rcpy: Python 3 Interface for the Robotics Cape on the Beaglebone Black and the Beaglebone Blue
Release 0.5
This is a Python library with bindings for some of the functionality of the Robotics Cape library.
We only support Python 3, and are not interested in Python 2 at all.
Not all functions are supported. Currently supported functions are:
- MPU9250
- PWM motors
- Servos and ESCs
- Encoders
- LEDs
- Buttons
- GPIO inputs
- ADCs
You might also be interested in the pyctrl package (github, PyPI).
Preliminaries
You will need the Robotics Cape library version 0.3.4 or higher. Depending on the image you have on your Beaglebone Black or Blue it might already be installed! You can check if it is installed and the current version by running
rc_version
on your Beaglebone. If the command rc_version is not found type
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install roboticscape
to install or
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade roboticscape
to upgrade from an older version. For more details see these instructions.
You must also have python3 installed. If you have not installed python3 yet type
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip
to install python3 and pip3.
Installation
Starting with version 0.5, rcpy relies on libgpiod for its gpio access. As of now, you have to manually install this library as follows.
Install some dependencies used by autoconf
sudo apt install autoconf-archive
Clone repo, build and make
git clone https://github.com/brgl/libgpiod
cd libgpiod
./autogen.sh --enable-tools=yes --enable-bindings-python --prefix=/usr/local
make
sudo make install
Move packages to /usr/local/lib/python3.5/dist-packages
sudo mv /usr/local/lib/python3.5/site-packages/* /usr/local/lib/python3.5/dist-packages/.
Install from PyPI
Starting with version 0.3, rcpy is available from PyPI. Just type
sudo pip3 install rcpy
to download and complete installation.
