JMRI on Ubuntu Linux - not detecting USB connection

SteamDonkey74 Jan 8, 2013

  1. SteamDonkey74

    SteamDonkey74 TrainBoard Supporter

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    I have JMRI loaded on a machine running Xubuntu Linux and I can open JMRI but I crash and burn when it comes to establishing a connection through a USB port to either my SPROG II or my PR3. I have gone and looked at JMRI's help pages on this and the whole thing is clear as mud.

    Has anyone any experience doing this and if so would you give me some tips and advice?

    Thanks,
    Adam
     
  2. lexon

    lexon TrainBoard Member

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    Just a chance it might be Ubuntu in case you do not get anyother replies.

    I cannot advise about using Ubuntu but you might try Linux Mint 14. I switched a few years ago from Ubuntu back when Mint 6 came out. I found Ubuntu was missing certain things that you had to add yourself.

    http://www.linuxmint.com/download.php

    Rich
     
  3. SteamDonkey74

    SteamDonkey74 TrainBoard Supporter

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    I will look into that if I can't get anywhere else. JMRI is looking for something on the serial port. I don't know why JMRI persists in doing this even in more recent releases since so many devices are now USB. I have this same run-around every time I go to put JMRI on a new platform, and I eventually stumble through it.

    I have a version of Xubuntu supported by a local group here. A lot of those missing things they've included in their supplemental updates, so I basically have a complete computer. Where I am getting hung up is on JMRI's "help" page, which I'll go ahead and link here. It gives some sample text but I don't know if I am supposed to punch those things in using the terminal emulator or what, and I don't know how to modify the example to match my hardware, which is different than that in the example (e.g., I have a PR3 and a SPROG II, not NCE or Locobuffer).

    http://jmri.sourceforge.net/install/Linux.html
     
  4. NotchHill

    NotchHill TrainBoard Member

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    Hi

    I had an issue with JMRI and Ubuntu. It turned out to be a permissions issue somewhere. On the JMRI forum, a search will find some suggestions to fix the problem.

    It is worth while joining the JMRI forum as well.

    Cheers,
     
  5. SteamDonkey74

    SteamDonkey74 TrainBoard Supporter

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    I have requested to join the JMRI forum but my request hasn't been accepted, yet. I can search old threads and I am trying some of what I see.

    Thanks, John!
     
  6. SteamDonkey74

    SteamDonkey74 TrainBoard Supporter

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    The JMRI users group got me sorted out.

    First, I have to say that anyone following my footsteps IGNORE MOST OF THE JMRI website. A lot of that information is outdated. I followed some of the recommendations and ended up screwing up my java installations and such so badly I ended up finally throwing up my hands and reinstalling my system. Also do NOT run RXTXinstall unless you are using a much older version of JMRI and someone reputable (or several reputable) folks on the JMRI Users list tell you that you should.

    There's a little command line work involved, and if anyone is going down the same path I can go get the write-up I did there on what finally worked for me and you'll be in business.

    I am so happy to finally have a portable JMRI set-up. With my SPROG, too, I have a programming track or 1 amp DCC system wherever I take the laptop. Nice!


    Adam
     
  7. Slowleak97

    Slowleak97 New Member

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    Adam, I would like to take you up on your kind offer to send me the write up on what you did to get JMRI working with Linux. I have Mint installed on my computer and the JMRI does not read the USB ports and nothing I have tried works. Since Mint is a Unbuntu base, your fix should work.

    Thanks,

    Paul
     
  8. Slowleak97

    Slowleak97 New Member

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    Adam, I would like to take you up on your kind offer to send me the write up on what you did to get JMRI working with Linux. I have Mint installed on my computer and the JMRI does not read the USB ports and nothing I have tried works. Since Mint is a Unbuntu base, your fix should work.

    Thanks,

    Paul
     
  9. jdetray

    jdetray TrainBoard Member

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    Adam -

    As you have discovered, the JMRI user group is a much better source for troubleshooting tips than is the web site. As a completely volunteer effort, JMRI web site updates seem to be of lower priority than JMRI bug fixes and new features.

    I urge you to write up a how-to document to guide others through the configuration process for your combination of hardware, which sounds like it might be fairly common. Further, I urge you to put your how-to guide online somewhere and to announce its availability on the JMRI user group. This is often how JMRI moves forward -- a knowledgeable person like yourself shares his problem-solving with the group.

    - Jeff
     

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