Warning

This is the documentation the latest work-in-progress version of MPF!

This is the documentation for MPF 0.56, which is the “dev” (next) release of MPF that is a work-in-progress. This is probably ok, and means you’ll be on the latest, cutting-edge version of MPF.

However, if you want a more stable version, select the v:stable version from the lower-left corner of this page, which is the most recent version that is not getting new updates.

If you are new to MPF, we have recently rewritten the installation process which only applies to this “latest” 0.56, so you probably want to stay here because the prior installation process doesn’t work on the latest OS and Python versions.

How to use Pololu Tic in MPF

Related Config File Sections
hardware:
pololu_tic:
tic_stepper_settings:
switches:
steppers:

The Pololu Tic is a stepper controller which can control one stepper via USB. Multiple versions with different power rating exist but they all work the same from the perspective of MPF.

TODO: Add a picture of a Pololu Tic

Overview video about steppers:

Installation

To use the Pololu Tic you need to install ticcmd from Pololu. Follow their Installation instructions for ticcmd.

Connecting your stepper

Connect your stepper according to the Pololu manual.

Configuring your stepper

Afterwards, you can use steppers from MPF. This is an example:

#config_version=5
hardware:
  stepper_controllers: pololu_tic

switches:
  s_home:
    number: 1

steppers:
  stepper1:
    number: 1
    homing_mode: switch
    homing_switch: s_home
    named_positions:
      10: test_00
      20: test_01
      50: test_10
    platform_settings:
      max_acceleration: 20000

This example is tested to be valid MPF config. However, it is not integration tested.

#config_version=5
hardware:
  stepper_controllers: pololu_tic

switches:
  s_home:
    number: 1

steppers:
  stepper1:
    number: 1
    homing_mode: switch
    homing_switch: s_home
    named_positions:
      10: test_00
      20: test_01
      50: test_10
    platform_settings:
      max_acceleration: 20000

You can set certain pololu-specific settings in platform_settings. See tic_stepper_settings: for details.

What if it did not work?

Have a look at our hardware troubleshooting guide.