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Notice: This page contains information for the legacy Phidget21 Library.

Phidget21 is out of support. Bugfixes may be considered on a case by case basis.

Phidget21 does not support VINT Phidgets, or new USB Phidgets released after 2020. We maintain a selection of legacy devices for sale that are supported in Phidget21.

We recommend that new projects be developed against the Phidget22 Library.


Click on the 2phidget22.jpg button in the menu bar to go to the Phidget22 version of this page.

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OS - Linux

From Phidgets Legacy Support

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)

Basic Phidget downloads for Linux:

How to use the libraries:

  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. Unpack and install the Phidget Libraries for Linux (download above)
    • From the main libraries directory, run:
      ./configure
      make
      sudo make install
    • This will compile phidget21.h and place the library into your gcc path
  3. Unpack the Phidget C Examples (download above)
  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

Now that you have the basic libraries installed, you can pick your language and begin programming!

If you are not using the webservice (discussed below) to control a Phidget over a network, your next step will be to delve into the use of your specific language. Each page has its own set of specific libraries, code examples, and setup instructions. The following languages control Phidgets on Linux:

Webservice

Before using these webservice drivers, it may help to learn about how the Phidget Webservice works.

Common Problems and Solutions

None yet, yay!

Maybe talk about udev rules?