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IndustryArena Forum > CNC Electronics > Servo Motors / Drives > Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit
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  1. #21
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
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    83

    Re: Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Dawson View Post
    Linear encoders would be my choice even with the Gecko drives. There is no downside to using them, and many advantages. You just have to match the resolution to what the Gecko drive is capable of reading.
    Yea I'm researching that right now. The Centroid requires a minimum of at least 1000 ppr encoders and recommends 2000ppr/8000cpr encoders. Trying to find documentation on the Gecko to see if it supports that.


    Quote Originally Posted by Al_The_Man View Post
    I initially purchased the CUI BLDC encoder development system for programming the simulated hall tracks for the BLDC motor encoder version, but got anything but satisfactory results, and the tech support was no help, so it left a bad taste.
    I traditionally used Renco, but then Heidenhain took them over and the line selection shrank quite a bit.
    Koyo are good as well as Hengstler.
    If possible I usually fit through hole type to avoid mounting and a coupler.
    Your original servo's may have had tach feedback which is not used now on DC motors, as Torque mode drives are used as opposed to the DC velocity type which had a tach back to the drive.
    Al.
    I will look into those brands shortly. They may very well be tach feedback. From what I have read/seen, replacing the old resolver/encoder and leaving the tach in place but not hooked up should be ok?

  2. #22
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    24216

    Re: Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit

    What I used to do when using new drives was to remove the tach brushes at least to avoid any problems.
    Al.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

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

  3. #23
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Posts
    83

    Re: Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit

    Can you guys help me understand some of the terminology here? First what are they referring to as the lock range? I'm not seeing any specific encoder resolution maximums called out in the documentation yet. That seems unusual though? I have seen minimums called out but no max.

    Also from the Centroid encoder requirements
    "1. Encoder Type: Centroid MPU11 based CNC hardware (Oak, Allin1DC, Acorn) requires quadrature, differential encoders which operate on 5VDC. This is the most common type of encoder. Encoders labeled "TTL type" (non differential) are unsuitable, and fortunately are quite rare."

    Is the bellow spec saying the G320x requires TTL? or that its simply able to run it as well?

    G320X SPECIFICATIONS

    Power Supply: +18VDC to +80VDC
    Quiescent Current: 30mA
    Motor Current: 0 to 20 Amps
    Motor Inductance: At least 1mH
    Short Circuit Protect: 22A trip
    Lock Range: +/- 256, 512, 1024, or 2048
    Feedback: Quadrature TTL Encoder 5V Compatible
    Feedback Resolution: X4 Encoder Line Count
    Feedback Voltages: <1V for Logic 0 and >4V for Logic 1
    Switching Frequency: 20kHz
    Current Limit: 0 to 20 Amps Trimpot Adjustable
    Analog PID: Proportional, Derivative, Integral Coefficient Trimpots
    Step Pulse Frequency: 0 to 300kHz
    Step LED “ON” Time (min): 1uS
    Step LED “OFF” Time (min): 2.5uS
    Size: 2.5” x 2.5” x 0.8375”
    Package: Blue aluminum anodized cover, black aluminum hard anodized bottom heatsink
    Weight: 3.6 oz. (100g)
    Encoder Supply: +5VDC 50mA maximum
    Pulse Multiplier: 1, 2, 5, or 10 times input step rate



  4. #24
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
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    5717

    Re: Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit

    Lock range seems to refer to the maximum allowed Following Error settings. Some following error is normal when in motion, excessive following error will cause accuracy problems. This is where having the loop closed at the controller rather than the drive is beneficial, the controller will try to compensate for an excessively lagging axis by making adjustments to all axes on-the-fly, thus following the correct motion profile. Closing the loop at the drives will do this to some degree and is still pretty good, but not the best.

    The Gecko will only accept a TTL encoder input (A and B), the good news is that you can use a differential quadrature encoder and just not connect the /A and /B signals. Later when you want to upgrade the controller and / or drives, you will still have the full differential encoder available.
    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA

  5. #25
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    Dec 2003
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    24216

    Re: Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit

    I could never understand that decision by Gecko to go the single ended route, when it would be so easy to add a RS485 receiver on the drive.
    Al.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

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

  6. #26
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    Nov 2017
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    83

    Re: Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit

    What is lost by not connecting the /A and /B signals? I was doing a little research and could not figure out if it was related to filtering out noise or its positional accuracy.

    Also since the centroid Acorn board is actually connected to the drive and not the encoder, does it matter if the encoder is running in TTL if the drive is still outputting the step/dir signals? I'm also trying to figure out if the encoder requirements are actually for the spindle encoder (which is connected to the board through a DB9 port) and not the servo drives.

    If losing the /A and /B signals is a significant loss though, I will scratch the Gecko as an option and look elsewhere.

  7. #27
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    Dec 2013
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    5717

    Re: Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit

    The full differential quadrature signal from the encoder is more or less noise immune, at least much more so than single ended. The way the encoder is read by the device is a function of how the device (drive in this case) is designed. In reading the specs, it looks like the Gecko does read both the rising and falling square wave signal from the encoder channel, so you would get 4 pulses per encoder line. Two for A channel and two for B channel, which are 90° out of phase with each other.

    In the interest of clarity, the Acorn outputs a step & direction signal to the drive. The drive then tries to keep up with what the Acorn is telling it to do to position the machine correctly, it does actually work.

    Any encoder requirement in the Acorn manual should be related to the spindle. The Acorn has no idea what the drive is doing with the exception of any error signal between the drive and the Acorn.
    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA

  8. #28
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
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    24216

    Re: Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit

    What I have done in the past where I had no choice and had inputs that were single ended with a long run in a noisy environment was to use one of the RS485 IC's 26LS32 for receiving and 26LS31 for transmitter, if needed.
    As Jim said using the 4 edges of a A & B multiplies the resolution x4, some controllers also allow options, natural count, or plus x2 (2 edges) or plus x4 (four edges).
    Al.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

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

  9. #29
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    Nov 2017
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    83

    Re: Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit

    Ok so my take away is that the Gecko would be ok except in a very "noisy" environment?

    Would it be worth looking at something like CNCdrive DG4S 08020 drive? Reading over its manual it does seem to have the capability to read the full differential quadrature signal through an RJ45 connector. Any opinions on that drive? I have never heard of the brand before.

    https://cnc4pc.com/dg4s-08020-dc-servo-drive.html

    Also thanks for the help, you guys have been amazing. Was really just planning on trying to put together a semi plug and play system (DMM) but this stuff is cool.

  10. #30
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    Dec 2013
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    5717

    Re: Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit

    I have only heard about them, but know nothing personally. A cursory look indicates it is worth taking the time to study it a bit.
    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA

  11. #31
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
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    83

    Re: Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit

    So I pulled the cap off the top of one of the servos and found something kinda interesting about the encoders on this machine. Looks like they are Broadcom HEDS-5500 A06. Resolution is a little low at 500 CPR. That means I don't have to worry about tacks though I assume.

    HEDS-5500#A06 - BROADCOM LIMITED - Incremental Rotary Encoder, Optical, 2 Channel, 3000rpm, 500 Cycles, 1/4" Shaft Diameter | Newark element14

    I emailed Marcus Freimanis about the CUI encoders and he said they are actually what they use to test the drives, so definitely a good fit. He also said that the G320X can support a line count up to 5000, though it becomes increasingly difficult to tune them above 2500 due to the gain settings on the drive.

  12. #32
    Join Date
    May 2005
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    1397

    Re: Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit

    The MassMind non-contact encoders would work nicely in that setup. 4000cpr, TTL AB, and easy to mount since they just use a little magnet.
    ENC2b: AS5047P High Resolution Magnetic Encoder. massmind
    James hosts the single best wiki page about steppers for CNC hobbyists on the net:
    http://www.piclist.com/techref/io/steppers.htm Disagree? Tell him what's missing! ,o)

  13. #33
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    24216

    Re: Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit

    Quote Originally Posted by WesM View Post

    I emailed Marcus Freimanis about the CUI encoders and he said they are actually what they use to test the drives, so definitely a good fit.
    It is not that they don't work, just not ideal in a noisy environment, IOW more susceptible to interference on a long cable run.
    Al.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

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

  14. #34
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    83

    Re: Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit

    Quote Originally Posted by James Newton View Post
    The MassMind non-contact encoders would work nicely in that setup. 4000cpr, TTL AB, and easy to mount since they just use a little magnet.
    ENC2b: AS5047P High Resolution Magnetic Encoder. massmind
    Those are cool little encoders, I will have to look into them for future projects. At this point I have a few AMT113Q-V encoders coming in I plan on testing out. They should be drop in (hole spacing) replacements for the encoders I have right now

    Quote Originally Posted by Al_The_Man View Post
    It is not that they don't work, just not ideal in a noisy environment, IOW more susceptible to interference on a long cable run.
    Al.
    Thats what I assumed. Now what constitutes an environment that is too noisy would be an interesting discussion. Also what components would cause a levels of noise that would interfere with the encoders?

  15. #35
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    Dec 2003
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    24216

    Re: Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit

    An extreme example is a large plasma gantry where the torch and power cables share the same cable chain to the gantry..
    Al.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

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

  16. #36
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    Nov 2017
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    83

    Re: Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit

    So i'm trying to figure out how I want to power the servos on this retrofit. The machine currently seems to use a transformer (Western Magnetics NX-189) and then rectifier. The from the manual the Robo power requirements are 10 amp 3ph 220v and 15 amp 120 volt. Would it be safe to assume that they are putting the 120v into the transformer?

    So my thought is, get rid of the motor starter/coil system, reuse or replace the fuses and use the transformer with rectifier/filters to power my servo system. The Acorn will have a separate 5v power source (which comes with the Acorn). Does that seem doable?

    As a side, it seems like they are using two transformers in the robo system? The first one has numbers on it, which i assume is the voltage output, the second one has no markings. The label shows the smaller transformer as a Western Magnetics WX-190, 012-0306 REV J. I cant find any info on the company though, must less the transformer.

    With these kinds of systems/retrofits is it worth trying to use the old power supply/transformer system? Or would you guys just buy a new PSU?

    I just noticed I didn't get pics/specs of some of the other rectifiers, will have to try and see what those are when I get the machine on Monday.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails DSC_0337.jpg   DSC_0338.jpg   IMG_20140421_165439168.jpg   IMG_20140421_165513667.jpg  


  17. #37
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    Dec 2003
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    24216

    Re: Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit

    I generally use the old transformers etc, these supplies are usually very rugged, and superior to SMPS in many cases.
    The pic's show the primary taps selection on the transformers, set for 120v
    If you have a spare contactor, it can always be used to pick up the main power or the spindle when in E-stop.
    Al.
    CNC, Mechatronics Integration and Custom Machine Design

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

  18. #38
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    Nov 2017
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    83

    Re: Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit

    Is it reasonable to assume the old transformer and rectifier are outputting the approximately 63 vDC required to run the drives/servos? or did the old servo amps/power board alter the voltage in any way?

  19. #39
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    Nov 2017
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    83

    Re: Encoder/servo selection for a Robotool centroid retrofit

    Well I finally got some time to start looking at this again. Got out to check on the transformer and it seems to have two taps that output 36v and 72v respectively. The way I understand it that would be about 51v and 102v roughly once they are put through a full wave rectifier? Does 51v seem kinda low for servos that are rated at 63v? I checked my outlet and its putting out a solid 121.8v.

  20. #40
    I wasn’t aware of anyone derating vfd’s For years now. The past few years I match the hp to hp from motor to vfd. 3hp motor than 2.2kw vfd works fine. Weve been running like this for several years now and no issues. Unless something is special about that particular motor I’m unaware of the. I don’t see an issue. Does it draw more amps than other motors? This would be the only issue I could see if the motor amps exceeded the vfd.

    Quote Originally Posted by mactec54 View Post
    You always want bigger than the motor rating, 5Hp is fine and what you need when going to single phase, don't worry if the VFD drive says it is for 3ph input they work fine on single phase, any good quality VFD will work fine, just some are more confusing than other to set up, but out of the box for your motor, yours would run, as the default parameter settings would be at 60Hz, you can adjust some of the Parameters to suit after you get it running

    As Jim said, just the encoders won't help you, you want the complete Dmm package if you are to use there system

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