I would like to know if I can put encoders on my steppers with Mach2 and a xylotex board. What I am looking for is not necessarily closed loop control, but something to identify missed steps so that the machine operator can reset everything before it crashes. I seem to remember that this can be done, but I can't seem to find anything on it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Royce Bunnell
Owen-Bunnell, Inc.
www.obcues.com

You either need to write your own vba code for Mach to watch the encoders and notify you, or buy the board (with the software end already done) from www.rogersmachine.net

ger21

I just noticed that I never responded to your answer to my question.

Thanks! I have contacted them and will be trying one of these boards in the near future. It should work out pretty well. My machines run for many hours a day, but don't miss any steps until the slides get dirty or dry. Sawdust is tough to keep out of them. Anyway, sometimes they get sticky and need to be taken apart and cleaned. This system will keep me from crashing the machine when this happens and nobody sees it.

I will update this post when I get the time to make it happen and let everyone know how it works out.

Royce
www.obcues.com

Wow I didnt know that cues were made like that! (followed the link in your sig) I'm amazed at the amount of effort that goes into making one...Thanks for having that on your site, you just educated someone :lol:

Kipper,

Thanks for the interest!

Actually, we are the only ones to build them this way. Our process is patent pending and we expect to be hearing from the patent office fairly soon.

Our construction does a number of good things. First, we can make cueshafts fairly quickly because we don't have to let the wood rest as long as you would with a normal solid maple cueshaft. Secondly, our cueshaft is stress releived like no other so it stays straight.

Anyway, thanks again for your response.

Royce
www.obcues.com