MEI eXMP-SynqNet User manual
eXMP-SynqNet Quick Start Guide: Linux
Table of Contents
Safety Warnings………………………………………… 2
Introduction……………………………………………… 3
Hardware Setup…………………..………………..…… 4
Host-side Configuration………………..……………… 5
Changing Network Interface Parameters…………. 7
Using the eXMP-SynqNet Motion Controller……… 13
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eXMP-SynqNet Quick Start Guide: Linux
Safety Warnings
During installation, solid electrical contact must be ensured at connectors; otherwise, noise
and power problems will develop. (Connections should be verified through inspection and
testing.)
Standard safety rules prevail during installation of any hardware. Some are summarized
below for the XMP. For more information, refer to local occupational safety regulations and
the manufacturer of your motion drive.
Turn Off All Power Before Installing Equipment
Before installing any motion control equipment, including XMP controllers, power should be
switched OFF. Unplug all power plugs from their sources of power.
Define and Clear a Safety Zone!
During installation and testing of motion control hardware-software, a safety zone should be
defined around moving components and kept clear of personnel, hands, fingers and loose
hardware. During re-powering of the system, motion control components may behave
erratically due to misconnected lines, or wrongly configured software settings. Sudden and
unexpected moves by components can cause injury, property damage, or even death!
Under NO circumstances, should a motion system be tested or operated while personnel are
within the safety zone.
Additionally, beware of flying debris from unsecured hardware operating at high speeds. The
use of safety shielding is highly recommended.
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eXMP-SynqNet Quick Start Guide: Linux
Introduction
This Quick Start Guide explains how to configure the eXMP-SynqNet for software start-up
and configuration including connection, accessing Linux, and changing network interface
parameters. The eXMP-SynqNet has a default image preloaded onto the flash memory. The
eXMP-SynqNet will boot this image. The MEI device driver (MEIXMP.o) will automatically
load and be ready for executing motion applications at boot-up. The driver can be found in
the /MEI/Release directory. Note that no MEI utilities are shipped on the eXMP at the
factory. The user will need to copy the necessary files from the MPI release to the eXMP for
the specific version.
Fig 1. A full version of the eXMP-SynqNet is shown above containing all the configuration
options.
NOTE: Although a fully populated eXMP-SynqNet is shown, the setups should be identical
for a "lite" version of the eXMP-SynqNet.
IMPORTANT NOTE
In its default shipping state, the eXMP is configured for an IP address of:
192.1.68.1.74
The user can change his network settings by using telnet to access the eXMP and change
the IP address, or connect to the eXMP using a console connection and adapter (see the
Configuring for Console Mode section).
IMPORTANT NOTE
The eXMP-SynqNet was designed to allow users to interact with its operating system using a
local console and command line via COM1. Therefore, COM1 functions as either a standard
COM1 connection or as the console mode connection. Do NOT connect a serial device into
the eXMP-SynqNet when COM1 is being used in console mode. COM1 cannot function as a
standard COM1 connection and a console mode connection at the same time. The following
steps will explain how to set up the eXMP-SynqNet in console mode so that it may be
accessed by a network computer for development and testing.
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eXMP-SynqNet Quick Start Guide: Linux
Hardware Setup
A fully populated eXMP-SynqNet is shown below. Depending on the version of eXMP-
SynqNet, some connectors may not be present.
Configuring for Console Mode
The following steps will explain how to set up the eXMP-SynqNet in console mode so that it
may be accessed by a host computer for local development and testing.
1. The local console must be attached to COM1 via a Null Modem serial cable whose
RIN (pin 9) and DTR (pin 4) lines are tied together.
The short between these two pins indicates the presence of a valid console device and is
detected during system initialization by the eXMP, thereby enabling the Console output
to COM1. This can be done with either an inline adapter or modifications to the Null
Modem cable itself.
One example of an inline adapter is the MEI C001-0034 (Cable, Serial, eXMP, DE9).
Although MEI does not sell this adapter, MEI can provide the necessary cable DWG to
make your own adapter.
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eXMP-SynqNet Quick Start Guide: Linux
Host-Side Configuration
1. Power down Controller.
2. Open HyperTerminal and configure a new connection. Choose a name and icon for this
connection.
3. If it is not already connected, connect eXMP COM1/Console to COM1 on the host computer
using a NULL serial cable. Console mode is now enabled on the eXMP-SynqNet.
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eXMP-SynqNet Quick Start Guide: Linux
4. After pressing OK, switch Connect using to the appropriate COM port. All other fields should
be grayed out after selections have been made.
5. Configure the connection as follows:
• Bits per second: 9600
• Data bits: 8
• Parity: None
• Stop bits: 2
• Flow control: None
Click OK. The session is now active. Upon exit, save this session for later use.
6. Power up the eXMP-SynqNet.
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eXMP-SynqNet Quick Start Guide: Linux
Changing Network Interface Parameters
1. When you power up the eXMP-SynqNet, the console terminal should display the BIOS
information.
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eXMP-SynqNet Quick Start Guide: Linux
2. After the BIOS information is displayed, the GRUB bootloader screen will be displayed. The
default boot option will be highlighted and will auto-boot this option after waiting 5 seconds.
Advanced Linux users can edit the ‘/boot/grub/grub.conf’ to specify a new or different boot option,
if necessary.
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eXMP-SynqNet Quick Start Guide: Linux
3. As the default option is booted and the Linux kernel is loaded, the Linux kernel messages will
appear in the terminal. The final message will prompt you to press a key to start a shell on the
terminal.
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