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IndustryArena Forum > MetalWorking Machines > Benchtop Machines > Mini Lathe > Denford Microturn - Spindle Encoder
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    45

    Denford Microturn - Spindle Encoder

    Does anyone here have one of the Denford Microturn lathes with a spindle encoder? If so, do you know who made the encoder? Model #?, any specs?

    Thanks in advance

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Posts
    354
    Are you wanting to add an encoder to a MicroTurn using "stock" Denford software or have you already converted it to Mach?

    If it's the former, go over to the U.K. Denford site Denford Software & Machines • View topic - Microturn NS - Thread cutting error message and ask around a bit; nice guys abound over there.

    If it's the latter, Mach will only work with a single slot encoder and one of these worked well for me on my MicroMill. CNC4PC

    Here's a M/Turn schematic but it doesn't give a p/n, sorry.
    Attached Files Attached Files

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    45
    Thanks for the reply..

    I have been in touch with Denford and they wanted
    £778 ($1,255) for the encoder which is far too much for a "hobby" machine. I'm using their VR software (licensed to me) and I can add the encoder by changing one of the parameters and wiring it into the controller.


    I think the encoder is a 2000 line with index driven by a 1:2 step-up belt drive. Easy enough to find & mount a far less expensive encoder, I just need to confirm the specs on it.


    If you get a chance, would you look at yours and let me know the part number? I'm fairly sure that it was made by Encoder Products Co in Idaho and sold through their operation, British Encoder, in England.




  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Posts
    354
    Wow, they're a bit proud of that one!

    Mine is a 1996 Denford MicroMill with a homeshop hack-job conversion using Mach3 parallel port software to control the original SmartStep/3 stepper drive via step/direction instead of the original Denford serial setup.

    I cobbled up an auxiliary lathe spindle using a toolholder mounted on the mill's table. I use a CNC4PC C3 pulse index card with an NTE3100 photocell mounted next to a spindle disc with one hole. Mach3 only plays nice with 1 pulse per rev right now.

    Sounds like yours is a standalone hi res encoder. I have no knowledge of those unfortunately. Surely there should be something similar available on ebay for a fraction of what Denford wants.

    Good luck and post your solution.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    45
    Quote Originally Posted by DICKEYBIRD View Post
    Good luck and post your solution.
    Will do -

    I just need to confirm the encoders CPR before I make an expensive mistake -

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    24260
    As pointed out, if your controller is only using the one pulse/turn marker pulse as Mach does, it shouldn't matter at all what the resolution is?
    If using some other type that uses gearing, then that is different.
    Al.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

    “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
    Albert E.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    45
    Hi Al,

    Some more research and I've finally found the answers.. :wee:

    Encoder specs:
    1:1 belt drive
    2000 PPR (hardware uses the A channel and reads both rising and falling pulse edges)
    Index (Z) pulse is also used
    5 VDC supply
    Line driver output

    Now it's off to find a reasonably priced encoder...... :cheers:

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    24260
    Check Koyo and US Digital.
    Whether through shaft or driven shaft.
    In this case then, the A encoder pulses is multiplied x2 and the marker pulse is used to resync the gearing when the Z returns to the start point again.
    At least this is way it is usually done with gearing.
    Al.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

    “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
    Albert E.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Posts
    45
    Quote Originally Posted by Al_The_Man View Post
    In this case then, the A encoder pulses is multiplied x2 and the marker pulse is used to resync the gearing when the Z returns to the start point again.
    Al you hit the nail on the head......

    The INI file for a MicroTurn with encoder has the following config. setting:

    [Spindle]
    Maximum Speed=2800
    Minimum Speed=100
    Manual=FALSE
    Encoder Count=4000
    Encoder Fitted=TRUE

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