EMC configuration ini file hal stepconf

[dcas1]

Hi all
I got a couple 3 axis routers using step/dir controllers that we're running with dos contollers like CNCPRO and Turbocnc. I'm trying to get them to run EMC but am having a some problems configuring an ini file.
I think the hal is supposed to offer a graphical environment to configure the machine wiring to the controller software, but I cannot understand how to implement it. Will the hal show the real state of the pins too? That would help.
Here's what I did to get an ini file, I used step.conf and modified the Keling, got the motors to jog, and calibrated the steps to the table drives, got the directions correct. I'm using combined home and limit switches. Later on, I found that I had to modify the .ini files in a text editor (vi) in order to get the homing correct, for things like home search direction for the proper quadrant, and how much to move off the switch plus the direction, etc.
What I am really having trouble with is that I ran the file through stepconf after I'd modified it in vi, and it was corrupted by stepconf, even though I made no changes to it in stepconf.
I tried making another stepconf that will work and checked the halui checkbox in stepconf - will that cause hal to run with all the values I entered in stepconf?
How do you connect pins in hal?
It'd be handy to enter commands into an MDI in hal, like M3 to set a port pin, and M5 to clear it, and see that the pin change states real time.
If I managed to get an ini file from hal would it get corrupted if later on it ran through stepconf again?

Been reading the manuals several times but it's not sinking in. So I'm obviously screwed up. Other machines run OK, and both these machine are plain jane normal. So I've decided to ask the experts.
Anybody got any suggestions?
Just one more question. I need a LPT port pin on both of these machines, prefereably LPT16, to turn on the spindle, cooling pump, and vacuum. I'd like to set the pin with an M3 and clear the pin with an M5 command, so I won't have to modify the gcode post. Both machine spindles rotate CW only, so I don't need M4 at all.
It's supposed to be fairly easy to do in hal. Would anyone care to describe the procedure.
thanks for having a look,
cheers,
Denis

[chester88]

There is a graphical program to show you your current HAL set up. Its called halshow.
http://www.linuxcnc.org/docs/devel/h...l_halshow.html
if your using AXIS you find it under the machine tab.

Stepconf is used to produce INI and HAL files for a configuration. If you edit the INI or HAL outside of stepconf you will lose these changes next time you use stepconf because stepconf has no idea you changed them.You shouldn't have to edit the INI or HAL file to make the changes you talked about. Only if you are trying to do something unusual / outside the scope of stepconf. If you have some HAL addons you would like there is a file named custom.hal that will not be overwritten by stepconf. This is good for adding jog wheels and pyvcp panels etc.

Stepconf should connect all HAL pins for you and set up the INI file . Then run EMC start halshow and check your inputs and outputs.

did you read this?
http://www.linuxcnc.org/docs/2.3/htm..._stepconf.html

Chris

[dcas1]

Hi Chris, thanks for replying, I'll try stepconf again today.
I tried to configure Z axis yesterday and it's developed a scaling problem on the Z axis. The axis runs OK in the 'test this axis' feature in stepconf; if 1" is entered as a travel distance it traverses 1".
However, when EMC runs, the scaling gets divided down off by exactly 50%. meaning the register shows it's moved 8 inches but it's acutally only moved 4" and further movement causes the software limit to set.
Maybe it's got one of those custom hal files that was mentioned in the documentation.
Never had as much trouble before, it there anyone in Vancouver lower mainland that I could lend a hand?
cheers
Denis

[chester88]

What version of EMC are you using?
The custom HAL file would not do this unless so specifically programmed it to.
Well I'm closer the most I'm on Vancouver Island - but don't get over to mainland much.

Chris

[dcas1]

HI Chris,
EMC version # is EMC/AXIS v 2.3.5 from a download about a month ago.
Ffrom what I know it's got the fixed step.conf.
Denis

[dcas1]

Hi Chris, I made a new stepconf file entering the same values and the router seems to be working OK now, it homes, and scaling is good. In the process I ended up with some sort of phantom stepconf file which had the same number of bytes and a 2 minute different time stamp, no name but a step.conf file extension. I tried deleting it even in root and couldn't, so I deleted all the configs and started over again. Really strange behaviour. Several times in the process I had to re-enter a value in a field to get the correct performance even though it was the same value. Any ideas? Perhaps this step.conf program version is faulty, or it could be my computer.
Thanks for your help.
Denis

[chester88]

please post your stepconf file.
It is under /home/yourname/emc2/configs and ends in .stepconf

oops didn't read your last post. Yes that is weird. Glad its working now.
Chris