This is a question to the people who understand better than I do, what the Auth changes will mean for the users of Bambu printers.
Will it still be possible to use the BiQu Panda Touch after printers are updated to use the new Auth updates?
Nope. They have explained it: the update will turn Panda Touch into $60 brick.
relevant part:
- Upgrading the firmware will prevent third-party software or hardware from controlling the printer.
- If you upgrade to the firmware with Authorization Features, you will only be able to monitor print progress and status (e.g., status updates in HomeAssistant).
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Just bought my P1S and Panda touch. Should I return the panda touch or don’t upgrade firmware?
Thinking that since this is replacing my Elegoo and just got it yesterday, not sure it’s worth getting accustomed to PT if I might want to update the firmware in the future.
Thoughts?
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Do you have Klipper on the Elegoo? You can switch the firmware on the Touch to Klipper Touch. If you just want it for the Bambu I would try to return it.
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What Mcgee said, except for adding that putting on hold the latest (and clearly most disputed and contested) firmware update that implents the so called “security authentication”, nothing really stops you to use the PT with your P1S…
I usually don’t rush to update my firmware and software right after a new version is released by Bambu. I usually take my time and wait to see the reactions coming from those who had done it, and if things are well, I update in about half a year or so. Plenty of time for any bugs or other hidden issues to come out, and eventually a solution to be found.
In your case, it’s your printer, your PT, your time and money, thus, your call. You may go the way Mcgee suggested, or you may go with your plans of using the PT how you intended, while holding out on the firmware update for a while, and see what happens with those who do update.
As I’ve already said, it’s your call.
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To your point @drakko; I myself am still learning the basics of 3D printing, slicer sw, CAD sw, etc. Currently I have a bbl A1 Mini, & P1S; is there a setting to require acknowledgement of new fw installation, and by extension, to automatically apply fw & slicer updates? I ask as I have a PT, and would like to continue to use it unless some new functionality in the bbl fw or slicer outweigh the benefits of the PT. Cheers.
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Check your current firmware version on your printer. If you have the firmware before version 01.08.03.00, of Bambu Studio before 01.10.02.64 and of Handy before 2.17.0, try keeping it that way, and you’ll be able to continue using your PT. I’d also suggest to go for full LAN only , but then, this is up to you.
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@drakko
Thanks man, good advice & details!
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It’s been answered but I’m fond of kicking the PT when it’s down, given it’s kicked me enough.
It’s worthless. I seriously doubt (but would like to be wrong) BTT has the in’s with BL to get a work around accomplished. Also sounds like in the blog post that BL is a little put off by how BTT approached their Panda Series. It’s not spelled out but it’s there.
I have a spare Ipad mini. Thinking with the right mount I’ll just use it instead. The touch was always a half-assed approach to what it could have been. Should have been like the Klipper Pad instead of a dumbed down screen.
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My P1S is on 01.07.00.00, A1 Mini is on 01.04.00.00 , bbl slicer (A.K.A. Bambu Studio) is vers 1.10.1.50, and bbl Handy app 2.17.1. So I will keep them there and see how things shake out over time…
Thanks again!
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So I just took my iPad mini 4 and mounted it with one of the Panda Touch mounts. Almost comically large and I may look for an older iPhone to use instead. Since I don’t need the phone or anything other than wifi and a good screen shouldn’t be too expensive.
I can’t be mad. BiQu/BTT told us this could happen. Honestly I think it lasted longer than I thought it would.
I vow again to not spend any more $$ on Panda â– â– â– â– .
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I vow to say I’m not, then secretly do, complain about it every chance I get and question my own sanity all along the way.
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While messing with the iPad I had to ask myself “why”.
I ended up just going back to the P1S screen. I really don’t use it that much and the PT was often just moving the head when cleaning and fixing. Looking at it, I like not having that thick ass screen jutting out.
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BIQU has said do not upgrade the printer until they can get the panda upgraded.
Bambu is also warning about this.
So dont upgrade yet. BIQU has been around for along time. Bambu will work with the. It is patience.
No the touch wont be a $60 dollar brick. Just fo not upgrade until BIQU can work with bambu.
Just like when the first few uogrades came out people where worried about the touch and BIQU has it working. Bambu is more concerned about the small third party entities then a company like BIQU.
Also people in the begining where freaked out about security of the printers and when bambu makes security meansure people still whine.
We will be fine.
Information for users of third-party software or hardware accessories
- To control your X Series printer using third-party software or hardware accessories, it is recommended to keep your printer on the older firmware version (without Authorization Features). Upgrading the firmware will prevent third-party software or hardware from controlling the printer.
- If you upgrade to the firmware with Authorization Features, you will only be able to monitor print progress and status (e.g., status updates in HomeAssistant).
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I saw a brief vid from Ashley’s Print Shop indicating even after upgrading you can use developer mode to disable the new security features and still use the BTT PT
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But loosing other capabilities then…
I’m glad I returned my P1S on time.
And the Centaur Carbon is going to look like a pretty interesting alternative. For half the price of the P1S.
BL shot themselves a bit in the foot as it seems…
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Seems they’re thinking/working on a BL mainboard.
Could be interesting again then 
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