Is the PanelDue necessary to use the Duet?
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One of the things that has been holding me back from buying a duet is the cost of the touchscreen which I don't really feel I need. Can I completely set up and operate the board through the web interface or USB without ever having to plug a screen in? I know, sounds like a stupid question, but I couldn't find an answer...
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Yes, that's how I am using mine, very easy to use this way
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You don't need a PanelDue because you can control the Duet using the web interface from a PC, smartphone or tablet. And of course over USB, although few people do that because the web interface is so much better.
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I didn't think I would need the PanelDue either but I decided to splurge and try it and I'm glad I did. It definitely makes it feel more like an appliance.
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"Necessary"? Not at all. The web interface is great, and works from a phone or tablet.
Convenient? Yes.
I have two Duet based printers and only one has the panel. Works for me.
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@Splic3dBread I used mine for 2 months before adding panel due, it makes it more convenient but it is not needed as the web interface you can do using just the duet is superior to anything else I have used. I spent money on a smoothie board before my first duet and it is sitting unused in a box now with no plans to be resurrected.
One other point I did not realize when I first bought the duet, you do not just get a board you become part of a community, if I got stuck on something I would comb the forums and duet help pages for answers, if I did not find what I was looking for I posted a question and someone in that community has always shot back a suggestion, link or answer to get me moving in the right direction.
