack of this feature, which reviewers have noted. The speaker provides an overview of the printer’s specifications and features, including a 235 x 235 mm bed with a spring steel PEI coated bed sheet and a segmented PCB bed heater, a feature usually found in higher-end machines. Additionally, the printer includes an auxiliary cooling system with four 40mm blower fans for improved cooling during faster prints. The system’s airflow can be managed through a manual switch and the menu, offering different noise levels. The speaker indicates that more details on the tool head setup and the performance will be discussed further but emphasizes the impressive aspects of the Neptune 4 Pro at its price point of $299 in the US.
00:03:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses enhancements and design choices of a 3D printer. Key points include a dual gear drive extruder system with a lighter Nema 14 stepper motor, a higher flow hot end similar to Ender 7 and 5s1 models, and metal roller wheels instead of v-slot rollers for smoother operation. The printer includes modern features like a filament run-out sensor, direct drive extruder, auto bed leveling with manual adjustment, LED lights, dual z-axis motors, easy belt adjustment, and a solid touch screen interface. A notable addition is an RJ45 port for wired network connectivity linked to a maker board running Clipper firmware. However, it lacks built-in Wi-Fi, requiring a wired connection or an external USB Wi-Fi dongle. The presenter also addresses criticisms about the lack of Wi-Fi and explains that the machine can still be operated efficiently through a networked web interface.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses setting up and using a specific Clipper machine, comparing it to the Neptune 3 Pro. The machine has a similar touchscreen UI and operational functionality, allowing users to benefit from Clipper’s speed while using a familiar interface. It does not require web interfacing for basic functions, but advanced settings like acceleration and rotation adjustments are only accessible via a network connection. The presenter highlights the challenge of connecting the machine to Wi-Fi, noting that only certain Wi-Fi dongles are compatible due to limited pre-installed drivers on the Armbian Linux system. They provide a recommended dongle, emphasize the necessity of a wired connection for initial setup, and guide through using SSH (with the tool PuTTY) to configure the machine on a computer.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the emphasis is on establishing a wired connection for the Elegoo unit and configuring wireless access if needed. The process involves accessing the settings menu to find and note the IP address, using Putty for terminal access, and logging in with either MKS or root credentials. The user needs to verify the Wi-Fi dongle’s recognition via ‘lsusb’ and then install Network Manager using `sudo apt install network-manager`. After installation, the Network Manager is accessed through `nmtui`, and the desired Wi-Fi network is selected and connected by entering the password. To find the new IP address, tools like Angry IP Scanner or the router’s interface can be utilized. The video suggests that a wired connection is often more reliable, yet provides steps to troubleshoot potential issues with Wi-Fi dongles.
00:12:00
In this segment, the presenter discusses a USB 3 Hub they purchased from Amazon, which successfully supported multiple devices, including a Wi-Fi dongle, the stock USB stick, and a Logitech C920 webcam. However, the webcam only achieved about three frames per second. The speaker then shifts to their final thoughts, announcing that they will no longer review machines due to the unsustainable nature of their review process, which demands extensive time and resources without sufficient financial return. Instead, the channel will focus on fun 3D printing projects and building machines, moving away from detailed reviews. The presenter encourages viewers to check out their existing review of the Elugu Neptune 3 Max, which might be their last for a while, and invites them to subscribe for future content.