Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Encoder Indexer Option

Polaraligned wrote:

>I am also favoring the Rutex because of the tuning software and
>the better information available at their website. On the otherhand,
>if tuning is not an issue, there is a lot to be said about the
>Gecko's in light of the fact that the owner of the company will
>talk to you!! Their tuning software may also be usable with the
>Gecko's. I don't know.
>
>

Their tuning software can't work with the Geckos, because the Geckos
have no means of communicating any PID parameters or overshoot
information to the PC.
The Rutxes use a PIC chip to do the PID control loop (and encoder
feedback, I think), whereas the Geckos have a hardware PID loop.

>I am using 1000 CPR (4000 pulse) encoders and *think* I need the step
>multiplying. I don't know if Mach2 can keep up with these encoders.
>I wonder if the fault count is effected by the step multiplying
>setting? I guess an adjustable fault count would be best so that
>your options are open especially if you make changes in the future.
>It's like I said with getting the differential encoders, if it doesn't
>cost you, then why not? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
>cure.
>
>Scott
>
>

Mach2 can keep up - it's just a matter of the maximum speed you'll
achieve. Mach2 can do 45k pulses per second. If you have a resolution
of 20k steps/inch (assuming direct or 1:1 drive with a 5TPI screw and
4000PPR encoder), then Mach2 will have a maximum traverse rate of about
135 IPM. If you want it to go any faster, then you either need lower
resolution encoders, or a step multiplier. Note that the pulse train
from Mach2 will probably not look too good at the maximum rate (this
isn't unique to Mach2 - it would happen with any PC based software step
generator), so if you do want to have 120+ IPM rapids, then a step
multiplier or an external step generator is pretty much required.

I don't know how their PIC code deals with step multiplication and the
PID loop.

I did notice one other thing about the Rutexes - they require a separate
power supply (17-36 VDC) for the controls, whereas the Geckos power the
control circuitry (and encoder) off the motor supply.

- Steve