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USB Drive Printing Function User Guide

This document details how to use a USB drive for printing operations in the FlyOS-Fast system and provides solutions to common issues.

Feature Overview​

The USB drive printing function allows users to store G-code files on a USB drive, which can be directly read and executed by the device for printing tasks. This feature is particularly suitable for the following scenarios:

  • Unstable or unavailable network connections
  • Rapid deployment of printing tasks
  • Offline printing environments
  • File transfer between multiple devices

Detailed Usage Steps​

1. USB Drive Preparation and Formatting​

  • Capacity Requirement: It is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of 8GB or more
  • File System: Must be formatted to FAT32 format
  • Formatting Method:
    • Windows: Right-click on the USB drive → Format → Select FAT32
    • macOS: Disk Utility → Erase → MS-DOS (FAT)

2. File Preparation and Storage​

  • Supported Format: Standard G-code files (.gcode extension)
  • File Placement: Directly copy G-code files to the root directory or any folder on the USB drive
  • File Naming: It is recommended to use English names and avoid special characters

3. Connection and Recognition​

  1. Insert the prepared USB drive into the device's USB port
  2. The system will automatically recognize and mount the USB drive
  3. In the web interface, USB drive files will be displayed in the file manager

4. Selection and Printing​

  1. Browse files on the USB drive via the device's web interface
  2. Click on the target G-code file to preview it
  3. Confirm the print parameters and click "Start Printing"
  4. The system will automatically load the file and begin the print task

Important Notes​

Key Reminders
  • The USB drive can be safely removed during the printing process, as the system copies the file locally when printing starts
  • It is recommended to verify file integrity before printing to avoid interruptions
  • For large G-code files, loading time may be slightly longer; please be patient

Frequently Asked Questions​

❓ USB Drive Not Recognized​

Issue: The system does not respond when the USB drive is inserted, and no USB content appears in the file manager

Solutions:

  1. Check if the USB drive format is FAT32
  2. Try using a different USB port
  3. Test the USB drive's compatibility on other devices
  4. Restart the device and re-insert the USB drive

❓ File Read Failure​

Issue: The USB drive is recognized, but G-code files on it cannot be read

Solutions:

  1. Confirm that the file extension is .gcode
  2. Check if the file is corrupted and try re-slicing it
  3. Ensure file permissions are normal with no read/write restrictions
  4. Avoid using Chinese characters or special characters in file names

❓ USB Drive Removed During Printing​

Issue: Worry that accidentally removing the USB drive will affect the print job

Solutions:

  • No need to worry: The system has already copied the file completely to local storage when printing started
  • The print task will continue normally, unaffected by the USB drive connection status
  • After printing, you can re-insert the USB drive for the next task

❓ Slow Transfer Speed​

Issue: File loading time is too long, affecting printing efficiency

Optimization Suggestions:

  • Use a USB 2.0 compatible drive (best compatibility)
  • Avoid using USB 3.0 devices (blue ports), which may have compatibility issues
  • Regularly clean the USB drive to maintain sufficient free space
  • Consider file size; for very large G-code files, consider optimizing slicer settings

❓ File Format Compatibility​

Supported Formats:

  • ✅ Standard G-code files (.gcode)

Unsupported Formats:

  • ❌ 3D model files (.stl, .obj, etc.)
  • ❌ Slicing project files
  • ❌ Other binary files

Best Practice Recommendations​

File Management​

  • Create categorized folders on the USB drive to manage multiple print files easily
  • Regularly back up important G-code files
  • Clean up completed files promptly after printing

Device Maintenance​

  • Safely eject the USB drive before physically removing it
  • Periodically check that the USB port is not loose or dusty
  • Keep the system firmware updated to the latest version
  • Preview the first layer before each print to ensure the file is correct
  • Confirm that filament is sufficient and the bed is leveled
  • For important print jobs, it is recommended to test a small section locally first

Technical Support​

If you encounter issues not covered in this document, please seek help through the following channels:

  1. Check the system log for detailed error information
  2. Contact technical support with a specific description of the problem
  3. Visit the official forum to find relevant discussions and solutions
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