What about a Stepper with Encoder?

Ok I have a question.

Someone posted a link to US Digital on another topic so I surfed over and
found heaps of stuff about Encoders ie that can be fitted to various shafts
for motion data.

Here is my question.

Considering the cost of servo motors with encoders is quite astronomical,
what about a stepper motor say in the hi torque 34 42 NEMA size with encoder
from US Digital to over come the problem when a stepper loses steps.

But which controllers and drivers are compatible to accept encoder
feedbackloop while driving a stepper?

Regards Jess



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