Unlocking Your Printer: The Definitive Guide to Flashing Klipper on BTT & STM32 Boards

If you are treating your 3D printer as a simple appliance, stock firmware is sufficient. But if you are an engineering enthusiast looking to unlock high-speed kinematics and granular control, you need Klipper.

Transitioning from stock firmware (Marlin) to Klipper is the single most effective upgrade you can make for print quality and speed. However, the installation process—specifically flashing the compiled firmware to the mainboard—is often where the “magic” breaks down for beginners.

In my latest video, I walk you through the entire Klipper Install via KIAUH process, focusing specifically on the critical steps for STM32 chips and BigTreeTech (BTT) boards.

Why KIAUH?

The Klipper Installation And Update Helper (KIAUH) transforms a complex Linux command-line ordeal into a manageable menu-driven process. It handles the heavy lifting of dependencies, but it cannot decide your hardware configuration for you. That is where this guide comes in.

The Critical Path: Compiling for STM32

Most modern 3D printer mainboards, including the BigTreeTech Manta E3 EZ and the boards found in the CR10 Smart Pro, run on STM32 architecture.

When you run make menuconfig in your SSH client (we recommend PuTTY), you are building the operating system kernel for your printer.

Key Configuration Checks

1. Micro-controller Architecture: STMicroelectronics STM32
2. Processor Model: Ensure you match this exactly to the chip on your board (e.g., STM32F407).
3. Communication Interface: Typically USB (on PA11/PA12) or USART for specific wiring setups.

[!NOTE] Getting these settings wrong won’t break your board, but Klipper simply won’t connect. Always verify your chip model physically if unsure.

The “Rename Trick”: A BigTreeTech Specificity

This is the most common point of failure for new Voron or custom-build users.

Standard Klipper documentation tells you to copy the generated klipper.bin file to your SD card. However, BigTreeTech bootloaders are programmed to look for a specific filename to trigger the flash.

If you are using a BTT board, you must rename the file:

• Original: klipper.bin
• Renamed: firmware.bin

If you do not rename it, the board will ignore the update and boot into the old firmware. Once flashed successfully, the board will often rename the file on the SD card to firmware.cur (current) to indicate success.

Essential Tools for the Job

Reliable data transmission relies on reliable wiring. If you are upgrading your mainboard or building a Voron, you will be crimping JST connectors.

Sourcing the Right Tools: Do not use generic pliers. A proper crimp should “click.” I recommend specific iCrimp tools for JST/Dupont connections to ensure your CAN-bus or USB data lines are noise-free.

BigTreeTech Boards (Manta E3 EZ)

Tools & Essentials

Watch the Full Walkthrough

I break down every step visually in the video below, including how to use CyberDuck to pull the compiled binary off your Pi and onto your desktop.

Resources

• Minimal 3DP Filament Database: filament.minimal3dp.com
• KIAUH Repository: GitHub

☕ Support the Channel

Did this guide help you “root” your printer? If you found value in this technical deep dive, consider buying me a coffee to support future open-source guides.

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[include fluidd.cfg]
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# !Ender-3 S1 Plus
# printer_size: 300x300x300
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