Set up a controller
2 minute read
MCX-RTOS is the operating system of a Motorcortex controller: it runs the real-time Motorcortex application and the services your browser and tools connect to. You get a controller that runs it in one of two ways: install MCX-RTOS on a machine of your own, or create a cloud machine on motorcortex.io that already runs it.
On an industrial PC, a Raspberry Pi or a virtual machine on your own PC. You download the image for your controller and install it.
motorcortex.io runs a virtual machine for you that already has MCX-RTOS. You create and start it from your browser, then go on to step 2.
Info
A new Motorcortex controller comes with MCX-RTOS installed. You can skip this step and go on to Connect your PC, unless you want a newer image.
Which controller to choose
- Cloud machine: motorcortex.io runs it for you, so you install nothing and connect no cable. It needs access to virtual machines for your organisation, and uses credits while it runs.
- Virtual machine: try Motorcortex without hardware, on your own PC. It has no EtherCAT devices, so applications run in simulation.
- Raspberry Pi: a low-cost controller to test with. Its computing power limits what the application can do.
- Industrial PC: the controller for a real machine.
Next: Install MCX-RTOS or use a cloud machine.