Help running/installing EMC for new Linux user...

[BWay]

Just the other day I loaded Linux for the first time and am really impressed with the OS so far. Now that have the OS running I am trying to get EMC installed and I am confused with what to do. So far I have downloaded the ISO image but need to run or install the software and am not sure what to do next? Any ideas?

Thanks!

[chester88]

Do you have Ubuntu 8.04 installed already on your computer? The downloaded cd is to but ubuntu 8.04 on to your computer and add the EMC files etc. If you already have Ubuntu 8.04 on your computer then follow these instructions:
http://wiki.linuxcnc.org/cgi-bin/emc..._EMC2_packages
If you have not installed Ubuntu and want to use the cd to install, put the cd in the drive and restart the computer, if the iso is good ubuntu will start - then install it .
Hope that helps.

[acondit]

Did you download the newest EMC2 LiveCD? It has Ubuntu 8.04 with EMC2 2.3.0 installed on it. You can find it at linuxcnc.org

Alan

[vlmarshall]

Originally Posted by acondit Did you download the newest EMC2 LiveCD? It has Ubuntu 8.04 with EMC2 2.3.0 installed on it. You can find it at linuxcnc.org Alan

That's how I installed mine a few months ago...a painless installation and setup for THIS Linux newbie.

[BWay]

Well the good news is that I was able to load EMC. However, it now seems that my desktop looks different. I was using Ubuntu but now I think i am running Debian? Does this make any sense?

Still trying to figure this Linux thing out.

[acondit]

OK, point of clarification. Are you running EMC or EMC2? EMC is the original branch of the software released by NIST and I am not aware that much if any maintenance is being done on it. EMC2 is much upgraded and currently maintained GPL version of the software.

If you loaded EMC2 onto a Ubuntu installation it shouldn't change it to Debian. However, both Ubuntu and Debian use ".deb" files for upgrades. If you are running EMC2, your desktop might well look different. EMC2 initially installs using Gnome instead of KDE.

Alan

[BWay]

Originally Posted by acondit OK, point of clarification. Are you running EMC or EMC2? EMC is the original branch of the software released by NIST and I am not aware that much if any maintenance is being done on it. EMC2 is much upgraded and currently maintained GPL version of the software. If you loaded EMC2 onto a Ubuntu installation it shouldn't change it to Debian. However, both Ubuntu and Debian use ".deb" files for upgrades. If you are running EMC2, your desktop might well look different. EMC2 initially installs using Gnome instead of KDE. Alan

I think I installed EMC (not EMC2). The install version I had was BDI install that I believe used Debian instead of Ubuntu. I am slowly figuring this stuff out but it just still is a little strange.

Right now I am downloading the Live CD of Ubuntu with EMC2. Once it downloads (a few hours) will reinstall and this should take care of my problems. I will post the results once I give it a shot.

Thanks for the help.

Brad

[acondit]

Originally Posted by BWay I think I installed EMC (not EMC2). The install version I had was BDI install that I believe used Debian instead of Ubuntu. I am slowly figuring this stuff out but it just still is a little strange. Right now I am downloading the Live CD of Ubuntu with EMC2. Once it downloads (a few hours) will reinstall and this should take care of my problems. I will post the results once I give it a shot. Thanks for the help. Brad

You're welcome,

Keep us posted.
Alan

[BWay]

The installed the Live CD with Ubuntu/EMC2 off the linuxcnc.org site and it worked great. I now have the OS and EMC2 app installed. After I started EMC2 for the first time it asked for which sample configuration files I would like to load. I looked over the list and was not sure. I am currently building a 3 axis servo router using Gecko 320's and a CNC4PC C11T breakoutboard. I recognize I am will need to customize the software for my specific setup BUT which sample config. files would be a good place to start?

Thanks!

Brad

[chester88]

probably using 'EMC2 Stepconf' (you find it under applications/cnc) would be the best way to build a custom configuration in your case. Stepconf is a 'wizard' specializing in building stepper based machines using the parallel port. Don't forget to read the manuals

[BWay]

Originally Posted by chester88 probably using 'EMC2 Stepconf' (you find it under applications/cnc) would be the best way to build a custom configuration in your case. Stepconf is a 'wizard' specializing in building stepper based machines using the parallel port. Don't forget to read the manuals

I have heard about the Stepconf wizard but was always under the impression that this is for stepper motors. Since I will be using servo's with the Gecko product does the stepconf apply since it is still step/direction servo system rather than a closed loop servo system?

Thanks,
Brad

[acondit]

I would agree with Chester. Don't be thrown by the fact that stepconf is designed for stepper drives, because using the G320, it appears to the system as a stepper drive even though it is actually a servo. The G320 "closes the loop" internally as opposed to in the PC as many servo users recommend (and which EMC2 is designed to support). You lose some potential benefits but get a simpler setup.

Alan