Encoders for Brush Servos being Phased out

[lkenney]

I had a X-axis servo fail again this week, everything points to the Encoder failing. I pulled the motor, opened the Encoder Cap and started looking for resources to fix or replace the encoder. This is the newest motor I have on my 1992 VF-0 I replaced it last year too. Anyway I went to the manufacturer to see what option I had there. This is the info that I got back.

The RCH50i-2000/0-8MM-LD/0-5/0-1-CS-CC-M3-GND1-S, ID # 594931-01 is being discontinued by Heidenhain Corporation. The RCH50i encoder can be ordered until June 30, 2010 with shipment of the encoder made by December 15, 2011. The End of Life pricing for the RCH50i encoder is as follows

Does this mean we won't be able to fix our machines almost new machines anymore. Are there any other encoders that will work?

Lowell

[Al_The_Man]

Unfortunately since Heidenhain took over Renco their product range has shrank.
Send an email to Renco.com see if they recommend a sub, Probably R50i or similar.
There are a few other makes that should be able to supply, Hengstler for example.
Al.

[lkenney]

Thats where I started the jolly trip

Thank you,

Lowell

[Al_The_Man]

Did you talk to this guy, he is one of the Renco people, he has been very helpfull to me to find subs etc.
Edward R. Burk
Product Manager
RENCO Encoders Inc.
Phone: 805-562-1186
Cell: 805-689-0421
Fax: 805-562-1150
Email: eburk@heidenhain.com
The important parts are resolution? Differential? and shaft size (8mm).
Al.

[lkenney]

Here is what I got from Mr. Burk, does anyone have any idea how we are to keep older machines running or is this the death knell of our machines to ????" age.


I checked and there is no encoders through the Santa Barbara Factory, that can replace the RCH50i-2000/0-8MM-LD/0-5/0-1-CS-CC-M3-GND1-S, ID # 594931-01, which can be shipped any sooner than the 7 to 8 week lead time.



You may want to contact Haas Automation for a replacement for the encoder, if you need faster lead time.



Once the End of Life purchase date of June 30, 2010 has passed, all bearing encoders made by Heidenhain Corporation (Santa Barbara – RENCO Encoders Brand) factory, including the RCH50i encoder, will no longer be available for purchase.



If you plan to order the encoders through Heidenhain Corporation, you will need to determine how may encoders to purchase to cover your future needs.



I am checking to see if there is a replacement of the RCH50i encoder from Heidenhain Corporation other encoder brands.



I will let you know tomorrow.



Thanks for your inquiry on Heidenhain Corporation (Santa Barbara – RENCO Encoders Brand).



Best Regards,



Edward R. Burk
Heidenhain Corporation
Product Manager (RENCO and Heidenhain K.K. Japan, formerly Sumtak Encoder Brands)

Phone: 805-562-1186
Fax: 805-562-1150
Email: eburk@heidenhain.com

[Al_The_Man]

You should be able to get the equivalent encoder to the RCH50i from Hengstler.
The RI36h has an 8mm shaft and should be adaptable.
http://www.hengstler.com/gfx/file/sh...7_33_17_en.pdf
Al.

[lkenney]

Al,

Thank you, this is the info that I needed to open other possibilities for replacement parts. The last thing that I want to do is to have to replace a machine right now or shut down. Haas support is good but very expensive for us, so we try to do as much of ur own as we can. I was also trying to get a feeling of how long these older machines will be supported.

Lowell

[Fopec]

I have the same vintage VF1 that was having x axis problems. Just wanted to make sure you checked the x axis cable where it makes the bend under the front cover. This is where my encoder was shorting out and giving x axis errors. The encoder turned out to be fine.

-Fopec

[marvinmfg]

You may find an alternate part here

http://www.quantumdev.com/products/o...ers/qd145.html

I haven't used these myself, but I like the size (comparable to the Renco) and the 9 conductor 28 gauge cable, similar to the Renco. The Hengstler looks like a quality part, but I think it might be difficult to fit inside the motor end cap and connect to the original wiring harness due to the cabling arrangement.

If anybody is interested I can post the part numbers for the Amp connector bodies and crimp pins that are used on the Haas/ Renco assembly.

Mark

[Al_The_Man]

I noticed by the original part number that it shows 2000/0 as encoder count and commutation is 0, if so, it is not necessary to use a commutation encoder which may be more $'s.
Are these DC brushed motors?
Al.

[lkenney]

This is very good info to have, I am out of my leaque when it comes to understanding and being able to switch encoders, so have to trust others with more experience.

These are brushed motors, 1992 era technology

Lowell

[Al_The_Man]

[Brushed motors] Then you do not need the commutation for sure.
Al.