IT: NSWDoE Schools Installation - central server connection

This guide is for schools using the "detnsw" network and connecting to the central server.  Configuration for schools using the "Internet @ edge" method may connect differently.

To connect your 3D printer to the BuildBee app, you must first configure your BuildBee CloudDock to access the Internet. You can also use this process when changing networks or connection type (WiFi or Ethernet).

This process takes around 5 minutes to complete and you will need a valid BuildBee account, your network details and a FAT32 USB drive.

Step 1 - Log in to BuildBee

- Navigate to https://app.buildbee.com. 

- Sign in using an account that has the right to configure printers.

Step 2 - Create the configuration file

- Select the printer list icon in the top right corner of the screen. 

- Select 'CONFIGURE PRINTER' from the top of the printer list:

- Select the 'DETNSW ET4L' option to automatically fill the common details for the network, asking only for the unique parts specific to the school.
 

- Fill in your network details in the spaces provided and select the 'GENERATE CONFIG. FILE' button.  

WiFi network names and passwords are case sensitive. Any errors will cause the configuration process to fail.

The preferred method to connect 3D printers at NSW public schools is to use your schools srv...wifi@detnsw details because the password does not routinely change. If this isn't available for some reason any valid user in the format of username@detnsw can be used.

Step 3 - Save the BuildBee configuration file to a USB drive

- Select the 'Download' button to save the .conf  file to your computer.

- Move the configuration file to the root folder of a USB flash drive (not within any other folders). 

We recommend using a USB drive from a known manufacturer (e.g. Toshiba), formatted to FAT32, without any partitions. Promotional USB drives are not reliable for this process.

Step 4 - Load configuration file onto a CloudDock

- Remove ALL cables from the BuildBee CloudDock (no power, no USB cable).

- Insert the USB drive into the BuildBee CloudDock.

- Plug the power supply into the BuildBee CloudDock with the USB drive inserted. 

Do not connect the printer yet.

- The CloudDock will read the configuration file and erase it from the USB drive, replacing it with a 'configuration receipt' (send us this receipt if something goes wrong):

- If the CloudDock can successfully reach the internet, it will appear in your printer list. 

It may take up to 4 minutes to complete the registration and you may need to refresh your browser for it to appear.

- The CloudDock that represents the printer will first appear as 'DISCONNECTED', simply meaning there is no printer connected. At this point you may safely remove the USB drive and connect your CloudDock to your 3D printer via USB cable. The CloudDock will then appear as 'READY' in the printer list.

If you're having trouble with configuration, please run through the troubleshooting guide in the A printer is showing up as 'Offline' help article.  

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