Fixed wrong doc

Also introduced graceful error handling when trying to access
interactive mode on Windows.

.gitea/workflows/action.yaml

@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+name: Test And Build
+on: [push]
+
+jobs:
+  Lint:
+    runs-on: linepics
+    steps:
+      - name: checkout repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+      - name: cppcheck
+        run: cppcheck --std=c++17 --addon=cert --addon=misc --error-exitcode=1 src/*.cpp
+      - name: formatting
+        run: clang-format --style=file --Werror --dry-run src/*.cpp
+  Build:
+    runs-on: linepics
+    steps:
+      - name: checkout repo
+        uses: actions/checkout@v4
+        with:
+          submodules: 'true'
+      - run: |
+          sed -i 's/ARCH_FILTER=.*/ARCH_FILTER=linux%/' Makefile
+          echo -e "\nIGNORE_SUBMODULES += sinqmotor" >> Makefile
+          make install

.gitignore

@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+O.*
+.cvsignore
+.vscode
+utils/__pycache__

.gitlab-ci.yml

@@ -1,48 +0,0 @@
-default:
-  image: docker.psi.ch:5000/sinqdev/sinqepics:latest
-
-stages:
-  - lint
-  - build
-  - test
-
-cppcheck:
-  stage: lint
-  script:
-    - cppcheck --std=c++17 --addon=cert --addon=misc --suppress=cert-STR07-C --error-exitcode=1 src/*.cpp
-  artifacts:
-    expire_in: 1 week
-  tags:
-    - sinq
-
-formatting:
-  stage: lint
-  script:
-    - clang-format --style=file --Werror --dry-run src/*.cpp
-  artifacts:
-    expire_in: 1 week
-  tags:
-    - sinq
-
-build_module:
-  stage: build
-  script:
-    - export SINQMOTOR_VERSION="$(grep 'sinqMotor_VERSION=' Makefile | cut -d= -f2)"
-    - git clone --depth 1 --branch "${SINQMOTOR_VERSION}" https://gitlab-ci-token:${CI_JOB_TOKEN}@git.psi.ch/sinq-epics-modules/sinqmotor.git
-    - pushd sinqmotor
-    - sed -i 's/ARCH_FILTER=.*/ARCH_FILTER=linux%/' Makefile
-    - echo "LIBVERSION=${SINQMOTOR_VERSION}" >> Makefile
-    - make install
-    - popd
-    - sed -i 's/ARCH_FILTER=.*/ARCH_FILTER=linux%/' Makefile
-    - echo "LIBVERSION=${CI_COMMIT_TAG:-0.0.1}" >> Makefile
-    - make install
-    - cp -rT "/ioc/modules/masterMacs/$(ls -U /ioc/modules/masterMacs/ | head -1)" "./masterMacs-${CI_COMMIT_TAG:-$CI_COMMIT_SHORT_SHA}"
-  artifacts:
-    name: "masterMacs-${CI_COMMIT_TAG:-$CI_COMMIT_SHORT_SHA}"
-    paths:
-      - "masterMacs-${CI_COMMIT_TAG:-$CI_COMMIT_SHORT_SHA}/*"
-    expire_in: 1 week
-  when: always
-  tags:
-    - sinq

Makefile

@@ -23,9 +23,14 @@ SOURCES += src/masterMacsController.cpp
 # Store the record files
 TEMPLATES += sinqMotor/db/asynRecord.db
 TEMPLATES += sinqMotor/db/sinqMotor.db
+TEMPLATES += db/masterMacs.db
 
 # This file registers the motor-specific functions in the IOC shell.
 DBDS += sinqMotor/src/sinqMotor.dbd
 DBDS += src/masterMacs.dbd
 
-USR_CFLAGS += -Wall -Wextra -Weffc++ -Wunused-result -Wextra -Werror
+USR_CFLAGS += -Wall -Wextra -Wunused-result -Wextra -Werror
+
+# These flags define the expected firmware version. See README.md, section
+# "Firmware version checking" for details.
+USR_CXXFLAGS += -DFIRMWARE_MAJOR_VERSION=2 -DFIRMWARE_MINOR_VERSION=2 -Wall -Wextra -Weffc++ -Wunused-result -Wextra

README.md

@@ -17,15 +17,38 @@ The folder "utils" contains utility scripts for working with masterMacs motor co
 - decodeError.py: Take the return message of a R11 (read error) command and print it in human-readable form.
 - writeRead.py: Send messages to the controller and receive answers.
 
-## Developer guide
+These scripts can be run from anywhere. On Linux, the shebang (#!) automatically
+calls the system Python 3 executable:
+
+```bash
+# To show the help, use either flag -h or --help (works on all scripts)
+/path/to/mastermacs_repo/utils/decodeStatus.py -h 
+/path/to/mastermacs_repo/utils/decodeError.py --help
+/path/to/mastermacs_repo/utils/writeRead.py -h
+
+# To run in non-interactive mode, give the value as an argument
+/path/to/mastermacs_repo/utils/decodeStatus.py 1234
+/path/to/mastermacs_repo/utils/decodeError.py 5678
+/path/to/mastermacs_repo/utils/writeRead.py "R11"
+
+# To run in interactive mode, don't give any argument. This only works on Linux
+/path/to/mastermacs_repo/utils/decodeStatus.py
+/path/to/mastermacs_repo/utils/decodeError.py
+/path/to/mastermacs_repo/utils/writeRead.py
+```
+
+To use these scripts on Windows, prefix the Python 3 executable:
+```bash
+C:/path/to/python3.exe C:/path/to/mastermacs_repo/utils/decodeStatus.py 1234
+```
 
 ### Usage in IOC shell
 
-masterMacs exposes the following IOC shell functions (all in masterMacsController.cpp):
+masterMacs exposes the following IOC shell functions:
 - `masterMacsController`: Create a new controller object.
 - `masterMacsAxis`: Create a new axis object.
 
-The full mcu.cmd file looks like this:
+The full masterMacsX.cmd file looks like this:
 
 ```
 # Define the name of the controller and the corresponding port
@@ -55,17 +78,45 @@ setMaxSubsequentTimeouts("$(NAME)", 20);
 setThresholdComTimeout("$(NAME)", 100, 1);
 
 # Parametrize the EPICS record database with the substitution file named after the MCU.
-epicsEnvSet("SINQDBPATH","$(sinqMotor_DB)/sinqMotor.db")
+epicsEnvSet("SINQDBPATH","$(masterMacs_DB)/sinqMotor.db")
 dbLoadTemplate("$(TOP)/$(NAME).substitutions", "INSTR=$(INSTR)$(NAME):,CONTROLLER=$(NAME)")
 epicsEnvSet("SINQDBPATH","$(masterMacs_DB)/masterMacs.db")
 dbLoadTemplate("$(TOP)/$(NAME).substitutions", "INSTR=$(INSTR)$(NAME):,CONTROLLER=$(NAME)")
-dbLoadRecords("$(sinqMotor_DB)/asynRecord.db","P=$(INSTR)$(NAME),PORT=$(ASYN_PORT)")
+dbLoadRecords("$(masterMacs_DB)/asynRecord.db","P=$(INSTR)$(NAME),PORT=$(ASYN_PORT)")
 ```
 
+## Developer guide
+
 ### Versioning
 
 Please see the documentation for the module sinqMotor: https://git.psi.ch/sinq-epics-modules/sinqmotor/-/blob/main/README.md.
 
+### Firmware version checking
+
+This driver expects a certain version of the firmware running on the controller itself.
+This is checked at IOC startup by reading the version directly from the hardware.
+If the firmware version is incompatible to the driver, the IOC will be shut down.
+If the firmware version cannot be read (e.g. because the variable used to do so
+does not exist yet on old firmware versions), the firmware is assumed to be compatible
+to the driver.
+
+The version check is separated into a check of the major and the minor firmware
+version against expected values. The firmware is seen as compatible if the following conditions hold:
+- Read-out major version == Expected major version
+- Read-out read major version >= Expected minor version
+
+The expected versions are defined via compiler flags in `Makefile`:
+
+```
+USR_CXXFLAGS += -DFIRMWARE_MAJOR_VERSION=1 -DFIRMWARE_MINOR_VERSION=0
+```
+Be aware that these flags are only used to compile C++-files (.cpp, .cxx) and not
+C-files (.c). For C-files, the Makefile variable `USR_CFLAGS` must be used.
+
+In order to disable the checks, the flags can be set to -1 or just be removed
+entirely. If one of the flags is not given, both the major and the minor version 
+checks are deactivated.
+
 ### How to build it
 
 Please see the documentation for the module sinqMotor: https://git.psi.ch/sinq-epics-modules/sinqmotor/-/blob/main/README.md.

db/masterMacs.db

@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+# Call the nodeReset function of the corresponding masterMacsAxis.
+# This record is coupled to the parameter library via nodeReset_ -> NODE_RESET.
+record(longout, "$(INSTR)$(M):NodeReset") {
+    field(DTYP, "asynInt32")
+    field(OUT, "@asyn($(CONTROLLER),$(AXIS),1) NODE_RESET")
+    field(PINI, "NO")
+}

src/masterMacsAxis.h

@@ -1,16 +1,12 @@
 #ifndef masterMacsAXIS_H
 #define masterMacsAXIS_H
+#include "masterMacsController.h"
 #include "sinqAxis.h"
 #include <memory>
 
-// Forward declaration of the controller class to resolve the cyclic dependency
-// between the controller and the axis .h-file. See
-// https://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/language/class.
-class masterMacsController;
+struct HIDDEN masterMacsAxisImpl;
 
-struct masterMacsAxisImpl;
-
-class masterMacsAxis : public sinqAxis {
+class HIDDEN masterMacsAxis : public sinqAxis {
   public:
     /**
      * @brief Construct a new masterMacsAxis
@@ -20,6 +16,13 @@ class masterMacsAxis : public sinqAxis {
      */
     masterMacsAxis(masterMacsController *pController, int axisNo);
 
+    /**
+     * @brief Delete the copy and copy assignment constructors, because this
+     * class should not be copied (it is tied to hardware!)
+     */
+    masterMacsAxis(const masterMacsAxis &) = delete;
+    masterMacsAxis &operator=(const masterMacsAxis &) = delete;
+
     /**
      * @brief Destroy the masterMacsAxis
      *
@@ -54,13 +57,13 @@ class masterMacsAxis : public sinqAxis {
      *
      * @param position
      * @param relative
-     * @param min_velocity
-     * @param max_velocity
+     * @param minVelocity
+     * @param maxVelocity
      * @param acceleration
      * @return asynStatus
      */
-    asynStatus doMove(double position, int relative, double min_velocity,
-                      double max_velocity, double acceleration);
+    asynStatus doMove(double position, int relative, double minVelocity,
+                      double maxVelocity, double acceleration);
 
     /**
      * @brief Implementation of the `stop` function from asynMotorAxis
@@ -79,12 +82,27 @@ class masterMacsAxis : public sinqAxis {
      */
     asynStatus doReset();
 
+    /**
+     * @brief Performs a "node reset" on the axis as defined in the CANopen
+     * standard
+     *
+     * A "node reset" is a factory reset on the axis which completely deletes
+     * all configured information (e.g. limits or speed) from the axis. The
+     * MasterMACS controller then reapplies the initial configuration to this
+     * axis. It can therefore be seen as a "hard" version of the normal error
+     * reset performed by the `doReset` method.
+     *
+     * @return asynStatus
+     */
+    asynStatus nodeReset();
+
     /**
      * @brief Readout of some values from the controller at IOC startup
      *
      * The following steps are performed:
-     * - Read out the motor status, motor position, velocity and acceleration
-     * from the MCU and store this information in the parameter library.
+     * - Read out the motor status, motor position, velocity and
+     * acceleration from the MCU and store this information in the parameter
+     * library.
      * - Set the enable PV accordint to the initial status of the axis.
      *
      * @return asynStatus
@@ -100,8 +118,8 @@ class masterMacsAxis : public sinqAxis {
     asynStatus enable(bool on);
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the encoder type (incremental or absolute) for this axis from
-     * the MCU and store the information in the PV ENCODER_TYPE.
+     * @brief Read the encoder type (incremental or absolute) for this axis
+     * from the MCU and store the information in the PV ENCODER_TYPE.
      *
      * @return asynStatus
      */
@@ -116,173 +134,205 @@ class masterMacsAxis : public sinqAxis {
     bool needInit();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Instruct the axis to run its init() function during the next poll
+     * @brief Instruct the axis to run its init() function during the next
+     * poll
      *
      * @param needInit
      */
     void setNeedInit(bool needInit);
 
-    asynStatus readConfig();
+    /**
+     * @brief Return a pointer to the axis controller
+     */
+    virtual masterMacsController *pController() override { return pC_; };
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the Master MACS status with the xR10 command and store the
-     * result in axisStatus_
+     * @brief Read the Master MACS status with the xR10 command and store
+     * the result in axisStatus (see masterMacsAxisImpl redefinition in
+     * masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      *
      */
     asynStatus readAxisStatus();
 
     /*
-    The functions below read the specified status bit from the axisStatus
-    bitset. Since a bit can either be 0 or 1, the return value is given as a
-    boolean.
+    The functions below read the specified status bit from the axisStatus (see
+    masterMacsAxisImpl redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp) bitset. Since a bit
+    can either be 0 or 1, the return value is given as a boolean.
     */
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool readyToBeSwitchedOn();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool switchedOn();
 
     // Bit 2 is unused
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool faultConditionSet();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool voltagePresent();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool quickStopping();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool switchOnDisabled();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool warning();
 
     // Bit 8 is unused
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool remoteMode();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool targetReached();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool internalLimitActive();
 
     // Bits 12 and 13 are unused
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool setEventHasOcurred();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisStatus (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool powerEnabled();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the Master MACS status with the xR10 command and store the
-     * result in axisStatus_
+     * @brief Read the Master MACS error with the xR10 command and store
+     * the result in axisError (see masterMacsAxisImpl redefinition in
+     * masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      *
      */
     asynStatus readAxisError();
 
     /*
-    The functions below read the specified error bit from the axisError_
-    bitset. Since a bit can either be 0 or 1, the return value is given as a
-    boolean.
+    The functions below read the specified error bit from the axisError (see
+    masterMacsAxisImpl redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp) bitset. Since a bit
+    can either be 0 or 1, the return value is given as a boolean.
     */
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisError_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisError (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool shortCircuit();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisError_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisError (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool encoderError();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisError_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisError (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool followingError();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisError_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisError (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool communicationError();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisError_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisError (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool feedbackError();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisError_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisError (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool positiveLimitSwitch();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisError_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisError (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool negativeLimitSwitch();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisError_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisError (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool positiveSoftwareLimit();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisError_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisError (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool negativeSoftwareLimit();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisError_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisError (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool overCurrent();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisError_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisError (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool overTemperature();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisError_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisError (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool overVoltage();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisError_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisError (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool underVoltage();
 
     /**
-     * @brief Read the property from axisError_
+     * @brief Read the property from axisError (see masterMacsAxisImpl
+     * redefinition in masterMacsAxis.cpp)
      */
     bool stoFault();
 

src/masterMacsController.cpp

@@ -12,8 +12,33 @@
 #include <string>
 #include <unistd.h>
 
+/*
+These functions are used to read out the compiler flags defining the major and
+minor versions. See README.md, section "Firmware version checking" for
+details. If these flags are not given, a default value of -1 is used, which
+disables the version checks (it suffices to have one of these at -1 to disable
+both major and minor version check)
+ */
+constexpr int firmware_major_version() {
+#ifdef FIRMWARE_MAJOR_VERSION
+    return FIRMWARE_MAJOR_VERSION;
+#else
+    return -1;
+#endif
+}
+constexpr int firmware_minor_version() {
+#ifdef FIRMWARE_MINOR_VERSION
+    return FIRMWARE_MINOR_VERSION;
+#else
+    return -1;
+#endif
+}
+
 struct masterMacsControllerImpl {
     double comTimeout;
+
+    // Indices of additional ParamLib entries
+    int nodeReset;
 };
 
 /**
@@ -56,17 +81,32 @@ masterMacsController::masterMacsController(const char *portName,
     : sinqController(portName, ipPortConfigName, numAxes, movingPollPeriod,
                      idlePollPeriod,
                      // No additional parameter library entries
-                     0)
+                     0),
+      pMasterMacsC_(
+          std::make_unique<masterMacsControllerImpl>((masterMacsControllerImpl){
+              .comTimeout = comTimeout,
+              .nodeReset = 0, // Overwritten later
+          }))
 
 {
 
     // Initialization of local variables
     asynStatus status = asynSuccess;
+    char response[MAXBUF_] = {0};
 
-    pMasterMacsC_ =
-        std::make_unique<masterMacsControllerImpl>((masterMacsControllerImpl){
-            .comTimeout = comTimeout,
-        });
+    // =========================================================================
+    // Create additional parameter library entries
+
+    status =
+        createParam("NODE_RESET", asynParamInt32, &pMasterMacsC_->nodeReset);
+    if (status != asynSuccess) {
+        asynPrint(this->pasynUser(), ASYN_TRACE_ERROR,
+                  "Controller \"%s\" => %s, line %d\nFATAL ERROR (creating a "
+                  "parameter failed with %s).\nTerminating IOC",
+                  portName, __PRETTY_FUNCTION__, __LINE__,
+                  stringifyAsynStatus(status));
+        exit(-1);
+    }
 
     // =========================================================================
 
@@ -99,6 +139,60 @@ masterMacsController::masterMacsController(const char *portName,
         pasynOctetSyncIO->disconnect(pasynOctetSyncIOipPort());
         exit(-1);
     }
+
+    // =========================================================================
+
+    if (firmware_major_version() >= 0 && firmware_minor_version() >= 0) {
+        // Check the firmware version according to the conditions outlined in
+        // README.md
+        status = read(0, 99, response);
+
+        if (status == asynSuccess) {
+
+            // Just interpret the version if the variable already exists
+            double versionRaw = 0.0;
+            int nvals = sscanf(response, "%lf", &versionRaw);
+            if (nvals == 1 && versionRaw != 0.0) {
+                // Discard decimal part
+                long long versionInt = (long long)versionRaw;
+
+                // Extract bugfix (last 3 digits)
+                // Currently not used, just here for completions sake
+                // int bugfix = versionInt % 1000;
+                versionInt /= 1000;
+
+                // Extract minor (next 3 digits)
+                int minor = versionInt % 1000;
+                versionInt /= 1000;
+
+                // Remaining is major
+                int major = (int)versionInt;
+
+                // Compare to target values
+                if (firmware_major_version() != major ||
+                    firmware_minor_version() > minor) {
+                    asynPrint(this->pasynUser(), ASYN_TRACE_ERROR,
+                              "Controller \"%s\" => %s, line %d\nFATAL ERROR "
+                              "(Incorrect "
+                              "version number of firmware: Expected major "
+                              "version equal "
+                              "to %d, got %d. Expected minor version equal to "
+                              "or larger "
+                              "than %d, got %d).\nTerminating IOC",
+                              portName, __PRETTY_FUNCTION__, __LINE__,
+                              firmware_major_version(), major,
+                              firmware_minor_version(), minor);
+                    exit(-1);
+                }
+            }
+        } else {
+            asynPrint(
+                this->pasynUser(), ASYN_TRACE_ERROR,
+                "Controller \"%s\" => %s, line %d\nCould not read firmware "
+                "version\n",
+                portName, __PRETTY_FUNCTION__, __LINE__);
+        }
+    }
 }
 
 /*
@@ -120,8 +214,24 @@ masterMacsAxis *masterMacsController::getMasterMacsAxis(int axisNo) {
     return dynamic_cast<masterMacsAxis *>(asynAxis);
 }
 
+asynStatus masterMacsController::writeInt32(asynUser *pasynUser,
+                                            epicsInt32 value) {
+    int function = pasynUser->reason;
+
+    // =====================================================================
+
+    masterMacsAxis *axis = getMasterMacsAxis(pasynUser);
+
+    // Handle custom PVs
+    if (function == nodeReset()) {
+        return axis->nodeReset();
+    } else {
+        return sinqController::writeInt32(pasynUser, value);
+    }
+}
+
 asynStatus masterMacsController::read(int axisNo, int tcpCmd, char *response,
-                                      double comTimeout) {
+                                      double /*comTimeout*/) {
     return writeRead(axisNo, tcpCmd, NULL, response);
 }
 
@@ -136,7 +246,6 @@ asynStatus masterMacsController::writeRead(int axisNo, int tcpCmd,
 
     // Definition of local variables.
     asynStatus status = asynSuccess;
-    asynStatus pl_status = asynSuccess;
     char fullCommand[MAXBUF_] = {0};
     char fullResponse[MAXBUF_] = {0};
     char drvMessageText[MAXBUF_] = {0};
@@ -167,12 +276,6 @@ asynStatus masterMacsController::writeRead(int axisNo, int tcpCmd,
         comTimeout = pMasterMacsC_->comTimeout;
     }
 
-    masterMacsAxis *axis = getMasterMacsAxis(axisNo);
-    if (axis == nullptr) {
-        // We already did the error logging directly in getAxis
-        return asynError;
-    }
-
     // Build the full command depending on the inputs to this function
     if (isRead) {
         snprintf(fullCommand, MAXBUF_ - 1, "%dR%02d\x0D", axisNo, tcpCmd);
@@ -254,54 +357,38 @@ asynStatus masterMacsController::writeRead(int axisNo, int tcpCmd,
     }
 
     // Log the overall status (communication successfull or not)
-    if (status == asynSuccess) {
-        pl_status = axis->setIntegerParam(this->motorStatusCommsError_, 0);
-    } else {
-
-        /*
-        Since the communication failed, there is the possibility that the
-        controller is not connected at all to the network. In that case, we
-        cannot be sure that the information read out in the init method of the
-        axis is still up-to-date the next time we get a connection. Therefore,
-        an info flag is set which the axis object can use at the start of its
-        poll method to try to initialize itself.
-        */
-        axis->setNeedInit(true);
-
-        /*
-        Check if the axis already is in an error communication mode. If
-        it is not, upstream the error. This is done to avoid "flooding"
-        the user with different error messages if more than one error
-        ocurred before an error-free communication
-        */
-        pl_status =
-            getIntegerParam(axisNo, motorStatusProblem_, &motorStatusProblem);
-        if (pl_status != asynSuccess) {
-            return paramLibAccessFailed(pl_status, "motorStatusProblem", axisNo,
-                                        __PRETTY_FUNCTION__, __LINE__);
+    if (axisNo != 0) {
+        masterMacsAxis *axis = getMasterMacsAxis(axisNo);
+        if (axis == nullptr) {
+            // We already did the error logging directly in getAxis
+            return asynError;
         }
 
-        if (motorStatusProblem == 0) {
-            pl_status =
-                axis->setStringParam(motorMessageText(), drvMessageText);
-            if (pl_status != asynSuccess) {
-                return paramLibAccessFailed(pl_status, "motorMessageText",
-                                            axisNo, __PRETTY_FUNCTION__,
-                                            __LINE__);
-            }
+        if (status == asynSuccess) {
+            setAxisParamChecked(axis, motorStatusCommsError, false);
+        } else {
+            /*
+            Since the communication failed, there is the possibility that the
+            controller is not connected at all to the network. In that case, we
+            cannot be sure that the information read out in the init method of
+            the axis is still up-to-date the next time we get a connection.
+            Therefore, an info flag is set which the axis object can use at the
+            start of its poll method to try to initialize itself.
+            */
+            axis->setNeedInit(true);
 
-            pl_status = axis->setIntegerParam(motorStatusProblem_, 1);
-            if (pl_status != asynSuccess) {
-                return paramLibAccessFailed(pl_status, "motorStatusProblem",
-                                            axisNo, __PRETTY_FUNCTION__,
-                                            __LINE__);
-            }
+            /*
+            Check if the axis already is in an error communication mode. If
+            it is not, upstream the error. This is done to avoid "flooding"
+            the user with different error messages if more than one error
+            ocurred before an error-free communication
+            */
+            getAxisParamChecked(axis, motorStatusProblem, &motorStatusProblem);
 
-            pl_status = axis->setIntegerParam(motorStatusProblem_, 1);
-            if (pl_status != asynSuccess) {
-                return paramLibAccessFailed(pl_status, "motorStatusCommsError_",
-                                            axisNo, __PRETTY_FUNCTION__,
-                                            __LINE__);
+            if (motorStatusProblem == 0) {
+                setAxisParamChecked(axis, motorMessageText, drvMessageText);
+                setAxisParamChecked(axis, motorStatusProblem, true);
+                setAxisParamChecked(axis, motorStatusCommsError, false);
             }
         }
     }
@@ -325,18 +412,21 @@ asynStatus masterMacsController::parseResponse(
     bool responseValid = false;
     int responseStart = 0;
     asynStatus status = asynSuccess;
-    int prevConnected = 0;
+    int prevConnected = 1;
     char printableCommand[MAXBUF_] = {0};
     char printableResponse[MAXBUF_] = {0};
 
     msgPrintControlKey parseKey =
         msgPrintControlKey(portName, axisNo, __PRETTY_FUNCTION__, __LINE__);
 
+    masterMacsAxis *axis = getMasterMacsAxis(axisNo);
+    if (axisNo != 0 && axis == nullptr) {
+        return asynError;
+    }
+
     // Was the motor previously connected?
-    status = getIntegerParam(axisNo, motorConnected(), &prevConnected);
-    if (status != asynSuccess) {
-        return paramLibAccessFailed(status, "motorConnected", axisNo,
-                                    __PRETTY_FUNCTION__, __LINE__);
+    if (axis != nullptr) {
+        getAxisParamChecked(axis, motorConnected, &prevConnected);
     }
 
     // We don't use strlen here since the C string terminator 0x00
@@ -361,23 +451,17 @@ asynStatus masterMacsController::parseResponse(
                           "connected.\n",
                           portName, axisNo, __PRETTY_FUNCTION__, __LINE__);
 
-                masterMacsAxis *axis = getMasterMacsAxis(axisNo);
-                if (axis == nullptr) {
-                    return asynError;
-                }
-                status = axis->setIntegerParam(motorConnected(), 1);
-                if (status != asynSuccess) {
-                    return paramLibAccessFailed(status, "motorConnected",
-                                                axisNo, __PRETTY_FUNCTION__,
-                                                __LINE__);
-                }
-                status = callParamCallbacks();
-                if (status != asynSuccess) {
-                    asynPrint(this->pasynUserSelf, ASYN_TRACE_ERROR,
-                              "Controller \"%s\", axis %d => %s, line "
-                              "%d:\nCould not update parameter library\n",
-                              portName, axisNo, __PRETTY_FUNCTION__, __LINE__);
-                    return status;
+                if (axis != nullptr) {
+                    setAxisParamChecked(axis, motorConnected, true);
+                    status = callParamCallbacks();
+                    if (status != asynSuccess) {
+                        asynPrint(this->pasynUserSelf, ASYN_TRACE_ERROR,
+                                  "Controller \"%s\", axis %d => %s, line "
+                                  "%d:\nCould not update parameter library\n",
+                                  portName, axisNo, __PRETTY_FUNCTION__,
+                                  __LINE__);
+                        return status;
+                    }
                 }
             }
 
@@ -398,23 +482,17 @@ asynStatus masterMacsController::parseResponse(
                           "disconnected.\n",
                           portName, axisNo, __PRETTY_FUNCTION__, __LINE__);
 
-                masterMacsAxis *axis = getMasterMacsAxis(axisNo);
-                if (axis == nullptr) {
-                    return asynError;
-                }
-                status = axis->setIntegerParam(motorConnected(), 0);
-                if (status != asynSuccess) {
-                    return paramLibAccessFailed(status, "motorConnected",
-                                                axisNo, __PRETTY_FUNCTION__,
-                                                __LINE__);
-                }
-                status = callParamCallbacks();
-                if (status != asynSuccess) {
-                    asynPrint(this->pasynUserSelf, ASYN_TRACE_ERROR,
-                              "Controller \"%s\", axis %d => %s, line "
-                              "%d:\nCould not update parameter library\n",
-                              portName, axisNo, __PRETTY_FUNCTION__, __LINE__);
-                    return status;
+                if (axis != nullptr) {
+                    setAxisParamChecked(axis, motorConnected, false);
+                    status = callParamCallbacks();
+                    if (status != asynSuccess) {
+                        asynPrint(this->pasynUserSelf, ASYN_TRACE_ERROR,
+                                  "Controller \"%s\", axis %d => %s, line "
+                                  "%d:\nCould not update parameter library\n",
+                                  portName, axisNo, __PRETTY_FUNCTION__,
+                                  __LINE__);
+                        return status;
+                    }
                 }
             }
             break;
@@ -500,6 +578,8 @@ asynStatus masterMacsController::readInt32(asynUser *pasynUser,
 
 double masterMacsController::comTimeout() { return pMasterMacsC_->comTimeout; }
 
+int masterMacsController::nodeReset() { return pMasterMacsC_->nodeReset; }
+
 /***************************************************************************/
 /** The following functions are C-wrappers, and can be called directly from
  * iocsh */
@@ -559,7 +639,8 @@ static const iocshArg *const CreateControllerArgs[] = {
     &CreateControllerArg0, &CreateControllerArg1, &CreateControllerArg2,
     &CreateControllerArg3, &CreateControllerArg4, &CreateControllerArg5};
 static const iocshFuncDef configMasterMacsCreateController = {
-    "masterMacsController", 6, CreateControllerArgs};
+    "masterMacsController", 6, CreateControllerArgs,
+    "Create a new instance of a MasterMACS controller."};
 static void configMasterMacsCreateControllerCallFunc(const iocshArgBuf *args) {
     masterMacsCreateController(args[0].sval, args[1].sval, args[2].ival,
                                args[3].dval, args[4].dval, args[5].dval);

src/masterMacsController.h

@@ -8,14 +8,18 @@
 
 #ifndef masterMacsController_H
 #define masterMacsController_H
-#include "masterMacsAxis.h"
 #include "sinqAxis.h"
 #include "sinqController.h"
 #include <memory>
 
-struct masterMacsControllerImpl;
+// Forward declaration of the controller class to resolve the cyclic dependency
+// between the controller and the axis .h-file. See
+// https://en.cppreference.com/w/cpp/language/class.
+class HIDDEN masterMacsAxis;
 
-class masterMacsController : public sinqController {
+struct HIDDEN masterMacsControllerImpl;
+
+class HIDDEN masterMacsController : public sinqController {
 
   public:
     /**
@@ -34,6 +38,13 @@ class masterMacsController : public sinqController {
                          int numAxes, double movingPollPeriod,
                          double idlePollPeriod, double comTimeout);
 
+    /**
+     * @brief Delete the copy and copy assignment constructors, because this
+     * class should not be copied (it is tied to hardware!)
+     */
+    masterMacsController(const masterMacsController &) = delete;
+    masterMacsController &operator=(const masterMacsController &) = delete;
+
     /**
      * @brief Overloaded version of the sinqController version
      *
@@ -61,6 +72,17 @@ class masterMacsController : public sinqController {
      */
     masterMacsAxis *getMasterMacsAxis(int axisNo);
 
+    /**
+     * @brief Overloaded function of sinqController
+     *
+     * The function is overloaded to allow resetting the node
+     *
+     * @param pasynUser           Specify the axis via the asynUser
+     * @param value               New value
+     * @return asynStatus
+     */
+    virtual asynStatus writeInt32(asynUser *pasynUser, epicsInt32 value);
+
     /**
      * @brief Send a command to the hardware (S mode)
      *
@@ -137,6 +159,9 @@ class masterMacsController : public sinqController {
      */
     double comTimeout();
 
+    // Accessors for additional PVs
+    int nodeReset();
+
   private:
     std::unique_ptr<masterMacsControllerImpl> pMasterMacsC_;
 };

utils/decodeError.py

@@ -9,73 +9,82 @@ To read the manual, simply run this script without any arguments.
 Stefan Mathis, January 2025
 """
 
+import platform
+
 from decodeCommon import interactive, decode, print_decoded
 
 # List of tuples which encodes the states given in the file description.
 # Index first with the bit index, then with the bit value
 interpretation = [
-    ("Not specified", "Not specified"), # Bit 0
-    ("Ok", "Short circuit"), # Bit 1
-    ("Ok", "Encoder error"), # Bit 2
-    ("Ok", "Following error"), # Bit 3
-    ("Ok", "Communication error"), # Bit 4
-    ("Ok", "Feedback error"), # Bit 5
-    ("Ok", "Positive limit switch hit"), # Bit 6
-    ("Ok", "Negative limit switch hit"), # Bit 7
-    ("Ok", "Positive software limit hit"), # Bit 8
-    ("Ok", "Negative software limit hit"), # Bit 9
-    ("Ok", "Over-current"), # Bit 10
-    ("Ok", "Over-temperature drive"), # Bit 11
-    ("Ok", "Over-voltage"), # Bit 12
-    ("Ok", "Under-voltage"), # Bit 13
-    ("Not specified", "Not specified"), # Bit 14
-    ("Ok", "STO fault (STO input is on disable state)"), # Bit 15
+    ("Not specified", "Not specified"),  # Bit 0
+    ("Ok", "Short circuit"),  # Bit 1
+    ("Ok", "Encoder error"),  # Bit 2
+    ("Ok", "Following error"),  # Bit 3
+    ("Ok", "Communication error"),  # Bit 4
+    ("Ok", "Feedback error"),  # Bit 5
+    ("Ok", "Positive limit switch hit"),  # Bit 6
+    ("Ok", "Negative limit switch hit"),  # Bit 7
+    ("Ok", "Positive software limit hit"),  # Bit 8
+    ("Ok", "Negative software limit hit"),  # Bit 9
+    ("Ok", "Over-current"),  # Bit 10
+    ("Ok", "Over-temperature drive"),  # Bit 11
+    ("Ok", "Over-voltage"),  # Bit 12
+    ("Ok", "Under-voltage"),  # Bit 13
+    ("Not specified", "Not specified"),  # Bit 14
+    ("Ok", "STO fault (STO input is on disable state)"),  # Bit 15
 ]
 
+help = """
+Decode R11 message of MasterMACs
+------------------
+    
+MasterMACs returns its error message (R11) as a floating-point number.
+The bits of this float encode different states. These states are stored 
+in the interpretation variable.
+
+This script can be used in two different ways:
+    
+Option 1: Single Command
+------------------------
+
+Usage: decodeError.py value
+    
+'value' is the return value of a R11 command. This value is interpreted
+bit-wise and the result is printed out.
+
+Option 2: CLI Mode (Linux-only)
+-------------------------------
+
+Usage: decodeError.py
+
+ONLY AVAILABLE ON LINUX!
+
+A prompt will be opened. Type in the return value of a R11 command, hit
+enter and the interpretation will be printed in the prompt. After that,
+the next value can be typed in. Type 'quit' to close the prompt.
+"""
+
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     from sys import argv
 
+    if "-h" or "--help" in argv:
+        print(help)
+
     if len(argv) == 1:
         # Start interactive mode
-        interactive()
+        if platform.system() == "Linux":
+            interactive()
+        else:
+            print(help)
     else:
 
         number = None
         try:
             number = int(float(argv[1]))
-
         except:
-            print("""
-            Decode R11 message of MasterMACs
-            ------------------
-                
-            MasterMACs returns its error message (R11) as a floating-point number.
-            The bits of this float encode different states. These states are stored 
-            in the interpretation variable.
-            
-            This script can be used in two different ways:
-                
-            Option 1: Single Command
-            ------------------------
-
-            Usage: decodeError.py value
-                
-            'value' is the return value of a R11 command. This value is interpreted
-            bit-wise and the result is printed out.
-
-            Option 2: CLI Mode
-            ------------------       
-
-            Usage: decodeError.py
-            
-            A prompt will be opened. Type in the return value of a R11 command, hit
-            enter and the interpretation will be printed in the prompt. After that,
-            the next value can be typed in. Type 'quit' to close the prompt.
-            """)
-
-        
+            print(help)
         if number is not None:
             print("Motor error")
-            print("============")
+            print("===========")
             (bit_list, interpreted) = decode(number, interpretation)
             print_decoded(bit_list, interpreted)

utils/decodeStatus.py

@@ -9,71 +9,81 @@ To read the manual, simply run this script without any arguments.
 Stefan Mathis, December 2024
 """
 
+import platform
+
 from decodeCommon import interactive, decode, print_decoded
 
 # List of tuples which encodes the states given in the file description.
 # Index first with the bit index, then with the bit value
 interpretation = [
-    ("Not ready to be switched on", "Ready to be switched on"), # Bit 0
-    ("Not switched on", "Switched on"), # Bit 1
-    ("Disabled", "Enabled"), # Bit 2
-    ("Ok", "Fault condition set"), # Bit 3
-    ("Motor supply voltage absent ", "Motor supply voltage present"), # Bit 4
-    ("Motor performs quick stop", "Ok"), # Bit 5
-    ("Switch on enabled", "Switch on disabled"), # Bit 6
-    ("Ok", "Warning: Movement function was called while motor is still moving. The function call is ignored"), # Bit 7
-    ("Not specified", "Not specified"), # Bit 8
-    ("Motor does not execute command messages (local mode)", "Motor does execute command messages (remote mode)"), # Bit 9
-    ("Target not reached", "Target reached"), # Bit 10
-    ("Ok", "Internal limit active (current, voltage, velocity or position)"), # Bit 11
-    ("Not specified", "Not specified"), # Bit 12
-    ("Not specified", "Not specified"), # Bit 13
-    ("Not specified", "Not specified"), # Bit 14
-    ("Not specified", "Not specified"), # Bit 15
+    ("Not ready to be switched on", "Ready to be switched on"),  # Bit 0
+    ("Not switched on", "Switched on"),  # Bit 1
+    ("Disabled", "Enabled"),  # Bit 2
+    ("Ok", "Fault condition set"),  # Bit 3
+    ("Motor supply voltage absent ", "Motor supply voltage present"),  # Bit 4
+    ("Motor performs quick stop", "Ok"),  # Bit 5
+    ("Switch on enabled", "Switch on disabled"),  # Bit 6
+    ("Ok", "Warning: Movement function was called while motor is still moving. The function call is ignored"),  # Bit 7
+    ("Not specified", "Not specified"),  # Bit 8
+    ("Motor does not execute command messages (local mode)",
+     "Motor does execute command messages (remote mode)"),  # Bit 9
+    ("Target not reached", "Target reached"),  # Bit 10
+    ("Ok", "Internal limit active (current, voltage, velocity or position)"),  # Bit 11
+    ("Not specified", "Not specified"),  # Bit 12
+    ("Not specified", "Not specified"),  # Bit 13
+    ("Not specified", "Not specified"),  # Bit 14
+    ("Not specified", "Not specified"),  # Bit 15
 ]
 
+help = """
+Decode R10 message of MasterMACs
+------------------
+    
+MasterMACs returns its status message (R10) as a floating-point number.
+The bits of this float encode different states. These states are stored 
+in the interpretation variable.
+
+This script can be used in two different ways:
+    
+Option 1: Single Command
+------------------------
+
+Usage: decodeStatus.py value
+    
+'value' is the return value of a R10 command. This value is interpreted
+bit-wise and the result is printed out.
+
+Option 2: CLI Mode (Linux-only)
+-------------------------------
+
+Usage: decodeStatus.py
+
+ONLY AVAILABLE ON LINUX!
+
+A prompt will be opened. Type in the return value of a R10 command, hit
+enter and the interpretation will be printed in the prompt. After that,
+the next value can be typed in. Type 'quit' to close the prompt.
+"""
+
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     from sys import argv
 
+    if "-h" or "--help" in argv:
+        print(help)
+
     if len(argv) == 1:
         # Start interactive mode
-        interactive()
+        if platform.system() == "Linux":
+            interactive()
+        else:
+            print(help)
     else:
 
         number = None
         try:
             number = int(float(argv[1]))
-
         except:
-            print("""
-            Decode R10 message of MasterMACs
-            ------------------
-                
-            MasterMACs returns its status message (R10) as a floating-point number.
-            The bits of this float encode different states. These states are stored 
-            in the interpretation variable.
-            
-            This script can be used in two different ways:
-                
-            Option 1: Single Command
-            ------------------------
-
-            Usage: decodeStatus.py value
-                
-            'value' is the return value of a R10 command. This value is interpreted
-            bit-wise and the result is printed out.
-
-            Option 2: CLI Mode
-            ------------------       
-
-            Usage: decodeStatus.py
-            
-            A prompt will be opened. Type in the return value of a R10 command, hit
-            enter and the interpretation will be printed in the prompt. After that,
-            the next value can be typed in. Type 'quit' to close the prompt.
-            """)
-
-        
+            print(help)
         if number is not None:
             print("Motor status")
             print("============")

utils/writeRead.py

@@ -6,51 +6,72 @@ To read the manual, simply run this script without any arguments.
 Stefan Mathis, April 2025
 """
 
+import platform
+
 import struct
 import socket
-import curses
+
+help = """
+Send commands to and receive replies from MasterMACS controllers
+
+Option 1: Single Command
+------------------------
+
+Usage: writeRead.py pmachost:port command
+This then returns the response for command. 
+
+Option 2: CLI Mode (Linux-only)
+-------------------------------
+
+Usage: writeRead.py pmachost:port
+
+ONLY AVAILABLE ON LINUX!
+
+You can then type in a command, hit enter, and the response will see
+the reponse, before being prompted to again enter a command. Type
+'quit' to close prompt.
+"""
+
 
 def packMasterMacsCommand(command):
     # 0x0D = Carriage return
-    buf = struct.pack('B',0x0D)
-    buf = bytes(command,'utf-8') + buf
-    return bytes(command,'utf-8')
+    buf = struct.pack('B', 0x0D)
+    buf = bytes(command, 'utf-8') + buf
+    return bytes(command, 'utf-8')
+
 
 def readMasterMacsReply(input):
     msg = bytearray()
     expectAck = True
     while True:
         b = input.recv(1)
-        bint = int.from_bytes(b,byteorder='little')
-        if bint == 2 or bint == 7: #STX or BELL
+        bint = int.from_bytes(b, byteorder='little')
+        if bint == 2 or bint == 7:  # STX or BELL
             expectAck = False
             continue
-        if expectAck and bint == 6: # ACK
+        if expectAck and bint == 6:  # ACK
             return bytes(msg)
         else:
-            if bint == 13 and not expectAck: # CR
+            if bint == 13 and not expectAck:  # CR
                 return bytes(msg)
             else:
                 msg.append(bint)
 
+
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     from sys import argv
 
-    try:
-
+    if "-h" or "--help" in argv:
+        print(help)
+    else:
         addr = argv[1].split(':')
-        s = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET,socket.SOCK_STREAM)
-        s.connect((addr[0],int(addr[1])))
+        s = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
+        s.connect((addr[0], int(addr[1])))
 
-        if len(argv) == 3:
-            buf = packMasterMacsCommand(argv[2])
-            s.send(buf)
-            reply = readMasterMacsReply(s)
-            print(reply.decode('utf-8') + '\n')
+        if len(argv) == 2:
 
-        else:
-
-            try:
+            if platform.system() == "Linux":
+                import curses
 
                 stdscr = curses.initscr()
                 curses.noecho()
@@ -112,7 +133,7 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
                         stdscr.refresh()
 
                     else:
-                        if ptr < len(history) - 1: # Modifying previous input
+                        if ptr < len(history) - 1:  # Modifying previous input
                             if len(history[-1]) == 0:
                                 history[-1] = history[ptr]
                                 ptr = len(history) - 1
@@ -125,7 +146,8 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
                             if len(history[ptr]) == 0:
                                 continue
                             (y, x) = stdscr.getyx()
-                            history[ptr] = history[ptr][0:x-4] + history[ptr][x-3:]
+                            history[ptr] = history[ptr][0:x-4] + \
+                                history[ptr][x-3:]
                             stdscr.addch("\r")
                             stdscr.clrtoeol()
                             stdscr.addstr(">> " + history[ptr])
@@ -134,38 +156,24 @@ if __name__ == "__main__":
 
                         else:
                             (y, x) = stdscr.getyx()
-                            history[ptr] = history[ptr][0:x-3] + chr(c) + history[ptr][x-3:]
+                            history[ptr] = history[ptr][0:x-3] + \
+                                chr(c) + history[ptr][x-3:]
                             stdscr.addch("\r")
                             stdscr.clrtoeol()
                             stdscr.addstr(">> " + history[ptr])
                             stdscr.move(y, x+1)
                             stdscr.refresh()
-
-            finally:
-
-                # to quit
-                curses.nocbreak()
-                stdscr.keypad(False)
-                curses.echo()
-                curses.endwin()
-
-    except:
-        print("""
-        Invalid Arguments
-
-        Option 1: Single Command
-        ------------------------
-
-        Usage: writeRead.py pmachost:port command
-        This then returns the response for command. 
-
-        Option 2: CLI Mode
-        ------------------
-
-        Usage: writeRead.py pmachost:port
-
-        You can then type in a command, hit enter, and the response will see
-        the reponse, before being prompted to again enter a command. Type
-        'quit' to close prompt.
-        """)
-
+                    # to quit
+                    curses.nocbreak()
+                    stdscr.keypad(False)
+                    curses.echo()
+                    curses.endwin()
+            else:
+                print(help)
+        elif len(argv) == 3:
+            buf = packMasterMacsCommand(argv[2])
+            s.send(buf)
+            reply = readMasterMacsReply(s)
+            print(reply.decode('utf-8') + '\n')
+        else:
+            print(help)