Connecting Heidenhain Encoders

[BTS]

Another question on the machine re-work. The machine is working real well with Mach3. A big THANKS to everyone helping with the answers to my questions!
Now for my next one...
The machine has a PC running XP with Mach3. It has a CNC4PC C1 Break out board.
The machine also has a Heidenhain LS323 on both the X and Y axis. I have searched the forum and the web and so far it is my understanding that another break out board has to be used to feed the outputs from the Heidenhain encoders back into the MACH3 software.
I am trying to find more details on how to use of the Heidenhains.
Is another BOB necessary or can they be powered and the signal fed into another parallel port?
If another BOB is needed, which one or ones will work?
What software will be needed or is it a plug in of some kind?
Are there any details I have missed about this setup?

[Al_The_Man]

The LS323 is not a rotary encoder but a linear scale, 20µm resolution.
The upside is they have TTL square wave differential output, as opposed to the usual 11µa sine wave.
Mach3 does not use encoder or scale inputs to close the loop, unless using in conjunction with Dynomotion Kflop etc.
Al.
.

[BTS]

OK, so the Kflop or something hopefully cheaper, is required for closed loop operation.
Also looking for a spec sheet for the LS323's. Found a brochure on them but not a spec sheet.

[Al_The_Man]

I have it in hard copy, do they have a 12pin connector? If you need the pin out.
P39 if 12pin.
http://www.heidenhain.com/fileadmin/...571_470-24.pdf
Al.

[BTS]

Thanks Al
That guide has a lot of useful info. The HH encoders on the machine have 15 pin DIN connectors. I'm not sure if they are the original connectors. I am going to look them over and see how the wire colors relate to the info in the pdf you sent.
I am also working on a plastic extrusion head and the related controls for it right now. It is a big project!