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Deployment Modes

SpoolBuddy supports two recommended deployment models.

Mode A - Companion Only (Preferred for Lower-RAM Pi)

Run only SpoolBuddy on the Pi connected to the display; connect to remote Bambuddy server.

When to choose this

  • You already run Bambuddy on a NAS/server/mini-PC.
  • You want kiosk hardware separated from core server.
  • Your Pi is 2GB class and should not run full stack.

Install command

sudo ./install.sh --mode spoolbuddy --bambuddy-url http://192.168.1.100:8000 --api-key bb_xxx --yes

Notes

  • Pi only runs kiosk + daemon + hardware interfaces.
  • Remote Bambuddy handles API/database/web tasks.

Mode B - Full Local (Bambuddy + SpoolBuddy on the Same Pi)

Run both services on one Raspberry Pi:

  • Bambuddy backend/frontend
  • SpoolBuddy daemon
  • local kiosk display session

When to choose this

  • You want an all-in-one box.
  • Your Pi has enough resources for both workloads (4GB+ recommended).
  • You prefer simpler network topology.

Install command

sudo ./install.sh --mode full --port 8000 --yes

Notes

  • After first boot, create an API key in Bambuddy -> Settings -> API Keys, then update /opt/bambuddy/spoolbuddy/.env with SPOOLBUDDY_API_KEY=bb_xxx and restart the service (sudo systemctl restart spoolbuddy).
  • Good for single-printer or compact setups.

Recommendation

For a full compatibility matrix and per-model guidance, see Supported Pis.

In short: 2GB Pi -> Companion Only. 4GB+ Pi -> either mode depending on your preference for all-in-one vs. split architecture.