LitePlacer.com forums

Hello. I don't have a Windows operation system and neither me nor any of my hacker friends like Windows, but we love to build hardware and the documentation of this project. I am sure we would have fun with a LitePlacer kit, but for now it seems the software would only run on windows? Could it be compiled for Linux x86, x64, ARM, MacOS? Did you try running it in a VM?

AFAIK the endoscopic cameras have a resolution of 640x480, right? would it make sense to equip them with an additional magnification lens to increase the accuracy?

We would also like to see a mode where parts could be opted in for a single AOI automated optical inspection - ie every part that is picked up is then held over the upward facing cam and scanned for rotation and offset. You could eliminate at least the variations in the tape pockets and the pick up process.

All the best! Lars

Hi Lars,

> it seems the software would only run on windows?
Yes, as far as I know. My knowledge on other systems is limited (to put it nicely).

> Could it be compiled for Linux x86, x64, ARM, MacOS?
See previous. The software is written in C#.NET, which is rather Windows specific, I'm afraid. But see previous.

> Did you try running it in a VM?
No. The software does not go very deep, so it might very well run. It uses threading, web cam interface and serial port; these don't sound too challenging for a self-respecting VM.

> AFAIK the endoscopic cameras have a resolution of 640x480, right?
Right.

>would it make sense to equip them with an additional magnification lens to increase the accuracy?
Maybe, I haven't tried (or use better resolution cameras). The video processing has 1/2 pixel resolution, which is already below the machine mechanical tolerances using these cameras. Still, if the resolution increases (pixel size in mm's goes down) it lowers that error source. It can't hurt and might actually help. Anybody want to re-try 0201s?

From another forum talking about another software:

<xxx> is written in C#, C++11 and C++/CLI. With the new .NET for both LINUX and Mac you will be able to run <xxx> as a native code application. The NET CLR will compile <xxx> to native code. I know some people hate Microsoft and insist they will never install .NET. But the fact is, on most machines now .NET is already installed.

LitePlacer is written in C#.NET, so if the above is correct, you should be able to run it on Linux. (Disclaimer: I have no idea what I'm talking about concerning the quoted text.) Getting the cams to work might be the biggest issue. If running under Linux is important to you, please try it out! I would like to hear the result.

Sounds good! I will try to set up a build environment for the liteplacer software then.
Cameras like the ones you used are generally plug and play in Linux, the endoscope cams use one of the typical USB webcam chips.

Also, Microsoft code studio runs on Macs and Linux (https://code.visualstudio.com/), which should make the port easier. In general, the software is using standard OS services and is not using any Windows special features, so it should be easy to port code-wise, too.

New here - I hope to purchase a kit by the end of September or sooner. While I prefer to use windows for most things I am also thinking this might be a good use for my UDOO linux embedded computer i acquired from kickstarter.
Did anyone make any progress on this yet?

Glenn