Re: optical encoder hook-up to pmdx-131???

Carlos,

Yes, you can connect an optical encoder to your
PMDX-131. Currently EMC2 is the only "hobby"
level software that can use a true quadrature
style encoder for threading. TurboCNC and MACH
can use a sensor for a single index pulse for
threading. These are sometimes called opto-
interrupters.

There is a diagram in your PMDX-131 manual
showing how to connect either a quadrature
encoder or a buffered index sensor.

There are many types of opto-interrupters,
buffered and non-buffered, that can work.
It will need to have an output signal that
is either "open collector" or "5 volt logic
level". The ones with direct output from the
phototransistor can be used, but you may have
false triggers on slow signals. Better results
are obtained from sensors with buffering that
has Schmidt trigger or hystersis filtering.

The signal can be connected to any of the
unused inputs for pin 11, 12, 13, or 15 which
appear on the J8 status input connector. The
ground of the sensor should connect to the
ground on J8. You can also draw up to 50 mA
of +5 power from J8 if needed. Remember that
many opto interrupter sensors need a resistor
to limit the current to their internal LED.
A 330 ohm resistor will give an acceptable
current in the 10 milliamperes range when
put in series with the 5 volts that you feed
to a typical LED.

Regards,
Steve Stallings
www.PMDX.com

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "carlosandpeppes"
<carlosandpeppes@...> wrote:

>
> First of all,I'd like to thank mr Hanson for his help with my last
> post.
> Does anyone know how and if I can hook-up an optical encoder to my
> pmdx-131 for threading use on my lathe???
>