Custom Python M-code. Interpreter state not idle

Hi,

Im writing a custom python M-code. according to manuals and guides it is recommended to check the interpreter state (among other things) before sending commands.
(s.interp_state == linuxcnc.INTERP_IDLE)
s.interp_state returns an integer 0-3 that corresponds with the state. The Idle state is from what i can understand integer 0.
However. The state returned is 2 (paused?) I get the same result on my physical machine and in simulation.

In short. because its not idle i cant send mdi commands. Or at least i think thats why. Never the less, it should be idle...

I have copied the example in the python interface manual and it has the same issue. 

Sometimes, for inspiration how to solve a certain problem, i have a look at other linuxcnc python code, eg. axis ui.

github.com/LinuxCNC/linuxcnc/blob/master...axis/scripts/axis.py

From line 963 to 993 could be related to what you are doing.

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

It looks a lot like what i've seen on other examples.
My main issue is that s.interp_state == linuxcnc.INTERP_IDLE is never true.
I have even tried omitting that check and running a simple mdi command like: "c.mdi("G0 X10 Y20")" but the command is not processed. Instead i get a "KeyboardInterrupt" and the program exits. Probably due to the fact that the Interpreter is indeed not idle.

Hard to diagnosis accurately without sample code, but are you polling s right before the interpreter state check?

This code wont work: (copied from python interface manual)
import linuxcnc
s = linuxcnc.stat()
c = linuxcnc.command()

def ok_for_mdi():
s.poll()
return not s.estop and s.enabled and s.homed and (s.interp_state == linuxcnc.INTERP_IDLE)

if ok_for_mdi():
c.mode(linuxcnc.MODE_MDI)
c.wait_complete() # wait until mode switch executed
c.mdi("G0 X10 Y20 Z30"

Thats not the specific code I want to run. But it has the same issue.

The issue specifically is: (s.interp_state == linuxcnc.INTERP_IDLE)
This is not true the interpreter is not idle.
s.interp_state returns a 2. From what i can tell from the manual, provided the statuses for interp_state is in order 2 should mean INTERP_PAUSED.

Took a bit for the penny to drop
This is an mcode, so the interpreter is always running - 2 is interp reading.

Ok? But then how do i get access to it with a python script? Can i?

you don't need to - you already know what state the interpreter is in: 2, reading.


I'm not an expert on mcodes, but i don't think running MDI commands is possible.
What are you actually trying to do with the M code?

Can you post the example you are referencing? I can't tell if you are remapping an mcode or running an external program from an mcode.