Qtscreen uses QtVCP widgets for LinuxCNC integration.

Widget is the general name for the UI objects such as buttons and labels in PyQt.

You are free to use any available default widgets in the Qt Designer editor.

There are also special widgets made for LinuxCNC that make integration easier. These are split in two, heading on the right side of the editor:

  • One is for HAL only widgets.

  • The other is for CNC control widgets.

You are free to mix them in any way on your panel.

Note
This description of widget properties can easily be out of date due to further development and lack of people to write docs (a good way to give back to the project). The definitive descriptions are found by looking in the source code.

1. HAL Only Widgets

These widgets usually have HAL pins and don’t react to the machine controller.

1.1. XEmbed - Program Embedding Widget

Allows one to embed a program into the widget.

Only programs that utilize the xembed protocol will work such as:

  • GladeVCP virtual control panels

  • Onboard virtual keyboard

  • QtVCP virtual control panels

  • mplayer video player

1.2. Slider - HAL Pin Value Adjusting Widget

Allows one to adjust a HAL pin value using a sliding pointer.

1.3. LED - Indicator Widget

QtVCP LED: LED Indicator Widget
Figure 1. QtVCP LED: LED Indicator Widget

A LED like indicator that optionally follows a HAL pin’s logic.

halpin_option

Selects if the LED follows an input HAL pin or program state.

diameter

Diameter of the LED

color

Color of the LED when on.

off_color

Color of the LED when off.

alignment

Qt alignment hint.

state

Current state of LED

flashing

Turns flashing option on and off.

flashRate

Sets the flash rate.

The LED properties can be defined in a stylesheet with the following code added to the .qss file, name_of_led being the widget name defined in Qt Designer’s editor:

LED #name_0f_led{
  qproperty-color: red;
  qproperty-diameter: 20;
  qproperty-flashRate: 150;
}

1.4. CheckBox Widget

This widget allows the user to check a box to set a HAL pin true or false.

It is based on PyQt’s QCheckButton.

1.5. RadioButton Widget

This widget allows a user to set HAL pins true or false. Only one RadioButton widget of a group can be true at a time.

It is based on PyQt’s QRadioButton.

1.6. Gauge - Round Dial Gauge Widget

QtVCP `Gauge`: Round Dial Gauge Widget
Figure 2. QtVCP Gauge: Round Dial Gauge Widget

Round Gauge can be used in a LinuxCNC GUI to display an input parameter on the dial face.

Customizable Parameters

There are several properties that are user settable in order to customize the appearance of the gauge.

The following parameters can be set either programmatically or via the Qt Designer property editor.

halpin_option

Setting this to True will create 2 HAL pins:

  • One is for setting the value input

  • The other is for setting the setpoint.

If this option is not set, then value and setpoint must be connected programmatically, i.e., in the handler file.

max_reading

This value determines the highest number displayed on the gauge face.

max_value

This is the maximum expected value of the value input signal.
In other words, it is the full scale input.

num_ticks

This is the number of ticks/gauge readings on the gauge face.
It should be set to a number that ensures the text readings around the gauge face are readable.
The minimum allowed value is 2.

zone1_color

Zone1 extends from the maximum reading to the threshold point.
It can be set to any RGB color.

zone2_color

Zone2 extends from the threshold point to the minimum reading, which is 0.
It can be set to any RGB color.

bezel_color

This is the color of the outer ring of the gauge.

threshold

The threshold is the transition point between the zones.
It should be set to a value between 0 and the maximum value.
The maximum allowed value is set to the gauge’s max_value and minimum value is 0.

gauge_label

This is the text below the value readout, near the bottom of the gauge.
The function of the gauge is then easily visible.

Non Customizable Parameters

There are 2 inputs that are not customizable. They can be set via HAL pins, programmatically or via signals from other widgets:

value

This is the actual input value that will be displayed with the gauge needle and in the digital readout.
It must be set to a value between 0 and max_value maximum value.

setpoint

This is a value that determines the location of a small marker on the gauge face. It must be set to a value between 0 and the maximum value.

1.7. HalBar - HAL Bar Level Indicator

QtVCP HalBar: Panel demonstrating the HAL Bar Level Indicator
Figure 3. QtVCP HalBar: Panel demonstrating the HAL Bar Level Indicator

This widget is used to indicate level or value, usually of a HAL s32/float pin.
you can also disable the HAL pin and use Qt signals or python commands to change the level.

1.7.1. Bar Properties:

HalBar is a subclass of the Bar widget, so it inherits these properties

  • stepColorList: a list of color strings, the number of colors defines the number of bars.

  • backgroundColor: a QColor definition of the background color.

  • setMaximum: an integer that defines the maximum level of indication.

  • setMinimum: an integer that defines the lowest level of indication.

1.7.2. halBar Properties:

  • pinType: to select HAL pins type:

    • NONE no HAL pin will be added

    • S32 A S32 integer pin will be added

    • FLOAT A Float pin will be added

  • pinName: to change the HAL pin name otherwise the widget base name is used.

1.7.3. HalBar style sheets

The above Bar properties could be set in styles sheets.
pinType and pinName properties can not be changed in stylesheets.

Note
In style sheets, stepColorList is a single string of color names separated by commas.
HalBar{
    qproperty-backgroundColor: #000;
    qproperty-stepColorList: 'green,green,#00b600,#00b600,#00d600,#00d600,yellow,yellow,red,red';
}

1.8. HALPad - HAL Buttons Joypad

QtVCP HALPad: HAL Buttons Joypad
Figure 4. QtVCP HALPad: HAL Buttons Joypad

This widget looks and acts like a 5 buttons D-pad, with an LED ring.

Each button has an selectable type (Bit, S32 or Float) output HAL pin.

The LED center ring has selectable colors for off and on and is controlled by a bit HAL pin.

HALPad ENUMS

There are enumerated constants used:

  • To reference indicator positions:

    • NONE

    • LEFT

    • RIGHT

    • CENTER

    • TOP

    • BOTTOM

    • LEFTRIGHT

    • TOPBOTTOM

  • For HAL pins type:

    • NONE

    • BIT

    • S32

    • FLOAT

You use the widget name in Qt Designer plus the reference constant:

self.w.halpadname.set_highlight(self.w.halpadname.LEFTRIGHT)
HALPad Properties
pin_name

Optional name to use for the HAL pins basename. If left blank, the Qt Designer widget name will be used.

pin_type

Select the HAL output pin type. This property is only used at startup. Selection can be set in Qt Designer:

  • NONE

  • BIT

  • S32

  • FLOAT

left_image_path
right_image_path
center_image_path
top_image_path
bottom_image_path

File or resource path to an image to display in the described button location.
If the reset button is pressed in the Qt Designer editor property, the image will not be displayed (allowing optional text).

left_text
right_text
center_text
top_text
bottom_text

A text string to be displayed in the described button location.
If left blank an image can be designated to be displayed.

true_color
false_color

Color selection for the center LED ring to be displayed when the <BASENAME>.light.center HAL pin is True or False.

text_color

Color selection for the button text.

text_font

Font selection for the button text.

HALPad Styles

The above properties could be set in styles sheets.

HALPad{
    qproperty-on_color: #000;
    qproperty-off_color: #444;
}

1.9. PushButton - HAL Pin Toggle Widget

This widget allows a user to set a HAL pin true or false with the push of a button.

As an option it can be a toggle button.

For a LED Indicator Option, see [sub:qtvcp:widgets:indicatedpushbutton][IndicatedPushButton] below for more info.

It also has other options.

It is based on PyQt’s QPushButton.

1.10. focusOverlay - Focus Overlay Widget

This widget places a colored overlay over the screen, usually while a dialog is showing.

QtVCP focus overlay
Figure 5. Focus overlay example for confirm close prompt

Used to create a focused feel and to draw attention to critical information.

It can also show a translucent image.
It can also display message text and buttons.

This widget can be controlled with STATUS messages.

1.11. gridLayout - Grid Layout Widget

This widget controls if the widgets inside it are enabled or disabled.

Disabled widgets typically have a different color and do not respond to actions.

It is based on PyQt’s QGridLayout.

1.12. hal_label - HAL Label Widget

This widget displays values sent to it.

Values can be sent from:

  • HAL pins
    The input pin can be selected as Bit, S32, Float or no pin selected

  • Programmatically

  • A QtSignal

There is a textTemplate property to set the rich text and/or to format the text.
Basic formatting might be:

  • %r for booleans

  • %d for integers

  • %0.4f for floats.

A rich text example might be:

self.w.my_hal_label.setProperty(textTemplate,"""
<html>
<head/>
<body>
  <p><span style="font-size:12pt;font-weight:600;color:#f40c11;">%0.4f</span></p>
</body>
</html>
"""
)

The setDisplay slot can be connected to an integer, a float or a bool signal.

If the property pin_name is not set the widget name will be used.

There are function calls to display values:

[HALLabelName].setDisplay(some_value)

Can be used to set the display if no HAL pin is selected.

[HALLabelName].setProperty(textTemplate,"%d")

Sets the template of the display.

It is based on PyQt’s QLabel.

1.13. LCDNumber - LCD Style Number Readout Widget

This widget displays HAL float/s32/bit values in a LCD looking way.

It can display numbers in decimal, hexadecimal, binary and octal formats by setting the mode property.

When using floats you can set a formatting string.

You must set the digitCount property to an appropriate setting to display the largest number.

Properties
pin_name

Option string to be used as the HAL pin name.
If set to an empty string the widget name will be used.

bit_pin_type

Selects the input pin as type BIT.

s32_pin_type

Selects the input pin as type S32.

float_pin_type

Select the input pin as type FLOAT.

floatTemplate

A string that will be used as a Python3 format template to tailor the LCD display.
Only used when a FLOAT pin is selected, e.g., {:.2f} will display a float rounded to 2 numbers after the decimal.
A blank setting will allow the decimal to move as required.

It is based on PyQt’s QLCDNumber.

1.14. DoubleScale - Spin Button Entry Widget

This widget is a spin button entry widget used for setting a s32 and float HAL pin.

It has an internal scale factor, set to a default of 1, that can be set programmatically or using a QtSignal.

The setInput slot can be connected to an integer, or a float signal.

[HALLabelName].setInput(some_value)

This is a function call to change the internal scaling factor.

The HAL pins will be set to the value of the internal scale times the widget displayed value.

1.15. GeneralHALInput - General Signals/Slots Input Connection Widget

This widget is used to connect an arbitrary Qt widget to HAL using signals/slots.

It is used for widgets that should respond to HAL pin changes.

1.16. GeneralHALOutput - General Signals/Slots Output Connection Widget

This widget is used to connect an arbitrary Qt widget to HAL using signals/slots.

It is used for widgets that should control HAL pins.

1.17. WidgetSwitcher - Multi-widget Layout View Switcher Widget

This is used to switch the view of a multi-widget layout to show just one widget, i.e. to flip between a large view of a widget and a smaller multi widget view.

It is different from a stacked widget as it can pull a widget from anywhere in the screen and place it in its page with a different layout than it originally had.

The original widget must be in a layout for switcher to put it back.

In Qt Designer you will:

  • Add the WidgetSwitcher widget on screen.

  • Right click the WidgetSwitcher and add a page.

  • Populate it with the widgets/layouts you wish to see in a default form.

  • Add as many pages as there are views to switch to.

  • On each page, add a layout widget.
    After adding the layout you must right click the widget switcher again and set the layout option.

  • Click on the WidgetSwitcher widget and then scroll to the bottom of the property editor.

  • Look for the dynamic property widget_list and double click to the right of it.

  • A dialog pops up allowing you to add the names of the widgets to move to the pages you added to the WidgetSwitcher.

There are function calls to display specific widgets.
By calling one of these functions, you control what widget is currently displayed:

[_WidgetSwitcherName_].show_id_widget(_number_)
[_WidgetSwitcherName_].show_named_widget(_widget_name_)
[_WidgetSwitcherName_].show_default()

This shows the page 0 layout, and puts all other widgets back to where they were as initially built in Qt Designer.

[_WidgetSwitcherName_].show_next()

Show next widget.

It is based on the QStack widget.

2. Machine Controller Widgets

These widgets interact with the Machine Controller state.

2.1. ActionButton - Machine Controller Action Control Widget

These buttons are used for control actions on the machine controller.

They are built on top of IndicatedPushButton so can have LEDs overlaid.

Note
If you left double click on this widget you can launch a dialog to set any of these actions. The dialogs will help to set the right related data to the selected action. You can also change these properties directly in the property editor.
Actions

You can select one of these:

Estop
Machine On
Auto
mdi
manual
run
run_from_line status

Gets line number from STATUS message gcode-line-selected.

run_from_line slot

Gets line number from Qt Designer int/str slot setRunFromLine.

abort
pause
load dialog

Requires a dialog widget present.

Camview dialog

Requires camview dialog widget present.

origin offset dialog

Requires origin offset dialog widget present.

macro dialog

Requires macro dialog widget present.

Launch Halmeter
Launch Status
Launch Halshow
Home

Set the joint number to -1 for all-home.

Unhome

Set the joint number to -1 for all-unhome.

Home Selected

Homes the joint/axis selected by STATUS.

Unhome Selected

Unhomes the joint/axis selected by STATUS.

zero axis
zero G5X

Zeros the current user coordinate system offsets.

zero G92

Zeros the optional G92 offsets.

zero Z rotational

Zeros the rotation offset.

jog joint positive

Set the joint number.

jog joint negative

Set the joint number.

jog selected positive

Selected with a different widget or STATUS.

jog selected negative

Selected with a different widget or STATUS.

jog increment

Set metric/imperial/angular numbers.

jog rate

Set the float/alt float number.

feed override

Set the float/alt float number.

rapid override

Set the float/alt float number.

spindle override

Set the float/alt float number.

spindle fwd
spindle backward
spindle stop
spindle up
spindle down
view change

Set view_type_string.

limits override
flood
mist
block delete
optional stop
mdi command

Set command_string, i.e.,calls a hard coded MDI command

INI mdi number

Set ini_mdi_number, i.e., calls an INI based MDI command

dro absolute
dro relative
dro dtg
exit screen

Closes down LinuxCNC

Override limits

Temporarily override hard limits

launch dialogs

Pops up dialogs if they are included in ui file.

set DRO to relative
set DRO to absolute
set DRO to distance-to-go

Attributes

These set attributes of the selected action (availability depends on the widget):

toggle float option

Allows jog rate and overrides to toggle between two rates.

joint number

Selects the joint/axis that the button controls.

incr imperial number

Sets the imperial jog increment (set negative to ignore).

incr mm number

Sets the metric jog increment (set negative to ignore).

incr angular number

Sets the angular jog increment (set negative to ignore).

float number

Used for jograte and overrides.

float alternate number

For jograte and overrides that can toggle between two float numbers.

view type string

Can be:

  • p,

  • x, y, y2, z, z2,

  • zoom-in, zoom-out,

  • pan-up, pan-down, pan-left, pan-right,

  • rotate-up, rotate-down, rotate-cw, rotate-ccw

  • clear.

command string

MDI command string that will be invoked if the MDI command action is selected.

ini_mdi_number

A reference to the INI file [MDI_COMMAND_LIST] section.
Set an integer of select one line under the INI`s [MDI_COMMAND] line starting at 0.
Then in the INI file, under the heading [MDI_COMMAND_LIST] add appropriate lines.
The commands are separated by the ;.
The label is set after the comma, and \n symbol adds a line break.

[MDI_COMMAND_LIST]
MDI_COMMAND = G0 Z25;X0 Y0;Z0, Goto\nUser\nZero
MDI_COMMAND = G53 G0 Z0;G53 G0 X0 Y0, Goto\nMachn\nZero

Action buttons are subclassed from [sub:qtvcp:widgets:indicatedpushbutton][IndicatedPushButton]. See the following sections for more information about:

2.2. ActionToolButton - Optional Actions Menu Button Widget

ActionToolButton buttons are similar in concept to action buttons, but they use QToolButtons to allow for optional actions to be selected by pushing and holding the button till the option menu pops up.

Currently there is only one option: userView.

It is based on PyQt’s QToolButton.

userView Record and Set User View Widget

User View tool button allows to record and return to an arbitrary graphics view.

Press and hold the button to have the menu pop up and press record view to record the currently displayed graphics view.

Click the button normally to return to the last recorded position.

The recorded position will be remembered at shutdown if a preference file option is set up.

Note
Due to programming limitations, the recorded position may not show exactly the same. Particularly, if you pan zoomed out and pan zoomed in again while setting the desired view.
Best practice is to select a main view, modify as desired, record, then immediately click the button to switch to the recorded position. If it is not as you like, modify its existing position and re-record.

2.3. RoundButton - Round Shapped ActionButton Widget

Round buttons work the same as ActionButtons other than the button is cropped round.

They are intended only to be visually different.

They have two path properties for displaying images on true and false.

2.4. AxisToolButton - Select and Set Axis Widget

This allows one to select and set an axis.

If the button is set checkable, it will indicate which axis is selected.

If you press and hold the button a pop up menu will show allowing one to:

  • Zero the axis

  • Divide the axis by 2

  • Set the axis arbitrarily

  • Reset the axis to the last number recorded

You must have selected an entry dialog that corresponds to the dialog_code_string, usually this is selected from the screenOptions widget.

You can select the property halpin_option, it will then set a HAL pin true when the axis is selected. The property joint_number should be set to the appropriate joint number. The property axis_letter should be set to the appropriate axis letter.

The property dialog_code_string can be changed to ENTRY or CALCULATOR to call a typing only entry dialog or a touch/typing calculator type entry dialog.

It is based on PyQt’s QToolButton.

2.5. CamView - Workpiece Alignment and Origin Setting Widget

This widget displays a image from a web camera.

It overlays an adjustable circular and cross hair target over the image.

CamView was built with precise visual positioning in mind.

This is used to align the work piece or zero part features using a webcam.

It uses OpenCV vision library.

2.6. DROLabel - Axis Position Display Widget

This will display the current position of an axis.

Qjoint_number

Joint number of offset to display (10 will specify rotational offset).

Qreference_type

Actual, relative or distance to go (0,1,2).

metric_template

Format of display, e.g. %10.3f.

imperial_template

format of display, e.g. %9.4f.

angular_template

Format of display, e.g. %Rotational: 10.1f.

The DROLabel widget holds a property isHomed that can be used with a stylesheet to change the color of the DRO_Label based on homing state of the joint number in LinuxCNC.

Here is a sample stylesheet entry that:

  • Sets the font of all DRO_Label widgets,

  • Sets the text template (to set resolution) of the DRO,

  • Then sets the text color based on the Qt isHomed property.

DROLabel {
    font: 25pt "Lato Heavy";
    qproperty-imperial_template: '%9.4f';
    qproperty-metric_template: '%10.3f';
    qproperty-angular_template: '%11.2f';
}

DROLabel[isHomed=false] {
    color: red;
}

DROLabel[isHomed=true] {
    color: green;
}

Here is how you specify a particular widget by its objectName in Qt Designer:

DROLabel #dr0_x_axis [isHomed=false] {
    color: yellow;
}

It is based on PyQt’s QLabel.

2.7. GcodeDisplay - G-code Text Display Widget

This displays G-code in text form, highlighting the currently running line.

This can also display:

  • MDI history when LinuxCNC is in MDI mode.

  • Log entries when LinuxCNC is in MANUAL mode.

  • Preference file entries if you enter PREFERENCE in capitals into the MDILine widget.

It has a signal percentDone(int) that can be connected to a slot (such as a progressBar to display percent run).

auto_show_mdi_status

Set true to have the widget switch to MDI history when in MDI mode.

auto_show_manual_status

Set true to have the widget switch to machine log when in Manual mode.

The GcodeDisplay properties can be set in a stylesheet with the following code added to the .qss file (the following color choices are random).

EditorBase{
    qproperty-styleColorBackground: lightblue;
    qproperty-styleColor0: black;
    qproperty-styleColor1: #000000; /* black */
    qproperty-styleColor2: blue;
    qproperty-styleColor3: red;
    qproperty-styleColor4: green;
    qproperty-styleColor5: darkgreen;
    qproperty-styleColor6: darkred;
    qproperty-styleColor7: deeppink;
    qproperty-styleColorMarginText: White;
    qproperty-styleColorMarginBackground: blue;
    qproperty-styleFont0: "Times,12,-1,0,90,0,0,0,0,0";
    qproperty-styleFont1: "Times,18,-1,0,90,1,0,0,0,0";
    qproperty-styleFont2: "Times,12,-1,0,90,0,0,0,0,0";
    qproperty-styleFont3: "Times,12,-1,0,90,0,0,0,0,0";
    qproperty-styleFont4: "Times,12,-1,0,90,0,0,0,0,0";
    qproperty-styleFont5: "Times,12,-1,0,90,0,0,0,0,0";
    qproperty-styleFont6: "Times,12,-1,0,90,0,0,0,0,0";
    qproperty-styleFont7: "Times,12,-1,0,90,0,0,0,0,0";
    qproperty-styleFontMargin: "Times,14,-1,0,90,0,0,0,0,0";
}

For GcodeDisplay widget’s default G-code lexer:

  • styleColor0 = Default: Everything not part of the groups below

  • styleColor1 = LineNo and Comments: Nxxx and comments (characters inside of and including () or anything after ; (when used outside of parenthesis) with the exception of the note below)

  • styleColor2 = G-code: G and the digits after

  • styleColor3 = M-code: M and the digits after

  • styleColor4 = Axis: XYZABCUVW

  • styleColor5 = Other: EFHIJKDQLRPST (feed, rpm, radius, etc.)

  • styleColor6 = AxisValue: Values following XYZABCUVW

  • styleColor7 = OtherValue: Values following EFHIJKDQLRPST$

Note
For comments, the "OtherValue" color (Color 5) can be used to highlight "print," "debug," "msg," "logopen," "logappend," "logclose" "log," "pyrun," "pyreload" "abort," "probeopen" "probeclose" inside of a parenthesis comment in a line of G-code. As well as "py," if a line that starts with ";py,". Examples: (print, text), (log, text), (msg, text), or (debug, text). Only the last of the examples will be highlighted if there are more than one on the same line.

Font definitions:

"style name, size, -1, 0, bold setting (0-99), italics (0-1),
underline (0-1),0,0,0"

It is based on PyQt’s QsciScintilla.

2.8. GcodeEditor - G-code Program Editor Widget

This is an extension of the GcodeDisplay widget that adds editing convenience.

It is based on PyQt’s QWidget which incorporates GcodeDisplay widget.

2.9. GCodeGraphics - G-code Graphic Backplot Widget

QtVCP GcodeGraphics: G-code Graphic Backplot Widget
Figure 6. QtVCP GcodeGraphics: G-code Graphic Backplot Widget

This displays the current G-code in a graphical form.

Stylesheets Properties
dro-font/dro-large-font (string)

Sets the small and large DRO font properties
Here we reference with the widget base name; GCodeGraphics

GCodeGraphics{
    qproperty-dro_font:"monospace  bold 12";
}
GCodeGraphics{
    qproperty-dro_large_font:"Times 25";
}
_view (string)

Sets the default view orientation on GUI load.
Valid choices for a lathe are p, y, y2. For other screens, valid choices are p, x, y, z, z2.
The following shows an example of how to set this property (referenced using the widget user selected name):

#gcodegraphics{
    qproperty-_view: z;
}
_dro (bool)

Determines whether or not to show the DRO.
The following shows an example of how to set this property:

#gcodegraphics{
    qproperty-_dro: False;
}
_dtg (bool)

Determine whether or not to show the Distance To Go.
The following shows an example of how to set this property:

#gcodegraphics{
    qproperty-_dtg: False;
}
_metric (bool)

Determines whether or not to show the units in metric by default.
The following shows an example of how to set this property:

#gcodegraphics{
    qproperty-_metric: False;
}
_overlay (bool)

Determines whether or not to show the overlay by default.
The following shows an example of how to set this property:

#gcodegraphics{
    qproperty-_overlay: False;
}
_offsets (bool)

Determines whether or not to show the offsets by default.
The following shows an example of how to set this property:

#gcodegraphics{
    qproperty-_offsets: False;
}
_small_origin (bool)

Determines whether or not to show the small origin by default.
The following shows an example of how to set this property:

#gcodegraphics{
    qproperty-_small_origin: False;
}
overlay_color (primary, secondary, or RGBA formatted color)

Sets the default overlay color.
The following shows an example of how to set this property:

#gcodegraphics{
    qproperty-overlay_color: blue;
}
background_color (primary, secondary, or RGBA formatted color)

Sets the default background color.
The following shows an example of how to set this property:

#gcodegraphics{
    qproperty-background_color: blue;
}
+_use_gradient_background+ (bool)

Determines whether or not use a gradient background by default.
The following shows an example of how to set this property:

#gcodegraphics{
    qproperty-_use_gradient_background: False;
}
jog_color (primary, secondary, or RGBA formatted color)

Sets the default jog color.
The following shows an example of how to set this property:

#gcodegraphics{
    qproperty-jog_color: red;
}
Feed_color (primary, secondary, or RGBA formatted color)

Sets the default feed color.
The following shows an example of how to set this property:

#gcodegraphics{
    qproperty-Feed_color: green;
}
Rapid_color (primary, secondary, or RGBA formatted color)

Sets the default rapid color.
The following shows an example of how to set this property:

#gcodegraphics{
    qproperty-Rapid_color: rgba(0, 0, 255, .5);
}
InhibitControls (bool)

Determines whether or not to inhibit external controls by default.
The following shows an example of how to set this property:

#gcodegraphics{
    qproperty-InhibitControls:True;
}
MouseButtonMode (int)

Changes the mouse button behavior to rotate, move or zoom within the preview.
The following shows an example of how to set this property:

#gcodegraphics{
    qproperty-MouseButtonMode: 1;
}

There are 12 valid modes:

Mode

Move

Zoom

Rotate

0

Left

Middle

Right

1

Middle

Right

Left

2

Middle

Left

Right

3

Left

Right

Middle

4

Right

Left

Middle

5

Right

Middle

Left

Modes 6-11 are intended for machines that only require a 2D preview such as plasma or some lathes and have no rotate button assigned.

Mode

Move

Zoom

6

Left

Middle

7

Middle

Left

8

Right

Left

9

Left

Right

10

Middle

Right

11

Right

Middle

MouseWheelInvertZoom (bool)

Determines whether or not to invert the zoom direction when zooming with the mouse wheel.
The following shows an example of how to set this property:

#gcodegraphics{
    qproperty-MouseWheelInvertZoom:True;
}
ACTION functions

The ACTION library can control the G-code graphics widget.

ACTION.RELOAD_DISPLAY()

Reload the current program which recalculates the origin/offsets.

ACTION.SET_GRAPHICS_VIEW(_view_)

The following view commands can be sent:

  • clear

  • zoom-in

  • zoom-out

  • pan-up

  • pan-down

  • pan-right

  • pan-left

  • rotate-cw

  • rotate-ccw

  • rotate-up

  • rotate-down

  • overlay-dro-on

  • overlay-dro-off

  • overlay-offsets-on

  • overlay-offsets-off

  • alpha-mode-on

  • alpha-mode-off

  • inhibit-selection-on

  • inhibit-selection-off

  • dimensions-on

  • dimensions-off

  • grid-size

  • record-view

  • set-recorded-view

  • P

  • X

  • Y

  • Y2

  • Z

  • Z2

  • set-large-dro

  • set-small-dro

ACTION.ADJUST_PAN(_X,Y_)

Directly set the relative pan of view in x and y direction.

ACTION.ADJUST_ROTATE(_X,Y_)

Directly set the relative rotation of view in x and y direction.

It is based on PyQt’s OpenGL widget.

2.10. StateLabel - Controller Modes State Label Display Widget

This will display a label based on the machine controller modes true/false states.

You can select between different texts based on true or false.

States Selection Properties

The states are selectable via these properties:

css_mode_status

True when machine is in G96 Constant Surface Speed Mode.

diameter_mode_status

True when machine is in G7 Lathe Diameter Mode.

fpr_mode_status

True when machine is in G95 Feed per revolution Mode.

metric_mode_status

True when machine is in G21 Metric Mode.

Text templates properties
true_textTemplate

This will be the text set when the option is True.
You can use Qt rich text code for different fonts/colors etc.
Typical template for metric mode in true state, might be: Metric Mode

false_textTemplate

This will be the text set when the option is False.
You can use Qt rich text code for different fonts/colors etc.
Typical template for metric mode in false state, might be: Imperial Mode.

It is based on PyQt’s QLabel.

2.11. StatusLabel - Controller Variables State Label Display Widget

This will display a label based on selectable status of the machine controller.
You can change how the status will be displayed by substituting python formatting code in the text template. You can also use rich text for different fonts/colors etc.

Selectable States

These states are selectable:

actual_spindle_speed_status

Used to display the actual spindle speed as reported from the HAL pin spindle.0.speed-i.
It’s converted to RPM.
A textTemplate of %d would typically be used.

actual_surface_speed_status

Used to display the actual cutting surface speed on a lathe based on X axis and spindle speed.
It’s converted to distance per minute.
A textTemplate of %4.1f (feet per minute) and altTextTemplate of %d (meters per minute) would typically be used.

blendcode_status

Shows the current G64 setting.

current_feedrate_status

Shows the current actual feedrate.

current_FPU_status

Shows the current actual feed per unit.

fcode_status

Shows the current programmed F code setting.

feed_override_status

Shows the current feed override setting in percent.

filename_status

Shows the last loaded file name.

filepath_status

Shows the last loaded full file path name.

gcode_status

Shows all active G-codes.

gcode_selected_status

Show the current selected G-code line.

halpin_status

Shows the HAL pin output of a selected HAL pin.

jograte_status

Shows the current QtVCP based Jog Rate.

jograte_angular_status

Shows the current QtVCP based Angular Jog Rate.

jogincr_status

Shows the current QtVCP based Jog increment.

jogincr_angular_status

Shows the current QtVCP based Angular Jog increment.

machine_state_status

Shows the current machine interpreter state using the text described from the machine_state_list.
The interpreter states are:

  • Estopped

  • Running

  • Stopped

  • Paused

  • Waiting

  • Reading

max_velocity_override_status

Shows the current max axis velocity override setting.

mcode_status

Shows all active M-codes.

motion_type_status

Shows current type of machine motion using the text described from the motion_type_list.

  • None

  • Rapid

  • Feed

  • Arc

  • Tool Change

  • Probe

  • Rotary Index

requested_spindle_speed_status

Shows the requested spindle speed - actual may be different.

rapid_override_status

Shows the current rapid override setting in (0-100) percent.

spindle_override_status

Shows the current spindle override setting in percent.

timestamp_status

Shows the time based on the system settings.
An example of a useful textTemplate setting: %I:%M:%S %p.
See the Python time module for more info.

tool comment_status

Returns the comment text from the current loaded tool.

tool diameter_status

Returns the diameter from the current loaded tool.

tool_number_status

Returns the tool number of the current loaded tool.

tool_offset_status

Returns the offset of the current loaded tool, indexed by index_number to select axis (0=x,1=y,etc.).

user_system_status

Shows the active user coordinate system (G5x setting).

Other Properties
index_number

Integer that specifies the tool status index to display.

state_label_list

List of labels used to describe different machine states.

motion_label_list

List of labels used to describe different motion types.

halpin_names

Name of a halpin to monitor (must be the complete name, including the HAL component basename).

textTemplate

This is usually used for imperial (G20) or angular numerical settings, though not every option has imperial/metric conversion.
This uses Python formatting rules to set the text output.
One can use %s for no conversion, %d for integer conversion, %f for float conversion, etc.
You can also use Qt rich text code.
Typical template used for formatting imperial float numbers to text would be %9.4f or %9.4f inch.

alt_textTemplate

This is usually used for metric (G21) numerical settings.
This uses Python formatting rules to set the text output.
Typical template used for formatting metric float to text would be %10.3f or %10.3f mm.

It is based on PyQt’s QLabel.

2.12. StatusImageSwitcher - Controller Status Image Switcher

Status image switcher will switch between images based on LinuxCNC states.

*watch_spindle

Toggles between 3 images: stop, fwd, revs.

*watch_axis_homed

Toggles between 2 images: axis not homed, axis homed.

*watch_all_homed

Would toggle between 2 images: not all homed, all homed.

*watch_hard_limits

Would toggle between 2 images or one per joint.

Here is an example of using it to display an icon of Z axis homing state:

QtVCP StatusImageSwitcher: Controller Status Image Switcher
Figure 7. QtVCP StatusImageSwitcher: Controller Status Image Switcher

In the properties section notice that:

  • watch_axis_homed is checked

  • axis_letter is set to Z

If you double click the image_list a dialog will show and allow you to add image paths to.

If you have one image as an icon and one clear image then that will look like it shows and hides the icon.

Selecting image paths can be done by selecting the pixmap property and selecting an image.

Note
The pixmap setting is for test display only and will be ignored outside of Qt Designer.
  • Right click the image name and you should see Copy path.

  • Click Copy path.

  • Now double click the image list property so the dialog shows.

  • Click the New button.

  • Paste the image path in the entry box.

Do that again for the next image.
Use a clear image to represent a hidden icon.

You can test the images display from the image list by changing the image number. In this case 0 is unhomed and 1 would be homed.
This is for test display only and will be ignored outside of Qt Designer.

2.13. StatusStacked - Mode Status Display Switching Widget

This widget displays one of three panels based on LinuxCNC’s mode.

This allows you to automatically display different widgets on Manual, MDI and Auto modes.

TODO

It is based on PyQt’s QStacked widget.

2.14. JogIncrements - Jog Increments Value Selection Widget

This widget allows the user to select jog increment values for jogging.

The jogging values come from the INI file under:

  • [DISPLAY]INCREMENTS, or

  • [DISPLAY]ANGULAR_INCREMENTS

This will be available to all widgets through STATUS.

You can select linear or angular increments by the property linear_option in Qt Designer property editor.

It is based on PyQt’s ComboBox.

2.15. ScreenOption - General Options Setting widget

This widget doesn’t add anything visually to a screen but sets up important options.

This is the preferred way to use these options.

Properties

These properties can be set in Qt Designer, in Python handler code or (if appropriate) in stylesheets.

These include:

halCompBaseName

If left empty QtVCP will use the screen’s name as the HAL component’s basename.
If set, QtVCP will use this string as the HAL component’s basename.
If the -c command line option is used when loading QtVCP, it will use the name specified on the command line - it overrides all above options.
If you programmatically set the basename in the handlerfile - it will override all above options.
This property cannot be set in stylesheets.

notify_option

Hooking into the desktop notification bubbles for error and messages.

notify_max_messages

Number of messages shown on screen at one time.

catch_close_option

Catching the close event to pop up a 'are you sure' prompt.

close_overlay_color

Color of transparent layer shown when quitting.

catch_error_option

Monitoring of the LinuxCNC error channel.
This also sends the message through STATUS to anything that registers.

play_sounds_option

Playing sounds using beep, espeak and the system sound.

use_pref_file_option

Setting up a preferences file path.
Using the magic word WORKINGFOLDER in the preference file path will be replaced with the launched configuration path, e.g. WORKINFOLDER/my_preferences.

use_send_zmq_option

Used to initiate ZMQ based outgoing messages.

use_receive_zmq_messages

Used to initiate ZMQ based in coming messages.
These messages can be used to call functions in the handler file, allowing external programs to integrate tightly with QtVCP based screens.

embedded_program_option

Embed programs defined in the INI.

default_embed_tab

This is the property for a default location to embed external programs.
It should be set to name of a tab page widget in Qt Designer.

focusOverlay_option

Focus_overlay will put a transparent image or colored panel over the main screen to emphasize focus to an external event - typically a dialog.

messageDialog_option

Sets up the message dialog - used for general messages.

message_overlay_color

Color of transparent layer shown when the message dialog is shown.

closeDialog_option

Sets up the standard close screen prompt dialog.

entryDialog_option

Sets up the numerical entry dialog.

entryDialogSoftKey_option

Sets up a floating software keyboard when entry dialog is focused.

entry_overlay_color

Color of transparent layer shown when the entry dialog is shown.

toolDialog_option

Sets up the manual tool change dialog, including HAL pin.

tool_overlay_color

Color of transparent layer shown when the tool dialog is shown.

ToolUseDesktopNotify

Option to use desktop notify dialogs for manual tool change dialog.

ToolFrameless

Frameless dialogs can not be easily moved by users.

fileDialog_option

Sets up the file choosing dialog.

file_overlay_color

Color of transparent layer shown when the file dialog is shown.

keyboardDialog_option

Sets up a keyboard entry widget.

keyboard_overlay_color

Color of transparent layer shown when the keyboard dialog is shown.

vesaProbe_option

Sets up the Versa style probe dialog.

versaProbe_overlay_color

Color of transparent layer shown when the versaProbe dialog is shown.

macroTabDialog_option

Sets up the macro selection dialog.

macroTab_overlay_color

Color of transparent layer shown when the macroTab dialog is shown.

camViewDialog_option

Sets up the camera alignment dialog.

camView_overlay_color

Color of transparent layer shown when the camView dialog is shown.

toolOffset_option

Sets up the tool offset display/editor dialog.

toolOffset_overlay_color

Color of transparent layer shown when the toolOffset dialog is shown.

originOffset_option

Sets up the origin display/editor dialog.

originOffset_overlay_color

Color of transparent layer shown when the originOffset dialog is shown.

calculatorDialog_option

Sets up the calculator entry dialog.

calculator_overlay_color

Color of transparent layer shown when the calculator dialog is shown.

machineLogDialog_option

Sets up a dialog to display logs from the machine and QtVCP.

machineLog_overlay_color

Color of transparent layer shown when the machineLog dialog is shown.

runFromLineDialog_option

Sets up a dialog to display starting options when starting machine execution from a arbitrary line.

runFromLine_overlay_color

Color of transparent layer shown when the runFromLine dialog is shown.

Setting Properties Programmatically

The screen designer chooses the default settings of the screenOptions widget.

Once chosen, most won’t ever need to be changed. But if needed, some can be changed in the handler file or in stylesheets.

  • In the handler file:
    Here we reference the widget by the Qt Designer user defined name:

    # red,green,blue,alpha 0-255
    color = QtGui.QColor(0, 255, 0, 191)
    self.w.screen_options.setProperty('close_overlay_color', color)
    self.w.screen_options.setProperty('play_sounds_option',False)
  • In style sheets:
    Here we can reference the widget by Qt Designer user defined name or by widget class name.

    /* red, green, blue 0-255, alpha 0-100% or 0.0 to 1.0 */
    /* the # sign is used to refer to Qt Designer defined widget name */
    /* matches/applied to only this named widget */
    #screen_options {
      qproperty-close_overlay_color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.75)
    }
    /* red, green, blue 0-255, alpha 0-100% or 0.0 to 1.0 */
    /* use widget class name */
    /* matches/applied to all widgets of this class */
    ScreenOptions {
      qproperty-close_overlay_color: rgba(0, 255, 0, 0.75)
    }

Some settings are only checked on startup so will not cause changes after startup. In these cases you would need to make the changes in Qt Designer only.

Preference File Entries

If the preference file option is selected, screenOption widget will make an INI based preference file.

While other QtVCP widgets will add to this list, the screenOptions widget will add these entries under the following headings:

[SCREEN_OPTIONS]
catch_errors (bool)
desktop_notify (bool)

Whether to display errors/messages in the system’s notification mechanism.

notify_max_msgs (int)

Number of displayed errors at one time.

shutdown_check (bool)

Whether to pop a confirmation dialog.

sound_player_on (bool)

Turns all sounds on or off.

[MCH_MSG_OPTIONS]
mchnMsg_play_sound (bool)

To play alert sound when dialog pops.

mchnMsg_speak_errors (bool)

To use Espeak to speak error messages.

mchnMsg_speak_text (bool)

To use Espeak to speak all other messages.

mchnMsg_sound_type (str)

Sound to play when messages displayed. See notes below.

[USER_MSG_OPTIONS]
usermsg_play_sound (bool)

To play alert sound when dialog pops.

userMsg_sound_type (str)

Sound to play when user messages displayed. See notes below.

userMsg_use_focusOverlay (bool)
[SHUTDOWN_OPTIONS]
shutdown_play_sound (bool)
shutdown_alert_sound_type (str)

Sound to play when messages displayed. See notes below.

shutdown_exit_sound_type (str)

Sound to play when messages displayed. See notes below.

shutdown_msg_title (str)

Short title string to display in dialog.

shutdown_msg_focus_text (str)

Large text string to superimpose in focus layer.

shutdown_msg_detail (str)

Longer descriptive string to display in dialog.

NOTIFY_OPTIONS
notify_start_greeting (bool)

Whether to display a greeting dialog on start-up.

notify_start_title (str)

Short Title string.
If the speak option is also selected it will be spoken with Espeak.

notify_start_detail (str)

Longer description string.

notify_start_timeout (int)

Time in seconds to display before closing.

*_sound_type entries
  • System Sounds
    In Debian/Ubuntu/Mint based installations these system sounds should be available as sound-type entries above:

    • ERROR

    • READY

    • DONE

    • ATTENTION

    • RING

    • LOGIN

    • LOGOUT

    • BELL

    These Sound options require python3-gst1.0 installed.

  • Audio Files
    You can also specify a file path to an arbitrary audio file.
    You can use ~ in path to substitute for the user home file path.

  • Kernel Beeps
    If the beep kernel module is installed and it is not disabled, these sound-type entries are available:

    • BEEP

    • BEEP_RING

    • BEEP_START

  • Text-To-Speech
    If the Espeak module (python3-espeak) is installed, you can use the SPEAK entry to pronounce text:

  • SPEAK '_my message_'

2.16. StatusSlider - Controller Setting Adjustment Slider Widget

This widget allow the user to adjust a LinuxCNC setting via a slider.

The widget can adjust:

  • Jog rate

  • Angular jog rate

  • Feed rate

  • Spindle override rate

  • Rapid override rate

Properties

StatusSlider has the following properties:

halpin_option

Sets option to make a HAL float pin that reflects current value.

rapid_rate

Selects a rapid override rate slider.

feed_rate

Selects a feed override rate slider.

spindle_rate

Selects a spindle override rate slider.

jograte_rate

Selects a linear jograte slider.

jograte_angular_rate

Selects a angular jograte slider.

max_velocity_rate

Selects a maximum velocity rate slider.

alertState

String to define style change: read-only, under, over and normal.

alertUnder

Sets the float value that signals the stylesheet for under warning.

alertOver

Sets the float value that signals the stylesheet for over warning.

These can be set in:

  • Qt Designer

  • Python handler code,

    self.w.status_slider.setProperty('spindle_rate',True)
    self.w.status_slider.setProperty('alertUnder',35)
    self.w.status_slider.setProperty('alertOver',100)
  • Or (if appropriate) in stylesheets.

    /* warning colors for overrides if out of normal range*/
    /* widget object name is slider_spindle_ovr */
    
    #slider_spindle_ovr[alertState='over'] {
        background: red;
    }
    #slider_spindle_ovr[alertState='under'] {
        background: yellow;
    }

It is based on PyQt’s QSlider.

2.17. StateLED - Controller State LED Widget

This widget gives status on the selected LinuxCNC state.

States

The state options are:

is_paused_status
is_estopped_status
is_on_status
is_idle_status_
is_homed_status
is_flood_status
is_mist_status
is_block_delete_status
is_optional_stop_status
is_joint_homed_status
is_limits_overridden_status
is_manual_status
is_mdi_status
is_auto_status
is_spindle_stopped_status
is_spindle_fwd_status
is_spindle_rev_status
is_spindle_at_speed_status
is_neg_limit_tripped
is_pos_limit_tripped
is_limits_tripped

Properties

There are properties that can be changed:

halpin_option

Adds an output pin that reflects selected state.

invert_state_status

Invert the LED state compared to the LinuxCNC state.

diameter

Diameter of the LED.

color

Color of the LED when on.

off_color

Color of the LED when off.

alignment

Qt Alignment hint.

state

Current state of LED (for testing in Qt Designer).

flashing

Turns flashing option on and off.

flashRate

Sets the flash rate.

The LED properties can be defined in a stylesheet with the following code added to the .qss file.

State_LED #name_of_led{       <1>
  qproperty-color: red;
  qproperty-diameter: 20;
  qproperty-flashRate: 150;
}
  1. name_of_led would be the name defined in Qt Designer’s editor.

It is based on the LED widget.

2.18. StatusAdjustmentBar - Controller Value Setting Widget

This widget allows setting values using buttons while displaying a bar.

It also has an optional hi/low toggle button that can be held down to set the levels.

The widget can adjust:

  • Jog rate

  • Angular jog rate

  • Feed rate

  • Spindle override rate

  • Rapid override rate

It is based on PyQt’s QProgressBar.

2.19. SystemToolButton - User System Selection Widget

This widget allows you to manually select a G5x user system by pressing and holding.

If you don’t set the button text it will automatically update to the current system.

It is based on PyQt’s QToolButton.

2.20. MacroTab - Special Macros Widget

QtVCP MacroTab: Special Macros Widget
Figure 8. QtVCP MacroTab: Special Macros Widget

This widget allows a user to select and adjust special macro programs for doing small jobs.

It uses images for visual representation of the macro and for an icon.

It searches for special macros using the INI definition:

[RS274NGC]
SUBROUTINE_PATH =

The macros are O-word subroutines with special comments to work with the launcher. The first three lines must have the keywords below, the fourth is optional.

Here is a sample for the first four lines in an O-word file:

; MACROCOMMAND = Entry1,Entry2
; MACRODEFAULTS = 0,true
; MACROIMAGE = my_image.svg,Icon layer number,Macro layer number
; MACROOPTIONS = load:yes,save:yes,default:default.txt,path:~/macros
MACROCOMMAND

This is the first line in the O-word file.

It is a comma separated list of text to display above an entry.
There will be one for every variable required in the O-word function.

If the macro does not require variables, leave it empty:

; MACROCOMMAND=
MACRODEFAULTS

This must be the second line in the O-word file.

It is a comma separated list of the default values for each variable in the O-word function.

If you use the word true or false in the list, a *checkbutton* will be shown.

MACROIMAGE

This must be the third line in the O-word file.

  • SVG Images
    If using SVG image files, they must end with the .svg extension.

    The images must be added to SVG layers which are used to define the different images for macro and icon.

    Value is comma separated list of three ordered fields:

    ; MACROIMAGE=filename.svg,macro_layer_name[,icon_layer_name]

    With:

    _filename_.svg

    SVG image file name as first field.
    It is assumed to be in the same folder as the O-word file.

    *macro_layer_name

    Macro image layer name as second field.

    icon_layer_name

    Icon image layer name as optional third field. If the third entry is missing, the same image will be used for macro and icon.

  • PNG/JPG Images:
    Value remains a comma separated list:

    ; MACROIMAGE=macro_image.(png|jpg)[,icon_image.(png|jpg)]

    With:

    _macro_image_.(png|jpg)

    Macro image file name as first field.
    It is assumed that the image file are in the same folder than the macro.

    _icon_image_.(png|jpg)

    Icon image file name as optional second field.
    If the second entry is missing the same image will be used for macro and image.

If the keyword is present but the entries are missing, no images will be used.

MACROOPTIONS

This optional line must be the fourth line in the O-word file.

It is a comma separated list of keyword and data:

LOAD:yes

Shows a load button.

SAVE:yes

Shows a save button.

2.21. MDILine - MDI Commands Line Entry Widget

One can enter MDI commands here.

A popup keyboard is available.

Embedded Commands

There are also embedded commands available from this widget.

Enter any of these case sensitive commands to load the respective program or access the feature:

HALMETER

Starts LinuxCNC halmeter utility.

HALSHOW

Starts LinuxCNC halshow utility.

HALSCOPE

Starts LinuxCNC halscope utility.

STATUS

Starts LinuxCNC status utility.

CALIBRATION

Starts LinuxCNC Calibration

CLASSICLADDER

Starts the ClassicLadder GUI if the ClassicLadder realtime HAL component was loaded by the machine’s config files.

PREFERENCE

Loads the preference file into the GcodeEditor.

CLEAR HISTORY

Clears the MDI History.

net

See halcmd net commands.
An error will result if the command is unsuccessful.

  • Syntax: net <signal name> <pin name>

  • Example: net plasmac:jog-inhibit motion.jog-stop

setp

Sets the value of a pin or a parameter.
Valid values depend on the object type of the pin or parameter.
It results in an error if the data types do not match or the pin is connected to a signal.

  • Syntax: setp <pin/parameter-name> <value>

  • Example: setp plasmac.resolution 100

unlinkp

Disconnects a pin from a signal.
An error will result if the pin does not exist.
Running LinuxCNC from terminal may help determine the root cause as error messages from hal_lib.c will be displayed there.

  • Syntax: unlinkp <pin name>

  • Example: unlinkp motion.jog-stop

Note
The MDILine function spindle_inhibit can be used by a GUI’s handler file to inhibit M3, M4, and M5 spindle commands if necessary.

It is based on PyQt’s QLineEdit.

2.22. MDIHistory - MDI Commands History Widget

Displays a scrollable list of past MDI command.

An edit line is embedded for MDI commands. The same MDILine embedded commands may be accessed from this widget.

The history is recorded on a file defined in the INI under the heading [DISPLAY] (this shows the default):

MDI_HISTORY_FILE = '~/.axis_mdi_history'

2.23. MDITouchy - Touch Screen MDI Entry Widget

QtVCP MDITouchy: Touch Screen MDI Entry Widget
Figure 9. QtVCP MDITouchy: Touch Screen MDI Entry Widget

This widget displays buttons and entry lines to use for entering MDI commands.

Based on LinuxCNC’s Touchy screen’s MDI entry process, its large buttons are most useful for touch screens.

To use MDITouchy:

  • First press one of the G/XY, G/RO, M or T button. On the left will show the entry fields that can be filled out.

  • Then press Next and Back to navigate between fields.

  • Calc will pop up a calculator dialog.

  • Clear clears the current entry.

  • Set Tool will call for a tool change.

  • Set Origin will allow setting the origin of the current G6x system.

  • Macro will call any available macro ngc programs.

The widget requires an explicit call to MDITouchy Python code to actually run the MDI command:

  • For handler file code
    If the widget was named mditouchy in Qt Designer, the command below would run the displayed MDI command:

    self.w.mditouchy.run_command()
  • For action button use
    If the widget was named mditouchy in Qt Designer, use the action button’s Call Python commands option and enter:

    INSTANCE.mditouchy.run_command()

The macro button cycles though macros defined in the INI [DISPLAY] heading.

Add one or more MACRO lines of the following format:

MACRO = macro_name [param1] [... paramN]

In the example below, increment is the name of the macro, and it accepts two parameters, named xinc and yinc.

MACRO = incerment xinc yinc

Now, place the macro in a file named macro_name.ngc in the PROGRAM_PREFIX directory, or into any directory in the SUBROUTINE_PATH specified in the INI file.

Keeping on with the example above, it would be named increment.ngc and its content could look like:

O<increment> sub
G91 G0 X#1 Y#2
G90
O<increment> endsub

Notice the name of the sub matches the file name and macro name exactly, including case.

When you invoke the macro by pressing the Macro button you can enter values for parameters (xinc and yinc in our example).
These are passed to the macro as positional parameters: #1, #2#N respectively.
Parameters you leave empty are passed as value 0.

If there are several different macros, press the Macro button repeatedly to cycle through them.

In this simple example, if you enter -1 for xinc and invoke the running of the MDI cycle, a rapid G0 move will be invoked, moving one unit to the left.

This macro capability is useful for edge/hole probing and other setup tasks, as well as perhaps hole milling or other simple operations that can be done from the panel without requiring specially-written G-code programs.

2.24. OriginOffsetView - Origins View and Setting Widget

QtVCP OriginOffsetsView: Origins View and Setting Widget
Figure 10. QtVCP OriginOffsetsView: Origins View and Setting Widget

This widget allows one to visualize and modify User System Origin offsets directly.

It will update LinuxCNC’s Parameter file for changes made or found.

The settings can only be changed in LinuxCNC after homing and when the motion controller is idle.

The display and entry will change between metric and imperial, based on LinuxCNC’s current G20 / G21 setting.

The current in-use user system will be highlighted.

Extra actions can be integrated to manipulate settings.
These actions depend on extra code added either to a combined widget, like originoffsetview dialog, or the screens handler code.
Typical actions might be Clear Current User offsets or Zero X.

Clicking on the columns and rows allows one to adjust the settings.

A dialog can be made to popup for data or text entry.

The comments section will be recorded in the preference file.

It is based on PyQt’s QTableView, QAbstractTableModel, and ItemEditorFactory.
Properties, functions and styles of the PyQt base objects are always available.

Properties

OriginOffsetView has the following properties:

dialog_code_string

Sets which dialog will pop up with numerical entry.

test_dialog_code_string

Sets which dialog will pop up with text entry.

metric_template

Metric numerical data format.

imperial_template

Imperial numerical data format.

styleCodeHighlight

Current in-use user system highlight color.

These can be set in:

  • Qt Designer, in

  • Python handler code

    self.w.originoffsetview.setProperty('dialog_code','CALCULATOR')
    self.w.originoffsetview.setProperty('metric_template','%10.3f')
  • Or (if appropriate) in stylesheets

    OriginOffsetView{
      qproperty-styleColorHighlist: lightblue;
    }

2.25. StateEnableGridlayout - Controller State Enabled Container Widget

_disable the widgets inside it depending on LinuxCNC's current state_.

This is a container that other widgets can be placed in.

Embedded widgets are be greyed-out when the StateEnableGridlayout is disabled.

It can selectably react to:

  • Machine on

  • Interpreter idle

  • E-stop off

  • All-homed

It is based on PyQt’s QGridLayout.

2.26. MachineLog - Machine Events Journal Display Widget

FIXME MachineLog documentation

2.27. JointEnableWidget - FIXME

FIXME JointEnableWidget documentation

2.28. StatusImageSwitcher - Controller Status Image Switching Widget

This widget will display images based on LinuxCNC status.

You can watch:

  • the state of the spindle,

  • the state of all homed,

  • the state of a certain axis homed,

  • the state of hard limits.

It is based on PyQt’s FIXME

2.29. FileManager - File Loading Selector Widget

QtVCP FileManager: File Loading Selector Widget
Figure 11. QtVCP FileManager: File Loading Selector Widget

This widget is used to select files to load.

It has a the ability to scroll the names with hardware such as a MPG.

One can class patch the function load(self,fname) to customize file loading.

The function getCurrentSelected() will return a Python tuple, containing the file path and whether it is a file.

temp = FILEMANAGER.getCurrentSelected()
print('filepath={}'.format(temp[0]))
if temp[1]:
    print('Is a file')
Stylesheets Properties
doubleClickSelection (bool)

Determines whether or not to require double clicking on a folder.
Single clicking a folder (False) is enabled by default and is intended for touch screen users.
The following shows an example of how to set this property:

#filemanager {
    qproperty-doubleClickSelection: True;
}
showListView (bool)

Determines whether or not to show the file/folder structure in list form.
Table view (False) is enabled by default.
The following shows an example of how to set this property:

#filemanager {
    qproperty-showListView: True;
}

It is based on PyQt’s FIXME

2.30. RadioAxisSelector - FIXME

FIXME RadioAxisSelector documentation

2.31. ToolOffsetView - Tools Offsets View And Edit Widget

QtVCP ToolOffsetView: Tools Offsets View And Edit Widget
Figure 12. QtVCP ToolOffsetView: Tools Offsets View And Edit Widget

This widget displays and allows one to modify tools offsets.

It will update LinuxCNC’s tool table for changes made or found.

The tool settings can only be changed in LinuxCNC after homing and when the motion controller is idle.

The display and entry will change between metric and imperial based on LinuxCNC’s current G20/G21 setting.

The current in-use tool will be highlighted, and the current selected tool will be highlighted in a different color.

The checkbox beside each tool can be used to select too for an action that depends on extra code added either to a combined widget, like the toolOffsetView dialog or the screens handler code.
Typical actions are load selected tool, delete selected tools, etc.

Clicking on the columns and rows allows one to adjust the settings.

A dialog can be made to popup for data or text entry.

The comments section will typically be displayed in the manual tool change dialog.

If using a lathe configuration, there can be columns for X and Z wear.

To use these columns to adjust the tool wear, it requires a remapped tool change routine.

It is based on PyQt’s QTableView, QAbstractTableModel, and ItemEditorFactory.
Properties, functions and styles of the PyQt base objects are always available.

Properties

ToolOffsetView has properties that can be set in Qt Designer, in Python handler code or (if appropriate) in stylesheets:

dialog_code_string

Sets which dialog will pop up with numerical entry.

test_dialog_code_string

Sets which dialog will pop up with text entry.

metric_template

Metric numerical data format.

imperial_template

Imperial numerical data format.

styleCodeHighlight

Current tool-in-use highlight color.

styleCodeSelected

Selected highlight color.

In a handler file:

self.w.tooloffsetview.setProperty('dialog_code','CALCULATOR')
self.w.tooloffsetview.setProperty('metric_template','%10.3f')

and in style sheets:

ToolOffsetView{
  qproperty-styleColorHighlist: lightblue;
  qproperty-styleColorSelected: #444;
}
Functions

ToolOffsetView has some functions useful for screen builders to add actions:

add_tool()

Adds a blank dummy tool (99) that the user can edit to suit.

delete_tools()

Deletes the currently checkbox selected tools.

get_checked_list()

Returns a list of tools selected by checkboxs.

set_all_unchecked()

Uncheck all selected tools.

Example for handler file executing aforementioned functions.
self.w.tooloffsetview.add_tool()
self.w.tooloffsetview.delete_tools()
toolList = self.w.tooloffsetview.get_checked_list()
self.w.tooloffsetview.set_all_unchecked()

2.32. BasicProbe - Simple Mill Probing Widget

QtVCP BasicProbe: Simple Mill Probing Widget
Figure 13. QtVCP BasicProbe: Simple Mill Probing Widget

Widget for probing on a mill. Used by the QtDragon screen.

2.33. VersaProbe - Mill Probing Widget

QtVCP VersaProbe: Mill Probing Widget
Figure 14. QtVCP VersaProbe: Mill Probing Widget

Widget for probing on a mill. Used by the QtDragon screen.

3. Dialog Widgets

Dialogs are used to present or request immediately required information in a focused way.

The typical used dialogs can be loaded using the ScreenOptions widget.

You can also add them directly to the UI - but each dialog must have a unique launch name or you will see multiple dialogs displayed, one after another.

Use dialogs from Python Code

You can show dialogs directly with Python code, but a safer way is to use STATUS messages to request the dialog to launch and to return the gathered information.

  • Register to STATUS channel:
    To set this up, first register to catch the general message from STATUS:

    STATUS.connect('general',self.return_value)
  • Add a function to call a dialog:
    This function must build a message dict to send to the dialog.
    This message will be passed back in the general message with the addition of the return variable.
    It is possible to add extra user information to the message. The dialog will ignore these and pass them back.

    NAME

    Launches code name of dialog to show.

    ID

    A unique id so we process only a dialog that we requested.

    TITLE

    The title to use on the dialog.

    def show_dialog(self):
        mess = {'NAME':'ENTRY','ID':'__test1__',
                'TITLE':'Test Entry'}
        ACTION.CALL_DIALOG, mess)
  • Add a callback function that processes the general message:
    Keep in mind this function will get all general messages so the dict keynames are not guaranteed to be there. Using the .get() function and/or using try/except is advisable. This function should:

    • check the name and id is the same as we sent,

    • then extract the return value and any user variables.

    # process the STATUS return message
    def return_value(self, w, message):
        rtn = message.get('RETURN')
        code = bool(message.get('ID') == '__test1__')
        name = bool(message.get('NAME') == 'ENTRY')
        if code and name and not rtn is None:
            print('Entry return value from {} = {}'.format(code, rtn))

3.1. LcncDialog - General Message Dialog Widget

This is a general message dialog widget.

If there is a Focus Overlay widget present, it can signal it to display.

If the sound library is set up it can play sounds.

There are options that can be set when requesting a dialog, these would be added to the message dict.

TITLE

Title of the dialog window.

MESSAGE

Title message text in bold.

MORE

Standard text under the heading.

DETAILS

Initial hidden text.

TYPE (OK|YESNO|OKCANCEL)
ICON (QUESTION|INFO|CRITICAL|WARNING)
PINNAME

Not implemented yet.

FOCUSTEXT (overlay text|None)

Text to display if focus overlay is used. Use None for no text.

FOCUSCOLOR (QColor(_R, G, B, A_))

Color to use if focus overlay is used.

PLAYALERT

Sound to play if sound is available, i.e., SPEAK <spoken_message> .

When using STATUS 's request-dialog function, the default launch name is MESSAGE.

It is based on PyQt’s QMessagebox.

3.2. ToolDialog - Manual Tool Change Dialog Widget

QtVCP ToolDialog: Manual Tool Change Dialog
Figure 15. QtVCP ToolDialog: Manual Tool Change Dialog

This is used as a manual tool change prompt.

It has HAL pins to connect to the machine controller. The pins are named the same as the original AXIS manual tool prompt and works the same.

The tool change dialog can only be launched by HAL pins.

If there is a Focus Overlay widget present, it will signal it to display.

It is based on PyQt’s QMessagebox.

3.3. FileDialog - Load and Save File Chooser Dialog Widget

QtVCP FileDialog: Load and Save File Chooser Widget
Figure 16. QtVCP FileDialog: Load and Save File Chooser Widget

This is used to load G-code files.

If there is a Focus Overlay widget present, it will signal it to display.

When using STATUS 's request-dialog function, the default launch names are LOAD or SAVE.

There are options that can be set when requesting a dialog, these would be added to the message dict:

EXTENSIONS
FILENAME
DIRECTORY

An example Python call, for a load dialog:

mess = {'NAME':'LOAD','ID':'_MY_DIALOG_',
            'TITLE':'Load Some text File',
            'FILENAME':'~/linuxcnc/nc_files/someprogram.txt',
            'EXTENSIONS':'Text Files (*.txt);;ALL Files (*.*)'
            }
ACTION.CALL_DIALOG(mess)

And for a save dialog

mess = {'NAME':'SAVE','ID':'_MY_DIALOG_',
            'TITLE':'Save Some text File',
            'FILENAME':'~/linuxcnc/nc_files/someprogram.txt',
            'EXTENSIONS':'Text Files (*.txt);;ALL Files (*.*)'
            }
ACTION.CALL_DIALOG(mess)

It is based on PyQt’s QMessagebox.

3.4. OriginOffsetDialog - Origin Offset Setting Dialog Widget

QtVCP `OriginOffsetDialog`: Origin Offset Setting Widget
Figure 17. QtVCP OriginOffsetDialog: Origin Offset Setting Widget

This widget allows one to modify User System origin offsets directly in a dialog form.

If there is an Focus Overlay widget present, it will signal it to display.

When using STATUS 's request-dialog function, the default launch name is ORIGINOFFSET.

It is based on PyQt’s QDialog.

3.5. ToolOffsetDialog - Tool Offset Setting Dialog Widget

QtVCP `ToolOffsetDialog`: Tool Offset Setting Dialog Widget
Figure 18. QtVCP ToolOffsetDialog: Tool Offset Setting Dialog Widget

This widget allows one to modify Tool offsets directly in a dialog form.

If there is an Focus Overlay widget present, it will signal it to display.

When using STATUS 's request-dialog function, the default launch name is TOOLOFFSET.

It is based on PyQt’s QDialog.

3.6. MacroTabDialog - Macro Launch Dialog Widget

This is a dialog to display the macrotab widget.

MacroTab displays a choice of macro programs to run using icons.

If there is a Focus Overlay widget present, it will signal it to display.

When using ``STATUS``'s request-dialog function, the default launch name is MACROTAB.

It is based on PyQt’s QDialog.

3.7. CamViewDialog - WebCam Part Alignment Dialog Widget

This is a dialog to display the CamView widget for Webcam part alignment.

When using ``STATUS``'s request-dialog function, the default launch name is CAMVIEW.

It is based on PyQt’s QDialog.

3.8. EntryDialog - Edit Line Dialog Widget

This is a dialog to display an edit line for information entry, such as origin offset.

It returns the entry via STATUS messages using a Python DICT.

The DICT contains at minimum, the name of the dialog requested and an ID code.

When using ``STATUS``'s request-dialog function, the default launch name is ENTRY.

It is based on PyQt’s QDialog.

3.9. CalculatorDialog - Calculator Dialog Widget

QtVCP CalculatorDialog: Calculator Dialog Widget
Figure 19. QtVCP CalculatorDialog: Calculator Dialog Widget

This is a dialog to display a calculator for numeric entry, such as origin offset.

It returns the entry via STATUS messages using a Python DICT.

The DICT contains at minimum, the name of the dialog requested and an ID code.

When using ``STATUS``'s request-dialog function, the default launch name is CALCULATOR.

It is based on PyQt’s QDialog.

3.10. RunFromLine - Run-From-Line Dialog Widget

QtVCP RunFromLine: Run-From-Line Dialog Widget
Figure 20. QtVCP RunFromLine: Run-From-Line Dialog Widget

Dialog to preset spindle settings before running a program from a specific line.

It is based on PyQt’s QDialog.

3.11. VersaProbeDialog - Part Touch Probing Dialog Widget

QtVCP VersaProbeDialog: Part Touch Probing Dialog Widget
Figure 21. QtVCP VersaProbeDialog: Part Touch Probing Dialog Widget

This is a dialog to display a part probing screen based on Verser Probe v2.

It is based on PyQt’s QDialog.

3.12. MachineLogDialog - Machine and Debugging Logs Dialog Widget

QtVCP MachineLogDialog: Machine and Debugging Logs Dialog Widget
Figure 22. QtVCP MachineLogDialog: Machine and Debugging Logs Dialog Widget

This is a dialog to display the machine log and QtVCP’s debugging log.

It is based on PyQt’s QDialog.

4. Other Widgets

Other available widgets:

4.1. NurbsEditor - NURBS Editing Widget

QtVCP NurbsEditor: NURBS Editing Widget
Figure 23. QtVCP NurbsEditor: NURBS Editing Widget

The Nurbs editor allows you to manipulate a NURBS based geometry on screen and then convert NURBS to G-code.

You can edit the G-code on screen and then send it to LinuxCNC.

It is based on PyQt’s QDialog.

4.2. JoyPad - 5 button D-pad Widget

It is the base class for the HALPad widget.

This widget looks and acts like a 5 button D-pad, with a LED like indicators in a ring.

You can put text or icons in each of the button positions.

You can connect to output signals when the buttons are pressed.

There are also input slots to change the color of the indicator(s).

ENUMS

There are enumerated constants used to reference indicator positions.
They are used in Qt Designer editor’s property editor or in Python code.

NONE
LEFT, L
RIGHT, R
CENTER, C
TOP, T
BOTTOM, B
LEFTRIGHT, X
TOPBOTTOM, A

For Python handler code, you use the widget name in Qt Designer plus the reference constant:

self.w.joypadname.set_highlight(self.w.joypadname.LEFT)
Useful Override-able Functions
def _pressedOutput(self, btncode):
    self.joy_btn_pressed.emit(btncode)
    self[''.format(btncode.lower())].emit(True)

def _releasedOutput(self, btncode):
    self.joy_btn_released.emit(btncode)
    self['joy_{}_pressed'.format(btncode.lower())].emit(False)

As coded these function issue (emit) PyQt5 signals (joy_btn_pressed and joy<letter>_pressed) for the any button pressed or released_.

Signal joy_btn_pressed outputs a string code for the button.
Signal joy_<letter>_pressed outputs a bool value.

You could override the functions to do something else if making a custom widget:

Callable Functions
reset_highlight()

Clears the highlight indicator.

set_highlight(_button_, state=_True_)

Set the highlight indicator in position button to state state.
You can use strings letters (LRCTBXA) or position ENUMS for the button argument.

set_button_icon(_button_, _pixmap_)

Sets the button’s icon pixmap.

set_button_text(_button_, _text_)

Sets the button’s icon text.

set_tooltip(_button_, _text_)

Sets the buttons pop-up tooltip descriptive text.

setLight(_state_)

Sets the highlight indicator to the True color or False color.
The set_highlight() function must be used prior to set the indicator to use.

Signals

These signals will be sent when buttons are pressed.

They can be connected to in Qt Designer editor or Python code.

The first two output a string that indicates the button pressed:

joy_btn_pressed (string)
joy_btn_released (string)
joy_l_pressed (bool)
joy_l_released (bool)
joy_r_pressed (bool)
joy_r_released (bool)
joy_c_pressed (bool)
joy_c_released (bool)
joy_t_pressed (bool)
joy_t_released (bool)
joy_b_pressed (bool)
joy_b_released (bool)

They are based on PyQt’s Signal (QtCore.pyqtSignal())

Slots

Slots can be connected to in Qt Designer editor or Python code:

set_colorStateTrue()
set_colorStateFalse()
set_colorState(_bool_)
set_true_color(_str_)
set_true_color(_qcolor_)
set_false_color(_str_)
set_false_color(_qcolor_)

Properties

These can be set in stylesheets or Python code:

highlightPosition

Set the indicator position.

setColorState

Select the color state of the indicator.

left_image_path
right_image_path
center_image_path
top_image_path
bottom_image_path

A file path or resource path to an image to display in the described button location.
If the reset button is pressed in Qt Designer editor property, the image will not be displayed (allowing optionally text).

left_text
right_text
center_text
top_text
bottom_text

A text string to be displayed in the described button location.
If left blank an image can be designated to be displayed.

true_color
false_color

Color selection for the center LED ring to be displayed, when the BASENAME.light.center HAL pin is True or False.

text_color

Color selection for the button text.

button_font

Font selection for the button text.

The above properties could be set in:

  • Stylesheets:
    You would usually use the Qt Designer widget name with # prefix to set individual widget properties, otherwise you would use the JoyPad class name to set all JoyPad widgets the same:

    #joypadname{
      qproperty-true_color: #000;
      qproperty-false_color: #444;
    }
  • In Python handler code:

    self.w.joypadename.setProperty('true_color','green')
    self.w.joypadename.setProperty('false_color','red')

4.3. WebWidget

This widget will create a html/pdf viewing page using the QtWebKit or QtWebEngine libraries. The newer QtWebEngine is preferred if both are on the system.
If the QtWebEngine library is used with the Qt Designer editor, a placeholder QWidget will show in Qesigner. This will be replaced with the QtWebEngine widget at run time.

5. BaseClass/Mixin Widgets

These widgets are used to combine different properties and behaviours into other widgets.

You will see them as a collapsible header in the Qt Designer properties column.

5.1. IndicatedPushButtons

This class modifies QPushButton behaviour.

5.1.1. Indicator Option

indicator_option puts a LED on the top of the button.

QtVCP PushButton: Indicated Action Button, LED Indicator Option
Figure 24. QtVCP PushButton: Indicated Action Button, LED Indicator Option

It can be a triangle, circle, top bar, or side bar.
The size and position can be adjusted.

It will indicate:

  • the current state of the button, or

  • the state of a HAL pin, or

  • LinuxCNC status.

Properties

These properties are available to customize the indicator (not all are applicable to every LED shape):

on_color
off_color
indicator_size
circle_diameter
shape_option
right_edge_offset
top_edge_offset
height_fraction
width_fraction
corner_radius

Indicator corner radius.

The LED indicator color can be defined in a stylesheet with the following code added to the .qss file:

Indicated_PushButton{
  qproperty-on_color: #000;
  qproperty-off_color: #444;
}

Or for a particular button:

Indicated_PushButton #button_estop{
  qproperty-on_color: black;
  qproperty-off_color: yellow;
}
Options

IndicatedPushButton have exclusive options:

indicator_HAL_pin_option

Adds a halpin, named <buttonname>-led that controls the button indicator state.

indicator_status_option

Makes the LED indicate the state of these selectable LinuxCNC status:

  • Is Estopped

  • Is On

  • All Homed

  • Is Joint Homed

  • Idle

  • Paused

  • Flood

  • Mist

  • Block Delete

  • Optional Stop

  • Manual

  • MDI

  • Auto

  • Spindle Stopped

  • Spindle Forward

  • Spindle Reverse

  • On Limits

Some indicator_status_options holds a property that can be used with a stylesheet to change the color of the button based on the state of the property in LinuxCNC.
Currently these status properties can be used to auto style buttons:

  • is_estopped_status will toggle the isEstop property

  • is_on_status will toggle the isStateOn property

  • is_manual_status, is_mdi_status, is_auto_status will toggle the isManual, isMDI, isAuto properties.

  • is_homed_status will toggle the isAllHomed property

Here is a sample stylesheet entry setting the background of mode button widgets when LinuxCNC is in that mode:

ActionButton[isManual=true] {
    background: red;
}
ActionButton[isMdi=true] {
    background: blue;
}
ActionButton[isAuto=true] {
    background: green;
}

Here is how you specify a particular widget by its objectName in Qt Designer:

ActionButton #estop button [isEstopped=false] {
    color: yellow;
}

5.1.2. Enabled by LinuxCNC State

Often, having the button disabled and enabled based on the state of LinuxCNC’s motion controller is necessary.

There are several properties that can be selected to aid with this:

isAllHomedSentive
isOnSensitive
isIdleSensitive
isRunSensitive
isManSensitive
isMDISensitive
isAutoSensitive

You can select multiple properties for combined requirements.

5.1.3. Text Changes On State

Choosing the checked_state_text_option allows a checkable button to change the text based on its checked state.

It uses the following properties to specify the text for each state:

true_state_string
false_state_string

\\n will be converted to a newline.

You can set/change these in stylesheets:

ActionButton #action_aux{
  qproperty-true_state_string: "Air\\nOn";
  qproperty-false_state_string: "Air\\nOff";
}

5.1.4. Call Python Commands On State

The python_command_option allow small snippets of Python code to be run from the push of a button, without having to edit the handler file. Though, it can call functions in the handler file.

When using the command_string properties.

true_python_cmd_string

A Python command that will be called when the button is toggled True.

false_python_cmd_string

A Python command that will be called when the button is toggled False.

Special capitalized words will give access to the following:

INSTANCE

Will give access to the widgets instances and handler functions.
E.g., INSTANCE.my_handler_function_call(True)

ACTION

Will give access to QtVCP’s ACTION library.
E.g., ACTION.TOGGLE_FLOOD()

PROGRAM_LOADER

Will give access to QtVCP’s PROGRAM_LOADER library.
E.g., PROGRAM_LOADER.load_halshow()

HAL

Will give access to HAL’s Python module.
E.g., HAL.set_p('motion.probe-input','1')

6. Import-Only Widgets

These widgets are usually the base class widget for other QtVCP widgets.

They are not available directly from the Qt Designer editor but could be imported and manually inserted.

They could also be subclassed to make a similar widget with new features.

6.1. Auto Height

Widget for measuring two heights with a probe.
For setup.

6.2. G-code Utility

Widgets for performing common machining processes.

6.3. Facing

Slab or face a definable area with different strategies.

6.4. Hole Circle

Drill multiple holes on a bolt hole circle.

6.5. Qt NGCGUI

QtVCP NGCGUI: Shown from QtDragon

QtVCP’s version of NGC subroutine selector (Shown as used in QtDragon).

6.5.1. INI settings

LinuxCNC needs to know where to look to run the subroutines.
If the subroutine calls other subroutines or custom M codes, those paths must be added too.

[RS274NGC]
SUBROUTINE_PATH = ~/linuxcnc/nc_files/examples/ngcgui_lib:~/linuxcnc/nc_files/examples/ngcgui_lib/utilitysubs

QtVCP needs to know where to open subroutines from.
You can also specify subroutines to be pre-opened in tabs.

[DISPLAY]
# NGCGUI subroutine path.
# This path must also be in [RS274NGC] SUBROUTINE_PATH
NGCGUI_SUBFILE_PATH = ~/linuxcnc/nc_files/examples/ngcgui_lib
# pre selected programs tabs
# specify filenames only, files must be in the NGCGUI_SUBFILE_PATH
NGCGUI_SUBFILE = slot.ngc
NGCGUI_SUBFILE = qpocket.ngc

6.5.2. Buttons

  • NEW TAB - add new blank tab to NGCGUI

  • SELECT PREAMBLE - select a file that add preamble G-code

  • SELECT SUBFILE - select a NGCGUI subroutine file

  • SELECT POST - select a file that add post G-code

  • REREAD FILE - reload the subroutine file

  • CREATE FEATURE - add feature to the list

  • RESTART FEATURE - remove all features from the list

  • FINALIZE GCODE - create the full G-code and send it to LinuxCNC/a file

6.5.3. Adding Custom Subroutines

You can create your own subroutines for use with NGCGUI. They must follow these rules:

  • For creating a subroutine for use with NGCGUI, the filename and the subroutine name must be the same.

  • The subroutine must be in a folder within LinuxCNC’s INI designated search path.

  • On the first line there may be a comment of type info:

  • The subroutine must be surrounded by the sub and endsub tags.

  • The variables used must be numbered variables and must not skip number.

  • Comments and presets may be included.

  • If an image file of the same name is in the folder, it will be shown.

(info: feedrate -- simple example for setting feedrate)
o<feedrate> sub
    #<feedrate>       = #1 (= 6 Feed Rate) ; comments in brackets will be shown in ngcui
    f#<feedrate>
o<feedrate> endsub
QtVCP NGCGUI Custom Sub

6.6. Qt PDF

Allows adding loadable PDFs to a screen.

6.7. Qt Vismach

Use this to build/add OpenGl simulated machines.