New Machine Build- CNC bport clone, dead controller- good servos

[lkasdorf]

I have an opportunity to buy a Taiwanese Bridgeport clone that was retrofitted with ball screws (3axis), servos and a bandit controller. Apparently the bandit controller is having problems, and the seller wants to sell it for $500. It has an autolube system.

My inclination would be to dedicate a PC to it running Mach or something similar. I basically understand the approach when you have steppers- get a gecko board, hook to PC.

But what is the affordable approach to driving servos? Do servos use a closed loop and feedback from glass scales or what?

Any help/advice would be appreciated.
Thanks-
lkasdorf

[Jawno]

I think feedback on servo's come from the encoders. It is my understanding that the encoders attach as part of the servo drive shaft, usually at the back end.
Have a good one,
Jawno

[Andre' B]

Check in with the guys on the EMC2 board.
EMC is not limited to step\dir outputs it can work directly with servos.
If the servo motors and drives are in good shape you could have all the advantages of a full servo system for not much money.