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Hi 3D Hubbers. I’m one of the founders of AstroPrint (and the AstroBox).

We’ve had some incredibly positive from 3D Hubs community members that are using the AstroBox. Thanks! However we have also had quite a few people create a coupon code for the AstroBox (a 3D Hubs perk), then never purchase it.

I would love to get some feedback as to what may have been the reason for almost getting an AstroBox, then deciding not to.

Some questions we would love to hear answers to are:

  • Did you have any trouble redeeming the coupon?
  • Did you decide to use another product? If so, which one, and why?
  • What about the AstroBox was exciting enough to make you ask for the coupon code in the first place? What additional features/changes would you like to see in order to feel comfortable buying one?
  • What other questions do you think we should be asking? What do you feel we are missing?

As always, we’re dedicated to making AstroPrint, and the AstroBox, incredibly useful and effective. Your feedback lets us do that! Thanks!

~Drew

Cofounder, AstroPrint

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I guess the biggest downside is the alternative being a Raspberry Pi with Octoprint. Considering, that the Pi costs only 20%*

of the Astrobox, I’m pretty sure, that this was, what made possible customers change their focus.

*excluding Webcam, additional cables, SD card and an USB hub (+possible additional hardware)

I myself considered the Astrobox once I found out about the possibility of WiFi printing, however I’ve also found Octoprint, which was more convenient for me, that had multiple reasons:

a) the price, as mentioned above

b) the possibility to enable webcam streaming of the printer (and automated timelapse function)

c) the availability (AstroBox doesn’t ship with EU power cord, does it ?)

d) the Raspberry Pi can be used for completely different projects, then just WiFi printing (assuming, that I want to use it for another purpose one day)

e) the Raspberry Pi could theoretically support a Display of up to fullHD resolution (i guess), so as it is open source I’m sure, that such updates will be released in the near future

f) updates like “e)” don’t require me to buy another unit, everything so far imaginable is possible with the Raspberry Pi

The downsides of the Raspberry Pi would be:

a) no guarantee, that it works

b) you’d have to gather items from different stores, eg an USB hub, the Raspberry Pi, an SD card and a webcam

c) Octoprint might not work on all 3d printers, especially those with proprietary hard- and software (especially with proprietary controller boards)

d) the setup is fairly simple, but for someone, that has never worked with a Raspberry Pi, Arduino or similar (anything related to programming) it could be tricky

Anyways for me (someone with basic knowledge in programming and with most hardware already bought) the Octoprint solution is the way to go.

Maybe some other users of the AstroBox or Octoprint can share their experience, it would be very interesting to hear from someone, that has used both the AstroBox and Octoprint via a Raspberry Pi.

Cheers,

Marius Breuer

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Hey @medic914, how was your experience with AstroBox so far?