PathPirate - Automated configuration changes to PathPilot

Recently, I added ClearPath servos to my 1100-3 machine.  It was tedious enough when I just had an encoder to make all the changes necessary every time I updated versions (or tested a PathPilot beta release for Tormach), but the Servo changes makes this even worse.  So I wrote a script to automate the changes, and I thought I would share it with the group.

It can be found in my github repository:

github.com/snowgoer540/PathPirate

Currently it will only add an encoder and/or servos to an 1100-3 machine.  However, for any Tormach machine, it can:

• compare Tormach's changes to INI and/or HAL files between versions
• add HALSHOW (called by the MDI command: ADMIN HALSHOW)
• convert the MAX VEL slider to a RAPID slider so rapid movements can be controlled independently of feed moves (not possible with MAX VEL)

Thanks to Peter (PCW), the firmware that is included with PathPirate turns on the DPLL functionality that Tormach uses.  Therefore the HAL file does not require the modifications to remove the DPLL lines that it did previously when the non-DPLL firmware that is floating around here was used.

Also, thanks to Phill (phillc54) for being willing to provide preliminary testing and feedback even though he doesn't have a Tormach machine.

Suggestions and feedback are welcomed.  In the future, I may attempt to block Tormach's restart on version upgrades, and call this script instead so the changes can be made with only one restart being required (instead of two).  Also, when only configuration changes are necessary and not Mesa firmware updates (or the firmware was already updated), it would be nice to only restart PathPilot instead of the whole computer.

Sure I’m happy to share.  I’ve been dragging my feet on making a wiring diagram, so perhaps this will motivate me a bit

I’ll gather up the model numbers when I get a chance.  Give me a few days

Good deal! Did you order the DB25 connector to plug into the 5i25 header, and another db25 cable as well?

If not, they may be able to combine if you email them, they're pretty good about that, and it's still 5:46am in Cali.