I was there from Friday to Tuesday, and enjoyed the time talking -to fellow users and developers. - -
On the development side, we brainstormed and then started work on what we are -calling "lui", a new C API for developing LinuxCNC user interfaces. lui is the -first step of an incremental plan to eventually remove NML, or at least make it -optional. I also investigated a proposed fix for some long-standing multiple -UI fixes, which I think we should incorporate in 2.7 even though it needs -further work to support the near-mythical NML-over-TCP connection method. - -
Seb volunteered to be the release manager for 2.7, we accepted his offer, -and he created the 2.7 branch, which should now be considered to be in a -stabalization phase. - -
As far as TXRX's retrofit projects, a bunch of us worked on the "Powerhawk". A -fair amount of time was spent chasing problems with the servo motor tuning -(causes included ground loops and generating correct simulated tachometer -feedback), but we also got all home and limit switches working and started -troubleshooting the partially-done tool changer implementation. - -
On the education side, we did not do as much as we had hoped to do. I had -prepared a very introductory talk on writing hal components with -comp/halcompile. However, everybody with an interest in writing hal -components already knew everything in my presentation, so there was -little point in actually giving my talk. Jon Elson did use the Powerhawk -as an object lesson in servo tuning. - -
On the social side, it was fun to hang out with fellow LinuxCNC people, -as well as meet and talk to the TXRX locals. Everyone was quite friendly, -and I got to give the "elevator pitch" LinuxCNC introduction to a fair number -of people. Chris and Roland were great hosts, too, making sure we could come -and go at all hours. - -
I would love to return to TXRX labs for a future LinuxCNC gathering. Hopefully -that would include a little more structure (such as setting a schedule -for presentations, in case that helps bring in more people who would benefit -from them). One interesting idea I heard was getting some simpler -(bridgeport-scale) machines to retrofit with LinuxCNC, which would then be -given (back) to other hackerspaces when we were done. - -
(more photos of TXRX labs after the jump) - - -
Sorry for the poor quality of these photos, all I had was my mobile -phone. - -
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Entry first conceived on 24 October 2014, 15:40 UTC, last modified on 29 February 2016, 22:04 UTC
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