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Fly Host Computer Installation and Usage Guide

I. Preparations​

1. Power Requirements​

  • Power Standard: Must use an independent power adapter of 5V / 2A or higher
  • Prohibited Action: Except for the specific models listed below, it is strictly forbidden to power the device through the 3D printer motherboard interface
    • ✅ Models Supporting Motherboard Power Supply: C8, GEMINI, C5, C5V1.1, C8P
  • Risk Warning: Insufficient power supply will cause unstable device operation and frequent restarts. Prolonged use may result in hardware damage.

2. Storage Media Selection​

Storage TypeCompatible DevicesKey Notes
TF CardFull series compatibleGeneral solution, requires a standard card reader
M2WE Solid State CardNon-Lite/MINI-PAD seriesSpecialized solution, must be used with an M2SD programmer

TF Card Specifications Recommendations:

  • Capacity: 16GB-128GB (32GB/64GB recommended)
  • Speed Class: Class10 or U1/U3
  • Recommended Brands: SanDisk, Samsung, etc.

3. Programming Tool Preparation​

  • TF Card: Standard TF card reader
  • M2WE Card: Dedicated M2SD programmer (required)

4. System Image Matching​

Select the corresponding system image based on the device's main control chip:

Main Control ChipApplicable Device Models
H618C8P, C5, C5-V1.1, PI-V3
H5PI, PI-V2, GEMINI Series, C8
H3Lite2 Series, MINI-PAD Series

Image Download: FlyOS System Image Download Site

5. Supporting Resources​

  • Hardware: Type-C cable supporting data transfer
  • Software Toolkit: Includes terminal tools, drivers, formatting tools, etc.
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II. System Installation Process​

  • As the tutorial is lengthy, please refer to the link below
  • System Flashing

III. Device Startup and Connection​

  • SSH Connection Tutorial

1. Hardware Connection​

  • Insert the storage card with the flashed system
  • Connect the independent power adapter
  • Connect the Type-C data cable to the computer
Power Supply Caution

When starting the system for the first time, do not connect a screen (TFT or HDMI). A screen increases power consumption, which may lead to insufficient power and cause the system expansion to fail.

If the expansion fails, it cannot be fixed by other means; you will need to re-flash the system.

2. Serial Terminal Configuration​

  • Launch MobaXterm software
  • Create a new Serial session
  • Select the CH340 serial port, baud rate 115200

3. System Startup Verification​

  • Observe terminal log output after powering on
  • A successful boot will display system operational information
  • If there is no output, try pressing the Enter key to wake it up

4. Network Configuration​

After the system startup is complete, configure the Wi-Fi connection via the command line

  • Network Connection Tutorial

IV. Frequently Asked Questions & Maintenance Guide​

Boot Priority​

  • Issue: Boot order when both a TF card and an M2WE card are inserted simultaneously
  • Explanation: The system always boots from the TF card first, but this does not affect the WiFi functionality of the M2WE card after startup.
  • Solution: To avoid confusion, it is recommended to only use one system card at a time for daily use.

Storage Card Selection​

  • Issue: How beginners should choose the type of storage card
  • Solution:
    • Recommended Option: TF Card (versatile, low cost, suitable for beginners)
    • Alternative Option: M2WE Card (has built-in WiFi functionality, requires a dedicated programmer)
    • Note: The system comes with pre-installed drivers for mainstream WiFi modules; both TF Cards and M2WE Cards can be used directly.

M2SD Contact Issue​

  • Issue: M2WE card recognition is unstable or fails to boot when using the M2SD programmer
  • Solution:
    • Temporary Fix: Use a rubber band to reinforce the connection between the card body and the slot.
    • Long-term Fix: Install a dedicated fixing bracket.
    • Fixing Part Download:
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Device Maintenance Guide​

1. Shutdown Procedure

  • Always perform a normal shutdown using system commands.
  • Do not disconnect the power directly, as this may damage the system.

2. System Update

  • The system supports two update methods:
    1. Online Update: Completed automatically in the system background.
    2. Manual Update: Download the update package locally, then upload and install it through the system interface.
  • Note that the traditional FAST system full-disk flashing upgrade method is still applicable.

3. Configuration Backup

  • Regularly back up your printer configuration files to a local storage device.
  • This prevents configuration loss due to system issues.

4. Power Management

  • An independent power supply must be used.
  • Avoid power interference that could affect the stable operation of the device.

5. Storage Card Protection

  • Do not format the storage card again after the system has been flashed.
  • Prevent system file corruption that could render the device unbootable.

OTA Update Instructions​

1. How to Perform an OTA Update

  • In your browser, navigate to your host computer's IP address and append the port number :9998 to access the OTA update interface.
    • Example: If your host computer's IP is 192.168.1.100, access http://192.168.1.100:9998

2. Configuration File Safety

  • OTA updates are specifically designed not to overwrite or modify your personal configuration files.

3. Precautions During the Update Process

  • Ensure a stable power supply to the device during the update.
  • An accidental power outage will cause the update to fail, potentially requiring a system re-flash in severe cases.

4. Custom Code Handling

  • If you have modified the Klipper configuration file or installed custom plugins,
  • the OTA update will automatically skip related files, ensuring your modifications are preserved.

5. Important Reminder: Firmware Update

  • After completing each OTA update, you must manually compile the Klipper firmware and then re-flash the microcontroller firmware.

Klipper Version Notes​

Version Correspondence
  • The Klipper built into the FlyOS system automatically uses the system version number as its own version (e.g., if the system is FlyOS 1.3.0, Klipper will display as 1.3.0).
  • The system is based on the upstream version of Klipper with targeted optimizations and feature enhancements:
    • Stability Optimization: Adapted and stability-tuned for the FLY hardware platform.
    • Power Loss Recovery: Supports resuming print jobs after an unexpected power failure.
    • USB Printing: Supports sending G-code for printing directly via USB.
    • Other Enhancements: FLY-specific features like clog detection and power-off shutdown.
Version Timeliness
  • When a system image is packaged, the Klipper version at that time is locked in.
  • For example: For a system released on May 13, 2026, the built-in Klipper will include upstream features at least up to May 10, 2026 (testing and verification require time).
  • To obtain the newest Klipper features, you can perform an OTA update or compile it manually.
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