https://zmod.link/ @zmod_help_bot
Congratulations on your FlashForge printer purchase! The stock firmware is great for getting started, but if you want to unlock your device’s full potential, Z-Mod is a powerful and free solution that transforms your printer from “user-friendly” to “professional-grade”.
Z-Mod is a custom firmware modification installed on top of the stock software. It does not replace the original firmware — instead, it extends it, adding a vast number of features familiar from advanced printers, all while preserving the benefits and ease of use of the native interface.
Why "Z-Mod"? The author has been known by the nickname zserg for over 20 years. When it came time to name the mod, the answer was obvious: take the first letter of the nickname and add "mod". No hidden meaning, no symbolism — it really is exactly as simple as it looks.
Here’s what you gain by installing Z-Mod:
Stock firmware: You can send files over Wi-Fi, but only via Orca FF or the FlashForge app (both may be unavailable due to server issues). Z-Mod: Complete browser-based control from your PC or phone:
- Fluidd / Mainsail: Intuitive web interfaces showing live print stats, temperatures, fan speed control, axis movement, and full console access.
- Octo/Klipper-style file upload: Seamless integration with Orca Slicer and other slicers for direct G-code file transfers.
- Access to the printer's web interface via the Internet cloud service zmod.link
- Notification in Telegram and 100+ other services notify plugin
Stock firmware: Basic automatic bed leveling (ABL). Z-Mod:
- Adaptive Mesh (KAMP): The printer generates a mesh map only over the area where your model is located — saving time and improving accuracy.
- PID Tuning: Precise calibration of extruder and bed thermal behavior for stable, oscillation-free temperatures.
- Input Shaping: Analyzes and compensates for frame vibrations, enabling faster printing without “ringing” artifacts.
- Belt Spectrogram: Diagnoses belt condition for predictive maintenance.
- Screw Tilt Adjustment: Fully level the bed in under 10 minutes.
Stock firmware: Basic filament-runout detection. No firmware or file integrity checks → print hangs possible. Z-Mod:
- Nozzle Collision Detection: Uses strain gauges to detect nozzle collisions with the print or bed — and automatically pauses to prevent damage.
- Power-loss Recovery: Remembers the last print position and resumes after power is restored.
- Firmware Integrity Check: Validates both stock firmware and Z-Mod files to prevent corruption.
- G-code File Integrity Check: Verifies MD5 checksums during file transfer.
Stock firmware: Standard spool selection via UI menu. Z-Mod (for AD5X):
- Smart COLOR Menu: Visually select spools, color changes, and material types directly from the web UI.
- Infinite Spool Mode: If multiple spools use the same material, the printer automatically switches to the next one when the current runs out.
- Fine-tuned Purge Control: Reduce purge filament volume during color changes, saving material.
Stock firmware: Closed system. Z-Mod:
- Telegram Bot: Get real-time notifications and camera snapshots in Telegram for print start/completion.
- Plugin Support: Extend functionality via modules (e.g.,
bambufyfor better Bambu Studio compatibility). - Alternative Camera Setup: Adjustable resolution, FPS, and memory optimization for stable streaming.
- Jingle Playback: Plays custom tunes when prints start or finish.
Stock firmware: Limited configurability. Z-Mod:
- Stock LCD Disable: Frees up RAM (critical on AD5M with only 128 MB).
- GuppyScreen: Enhanced replacement UI for the printer’s display.
- HelixScreen: Enhanced replacement UI for the printer’s display.
- Log Viewing: Full system logs for diagnostics.
- Firmware Retraction: Adjust retraction parameters on-the-fly, no reslicing needed.
- Full ROOT Access: Full system control always available.
Stock firmware: AD5M runs outdated Klipper v11, plagued by bugs (E0011, E0017, incorrect object exclusion, broken SCV, faulty resume, etc.). Z-Mod:
- Fixes known Klipper bugs and enables a modern, stable version.
| If you are… | Z-Mod gives you… |
|---|---|
| A beginner | Easy remote control and automated calibrations for reliable “first-try” quality. |
| An enthusiast | Full control over every printing parameter, advanced tuning tools, and speed experimentation. |
| An AD5X owner | The most convenient multi-color workflow and reduced filament waste. |
Z-Mod doesn’t replace the stock firmware — it enhances it, giving you the choice: stick with the familiar touchscreen UI, or leverage modern 3D printing tools to get the absolute most from your FlashForge. It’s the logical next step for any FlashForge owner aiming to maximize their printer’s capabilities.
Caution
If you want to install this mod on your AD5M (Pro) / AD5X, be aware that you risk voiding the warranty or damaging the printer. Proceed at your own risk if you wish to try this mod!
If you don’t know what this is, don’t understand why a Klipper web interface is needed, or are simply satisfied with the stock firmware, do NOT install this modification. For everyone else – please read the entire instructions carefully!
After installing the mod, if you don’t want to delve into details – just print as usual. No additional configuration or changes are required. If you decide to explore further – proceed by reading the documentation.
These features are ported to the stock firmware:
- I want to install Klipper. (Klipper is already in the printer, but there is no web interface)
- Install root
- E0011 error fix
- E0017 error fix
- Disable printer updates/telemetry/Chinese clouds
- Factory reset
- Convert FF5M to FF5MPro
- Convert FF5MPro to FF5M
Compatible with clean firmware versions:
- FF5M/FF5MPro: v2.7.5 or higher (2.7.5, 2.7.6, 2.7.7, 2.7.8, 2.7.9, 3.1.3, 3.1.4, 3.1.5, 3.1.9, 3.2.3, 3.2.4, 3.2.5, 3.2.6, 3.2.7, 5.0.3)
- AD5X: only (1.0.2, 1.0.7, 1.0.8, 1.0.9, 1.1.1, 1.1.6, 1.1.7, 1.1.9, 1.2.0, 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3, 3.0.3)
Native firmware files are located here.
Installation/Update/Removal Guide
Z-Mod support Plugins
- Root access based on @darksimpson's work. Login and password: root. Link
- Beeper based on @drmax_gc's work. M300. M356 Für Elise. Link
- MD5 verification by Igor Polunovskiy. Link
- GuppyScreen
The mod uses the developments of KlipperMod, but is not its development or continuation, and is not compatible with it either in macro syntax or binary.
Since people have been asking, I accept donations but please remember that I work on Z-Mod for fun and not for the money. I will not accept donations to work on specific bugs or features.
You can find available support methods on a separate page
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