General Start information

Hello Linux World,

I am new to this forum, and am looking for some condensed information. I am very familiar with Mach 3 and have built/retrofitted several machines using USB motion control boards with good results. I am overwhelmed with the amount of information at the moment there is about Linux CNC. I can see the advantages for sure, however there doesn't seem to be the same amount of commercial products especially plug and play motion control devices like there is with Mach 3. I am most interested in the Kinematics possibilities for linux cnc. However, I need to walk before I run. I am hoping someone can quickly get me started with linux cnc. Below I am going to post some questions and hope for explanations a noob can understand. I am looking to document this entire project, and share with the forum so anyone new to linux cnc like myself has a place to start. Thank you in advance for anyone willing to lend a hand.

1. What is the best option for a plug and play motion controller ( In Mach 3 these usually have plugin files that just in in the right folder, once done it starts communicating)
2. What other hardware am I going to need other than power supplies, drives, and motors--- for stepper system--no encoders needed at this juncture
3. What are HAL files
4. Has anyone built an articulated robot.

You might want to start by trying and experimenting with the sample configurations that are included with linuxcnc. There is a good chance one will fill your needs.
Also look at Stepconf for a fast and simple path to creating your own configuration.
And PNCconf for a quick path to creating a configuration for Mesa products.


Rick G

Have you used Mesa Products? If so which ones would you recommend and why?

Brian B.

Any chance of schematics for your setup, and any general info of setting up the Mesa products. Are your Mesa product parallel, or Ethernet setup? I very much appreciate your time. I am actually doing this at a Community College, so as an instructor every bit of time you save me the more I can focus on putting it into action in the classroom. Also, can you give me an example of using a HAL File ( Is it like using Vb Script to Create Macros in Mach 3)?

I did read the link you had to the HAL files, but there is so much info there I was hoping you could break it down for me a little. Trust me if someone with experience it throwing me a bone I chase it. Other than using a Raspberry Pi a little I am a complete noob to Linux as well, so I have a steep learning curve to get up.

I made a complete set up with real issues for using a 7i77 + 5i25 + servo drive. It also covers linuxcnc installation.
You can see it here, with a lot of pictures: EuSurplus wiki