Dynapar Opal Encoders

[anchovy]

Hello everyone. New to this forum and wow is there a lot of good info here!

Not sure where to post this, so forgive me if it's in the wrong place.

I picked up a used MG systems 6'x20' plasma table with Hypertherm Edge controls and a Hypertherm Max100D for dirt cheap.

To say I don't know what I'm doing would be an understatement (kinda dumb with electronics)! But I'm determined to get this thing going and I'm going to learn alot along the way!

This unit has Dynapar Opal Encoders on it, and I've determined that one is bad (switched from one location to the other and the problem followed the encoder to the other axis). The machine dosen't know where it is in its travel on that axis. Anyway, I'm trying to find a replacement at a decent cost. There are quite a few on ebay that look really really similar and can be bought cheep. My question is how do I know what's interchangeable with what I've got? Is there a cross reference somewhere?

What's on there now: Dynapar Opal Encoder
Model# 625-210-F10-1A-0500-E-2-00-ML
Serial# C130467-40

Any help would be greatly apreciated. I'm trying to avoid buying it from MG due to cost.

Thanks, Jamie

[Al_The_Man]

The Dynapar Cat list the F10 as a commutating encoder?
http://www.dynapar.com/uploadedFiles...derCatcmf2.pdf page 2-66.
Did you swap the encoder or the complete motor? As if it is a commuting encoder you would have had to re-align it when replacing.
It looks like you have a 500 pulse encoder, but IF it is a BLDC motor and then need to know the number of poles the motor has, once you know this and the shaft dia. then either Renco or Hegstler offer replacements.
Al.

[anchovy]

Thanks for your responce.

The encoder is driven by a tiny toothed belt from the motors output shaft. I simply unbolted the 2 encoders and switched their position and reinstalled the belts. I don't think they need to be timed or adjusted but I could be wrong. I still got no feedach from that same encoder on my screen after switching them. I'm thinking of just sending the suspect encoder to ACS industrial services and let them evaluate it. Unyless someone knows where I can get a replacement cheaper.

Thanks, Jamie

[WSS]

Thanks for your responce.

The encoder is driven by a tiny toothed belt from the motors output shaft. I simply unbolted the 2 encoders and switched their position and reinstalled the belts. I don't think they need to be timed or adjusted but I could be wrong. I still got no feedach from that same encoder on my screen after switching them. I'm thinking of just sending the suspect encoder to ACS industrial services and let them evaluate it. Unyless someone knows where I can get a replacement cheaper.

Thanks, Jamie

Jamie,

I have had good luck with used encoders on eBay, even matching different styles of Dynapar encoders. I have also had excellent help and service from this gentleman at Dynapar. He is very knowledgeable and willing to get you a good price locally.

jarrett.colvin@dynapar.com

WSS

[Alan Bradford]

Hi Jamie,

What model number is your MG machine?
Is the CNC on your machine an Edge CNC or is it labled MG Pilot?
If it is an Edge then it was most likely retrofitted.
The Pilot is an Edge with a special Burny compatable back panel, made only for MG.
They also used a custom encoder from Dynapar.
It is a 500 line encoder.
They usually put that on with a Burny Servopak 150 2 or 3 axis drive.
The easiest source is MG.
Just remember the motto: You can buy better, but you can't pay more!

You can order them from Dynapar, but they make you buy 100 at a time.

The problem with used encoders is they are hard to test without a CNC to connect, and the glass sensing dick breaks easily.

I dug one out of my junk box, but the disk was broken.

On the other hand you can make almost any 5 volt incremental encoder work.
Automation Direct sells encoders for around $200 (vs $800 from MG)
You just change the Encoder Settings in the CNC to make the machine move the right distance.
It is hard to tell you exactly how without knowing the type of Edge/Pilot you have and the machine model.
The model and Serial number from the machine and CNC would be required.
The pilot had only 1 interface backpanel but the Edge has 3.
A few pictires would also help.
Where are you located?

Thanks,

[anchovy]

So I sent my encoder to ACS for repair and was told the led was bad. This is a dynapar proprietary part so they cant repair it.

So it looks like I'll be replacing it. MG wants $554 for a replacement, so that's a last resort. I've seen lots of encoders for sale on ebay that look exactly like mine but the model numbers are diffirent. How do I decipher these model numbers so I can find a suitable replacement?

The Edge system on my table was retrofitted and replaced a burny system in @2001. It just says EDGE on the front. The model # is H2B2-0010 serial# 0801001892. Says it's system 80 burny compatible. So I assume that the big black heavy box that all the wires go into is the Burny servo pac???

The MG machine serial # is MM750P-90-2085

Thanks for all the help, I REALLY appreciate it!

I don't know how to add pictures
Jamie

Oh yeah I'm located just outside of Turlock, CA.

[Alan Bradford]

Sounds like you have an MG Metalmaster with a Pilot CNC Control.
The Pilot was made for MG by Centricut Automation (now Hypertherm Automation).
They had a Burny compatable backpanel.
As for Encoders, it uses 2. One for the rail and 1 for the cross axis.

The Pilot can electrically interface to any 5 volt incrimental encoder.
The pin out is as follows:
1 Power Common DC Common
2 Ch /Z Index Pulse Not
3 Ch /A A Not
4 Shield
5 Ch /B B Not
6 Ch Z Index Pulse
7 Encoder Power +5 Volts
8 Ch A
9 CH B

You can use Single Ended or Differential Encoders
If it is single ended then Connect A to A, B to B
If a Differential Encoder then also connect the 'Nots'
They are the same as the (a or B) signal, just inverted.
Dont worry about the Z Index Pulse. It is not used.

A 500 to 2000 line encoder works best.

If you do not use the same encoder you mat have to adjust the 'Encoder Counts Per Inch' parameter.
That is in the MG Pilot Manual.
If you do not have one I may be able to get one as a .pdf file.

Or...

Contact Ed at Valley Cutting Machines in Tularie Ca and see if he has one that fits.

ed@valleycuttingsystems.com

Good Luck,

[WSS]

Now that is some detail!!!

WSS

[anchovy]

Ok thanks for all the help.

My next question is. What type of software do I need to make this thing work?I'm a fabricator and don't know much about cad machines. I know i need a cad program to draw the parts. Then a cam program to convert them. Do I need some type of nesting software too? I really don't know where to start. I'm on a limited budget and was hoping someone can point me in the right direction with some easy to learn affordable software that will work with my machine.

[Alan Bradford]

The Edge/Pilot has a .dxf converter built in.
You have to set all the tool paths, lead ins and lead outs, an make sure there are no open segments.
You can go from AutoCad to CNC in one step.
Time consuming but it can be done.

In the industrial world you would get a post processing program from MTC.
It will take your dxf file and post process it with tool paths, lead ins/outs and checking the segments.
As far as nesting, a good program will pay for itself in saved time and material.
You can cut moer effdiciently and use less material.
Turbo Nest or Pro Nest from MTC work real good. (Sorry if I sound like a Hypertherm commercial, I used to work fopr them).
It is a top of the line software package.
Sigma Nest is also top of the line. They both work well and cost in the $2500-$5000 price range.


There are cheaper packages out there, and you will get what you pay for.
I do not have any experience with them, but they are easier on your budget.

Im sure others can help suggesting less costly packages.

Good Luck,