[Ls1wot]

From what I have read the z channel is triggered once every rotation of the encoder to insure that the information from the encoder is reliable. So really its just a double checker I believe.

[Haas__man]

Yes - the Z channel is there to check the encoder is working properly. Every time the encoder completes a full revolution, the Machine control receives a marker pulse to tell the control that the encoder is functioning properly. For example - if an encoder is a 1000 line encoder - there will be 999 lines and one marker pulse (z channel). The control is told how many lines the encoder has in a parameter. Whenever the motor is turning the control is continuously counting pulses. If after 999 lines the control does not see the pulse - then the motor fails the z channel test.

[rawen2]

Ls1wot and Haas__man,
Thanks for the explanations.
I'm guessing the Z channel is used for the spindle orientation during a tool change?

Ralph

[haastec]

No, the spindle orientation uses its own encoder for orientation. Older machines will use what is called a shot pin which is a mechanical orientation.

The encoders you have been discussing are just for the motor positioning.

[Ls1wot]

I finally got around to getting the parameters here they are please let me know what you think. I have noticed that the z axis does not go down far enough for the tool changer its off by about 1.5. Thanks