Need Help!- DRO feedback for stepper motors

[Ali Kat]

I'm part way through the build on a 3 axis stepper driven router using Gecko 201 drives.
Whilst disposing of a large milling machine I have ended up with the DRO system off the X/Y axis. It is an Anilam Wizard with 5 um glass scales. The scale lengths are very similar to the axis dimensions on the CNC machine and it struck me that they could be used as some form of feedback to correct for missed steps or backlash etc.
I have seen a short thread published a couple of years ago about a similar query but there wasn't much information included. As I view myself as a mechanical enthusiast rather than an electronics expert, I would appreciate any information about this subject.

[jcc3inc]

Sir,

Attached is a pic of my stepper motor with an encoder on the end of the shaft. While I use it only for measuring distance trvelled, it would be of interest to try to correct errors.

Regards,
Jack C.

[Regnar]

You might want to read up on the CNCBrain. It looks like it might be what you are after. Here is there website. http://www.safeguardrobotics.com/def...x?tab=cncbrain They also have a large thread over in Product Announcements.

[Ali Kat]

Gents,

Thanks for the input. The CNC Brain certainly appears to do what I want but it has a price tag !!!
I'm hoping that there may be another way to achieve the solution and utilise my existing stepper drives.

[Regnar]

You would still need your 201's with the cnc brain.

[Ali Kat]

Ah - I see. Is there anywhere I can get a better understanding of how to interconnect the 201's and the CNC Brain?