Low cost Servo Controller

To create a "home shop" real servo system, as far as I see it, there are two pieces that needs special attention: Computer I-O and servo amps.

Computer I-O:
Commercially, at least Servo-to-Go is available but our goal would be to come up with a low cost alternative. I have not researched what is available or who is doing what. How many channels do we need for a reasonable home system? 4??

Each channel probably would consist of:
Input for an encoder A, B, Index, Home, Limit-1, Limit-2
Output for servo amp=D-A +/- 10VDC, servo On/Off

An extra D-A with +/- 10VDC for spindle speed (actually use only 0-10 VDC)

Digital undedicated I-O: 8 input and 8 outputs for pumps, clamps switches or what ever.

Servo Amplifier:
Jon Elson has already designed and build one and he apparently has boards more or less available. That sounds very tempting and I will take a look at his design and see if it will fit my need. I have some Copley commercial amps here but I am trying to get people working together and we can achieve a lot if we go in the same direction. On the servo amp, the big issue is power and do we get high current at relatively low voltage or high voltage at relatively low current or of course everyone wants both at the same time.

Bertho Boman
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David Howland wrote:

> From: David Howland <dhowland@...>
> --------- >Snip
> If you believe a high performance low cost servo system is more appropriate and has not already been done, what would be the goals for such a system? I mean of course, after you are finished having a huricane there in Florida.
>
> David Howland