**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Wed Feb 12 03:00:34 2020 Feb 12 03:00:51 set_ I suggest you review what you need to get from point A to Z IE create the steps you need and then you can move through them. IE planning. Feb 12 03:29:16 What is my first step? Feb 12 03:37:47 so what do you have and what do you need/want from your want / need you create a path using what you have. So define your need first (IE goal) nothing fancy just the first goal. Then start with what you have. Feb 12 03:43:03 Okay... Feb 12 03:43:13 I have a Cape, a servo, and a bunch of info. Feb 12 03:44:04 Now, I guess using the pwm library from kernel 5.3.x might be worth a shot to use it w/ the PCA9685. Feb 12 03:44:41 Outside of those ideas, my goal is just to make this one single servo motor turn in delight w/ the ServoCape. Feb 12 03:44:54 It is a brand new Cape to me. So, I will take my time. Feb 12 03:45:55 your goal is to make a servo turn right? Feb 12 03:47:49 Right. Feb 12 03:48:49 so what do you need to have to make the servo turn... not a trick question that's your next step. It needs a signal right? What does the signal have to do? Feb 12 03:52:41 The signal needs a lot of info. I just found that the datasheet is full of singal info. Feb 12 03:53:14 Or programming ideas, at least. Feb 12 03:54:15 I thought my next step would be to go to the datasheet and work from there. Feb 12 03:55:40 The signal needs to have a duty and a frequency. Feb 12 03:56:36 the signal is PPM pulse POSITION modulation. So the frequency is not as relevant as the length of the pulse. Remember what the servo input specs are. Feb 12 03:56:53 Okay. Feb 12 03:56:59 PPM. Feb 12 03:57:17 So, I need to figure out how long my rises and falls are in the modulation? Feb 12 03:57:54 Specifically you need to know the time between your rise and fall but visa versa is greatly relaxed. Feb 12 03:58:40 That is what I gathered from the datasheet. It had some ideas on modulation and the length in b/t the rise and fall. Feb 12 03:59:28 When things spike and then fall, I need to figure that out somehow. Feb 12 03:59:47 The interval in b/t the spike and fall is what I meant. Feb 12 04:00:39 It will be back to the bench soon enough. Feb 12 04:01:08 I need to figure out the rise to fall interval for what reason? Feb 12 04:02:07 PPM pulse position modulation uses the WIDTH of the pulse as the variable. So the width the rise to fall time is the 'higher' the value (remember the ms values discussed) Feb 12 04:04:25 GenTooMan: Okay. So, the drop of the height in this variable in width is my ms value? Feb 12 04:05:09 specifically the time between rise and fall times is the ms value the time between pulses can vary greatly in this scheme. Feb 12 04:05:20 Oh. Feb 12 04:05:22 Okay. Feb 12 04:07:04 So, is this "line" of time (rise and fall) a second or less or a second or more? Feb 12 04:07:14 Oh wait. ms. Feb 12 04:07:16 Sorry. Feb 12 04:07:58 It is just recorded in ms. It could be seconds but in milliseconds. Feb 12 04:08:36 right so 1.5ms is the 'center' position for the servo it must ALWAYS be able to have that value. then you very positive and negative from that by increasing or decreasing the width. ms is an abbreviation of milliseconds Feb 12 04:10:43 Okay, okay. If I was to understand this fact, 1, 1.5, and 2ms, from what you told me, are my suggested ms timings. Okay. Feb 12 04:10:45 But... Feb 12 04:11:54 What next? Where do I use these values to predict anything? Feb 12 04:12:01 yes the pulse width timings are in milliseconds and don't have a lot of variability Feb 12 04:12:58 OK you have the timing between pulses to consider. how much time do you need/want? roughly 40Hz to 200hz although "classically" 50Hz or 20milliseconds Feb 12 04:13:20 50 hz Feb 12 04:13:41 I read about these cheaper, my servos, motors. Feb 12 04:13:48 50 Hz is fine. Feb 12 04:14:38 right so that means your total time between pulses needs to be approximately 20ms or less Feb 12 04:16:45 So, I use slope intercept form? Feb 12 04:16:59 Of my two variables? Feb 12 04:17:11 that's actually important to keep in mind. Now read the documentation for frequency specifically section 7.3.5 Feb 12 04:17:34 Where is the docs. on Frequency? Feb 12 04:17:44 I just told you ... Feb 12 04:18:10 Oh. I got you now. Feb 12 04:18:17 7.3.5 in the datasheet. Feb 12 04:18:35 right it tells you how to set it. Feb 12 04:19:20 or specifically how to calculate it. you can have a higher frequency but a lower one would be dubious. Feb 12 04:19:38 Okay. Feb 12 04:20:20 So, the 50 Hz at 18ms or whatever I find to be true, gets "plugged" in to the slope formula. Feb 12 04:21:12 look at the formulea in section 7.3.5 in the data sheet for the 50 Hz calculation Feb 12 04:21:22 Okay. So, this is good news. I read over this idea many times and never once thought about it being part of my trial. Feb 12 04:21:23 Okay. Feb 12 04:21:26 Off to look now. Feb 12 04:22:38 Yea, yea but... Feb 12 04:22:56 ummm right... (sigh). me sleep or try too Feb 12 04:23:15 Hold on. Feb 12 04:23:43 Am I supposed to use the oscilator clock frequency or my random 50Hz (the regular)? Feb 12 04:24:42 I got it now. Feb 12 04:24:43 Sorry. Feb 12 04:26:06 Let me calculate real quickly. Feb 12 04:26:09 You need to set the prescale value to know how to set the other registers. Feb 12 04:26:37 hence why I pointed that out. Starting to follow how to break down a problem? Feb 12 04:27:02 Okay. Feb 12 04:27:16 Got it. THank you. Feb 12 04:29:53 section 7.3.3 shows you various settings you can use to set the on/off registers for each LED Feb 12 04:30:20 Okay. I found some tables in it too. Feb 12 04:32:59 I mean, literally. I am negative 0.9999. Feb 12 04:33:42 Should this value mean anything or should I just plug in the hexadecimal equivalent? Feb 12 04:33:56 I mean. That is rounded. Feb 12 04:37:24 sounds wrong too me your value for the prescale in decimal should be 122 Feb 12 04:38:35 so 25000000/122 is ... 204919 Feb 12 04:39:04 and 204919/4096 is ~ 50.03Hz Feb 12 04:39:41 Oh. I used 25 MHz. Feb 12 04:39:44 Yikes. Feb 12 04:40:00 right which is 25000000 Feb 12 04:40:05 Okay. I am putting in the incorrect values again. Feb 12 04:40:16 Oh. Where did you get 122? Feb 12 04:40:22 you could use 25E6 for megahertz Feb 12 04:40:34 Okay. Feb 12 04:41:13 right so 25E6/(4096*50) is ? Feb 12 04:41:18 Oh. Feb 12 04:41:27 It got it now. I plugged in the incorrect values. Feb 12 04:41:32 Yea. Sorry. Feb 12 04:41:46 I was not using MHz. I was using Hz for 25. Feb 12 04:41:48 Dang it. Feb 12 04:42:09 Let me calculate again. Feb 12 04:43:07 right if your values is not > 1 then you messed up Feb 12 04:43:27 I figured out my ooops on this one. Feb 12 04:43:54 121 is what I get. Feb 12 04:44:15 right which is 122-1 which is the value to set the prescale.. see not terribly hard was it. Feb 12 04:44:40 I got 122 but it says to subtract 1. Right. Not too difficult. It would have helped if I used the programmers calc. instead of the Scientific. Feb 12 04:45:38 79! Feb 12 04:45:47 That is my hex. value. Feb 12 04:47:40 Dang man, this is more complicated than if, and, or, else. Feb 12 04:48:00 This is some neat stuff. Let me read more. Feb 12 04:48:25 heh... well that was the easy part then comes setting the pulse position value.. This chip is a bit messy to work with. Feb 12 04:49:16 I know. I am reading. Feb 12 04:49:29 If I have to read, then someone messed up. Just kidding. Feb 12 04:49:49 If this then that and if that then that = the chip at hand. Feb 12 04:51:04 12bit on time and 12bit off time! Feb 12 04:53:33 So, one has to program the registers and the on and off times. Feb 12 04:53:48 you only need the off-time Feb 12 04:54:34 Oh. Feb 12 04:54:36 the on-time is for controlling phase, which is not really important for servos Feb 12 04:55:05 Aw. That would be like for LEDs or some other actuator? Feb 12 04:55:33 you change the timing when turning on LED's so you don't kill the power supply that's all. Feb 12 04:55:38 (note that with "on-time"/"off-time" they don't mean how long it is on, but rather at which point within the cycle it will turn on/off) Feb 12 04:55:52 yeah with heavy loads you don't want everything to turn on at the same time Feb 12 04:56:09 but as zmatt said it doesn't matter with a servo Feb 12 04:56:23 so all the on times can be the same. Feb 12 04:56:55 Okay. So, w/ the 12-bit registers. Oh. Okay. The registers need to be listed the same as the off time, i.e. both? Feb 12 04:57:42 Or... Feb 12 04:57:43 on-time should be left at zero, off-time should be set to the desired pulse width (in clock cycles) Feb 12 04:57:52 Oh. Feb 12 05:00:48 on-time is set to 0 in the 12-bit register or all 0's? Feb 12 05:02:08 Oh and do I need a delay time? I saw in the datasheet that this can be adapted. It was an option. Feb 12 05:05:12 What do LSB and ACK mean? Feb 12 05:31:09 Okay well, I am out for the night. Sorry to get things kicking in here but up, up, and Otay. Thank you. Feb 12 08:10:15 is it possible to check current installed kernel into an offline sdcard ? Feb 12 09:16:00 fred__tv__: just mount the sd card and check its boot/uEnv.txt ? Feb 12 09:18:52 sorry , I mean available kernels installed Feb 12 09:19:12 easiest is to just check what's in boot/ Feb 12 09:20:21 ok Feb 12 14:53:47 m Feb 12 14:58:16 I try to compile Linux kernel (debian) for BeagleBone Black. but I cannot find the right source code for u-boot. It is not in the https://github.com/beagleboard. Feb 12 15:22:18 tiger: what do those two things have to do with each other? Feb 12 15:34:59 Well, Kernel has nothing to do with uboot, but debian includes uboot. I found u-boot is here: ftp://ftp.denx.de/pub/u-boot Feb 12 15:37:45 if you want to reproduce the u-boot included with the default debian images from beagleboard.org, I think you can use this => https://github.com/RobertCNelson/Bootloader-Builder Feb 12 15:37:59 just curious, why are you building a custom u-boot and custom kernel? Feb 12 15:39:06 also, some notes about building beagleboard.org kernels: https://pastebin.com/eLhrp1Hg Feb 12 16:34:28 zmatt: how can I check if an overlay declared into uEnv.txt has been effectively loaded ? Feb 12 16:40:43 fred__tv__: the standard overlays add an entry to /chosen/overlays for that purpose: https://github.com/beagleboard/bb.org-overlays/blob/master/src/arm/BB-UART1-00A0.dts#L33-L46 Feb 12 16:41:02 my overlay-utils will automatically add such a fragment when compiling an overlay Feb 12 16:42:01 (I added this 3 months ago: https://github.com/mvduin/overlay-utils/commit/4b2783d3b3cd ) Feb 12 16:48:26 my dtsi doesn't have those lines......will check tomorrow how to add Feb 12 16:48:51 a dtsi shouldn't have those lines Feb 12 16:49:13 (I'm using overlay_utils to compile dtsi to dtbo Feb 12 16:49:23 "dtsi" suggests you're using my overlay-utils, in which case suitable lines will be added to the compiled .dtbo (assuming you're using the latest version of overlay-utils) Feb 12 16:49:45 wait.. Feb 12 16:49:48 hence it should show up in /proc/device-tree/chosen/overlays/ Feb 12 16:50:47 yes just cloned overlay_utils Feb 12 16:51:01 no /proc/device-tree/chosen/overlays/ Feb 12 16:51:31 then your overlay presumably hasn't been applied Feb 12 16:51:47 no overlays directory into /proc/device-tree/chosen/ Feb 12 16:51:54 nor any other overlay (unless your standard overlays package is outdated), suggesting u-boot overlays is not enabled or not functional Feb 12 16:53:20 (update the bb-cape-overlays package to be sure) Feb 12 16:57:05 whether u-boot overlays itself is enabled or not can also be determined by looking at the kernel parameters I think (cat /proc/cmdline) Feb 12 19:18:55 zmatt have you used python SPI / GPIO? is their generally a lot of overhead with it? Feb 12 19:45:54 everything in python has a lot of overhead Feb 12 19:49:13 I feel unequivocally disappointed, it will pass. Maybe I should test a few things in the mean time. I assume the 48MHz clock is derived from the USB clock in the AM335x? Feb 12 19:49:40 48MHz clock for the SPI bus that is. Context always good. Feb 12 19:55:02 both usb and spi clocks derive from DPLL_PER Feb 12 19:58:22 (which is the only low-jitter DPLL on the AM335x) Feb 12 20:02:20 see Figure 8-11. Peripheral PLL Structure in section 8.1.6.8 Peripheral PLL Description on page 1229 of the TRM (rev Q) Feb 12 20:13:19 GenTooMan: of course, when doing SPI transfers, as long as you manage to perform large transfers, the per-transfer overhead hopefully wouldn't be particularly relevant anyhow Feb 12 21:11:55 well when you are trying to configure something, the overhead due to short commands and data is kind of high. It makes it hard to know if things are working right. Anyhow I can notice the slowness now that I have a scope I can measure the timing. Still python has a LOT of overhead that's a bit annoying especially when you can't figure out what the overhead is due from. Feb 12 21:13:59 the kernel driver also isn't great Feb 12 21:14:37 I can see why the desire to use the PRU instead comes out. Feb 12 21:15:07 you could also use an McSPI instance from linux userspace using uio Feb 12 21:19:18 this also helps for throughput, especially at high clock frequency: https://pastebin.com/CFkC0y22 Feb 12 21:20:14 though I don't understand why it's conditional for tx-only transfers Feb 12 21:20:21 rx-only sorry Feb 12 21:21:50 turbo mode is just as relevant for txrx transfers (it's not applicable to tx-only) Feb 12 21:22:44 hmmm don't think I can go over 15MHz clock with the device I have. Feb 12 21:23:47 so turbo probably isn't relevant (LOL) I think I only read and write to the device too. Little if any mutual exchange (IE bidirectional) Feb 12 21:23:49 turbo mode will reduce the inter-word gap at all clock speeds, but at low speeds it will just not be very noticable Feb 12 21:24:39 all ... I wondered why their was a gap in the clock cycles and now I know. Feb 12 21:25:05 looks like it adds 1/2 a bit time or so. Feb 12 21:25:23 the time it adds isn't dependent on bitrate Feb 12 21:26:58 without turbo mode, an rx-only or txrx transfer cannot start the next word unless the receive holding register is available for the word to be received Feb 12 21:28:26 with turbo mode it can start right away (once transmit data is available, for txrx transfers), and if the receive holding register is still full when the word transfer is done, the received word will just sit in the serializer waiting for the receive holding register to become available Feb 12 21:29:23 this is really only a problem when you have multiple SPI slaves and auto-managed chip select, since it means the transfer blocks all channels Feb 12 21:30:36 (note: the linux driver doesn't support auto-managed chip select anyway, so it really should use turbo mode whenever applicable) Feb 12 21:45:30 interesting ... so they setup the driver for a mode that isn't used. I wonder if they just set it up early on and never changed it. I do that often enough :D Feb 12 21:46:12 no, non-turbo is just the default, and given that the use of turbo mode is/was part of the platform data structure, perhaps really old devices didn't support it yet Feb 12 21:46:40 then with the transition to DT, it seems it was overlooked that this needed to be enabled by default Feb 12 21:47:14 I should probably post about this to linux-omap Feb 12 21:47:55 might be a good question.. someone may remember even :D Feb 12 21:49:27 those old devices would have to be the undocumented omap2 though, even the oldest omap3 already supports turbo mode Feb 12 22:16:42 Anybody can guide me with BBG? Feb 12 22:16:48 Hello everyone Feb 12 22:19:31 yaron: if you have a concrete question, just ask it (and be patient, it can take time to get a response) Feb 12 22:20:46 Do I need to have an SD card? I didn't get it when I bought it Feb 12 22:21:31 no, it normally boots from on-board eMMC Feb 12 22:21:52 an sd card is used (briefly) if you want to reflash eMMC Feb 12 22:22:35 or if you need more space than the 4GB of eMMC (which is unusual. 4GB is plenty of space for most purposes) Feb 12 22:29:16 Ok. How can I do it? Can you guide me. I connected the BBG to my laptop and download the file bone-debian-9.9-iot-armhf-2019-08-03-4gb.img.xzbone-debian-9.9-iot-armhf-2019-08-03-4gb.img.xz bone-debian-9.9-iot-armhf-2019-08-03-4gb.img.xz Feb 12 22:29:21 what's next? Feb 12 22:30:19 yaron: What are you trying to do? Is anyone else helping you? Feb 12 22:30:50 yaron: do what? reflash eMMC? Feb 12 22:32:20 set_: "Is anyone else helping you" seems like a bizarre question. you have chat right in front of you haven't you? Feb 12 22:32:33 I just got here. Feb 12 22:32:36 oh Feb 12 22:32:39 Yep. Feb 12 22:33:05 sorry, didn't realize since I have join/quit hidden (too much spam otherwise), never mind Feb 12 22:33:30 @zmatt: Oh. yea. My side of chat shows entries and departures. Feb 12 22:33:45 No issue. Feb 12 22:33:45 Update board with latest softwareThere are multiple ways to run initial software on your board, but it is likely that the simplest way to get an update is to create an exact replica of a bootable microSD card and boot off of it. The BeagleBone Black Rev C has 4GB of eMMC storage that can be initialized by a program booted off of a microSD card. If Feb 12 22:33:46 you want to update to the latest software image for your board, this is a way to do that. Feb 12 22:34:06 yaron: please don't copy-paste large chunks of text Feb 12 22:34:29 What? Feb 12 22:34:34 What happened? Feb 12 22:35:04 what was the quit message? Feb 12 22:35:16 Oh. The person left. Remote host closed the connection. Feb 12 22:35:43 maybe they accidently closed the window Feb 12 22:35:58 He/She could have been upset. it is hard to tell these days. Feb 12 22:36:20 either way, the person will most likely be back. Feb 12 22:36:28 People need answers! Feb 12 22:36:39 I asked a simple question, I expected a simple answer, not a big block of text copy-pasted from a getting-started guide Feb 12 22:36:55 Hhahah. That is why I typed, "What?" Feb 12 22:37:11 Is that text from the getting-started section of the bbb.io site? Feb 12 22:37:42 Who knows? Feb 12 22:38:34 It's rare you need to update the image for just messing around that is. If you want to have more space for an application then I can see that. Feb 12 22:39:30 I'd reflash anyway though, it takes very little time and effort and avoids problems down the road caused by starting with an image of unknown age Feb 12 22:40:59 for that matter my mind is blank what to do with the BBB Rev B, I think I would have to make a new image correct? Feb 12 22:41:27 rev B? those actually exist in the wild? I've only seen various rev A versions and rev C Feb 12 22:42:18 yes they do. Feb 12 22:42:27 I have 3 as matter of fact. Feb 12 22:42:51 I have a Rev. B. Feb 12 22:43:03 afaik the current iot image won't fit its fat ass into 2GB of eMMC. you could probably slim the image down a bit (while running from SD card), though I'd just start with a console image instead Feb 12 22:43:22 I forget what number or letter is after the B, though. Feb 12 22:43:48 Like, h or 3 or e. Who knows? Off to check. Feb 12 22:43:51 I have a console serial cable so no biggie. Feb 12 22:43:59 you don't need one Feb 12 22:44:08 I got it anyway :D Feb 12 22:44:25 Oops. I have an A, i.e. not the rev. B. Feb 12 22:44:31 you can ssh via ethernet, and maybe even usb networking works... I'm not sure Feb 12 22:45:08 Yep. ssh works w/ ethernet w/ the Rev. A 2GB. Feb 12 22:45:25 set_: I'm talking about the console image. this isn't hardware revision dependent Feb 12 22:45:34 Oh. Got it. Yikes. Feb 12 22:45:53 Yea. Console images work if you have a sd card. Feb 12 22:46:06 I am not completely sure if they fit on the 2GB eMMC. Feb 12 22:46:09 and "A" is rather imprecise, there are a bunch of A revisions Feb 12 22:46:18 A5C. Feb 12 22:46:29 Let me go and make sure again. Feb 12 22:46:50 Yep. Feb 12 22:46:55 A5C Feb 12 22:47:58 I got that in '15 or '16. I did not use it until I got the Element14 4GB version, though. I forget what year that was. Feb 12 22:48:54 The B is identical to the A6A hardware wise except it has a different processor. Feb 12 22:49:02 Oh. Feb 12 22:49:18 amd yes console images fit in 2GB, very generously so (the images are 1GB and that consists mostly of free space) Feb 12 22:49:22 *and Feb 12 22:49:35 Remaking a beaut. Feb 12 22:49:37 Oh. Feb 12 22:51:14 they still not as slim as they could be though... bone-debian-10.2-console-armhf-2020-02-03 has 409M of space used Feb 12 22:56:37 Oh. Yea. I guess shrinking images is not as easy these days. Feb 12 22:56:51 I mean, people want C/C++, Python, and other languages. Feb 12 22:57:25 They also want basics, i.e. like utilities for altering specific files and I/O. Feb 12 22:58:41 I know yesterday we left off at a particular point. I will not rush either of you in regards to the newly acquired Cape. Feb 12 22:59:03 If at some point, when I glance over and you all are ready or if you will ever be ready again, please let me know. Feb 12 22:59:59 I am slowly gathering resources now to see if people outside of this chat will provide support. Feb 12 23:00:07 NXP = no Feb 12 23:06:51 Kernel 5.3.x = driver! Feb 12 23:07:11 So, please just let me know if you ever have any time for this type of fiasco again. Feb 12 23:11:13 set_: the console images do not include a compiler, they are meant to be minimalistic and expect you to install whatever you want Feb 12 23:11:29 also what on earth are you talking about? Feb 12 23:12:53 Ha. Feb 12 23:14:11 GenTooMan and yourself, @zmatt, were describing to me particular things revolving around the chip, how to decipher the datasheet, and program things. Feb 12 23:14:54 I was, as usual, clueless in Seattle and enjoying the new Cape until the work came around. Now, I am stuck w/out Cape access b/c of lack of knowledge and lack of resources. Feb 12 23:15:16 It is my fault. Feb 12 23:15:17 Okay. Feb 12 23:15:25 There, I typed it out in chat. My fault. Feb 12 23:15:26 But... Feb 12 23:16:07 Your info. and knowledge on these subjects surpass my acquired intel. Feb 12 23:16:29 So, I reach out in accordance w/ lack thereof. I need it! Feb 12 23:17:14 Anyway. That is all. Feb 12 23:17:21 Guess what I got today? Feb 12 23:18:31 I had eight scales but could only salvage one. I got some random piece of hardware for my next drone, a scale sensor (heavy duty), and some neat feat for my drone! Feb 12 23:18:56 You should have seen all the electronics. Feb 12 23:19:13 LCD screens, boards, and adapter boards. Feb 12 23:20:45 set_: so, remind me why you need this cape? Feb 12 23:21:14 "Need" is such a odd word for me. I do not "need" it but... Feb 12 23:21:19 But... Feb 12 23:22:02 I can use it to learn how to interpret datasheets and how to use this PCA9685 datasheet for software/source promotion. Feb 12 23:22:12 This task is my lack thereof, so to say. Feb 12 23:22:51 "for software/source promotion" ? Feb 12 23:23:08 @zmatt: I cannot make this Cape or any Cape work b/c I do not understand how to move from datasheets into source in languages. Feb 12 23:23:23 you have the motor bridge cape working Feb 12 23:23:41 Yea. But. It is b/c of you and Seeed-Studio mostly. Feb 12 23:24:04 I get seldom credited for from scratch ideas. Feb 12 23:24:18 mostly seeed-studio (which makes sense since they designed the cape), with some minor cleanups from me Feb 12 23:24:28 See. Feb 12 23:24:34 getting a cape to work normally shouldn't involve "from scratch ideas" Feb 12 23:25:08 ideally it should Just Work and have a straightforward way to use it Feb 12 23:25:13 Right but what if I wanted to alter specific parts to the chips functionality or the "library" in Python. Feb 12 23:25:15 Right. Feb 12 23:25:18 It should. Feb 12 23:25:24 having to dig through schematics and datasheets is indicative that the manufacturer has been a lazy bum Feb 12 23:25:48 but it's something you may still do when the cape seems worth it Feb 12 23:25:57 the servo cape doesn't really seem worth it to me Feb 12 23:26:08 Okay but I want to produce too. I want to produce working knowledge in this field. Feb 12 23:26:21 I have no idea what you mean by "alter specific parts to the chips functionality" Feb 12 23:26:29 I like all things BBB. "The brand you can trust." Feb 12 23:26:38 Oh. Feb 12 23:26:42 Let me explain. Feb 12 23:27:01 the motor bridge cape python binding works and seems complete Feb 12 23:27:23 it doesn't look pretty to me, but that doesn't seem like the most important thing Feb 12 23:28:04 Say, there is a datasheet for the chip. Okay, good. Yay! Datasheet! Okay, so. I need to be able to read the datasheet, gather the necessary data from this paperwork, and apply it to source for specific use. Feb 12 23:28:07 That is all. Feb 12 23:28:41 It is not only about a Cape or my lack of knowledge. It is about learning and gaining knowledge. Feb 12 23:29:04 and if you want to get good at something or accomplish something, then maybe persist with doing something instead of fiddling with it for a few days and then jumping onto some random new shiny distraction to spend a few days on that and jump to the next shiny new distraction Feb 12 23:29:16 the servo cape is a distraction Feb 12 23:30:13 Yes. You are right. I keep trying. This idea of a distracting piece of hardware is in my sight. I get it. I try to use it. I cannot figure out how or why I cannot use it. Feb 12 23:30:17 Then, on top of that. Feb 12 23:30:37 I goof up what I already learned b/c of me learning new things and exploring. Feb 12 23:30:39 and yes being able to understand datasheets is useful. in this case it would also require at least a superficial understanding of how i2c works. and to do anything with it in python, it requires actually knowing a bit of python Feb 12 23:31:40 understanding the datasheet is not very useful if you can't do anything with the information gained from it, and right now I don't think you can Feb 12 23:31:40 Right. Okay. Software, the entire if, and, or, not, else, elif, and other words that are available mean something. I get this idea. Feb 12 23:32:05 I can look those up "if" necessary. Feb 12 23:32:50 I know my issue. It is not your issue. Okay, I understand. Feb 12 23:33:24 I think I suggested this before, but maybe try looking for simply a python programming tutorial. yes I know, not very glamarous or BBB-related, but it'll be hard to do anything with the ideas or information you have if you simply don't know how to program anything... and so far I haven't gotten the impression that you can Feb 12 23:33:27 But, if you make my issue your task for an hour, I can learn something. What I can learn is something that does not already make sense ot me. Feb 12 23:33:55 Okay. Feb 12 23:34:00 No issue. Feb 12 23:35:00 I read tons of source a lot. So, I have the ideas down pat. I just cannot relay the source from the datasheet to the text editor well. Odd? yes but that is the complication for me right now. Feb 12 23:35:01 often when you show me your attempt at writing some code, it often did nothing useful and commonly I couldn't even identify what it was intended to do Feb 12 23:35:25 Okay. Feb 12 23:35:36 Again, no issue. I cannot deny what you are typing. Feb 12 23:35:42 which suggests to me you don't really have any mental model of what python code does (or code in general presumably) Feb 12 23:36:30 That is correct. I read the unions, buts, ifs, ands, nots, and I know they exchange bits but my lack of bit exchange is not there. Feb 12 23:36:43 Dang it. Sorry. I stopped making sense. Feb 12 23:37:17 I can review that again. Feb 12 23:37:20 Thank you. Feb 12 23:37:38 set_ I suggest before reading other peoples code you learn to write down what you want to do. That was what I was actually trying to do last night. Show you how to think through a problem. Feb 12 23:38:16 and maybe look for a basic python programming tutorial Feb 12 23:38:38 Right. You and @zmatt are too advanced in thought on how to look at issues. Reasoning w/ a person like me is silly b/c of my lack of knowledge. That is okay. Feb 12 23:38:59 It is not easy to "sink" and learn how to gain what another might or might not knows. Feb 12 23:39:34 Okay. Feb 12 23:39:37 Off to look. Feb 12 23:39:43 Again, thank you. Feb 12 23:39:46 set_ how will you learn to reason if you don't have someone who talks to you in a reasoning manner? advanced maybe, but it's just thinking things through. Feb 12 23:40:45 I know how to plan. I will admit I hate to plan. I should be able to rifle through things w/ my "vast" knowledge and spew it into source. Feb 12 23:40:49 That is all. Feb 12 23:41:14 See, you can. Why not me? Feb 12 23:42:30 Cough. Well, I will go and look through tutorials on how python is working. Feb 12 23:42:39 Thank you, again. Feb 12 23:43:22 Ok pokey. Feb 12 23:47:50 Look up Pokey LaFarge. Feb 12 23:47:52 Music! Feb 12 23:48:06 And yes, I am slow. sheesh. Feb 13 00:21:42 Could virtualizing a running web browser keep it from freezing my system when the scripts eat all the available memory? Feb 13 00:25:05 ericxdu: what device are you talking about? Feb 13 00:25:25 zmatt: Beaglebone Black Feb 13 00:26:05 no virtualization is supported, and if it were, it would merely increase the amount of resources required Feb 13 00:26:15 just don't run a web browser on the bbb Feb 13 00:26:43 modern web browsers are enormous resource hogs Feb 13 00:28:37 zmatt: they sure are. I hate browsing the web Feb 13 00:29:13 more generally I would not recommend running a desktop environment on a BBB. a beaglebone does not make a good desktop computer Feb 13 00:29:45 (this is also why the gui-less "IoT" image is the recommended image for beaglebones) Feb 13 00:31:28 Yeah I haven't had much luck with it as a desktop either. Especially not the provided LXDE image. I kind of like a bare Openbox session though, as long as my usage is resource-light Feb 13 01:13:36 sudo apt install xfce4 <<< Use this instead for the BBB. Feb 13 01:13:47 That GUI works. I think. Feb 13 01:16:25 my understanding is that xfce is heavier than lxqt, but I've neither tried either tbh Feb 13 01:17:22 the best desktop environment for the bbb is none whatsoever, just use ssh and work from the comfort of your main pc/laptop Feb 13 01:30:23 .. and get a Pi4 :D Feb 13 01:30:25 :P Feb 13 01:36:39 the memory interface is likely the largest limitation. 32 bits and faster speed would give it a chance. Feb 13 01:40:25 I am learning from scratch again. Good luck to me! Feb 13 01:40:39 I am in a while loop of learning from scratch. Feb 13 01:46:41 if you itch you scratch... Feb 13 01:57:43 GenTooMan: I think set_ just scratches randomly .. he'll give himself a skin disorder ;P Feb 13 02:04:23 veremitz: I have a Pi4. :-D Any virtualization possible on there? Feb 13 02:05:03 depends on the ARM core really. Feb 13 02:06:12 Scrapyard garbage and scratching go hand in hand. Feb 13 02:06:36 Besides that idea, I am learning while scratching! Feb 13 02:22:06 Man. Turning dec. into hex. numbers is tempting the reversal of time. Feb 13 02:26:56 New person, new lesson! Feb 13 02:32:03 veremitz: Zits? Feb 13 02:32:26 I am growing and learning while advancing in learning. This is neat. Feb 13 02:37:38 ericxdu: not sure I'd try it on a broadcom chip... but possibly.. Feb 13 02:38:51 Okay **** ENDING LOGGING AT Thu Feb 13 02:59:57 2020