QtDesigner not showing the LinuxCNC Widgets

Newby here, I'm probably overlooking something simple, but can't figure it out.

I have installed QtDesigner by exactly following the instructions described here:
linuxcnc.org/docs/html/gui/qtvcp.html#_qtvcp_widgets

I can start QtDesigner and when I check the QtDesigner help > About plugins, I see that the libpyqt5.so and libpyqt5_py2.so have been loaded. However, I see no selectable LinuxCNC widgets. Now I'm lost.

Any ideas?

Conflicts on Debian 12 with pyqt5, we are preparing to switch to pyside 6, but slated for after redoding the deb package build shortcoming. 

I've found QtDesigner will start from the desktop menu but the LCNC & qtpyvcp plugins don't show up.

If I start QtDesigner from terminal, using "editvcp xxxx", it starts and all plugins are available. (note - "xxxx" is the name of the .ui file to be edited)

I don't understand why, and the above may not be your problem... but it's worth a shot to see if starting from terminal helps.

ALSO...

Qtvcp and QtPyVCP are not the same thing.  If you installed qtvcp from the link you posted, you will have (once it's working) the "LCNC" plugin.

If you are trying to edit/create QtPyVCP screens, you need to install using the instructions from the QtPyVCP web page (or other sources, including the .deb @ Lcvette mentioned).  That installation process will provide the QtPyVCP-specific widgets & functions.

This is a murky subject for the new-to-LCNC.  Both qtvcp and qtpyvcp rely on QtDesigner as the underlying editing software, but they require /install different plugins to be compatible with screens which were created using one or the other.

Qtvcp is part of the official LCNC framework - the official LCNC documents include references to, and instructions for using, qtvcp.

QtPyVCP is not part of the official LCNC framework.  Documentation is limited to that which is on the QtPyVCP web site + forum help.

Examples:

• You want to edit QTDragon - that's qtvcp, so install via the forum script
• You want to edit Probe Basic - that's qtpyvcp, so install via the qtpyvcp web page

in debian 12 the only installation method is the deb install. pip is no longer supports for system wide install on python 3.11 which is what the other methods rely on.

spumco wrote:

I've found QtDesigner will start from the desktop menu but the LCNC & qtpyvcp plugins don't show up.

If I start QtDesigner from terminal, using "editvcp xxxx", it starts and all plugins are available. (note - "xxxx" is the name of the .ui file to be edited)

I don't understand why, and the above may not be your problem... but it's worth a shot to see if starting from terminal helps.

will test this, thanks!