Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the most common questions about Ryzer LED controllers.

General Questions#

What is Ryzer?#

Ryzer is an ESP32-based LED controller designed specifically for Bambu Lab 3D printers. It connects to your printer via MQTT, receives status updates, and controls WS2812B LED strips to provide visual feedback during printing.

What can Ryzer do?#

Current Features:

• Connect to Bambu Lab printers via WiFi/MQTT
• Control up to 200 WS2812B addressable LEDs
• Visual status indication (connection, updates, errors)
• Over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates
• Web-based configuration interface
• Adjustable LED brightness

Future Features (planned):

• Animated LED patterns based on print status
• Layer-by-layer progress indication
• Custom color schemes
• Multiple printer support
• Home Assistant integration

How much does Ryzer cost?#

Pricing varies based on retailer and included components. Check our website or authorized retailers for current pricing.

What’s typically included:

• Ryzer controller (Seeed XIAO ESP32-C3)
• USB-C cable
• Quick start guide

What you provide:

• WS2812B LED strip
• 5V power supply
• Basic tools for installation

Compatibility Questions#

Which Bambu Lab printers are supported?#

Ryzer works with all Bambu Lab printers that support local MQTT:

• ✅ X1 Series: X1, X1 Carbon, X1E
• ✅ P1 Series: P1P, P1S
• ✅ A1 Series: A1, A1 Mini

All Bambu Lab printers use the same MQTT protocol, so current and future models should work.

See Compatibility for detailed requirements.

Can I use Ryzer with other 3D printers?#

Currently, Ryzer is designed specifically for Bambu Lab printers. Other printers would require:

• MQTT support with similar protocol
• Custom firmware modifications
• Different configuration

Future consideration: Generic printer support may be added in future firmware if there’s demand.

What LED strips are compatible?#

Ryzer is designed for WS2812B addressable RGB LED strips (also sold as NeoPixels).

Compatible LED types:

• ✅ WS2812B (most common)
• ✅ WS2811 (similar protocol)
• ✅ SK6812 (RGB/RGBW variant)
• ✅ NeoPixel (Adafruit brand WS2812B)

NOT compatible:

• ❌ WS2801 (different protocol)
• ❌ APA102 (different protocol)
• ❌ Non-addressable RGB strips (3-wire)
• ❌ Single-color LED strips

Key specifications:

• 5V operating voltage
• Individually addressable (one data wire)
• Up to 200 LEDs supported

What WiFi networks does Ryzer support?#

Supported:

• ✅ 2.4GHz WiFi (802.11 b/g/n)
• ✅ WPA2-PSK security (WPA2-Personal)
• ✅ Standard home networks
• ✅ Static and DHCP IP assignment

NOT supported:

• ❌ 5GHz WiFi (ESP32-C3 hardware limitation)
• ❌ WPA3 security (not yet supported)
• ❌ Enterprise WPA2 (802.1X authentication)
• ❌ Hidden SSID (network must broadcast)
• ❌ Captive portal networks (hotels, coffee shops)

Most home WiFi networks work perfectly!

Setup Questions#

How long does setup take?#

Quick Setup: 5-10 minutes if you have everything ready Full Setup: 30-60 minutes including hardware assembly

Time breakdown:

• Hardware assembly: 15-30 min
• WiFi configuration: 2-5 min
• MQTT setup: 3-5 min
• LED configuration: 2-3 min
• Testing: 5-10 min

Do I need programming knowledge?#

No! Ryzer is designed for non-technical users:

• ✅ Pre-flashed firmware (works out of box)
• ✅ Web-based configuration (no code)
• ✅ Guided setup process
• ✅ Visual status indicators

Programming skills helpful for:

• Custom firmware modifications (advanced)
• Debugging via serial console (optional)
• Contributing to open-source project (optional)

What tools do I need?#

Required:

• Wire strippers (for LED strip connections)
• Small screwdriver (for some connections)

Optional but helpful:

• Multimeter (for testing voltage)
• Soldering iron (for permanent connections)
• Heat shrink tubing (for clean wiring)
• Cable ties/clips (for cable management)

Can I install Ryzer myself?#

Yes! If you can:

• Connect wires correctly (following color codes)
• Use basic hand tools
• Follow step-by-step instructions
• Connect to WiFi networks

Then you can install Ryzer! Our guides include photos and diagrams.

When to get help:

• Uncomfortable with electronics
• Unsure about electrical connections
• Want professional installation

Power Questions#

How much power do I need?#

Power requirements depend on LED count:

Calculation: LEDs × 60mA = Max current

In practice: At 40% brightness (typical), divide max by 2.5

Can I power LEDs from the Ryzer board?#

NO! The ESP32-C3 board can only power 1-2 LEDs max.

Always use external 5V power supply for LED strips!

Why?:

• ESP32 max current: ~200mA
• 10 LEDs at full brightness: 600mA
• Would damage ESP32 or brown out

Correct setup:

• External 5V supply → LED strip
• USB power → Ryzer board only
• Common ground between supply and board

What happens if power supply is too small?#

Symptoms of insufficient power:

• LEDs flicker or dim
• Colors look wrong (reddish)
• Random LED behavior
• LEDs at strip end dimmer than start
• Ryzer crashes/reboots randomly

Solution: Upgrade to higher amperage 5V supply.

Network Questions#

Does Ryzer need internet access?#

For initial setup: Yes (optional)

• Downloading firmware updates requires internet
• Time sync requires internet (optional)

For normal operation: No

• Ryzer ↔ Printer communication is local only
• MQTT is on your local network
• Web interface is local only
• No cloud services involved

Works completely offline once configured!

Is my data sent to the cloud?#

NO! Ryzer is 100% local:

• ✅ All communication stays on your network
• ✅ No data sent to external servers
• ✅ No accounts or registration required
• ✅ No analytics or tracking
• ✅ Privacy-focused design

Only internet usage:

• Firmware update checks (optional)
• Downloading updates (optional)

Can I access Ryzer from outside my home?#

Not by default (and not recommended for security).

Ryzer web interface only accessible from:

• Devices on same WiFi network
• Same local subnet

To access remotely (advanced, at your own risk):

• VPN into your home network (safest)
• Port forwarding (not recommended - security risk)
• Reverse proxy with authentication (advanced)

Features Questions#

How many LEDs can Ryzer control?#

Maximum: 200 LEDs per Ryzer controller

Why this limit?:

• ESP32-C3 memory constraints
• Data refresh rate requirements
• Power supply practicality

Need more LEDs?:

• Use multiple Ryzer controllers
• Higher-density strips (same length, more LEDs)
• Planned future feature: LED zones/segments

Can I control multiple printers with one Ryzer?#

Current: No, Ryzer connects to ONE printer at a time

To switch printers:

• Change MQTT settings in web interface
• Enter new printer’s IP and access code
• Save configuration

Future feature: Multiple printer support with LED zones

What LED patterns are available?#

Current Status Indicators:

• White: Setup/AP mode
• Light Blue: Connecting to WiFi
• Black: Normal operation
• Purple: Checking for updates
• Orange: Downloading update
• Green: Update successful
• Red: Error condition
• Yellow: Warning state

Future Features (planned):

• Layer-by-layer print progress
• Animated patterns during printing
• Custom color schemes
• Print state indication (printing, paused, done, error)
• Customizable patterns via web UI

Can I customize LED colors?#

Current: Status colors are fixed (system indicators)

Future features (planned):

• Custom color palettes
• User-defined patterns
• Per-status color customization
• RGB color picker in web interface

Stay tuned for firmware updates!

Troubleshooting Questions#

LEDs aren’t lighting up at all#

Check these in order:

1. ✅ Is LED power supply plugged in and turned on?
2. ✅ Is power supply providing 5V? (test with multimeter)
3. ✅ Are all grounds connected? (PSU, LED, Ryzer)
4. ✅ Is data wire connected to D6?
5. ✅ Is data wire on DIN (not DOUT) of LED strip?
6. ✅ Is LED strip oriented correctly? (check arrow)

See LED Troubleshooting for detailed help.

Can’t access http://ryzer.local#

Quick fixes:

1. Try using IP address instead of .local
2. Check if on same WiFi network as Ryzer
3. Try different browser (Chrome works best)
4. Wait 1-2 minutes after power-on
5. Check LED color (black = connected)

Find IP address:

• Check router’s connected devices
• Use network scanner app (Fing)
• Serial console output (115200 baud)

See Connection Troubleshooting for more.

Ryzer won’t connect to my WiFi#

Most common causes:

1. Wrong password (50% of issues) - Check caps, special chars
2. 5GHz network - Ryzer only supports 2.4GHz
3. WPA3 security - Change router to WPA2
4. Hidden SSID - Make network visible

See WiFi Requirements above.

Can’t connect to printer via MQTT#

Check these:

1. ✅ Printer and Ryzer on same WiFi network?
2. ✅ Printer IP address correct?
3. ✅ Access code correct? (8 characters, case-sensitive)
4. ✅ Device/serial number correct?
5. ✅ Printer powered on and connected to WiFi?

Find printer info:

• Printer touchscreen: Settings → Network
• IP Address, Access Code, Serial Number all there

See Connecting to Printer guide.

Update Questions#

How do I update firmware?#

Easy OTA (Over-The-Air) updates:

1. Open Ryzer web interface
2. Go to Firmware page
3. Click “Check for Updates”
4. Click “Update” button
5. Wait 1-3 minutes
6. Done!

No USB cable or programming required!

See Updating Firmware for step-by-step guide.

How often should I update?#

Recommended: Check for updates monthly

Update when:

• New features you want
• Bug fixes for issues you’re experiencing
• Security patches
• Improved printer support

No rush if:

• Everything working well
• Happy with current features
• Prefer stability over new features

Automatic updates (future feature): Optional automatic update checks and notifications.

Will updates erase my settings?#

NO! Updates preserve all your settings:

• ✅ WiFi configuration
• ✅ MQTT settings
• ✅ LED count and brightness
• ✅ All preferences

Only updated:

• Firmware code
• Web interface files
• System functions

Backup recommended: Note down your settings before major updates (good practice).

What if update fails?#

Ryzer is protected:

• ✅ Won’t brick your device
• ✅ Stays on old firmware if update fails
• ✅ Can try update again
• ✅ Can downgrade if needed

If update fails:

1. Device boots back to working firmware
2. Try update again (often works second time)
3. Check WiFi signal strength
4. See Update Troubleshooting

Support Questions#

Where can I get help?#

Official Resources:

• 📚 Documentation - Comprehensive guides
• 🔧 Troubleshooting - Common issues
• ❓ FAQ - You’re here!

Community Support:

• 💬 Discussion Forum - Ask questions
• 🐛 Issue Tracker - Report bugs
• 📱 Discord/Reddit (if available)

Before asking for help:

1. Check documentation
2. Search existing discussions/issues
3. Gather diagnostic information (LED colors, error messages, serial logs)

How do I report a bug?#

On GitHub:

1. Check existing issues first
2. Create new issue if unique
3. Include:
   • Firmware version
   • Steps to reproduce
   • Expected vs actual behavior
   • Serial console output (if possible)
   • Photos/videos (if relevant)

Good bug reports get fixed faster!

Can I contribute to Ryzer?#

Yes! Contributions welcome:

• 💻 Code contributions (firmware, UI)
• 📝 Documentation improvements
• 🐛 Bug reports and testing
• 💡 Feature suggestions
• 🌍 Translations (future)

Get started:

• Check CONTRIBUTING.md
• Browse open issues
• Join community discussions

No coding required: Documentation and testing help appreciated!

Where is the source code?#

Ryzer is open source!

Repository: github.com/your-repo/ryzer

What’s included:

• Firmware source (ESP32-C3)
• Web interface source (Next.js)
• Build scripts and tools
• Documentation
• Release management

License: [To be specified] - Check repository

Purchase Questions#

Where can I buy Ryzer?#

Official sources:

• Ryzer website - Direct purchase
• Authorized retailers (list on website)

What to check:

• ✅ Official packaging
• ✅ Latest firmware version
• ✅ Warranty information
• ✅ Return policy

What’s included in the kit?#

Standard Kit:

• Ryzer controller (ESP32-C3 board)
• USB-C cable
• Quick start guide
• Mounting hardware (varies)

NOT included (you provide):

• WS2812B LED strip
• 5V power supply
• Connecting wires
• Tools

Optional accessories:

• Pre-wired LED strips
• Power supplies (various amperage)
• Mounting brackets
• Extension cables

Is there a warranty?#

Warranty terms vary by retailer and region. Check with your seller for:

• Warranty period (typically 6-12 months)
• What’s covered (manufacturing defects)
• What’s NOT covered (misuse, water damage)
• Return/replacement process

DIY builds: No warranty on self-sourced components

Can I build my own?#

Yes! Ryzer is open source:

What you need:

• Seeed XIAO ESP32-C3 board
• WS2812B LED strip
• 5V power supply
• USB-C cable
• PlatformIO (for flashing)

Build process:

1. Buy components separately
2. Flash firmware from GitHub
3. Upload filesystem (web UI)
4. Wire up hardware
5. Configure via web interface

Cost savings: ~30-50% vs. pre-made kit

Trade-offs:

• Requires technical skills
• No pre-assembled hardware
• No official support (community only)
• DIY assembly time

See Development Guide for building from source.

Still Have Questions?#

Can’t find your answer?

1. Search documentation: Use search bar above
2. Browse troubleshooting: Connection, LED, MQTT
3. Ask community: Discussion forum
4. Report issue: GitHub Issues for bugs

We’re here to help!