LinuxCNC Mesa 7i96s installation

I'm having a heck of a time getting Linuxcnc Debian 2.9.2 installed and working correctly. I've downloaded the iso rod has a link to in his post. I have no problem getting the Linuxcnc installed. It's when I try to run the pncconf wizzard, I can get it completed and open Linuxcnc but then everything is greyed out where I have to option to try and jog the stepper motors I have connected. I am able to connect to my Mesa 7i96s card easy and am able to ping it. Am I missing some steps? Rod has instructions to install QTPYVCP and probe basic:sudo apt install python3-qtpyvc and Installation of Ethercat - sudo apt install ethercat-master libethercat-dev.  He points to a readme file located in the home directory, which I am able to locate and follow the instructions to a T but there are always errors.

I'm wondering what I'm missing? Should I be installing the Mesa Configuration tool and using it to set through the configuration? Do I have to have ethercat installed for Linuxcnc to communicate with my 7i96s board?

I've been messing with this for several days and honestly about to pull what little hair I have left, out. If someone could maybe give me the steps in the order I have to complete them, maybe that will help? I really want to learn Linuxcnc and get it humming.

Thanks in advance for your help.
Garlen

No, you do not need Ethercat for the 7I96S, it uses normal Ethernet

You can use either pncconf or mesact, both will make working configurations for a 7I96S

It sounds like GUI problem. Exactly using GUI. What GUI do you use? Gmoccapy? Axis? Other? Can you control 7i96s outputs via halshow?

Thanks for your reply ZZ912. I ran the Pnccong and selected Gmoccapy as my GUI. I've never tried controlling the outputs via halshow. I'll have to lookup some information about halshow. I'm absolutely brand new at this so I'm as green as can be.

Look here:

Thanks for providing the link to the YouTube Video zz912!