Latest BDI with Joypad?

[benedict]

Not in any way a mission critical issue, but I tried using the joypad.hal file from the EMC Wiki with the latest BDI, and ran across errors. I don't have my EMC computer in front of me, but if I remember right the errors had to do with names for the coolant on bits in halui not existing (so it might just be a change in naming schemes).

Before I start digging in up to my elbows, I figured I'd ask: Has anyone tweaked the joypad stuff to work with the latest BDI? I think I'm running EMC 2.1.16, whatever came on the BDI.

Thanks,

Tom

[cyclestart]

Originally Posted by benedict Not in any way a mission critical issue, but I tried using the joypad.hal file from the EMC Wiki with the latest BDI, and ran across errors.

It's possible the information on the wiki is not 100% up to date. Just a guess. I've spotted the fellow who added that wiki entry on the emc-users mailing list, so maybe you can reach him there.

I think I'm running EMC 2.1.16, whatever came on the BDI.

If it is called 2.1.something it will be emc2. BDI and emc2 have become different branches of the original emc project. Or maybe more correctly, emc2 is the main emc project and BDI has branched off.

edit: Double checking the information, it is possible to have a BDI version 2.1.something. It would be a bit old at this point as the branching of the projects is not a recent event. The story of the EMC/BDI split is a bit sad really.

[benedict]

I figured some of it out a couple of days ago. I wasn't including:

HALUI = halui

That's done now, and things did start. But the behavior is a little odd (like once it starts moving, I can't get it to stop!) In any case I'm guessing it's a matter of tuning at this point.

I get the uncomfortable feeling there are a number of not so happy stories in the past of EMC. Last I touched it it was EMC (no EMC2 at that point) on Redhat 5.2. Yeah, it's been a while. EMC2 running on Ubuntu was an eye-opening experience.

I don't really have network access out in my shop, so automagically updating EMC2 isn't entirely easy. Since I'm probably not running the latest version of EMC2, what's the most common route for upgrades? Build from source? Or grab a binary package and stick it on the machine in question? (For the record, I'm not asking for the BEST route... just the most common. Easier to get help that way when I do something wrong.)

Thanks a bunch.

Tom

[cyclestart]

Originally Posted by benedict I don't really have network access out in my shop, so automagically updating EMC2 isn't entirely easy. Since I'm probably not running the latest version of EMC2, what's the most common route for upgrades? Build from source? Or grab a binary package and stick it on the machine in question? (For the record, I'm not asking for the BEST route... just the most common. Easier to get help that way when I do something wrong.)

A good question and a situation I'll soon be in as the little mini-mill can't stay in the house much longer. I' m hoping it will be as easy as burning a deb package or two and pointing apt or synaptic at this source. However emc 2.2 is right around the corner and that update might throw monkey into the plan.

If the question is how to install the latest emc on your existing OS, my suggestion would be don't unless there is a really compelling reason. The ubuntu disk available at linuxcnc.org works just fine here.

In any case, I plan to stay in lockstep with the developers. These guys are doing good work.

update/ emc2.2 was released today. The ubuntu live disk will reflect this change in a week or so. Also spotted this;
http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/emc...tallingUpdates

[benedict]

Aaaaah... I think I'm using the wrong terms, then. I thought the Ubuntu disk at linuxcnc.org was the BDI. So I have to retract what I said about my setup. I'm using the latest Ubuntu disk from linuxcnc.org rather than the BDI.

ROCKIN' on the news of the 2.2 release. I'll hold off monkeying with my setup until the new Ubuntu LiveCD is released. Right now all my NC files and configs live on a little USB flash drive anyway, so a blow-away install is fine by me.

Thanks!

Tom