Switchkins ISO or easier way to get it working?

As far as I know, there does not exist an ISO that includes switchkins (for 5-axis TCP).

I've successfully followed this guide: www.panix.com/~dgarrett/stuff/s_kins_guide.txt , and I have been able to run the xyzac-trt.ini (with switchkins) example/simulation on Buster 2.8.0 Preempt-rt. But it took such a long time to re-build LinuxCNC (including installing the prerequisites), and now it also seems I have two instances of LinuxCNC installed, plus the source code. Additionally, the LinuxCNC instance that is linked to the main menu does not have switchkins.

It just seems like not a very elegant way to get this working. Am I missing an easier/better alternative? I'd really like to be able to do a fresh LinuxCNC install using an ISO and have access to switchkins right off the bat.

Thanks,

You can easily remove the preinstalled version. Go to the package manager, search for linuxcnc and remove it all the switchkins rip-install will not be affected.

I also like ISO installation but Switchkins is a branch of linuxcnc that has not been accepted to be merged with the master. The author has moved onto other things and the chances of anybody making an ISO with it is rather slim. And, of course, once you know how a rip-install works it's really not that big of a deal but doing it for the first time requires a fair bit of work for sure.

Thanks for your response. I will follow your advice to remove the preinstalled version.
What is the difference between a RIP install and a normal installation? Will I experience any stability issues using that method?

Edit: I'm also unsure of how to actually start the RIP LinuxCNC instance other than to open a terminal in the working directory and enter the following commands:
Is there a way to make a launcher?

Thanks again,

The difference is that a RIP install resides in a folder and is not woven into the system. That is how I explain it to myself anyway. Using a RIP installation makes it possible to have multiple versions on the same pc. Also, as you noticed there are some versions that have not been merged with the master branch and there is no other way to run them.
As for stability, I have two machines running on RIP one of them is in a production environment in somebody else's shop. No problems whatsoever. I have been advised to remove the standard installed version when using RIP installations.
I use desktop launchers for RIP installs. Create an empty file in your config folder and put a bash script inside:
You will have to adjust the paths according to your situation. Then make the file executable (rightclick->properties).

Now you can point your launcher to this bash file so it runs it when you click on the icon.

Thanks for your help, I've got the launcher working now. Also good to know that RIP installations are commonly used.