The new panel driver is ready.

[Bill E]

All checked in. If you're daring, you'll be prompted by install.sh asking if you want to use it.

It is a completely new implementation using totally different algorithms in both the panel driver and in the pdp-1 emulator. The simulation is much more accurate, avoiding an incorrect simulation error in panel_pidp1 and it uses much less cpu, 20% on a pi5.

Additionally, it as usual has a number of configurable parameters you can tweak.

It also can usually run just fine without being set as using real time threads, another cpu win. With no flicker! (unless your pi is heavily loaded, but it can use real time threads in that case).

Whew. It was actually one of the most complicated things I've done yet, not because the code is all that complex, but it was a bear figuring out what was causing the flicker. That was complex. Multiple interactions between the linux scheduler, the aggressive cpu power management, timing between threads, the emulator, and the panel driver.

PDF of the writeup attached, although I just realized I forgot the explanation of the simulation error in the original. I'll post that separately. Oh, and like the new t30dpy, a whole bunch of unnecessary floating point calculations are gone.

Bill

https://github.com/wjenh/pidp1-mods.git

[sunnyboy010101]

Bill,

I updated my PiDP1 to  your build a while ago, and aside from one problem it's been great. (the problem was the demo program said you could select a drum program ''lightpen' choice using a mouse, but I never was able to make a selection).

What I am wondering is with all the new features and improvements you have been making on the system, would you be willing from time to time to informally say "Now is a good time to get the latest version and try it out". I'm one of the users who is interested in trying your system, but can't always grab the latest version, so some type of 'check point' message on the PiDP1 group would be helpful.

Thanks for all you are doing.

-R

[Bill E]

Good point. I was a bit worried about cluttering up the group, but I'm doing that anyway. :)

I'll post when there are significant changes.

As for the mouse, strange. I've had no issues myself and no reports from others. I'll check it out to be sure nothing crept into that program that broke it.

Bill

[sunnyboy010101]

Bill,

I just checked, and I downloaded your pidp1-mods on April 30, 2026. (hence my question on when to download a newer version)

That's also the version where I could get the demo programs (but not a very visible font on the screen) and could not select via mouse. So I went back and loaded up munch and enjoy running that with various switches set for a nice pattern. :-)

-R

[Bill E]

I just assembled and ran programSelector. It works correctly for me, large font, mouse selects as it should.

Are you using the web display or the 'real' display, either p7sim or t30dpy or t30dpy3? The mouse does NOT work with the web display.

If anyone wants to jump into that, I'll explain what has to be sent for the mouse movements.

If you're running headless, p7sim and t30dpy will run on another linux instance. If you're connecting from a win box, use the t30dpy3 for win I added recently.

If you're on a mac, feel free to port one of the t30dpy versions. :)

Bill

[Carlo Valpiani]

Installed the new panel driver. Had a problem with random rows of LEDs going to full intensity for about 1/10 second. Problem fixed by turning on real time threads in pidp1.config and restarting. 

Carlo

[sunnyboy010101]

Bill,

I just downloaded the latest version of your pidp1-mods and installed it (default = all yes). I compiled the FunStuff demos and then tried them. Using the "default" PiDP1 display (shows the tape windows and a round window) it was still unreadable and mouse did not work. I had a suspicion that I needed to use one of your new displays, so chose T30DPY first, and the text is clear and readable, whether using a real HDMI monitor (7") or turning  HDMI output off and just using VNC. IT WORKED. Text was very readable and I was able to click a mouse on "snowflake" and get it going. I also tried TYPE30 and it too works.

Reading the mouse is a bit tricky - I had to click a few times to get it to select snowflake, but it does work.

I also notice the LED flicker is different. IT's more pronounced (i.e. a bit slower) and I like it more.

Please keep up the great work.

-R