> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://stem-docs.intellectualpoint.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Setup and calibration

> Power on, connect to Wi-Fi, bind the Flash Maker app, and run automatic calibration for your first print.

## Bringing your printer to life

Everything is assembled and filament is loaded. Now we power on the Adventurer 5M, walk through the on-screen setup, connect it to Wi-Fi, bind it to the **Flash Maker** app on your phone, and run **automatic calibration**. By the end you will be ready to print.

<iframe src="https://iframe.mediadelivery.net/embed/697805/7a62a6ed-9e30-42bc-80f1-7dc3ae0525de?autoplay=false&preload=false" style={{ width: "100%", aspectRatio: "16/9", border: "none" }} allow="encrypted-media; picture-in-picture" allowFullScreen />

<Info>
  For this step you will need your **home Wi-Fi name and password** and a **smartphone** to install the Flash Maker app. If you do not know your Wi-Fi details, ask a parent or guardian.
</Info>

## Power on

<Steps>
  <Step title="Plug into the wall">
    Connect the power cable to a wall outlet with the printer switch still off.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Flip the power switch on">
    Turn the switch to the **on (I)** position. The FlashForge logo appears, then the printer plays a short jingle and shows "initialization" while it boots. Give it a minute.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select your language">
    When the boot completes, choose your language (English is the default) and tap the blue **Next** button at the bottom right.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## On-screen setup checklist

The printer confirms a few things before it calibrates:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="1. Confirm packing materials are removed" icon="package-open">
    Verify there is **no foam, no stickers**, and the four bed screws are removed - which you did during assembly. Everything should be clear.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="2. Confirm the heated bed is unlocked" icon="lock-open">
    The printer needs the bed free to calibrate. You unlocked it when you removed the four silver screws on the base plate.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="3. Continue to network setup" icon="arrow-right">
    Tap **Next** to move to the Wi-Fi settings page.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Connect to Wi-Fi

<Steps>
  <Step title="Turn on Wi-Fi">
    On the network settings page, toggle the **Wi-Fi icon to on**. A "please wait" message appears while the printer scans for networks.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select your home network">
    Choose your network from the list by its name (SSID). You must know your home network name - this is the network your printer will use to receive print jobs.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter your password">
    Type your Wi-Fi password and wait for the printer to connect.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm connection">
    A green checkmark confirms the SSID connected and an IP address was assigned. Tap **OK**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Connecting to Wi-Fi is what lets you send prints from your computer or phone straight to the printer - no USB stick required.
</Tip>

## Bind the Flash Maker app

The printer displays a **QR code** to link it to a Flash Maker account.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Install Flash Maker">
    On your phone, open the app store and search **Flash Maker** (look for the black and white logo). Install and open it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Accept the agreement">
    Read the user agreement and privacy policy, then tap **I agree**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Register an account">
    Tap **Register account**. Enter your email, create a password, and request a **verification code**. Check your email for a message from FlashForge and enter the one-time code.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add the printer">
    In the app, tap the **plus (+)** icon to add a printer, allow camera access, and scan the **QR code** on the printer screen.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm binding">
    The app asks to confirm binding the **Adventurer 5M** to your account. Tap **Confirm binding**. Your printer appears in the app with its serial number, and the status updates to idle.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  Binding links your specific printer to your Flash Maker account so you can monitor and control it remotely - even from outside your home if you add the optional camera.
</Info>

## Run automatic calibration

The Adventurer 5M probes the bed at many points and automatically compensates for any unevenness, so your first layer comes out flat and even without manual knob-twisting.

<Frame caption="How automatic bed leveling works">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/intellectualpoint/O5GrjWnEycOQFaAQ/images/adv3d/bed-leveling.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=O5GrjWnEycOQFaAQ&q=85&s=c5d5508822e2cac57c503d2c1360971d" alt="Diagram of automatic bed leveling showing probe points, a height map, and compensation to a level surface" width="1536" height="1024" data-path="images/adv3d/bed-leveling.png" />
</Frame>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Start calibration">
    Back on the printer, tap **Next**. The printer begins automatic calibration.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Do not touch the printer">
    Calibration runs through **four cycles** and takes a few minutes. Do not touch the printer while it works - just let it finish. The app will show the printer as "busy."
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait for the countdown to finish">
    When the on-screen timer counts down to zero and all four cycles complete, calibration is done.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Skip or run filament loading">
    The printer offers to walk you through loading filament. Since you already loaded it, you can tap **Skip**. Your printer is now ready to print.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Never touch or bump the printer during calibration. Interfering with the process gives bad measurements and leads to poor first layers on every print until you re-calibrate.
</Warning>

## You are ready to print

Once calibration finishes and filament is loaded, you can start printing:

1. Design a model on your computer, or download a G-code or model file from a free 3D model site.
2. Upload it to your **Flash Maker** account. It syncs to the app on your phone.
3. Open the print in the app and send it straight to your printer. It even shows an estimated print time.

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Print from your phone" icon="smartphone">
    Send jobs to the printer from the Flash Maker app anywhere on your network.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Optional camera" icon="camera">
    Add a camera to watch your prints live from anywhere with an internet connection.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Remote stop" icon="circle-stop">
    Spot a problem? Stop the print from your phone, even after it finishes.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Check>
  Your printer is powered on, connected to Wi-Fi, bound to Flash Maker, and calibrated. Filament is loaded and you are ready to send your first print.
</Check>

<Tip>
  Next we cover the **slicing software** you will use to turn 3D models into printable G-code, then dive into **nozzles** so you understand the tip that makes it all happen.
</Tip>