After all these posts and comments in regards to the changes for the X1 and later other Bambu printers I tried to find out if things are really as bad as it seems.
Thanks to the nice comments of other users I worked out that you can download Studio, the Network Plugin and even the firmware files.
Not always straight forward but the Bambu Wiki provides.
It is impossible to install Studio without an internet connection !!
Well, I tried on a VM, I tried in a sandbox and I tired on a spare laptop.
No problem installing Studio.
Same for the Network plugin.
You can’t install/bind/pair the printer without cloud and internet access !!
That one was a bit on the tricky side but the Wiki still provides.
We can add a config file for the Wifi name and password on the SD card.
Although it was a bit of a hit and miss here it eventually does work.
Once the printer is in the Wifi the access code the printer provides can be used to bind it with Studio in Lan Only mode.
If it all works as Bambu advertises then why all the complaints and struggles ?
It is often little things, like knowing about those config files or that smart connect is a bad idea in the Wifi setup with Bambu that throw you back.
Not to mention that we often forget a clean reboot might be all that’s required.
So, what is causing all those connection and pairing issues ?
Firewall settings, router settings and even how the Wifi is provided can play a role.
The same name for the 2G and 5G Wifi is really bad.
Same for having a router set to strict safety rules that might prevent vital communication from happening.
Even the model of phone and how old it is can set you out of action.
I am not a fan of the latest Bambu measures, same for the quality of their support - but that keeps improving I noticed.
Means I won’t leave a nice hair on Bambu’s head if I can prevent it.
Still, I was/still am in the same boat, despite having worked out that there is ways around certain problems.
Network security is vital these days, especially for companies.
So we should be grateful that Bambu tries so hard to make things harder for bad people like hackers.
But I guess quite a few people would appreciate if we could just get a standalone installer for Studio that comes with the option to select cloud or Lan only mode right from the start.
Which brings me to the final straw so to say - speed.
We all know the printer hardware isn’t the best in terms of fast file transfers or good live feeds.
But a lot of people seem to complain that Studio is very sluggish or that it slows down the entire computer if Studio is blocked from reaching the internet.
I only ever experienced this when doing a full and blunt block of all internet traffic for Studio.
Not every firewall program and router provide options to differentiate between LAN and WAN connections properly.
Since Studio relies on functions from the IE/Edge backbones it can be tricky to set the right blocks and filters.
Can you really go fully offline and private?
No problem…
I am not logged into my account in Studio, same for the printer and neither has any unwanted access to the WWW.
The private part though is something I still have to question as Bambu ab(uses) Windows and Edge reporting functions to sent encrypted data back home.
Some of the data I could work out includes your recent projects and opened files in Studio but also a list of all installed programs, their ID’s and classification.
While this is somewhat standard procedure during certain installations I doubt it is a requirement for basically every start of a program like Studio.
None of the date I was able to track down is of any real privacy concern but with all of it encrypted in the end and finding what is used made near impossible we just have to trust Bambu I guess.
Would I still advise against buying a Bambu printer?
Yes and no…
Yes for all those loving their privacy and having a need to stay in control of things.
Same for those wanting to run a big print farm as currently things a bit shady in the Bambu world.
But if you are happy with Bambu ecosystem, cloud integration and only run a hand full of printers then go for it.
Parts are relatively cheap, quality is great, so nothing to loose really.
Time will tell whether or not the companion app takes off as planned or if it is another lemon for users.
And if those having a say at Bambu dare to listen to all the online feedback we could expect that a solution that is acceptable for everyone will come as well.
Maybe with or shortly after their new flagship printer is going on sale…