Re: linear encoder to control rotary indexer??

From: nielsenbe@...

>I would like to use a linear encoder to control a haas or similar
>rotary indexer. The machine is going to cut a helical pattern. I just
>want the indexer to rotate X ammount for every .0001 in linear travel
>in both directions. The haas indexer controler has an rs-232 port
>as does some of the encoders I have seen for sale. Is it possible to
>control everything from a PC? I just need to have several programs
>that change the ammount of rotation per inch of linear travel. As you
>can guess I have no experience building something like this. Any
>suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Brad

Brad

This comment assumes (I know!) that the Haas indexer you are dealing
with is one of the little controls. I don't have a Haas manual here but my
impression is that the rs232 plugs are used to download/upload programs.
The go and I'm done signals are run through the 4 pin din plug on the back.

I've seen guys at one shop cut spirals with them on a Mazak. There is a
function in the Haas that releases the machine's inhibit when the Haas
starts turning. You just program feedrate on the Mazak to match the
rotation speed set on the Haas indexer. There is no real position feedback
between.

HTH but probably not what you wanted to hear.

Ray