Trying out LinuxCNC on Raspberry PI5

I setup a Raspberry PI5 using this download: 

• LinuxCNC 2.9.2  Raspberry Pi 5 OS based on Debian Bookworm Raspberry Pi 5 Uspace compatible with Mesa Ethernet and SPI interface boards.I have tried this a few times now trying to get a signal out of the GPIO pins and tried using a GPIO to Serial adapter but all have failed.  So, I did a fresh install of the operating system.  I have not run any configurations yet. Ultimately, I want to operate 2 stepper motors on an XY milling table.  The stepper motor, drive, and power supply are from Steppersonline:  www.omc-stepperonline.com/1-axis-stepper...ly-1-dm860i-s120From reading the online documentation and forum it seems I need some type on interface between the Raspberry PI5 and the stepper driver.The stepper drive seems simple enough, it needs a pulse and direction signal and the enable pulled low.  So, two questions: 1 What's the easiest interface board for a new user to use?2 Which software setup is easiest to use?  When you go to the menu structure Applications-->CNC-->LinuxCNC the window displays Sample Configurations-->sim / by_interface / by_machine / apps / atticWhich configuration will work with the above suggested hardware.I'm looking for some response like:  Use brand A Model B hardware board with Configuration C.  Something that doesn't require any post configuration.I would greatly appreciate a little guidance.  I think once I have and see one operating I'll get a better understanding of it then, I can advance it.Thanks, Mark  

What's the easiest interface board for a new user to use
Parport bob is easy to use.
There are guides to set it up.

Unless the BoB provides 3.3 <> 5.0v translation you're gunna have a bad day.

I don't think there are any sim configs for the RPi, most config will need post config.

This may help you out....there is another user trying this out, juest recently

byte2bot.com/products/parallel-port-raspberry-pi-hat

forum.linuxcnc.org/9-installing-linuxcnc...i-5?start=180#297833

Then after that it's either DIY or Mesa.

I tried the byte2bot board. Couldn't get it to work. Requires alteration of the HAL file that i don't understand. I'm looking for a combination of board and setup that doesn't require any changes to the HAL file. Will a Mesa board do that? If so which one and which setup?

Thanks

Well mate ya gunna be well outta luck.

It you want the easiest option a PC with a parallel port will just about get you there.

Or you can ask for help with the board you have.

Even a Mesa card will require you to at least have the firmware you require and setting of an IP address on the Ethernet side. There's no SPI support for the RPi5, despite what the blurb says. Trust me I think I've wasted money getting a Rpi5 for Linuxcnc.

To use the GPIO a driver has to be load and setup correctly. I don't even know if Linuxcnc supports a GPIO to serial adapter or what you mean. JT has a config tool for that floating around. Andy Pugh has the low down on how it works.

The thing is there are that many machines and combinations at at the least you ave to use at PCconf for mesa or stepconf for a parallel port setup for a PC.

We'll help but you'll have to put some effort in. If you don't want to put the effort in that's your loss.

But for a 2 axis milling machine and the level of effort you want to put in grbl might be a better option for you.

your best bet is a mesa ethernet card or get an RPi4


Im sure your configuration issue isnt anything that difficult. Im sure the company, or other users could help you to figure it out. It is also beneficial long term to try and learn the HAL

Most setups require you to do something,, but a mesa ethernet board you can use the config program, or a flexihal ethernet thing comes without changing the config but you need to load new firmware probably
or contact byte2byte to ask them for assistance


But also for anyone else interested, this fellow in the Other Languages section, has made some kind of RPi GPIO config tool

forum.linuxcnc.org/37-international-linu...-cnc-software#286005