Running Cura on multiple computers (Linux)
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Is anyone aware if it is possible to store Cura configuration files/profiles etc in a single location and have different instances of Cura look up the config/profiles etc from that central location?
I would like to start Cura on different computers at different times but since it is impossible to keep Cura installs synchronized I can only think of two ways of implementing this - remote desktop where Cura is only ever run on one computer and the remote computers just work on the main computer via remote desktop. The alternative is having all the config stuff and profiles and whatnot on a central server and each instance of Cura accesses that central server. Of course I have no idea what happens if I have two instances open and something changes in one instant like print temperature.As an example, I do cad work and want to send the finished STL to the printer. This would happen on computer #1. As I am watching things at the printer which is nowhere near computer #1, I discover I am printing with a brim but actually wanted to specify a skirt. I have a computer (#2) next to the printer so I can easily abort the print but I can't re-slice the model unless I go back to computer #1
What do people do in those instances? -
I know nothing about Linux but under Windows I use a type of program that is run on each computer and synchronizes specified files between the computers. Typically they can be configured for one-way sync (changes on one are sent to all others) or two-way sync (changes on any are sent to all others).
Frederick
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@fcwilt, what is the name of this windows program? Maybe I can find something similar under Linux.
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@jens55 said in Running Cura on multiple computers (Linux):
@fcwilt, what is the name of this windows program? Maybe I can find something similar under Linux.
Well here is once such program from a small company but I don't see a Linux version:
The one I am currently using, called Synology Drive, is designed around having a Synology NAS unit to serve as the central repository, which I already had.
Synology Drive is run on the NAS unit and another program called Synology Drive Client is run on each computer. They do have a Ubuntu version.
The least expensive diskless Synology NAS is going to be around $300.
Frederick
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@fcwilt, thanks, I will look into this.
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@pcr, that looks very promising - thanks!
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I perhaps should have mentioned that the sync is automatic. Once configured the programs monitor the specified files and send/receive them as needed.
No action is needed on your part.
Frederick
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I use RealVNC on my laptop to slice using my workstation PC. The past several OS updates and Cura updates have meant performance isn't what it once was, so using the powerful desktop made the most sense.
Keeping the files synced could be an option, but you might run into problems with file access if multiple programs try to access at the same time. If you're using a cloud syncing program that gets avoided but it also means the files are only synced when no longer in use. You can end up in situations with file conflicts where the same file has been changed on both computers. How does it know which file is the right one? Usually it will take the newest, but that may mean you've lost a change made to the oldest.
I just use remote desktop.
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@jens55 said in Running Cura on multiple computers (Linux):
As I am watching things at the printer which is nowhere near computer #1
Do you have network connectivity to upload gcode and start printing on the duet from computer #1? If so, a remote desktop access from #2 to #1 may archive all of your requirements, without the complexity of bidirectional file syncing.
And if you are a Chrome user, you can use it to also do remote desktop access. https://remotedesktop.google.com/ (yet another security-vs-convenience choice).
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@phaedrux, good point - thanks. I thought about that issue as well and agree that syncing the files for the particular example will not work. It will help to keep all the individual programs configured the same way and that will be something that will work in different ways.
I am currently looking at RealVNC but I am concerned about 'cloud' usage. It seems that RealVNC relies on the cloud and that is a no go for me. I am also looking at other VNC programs and tried to install a few but so far I have not come up with anything that works.
I have a couple of Pi servers running and they use RealVNC and work really well (and are free). If I want to run RealVNC server on a laptop, it seems I have to pay a subscription fee and its functionality seems to be cloud based. I have seen references to a free license for up to 5 computers for home use but haven't quite figured that out.
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Most sync programs I've used keep both files when there is a conflict.
The one I use now includes the name of the computer where the conflicting version was created in the name of each conflicting file.
Nothing is lost but it will take work to merge them if that is what is needed.
Frederick
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@jens55 said in Running Cura on multiple computers (Linux):
If I want to run RealVNC server on a laptop, it seems I have to pay a subscription fee and its functionality seems to be cloud based. I have seen references to a free license for up to 5 computers for home use but haven't quite figured that out.
The way it works with my subscription is there is 1 cloud based install if you want, and then 5 non-cloud installs. The cloud can be convenient if you want to have access from outside your local network but don't have access to port forwarding or it's out of your realm of expertise.
If you don't want to use the free limited cloud based RealVNC there are many free VNC alternatives. UltraVNC, TightVNC, TigerVNC, etc
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@fcwilt said in Running Cura on multiple computers (Linux):
Nothing is lost but it will take work to merge them that is what is needed.
Thinking of trying to solve merge conflicts for the multitude of cura files gives me a headache. If you are certain to close out cura each time you leave the computer you could avoid that problem.
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Ironically, if Cura were cloud-based, this wouldn't be an issue. Just login where ever you are and pick up where you left off.
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Just a final follow up on this thread for anyone interested - I have set up screen sharing on the main computer and can access that computer via VNCViewer on the computer next to the printer. The connection seems fast enough and in theory this configuration should let me work the way I have envisioned.
I say 'in theory' because I have not yet tried to manipulate a print using this system but the basic testing shows this should work well.
Thanks for all the input!