Rotary encoder

[Robin teslarParticipant @robinteslar]

Hi ALL

In the same vein as my last post (thought it would be better as a separate thread). Has anyone used a rotary encoder on a rotary table to index work (instead of a dividing plate assy. These can offer up to 7,200 pulses per rev – 0.05 deg. Seems to good to be true, and a lot cheaper than a full blown dividing head

[Robin teslarParticipant @robinteslar]

Could this be used instead of a dividing head

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Most people stick a stepper motor onto the R/T and run it with something like the "division master". as that will work out the angles for you so you can just enter the No of divisions you want and it will move whatever the required angle is.

 

Again search or google Division Master

Edited By JasonB on 30/10/2012 11:43:38

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Robin,

It's perfectly feasible in theory, but …

The problem comes when you try to lock the table at your chosen setting.

…. Hence the enthusiasm for Stepper Motors.

MichaelG.

[Robin teslarParticipant @robinteslar]

Wow I am completely blown away by that. I am so out of touch. When I did my appreticeship, we could never have dreamed of such gear. Thank you so much for you help and forebearance, I feel like a right newbie

[joegibParticipant @joegib]

You might like to know that a DIY dividing head/rotary table controller has been developed by Steve Ward (aka 'Kwackers) and is described/discussed on the CNC Zone here:

**LINK**

The main block of documentation is at Post No.45 and the most recent PIC firmware /Manual versions can be downloaded at Post No.419. This project has been around since 2006 and is now pretty mature, relatively cheap to build and has good documentation (not to mention the exemplary support Steve has given via that thread). A video of one constructed by M. Parker-Lisberg can be seen here:

**LINK**

— and another build by C Raynerd is available here:

**LINK**

There must be a few score at least out there by now.

Joe

Edited By joegib on 30/10/2012 18:14:50

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