OS - Linux

Phidgets can run on Linux directly using USB, or remotely over a network using the Phidget Webservice.

You need kernel version 2.6 or later.

Getting Started (Libraries and Drivers)

1. Download libusb-0.1 and its development libraries
   • Try apt-cache search libusb in a terminal to find current packages
   • Or install from source, which includes development libraries
2. Download Phidget Libraries for Linux
   • Unpack them, and in the main directory run:

     ./configure

     make

     sudo make install

   • This will compile phidget21.h and place the library into your gcc path
3. Download the Phidget C Examples and unpack them
4. Compile and run the HelloWorld.c example:

     gcc HelloWorld.c -o HelloWorld -lphidget21
     sudo ./HelloWorld

(The sudo is needed for USB access for now)

The program will simply print out basic information for any device you plug in, and print a message upon unplugging the device. For example, starting the program, plugging in an Interface Kit Phidget, unplugging the Interface Kit, and pressing Enter displays:

   $ sudo ./HelloWorld 
   
   Opening...
   Press Enter to end

   Hello to Device Phidget InterfaceKit 8/8/8, Serial Number: 37299
   Goodbye Device Phidget InterfaceKit 8/8/8, Serial Number: 37299

   Closing...

Recommended Languages

We recommend the following languages for this OS:

• C/C++
• C# (Using Mono)
• Flash AS3
• Java
• Python

Installing Libraries and Drivers

You can download the newest source below:

• Phidget21 Source
• Phidget Webservice

Phidgets requires Linux Kernel 2.6 or newer.

Once you've downloaded the source, build Phidget21.

There is no Phidgets Control Panel written for Linux, but there are C/C++ and Java code samples are available for all Phidgets which will compile and run on Linux without modification.

Notes:

• Many Linux systems are now built with unsupported third party drivers. It may be necessary to uninstall these drivers for our libraries to work properly.
  • I don't think this is true. If you mean libusb, you need to install the 'libusb-dev' package. If you mean the kernel drivers - these don't interfere and are safe.
• Phidget21 for Linux is a user-space library. Applications typically have to be run as root, or udev/hotplug must be configured to give permissions when the Phidget is plugged in.

Common Problems and Solutions

• List relevant problems from "Common Problems and workarounds" doc
• List common problems for this OS from support forums

Limitations

List any limitations associated with running Phidgets with this OS.