Encoders on stepper

[planescott]

Hi, just wanting to know if anyone uses encoders on stepper motors. Do they just plug iinto the breakout board, set up in mach3?? How simple and worthwhile are they???

thks scott

[Drools]

I wanted to, just to add another level of checking but I'm using the other shaft on my stepper for a dampener.

[fatal-exception]

Why not just use servos? Smoother, faster, more powerful, more accurate.

The other alternative is to use steppers so powerful that you never have to worry about them losing steps.

I think there have been some pretty lengthy discussions about steppers + encoders here before. I think it boils down to this: it doesn't make any sense.

Paul

[planescott]

I couldnt find any actual facts about it, already have steppers/electronics..
yes servos would be nice... just trying to find out if it was worth doing...
I guess maybe its not so I will put this idea in the garbage can....thks for the info...