Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Adding encoders to existing stepper system?

abbylynx wrote:

>>EMC will do this [support adding encoders to steppers]. But, you
>>
>>
>need some kind of hardware to read the
>
>
>>encoder pulses.
>>
>>
>
>Hmm.. What kind of hardware could I use for reading the encoders?
>Would a parallel port suffice? I guess I'd only need 6 input pins,
>maybe with some transistor set up to get the encoder output into the
>right logic range. Or is the parallel port unsuitable?
>
>

No, the parallel port won't work unless you move VERY slowly, or use a
WHOLE PC
just to watch the pins for a change. Since the PC needs to do a LOT of
other things, you
need hardware to count encoder pulses. I have a board that supports up
to 4 encoders and
generates step pulses on 4 axes of steppers. It can run open-loop and
count its own step
pulses, or run with encoders. That can even be decided axis by axis. See
http://pico-systems.com/univstep.html for more info.

Jon