Bridgeport R2E3 Boss 8 Encoder problems

[leftyrowe]

What is involved in fixing a encoder problem on the Series II r2e3 boss 8 mill ?
a service teck informed me that the encoder was out on the x axis.
What is the method of checking for this and what is the fix.
and are parts still avialable? and at what extimated price?
thanks
Richard

[unterhaus]

My first inclination is to suspect wiring, either on the way to the encoder, or internal to the encoder. Did he verify the wiring to the encoder was intact?

[machintek]

Encoders can fail in more than one way. You can lose the marker pulse which occurs once per revolution and allows a machine to home. You can lose one of the channels use for position. Most encoders have a small bulb and are considered optical. This can burn out or silver the inside of the bulb to the point where it cannot count.
Typically I use a 5VDC power supply, a drill and an oscilliscope to check a encoder.

George

[unterhaus]

Originally Posted by machintek Typically I use a 5VDC power supply, a drill and an oscilliscope to check a encoder. George

George, what size drill bit?
Are these old enough to have a bulb? I assumed they were new enough to have LEDs in them.

[leftyrowe]

Originally Posted by unterhaus My first inclination is to suspect wiring, either on the way to the encoder, or internal to the encoder. Did he verify the wiring to the encoder was intact?

the serviec tech said that he swaped the x and y servo motors. he said that the encoder on the motor needed replacing.
does this sound correct?
and what would be involved in the cost and fix of the encoder?
thanks
Richard

[leftyrowe]

Originally Posted by unterhaus My first inclination is to suspect wiring, either on the way to the encoder, or internal to the encoder. Did he verify the wiring to the encoder was intact?

the service tech said that he swaped the x and y servo motors. he said that the encoder on the motor needed replacing.
does this sound correct?
and what would be involved in the cost and fix of the encoder?
thanks
Richard

[machintek]

I use the drill to turn the encoder, the power supply to power it and the scope to watch the waveform.

Swapping a motor eliminates the entire circuit for that motor and leaves only the motor suspect. Very common for service techs to do if they don't have sophisticated equipment.
If the motor moves then it leaves how it moves and if it counts. If it moves correctly then the tach and armature are good. Lastly it leaves the encoder.

George