Re: Encoders

[David Maden <David.Maden@psi.ch>]

Robert,

Another couple of alternatives are the SSI550 (for up to 16 encoders) or 
the ECM504 (for up to 4 encoders), both from Kramert GmbH. The SSI550 
requires an extra rack for interfacing to the encoder signals whereas the 
ECM504 has everything you need packaged into the VME board. See

   www.sls.psi.ch/controls/hardware/

for links to data sheets for these modules in pdf format. There is a simple 
EPICS driver ... much more lightweight than handling any sort of RS232 
protocol.

If you decide later to run your motors with encoder feedback, it's simply a 
case of setting up the RDBL field of the motor record.

David Maden
SLS Beamline Controls

Kurt A. Goetze wrote:
> Robert,
>
> If you are running synApps, OMS boards, and the "APS standard" motor
> connection hardware, then the easiest way to read your encoder into EPICS
> is to use the OMS VME58-4E card.  You also could use something like this
> http://www.usdigital.com/products/ad4b/
> and read the encoder counts with an EPICS generic serial record.
>
> Kurt Goetze
> APS/AOD/Beamline Controls
>
>
> Robert Henning wrote:
>
>
> > I am trying to integrate some Renishaw encoders into EPICS and I am
> > trying to find a simple solution.  I don't have a lot of experience with
> > encoders so any comments or suggestions would be welcome.  At this point
> > I only want to use the encoders to verify my stepper motor position and
> > I was hoping for a simple RS232 interface.  I know this has been done
> > with other brands of encoders but I have not seen anything with the
> > Renishaw brand.  The encoders have "Differential signals in quadrature
> > to RS422 - output via line drivers".
> >
> > I know I could use the OMS58-4 card but I think that is more then I
> > need.  I just want to be able to read in the information to EPICS for
> > now.
> >
> > Thanks in advance,
> >
> > Robert Henning
> > Operations Manager/Beamline Scientist/User Support Specialist
> > University of Chicago at Argonne
> > 9700 South Cass Avenue
> > BioCARS - Building 434 B
> > Argonne, IL 60439
> > phone: (630) 252-0446
> > fax:   (630) 252-0443