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