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Using the Acorn encoder input for a different purpose...

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2021 7:30 am
by Chris D
Greetings all,

I notice that there is an encoder input with the intended function to be used with the spindle and for spindle feedback. I have no need what so ever on my machine for this purpose, however, I would like to use that encoder input and related registers for another purpose.

Is it possible to connect an encoder to that input, configure it with the wizard and NOT use it for spindle feedback?

Thanks

Chris

Re: Using the Acorn encoder input for a different purpose...

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2021 7:48 am
by eng199
It's easy to make it not do something. The question is, what do you want it to do instead?
Whatever that is, you may be able to read a system variable in the PLC (like 27301-27308) to perform your new function.
I'm sure you will have to dig deeper than the wizard to do something non-standard.

Re: Using the Acorn encoder input for a different purpose...

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2021 8:06 am
by Chris D
eng199 wrote: Mon Apr 05, 2021 7:48 am It's easy to make it not do something. The question is, what do you want it to do instead?
Whatever that is, you may be able to read a system variable in the PLC (like 27301-27308) to perform your new function.
I'm sure you will have to dig deeper than the wizard to do something non-standard.
I will be moving a rotary axis that has an encoder on it. I will be using the encoder feedback to determine if the axis is actually rotating or not and if moving, how far it moved. This rotary axis is NOT cutting anything, so don't try to rationalize this like a traditional CNC axis.

If the encoder value is in a readable parameter, that should work fine for what I need.

Chris

Re: Using the Acorn encoder input for a different purpose...

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2021 8:57 am
by eng199
You should be able to make that work. Set parameter 78 to 0 to not display a measured spindle speed from the encoder. Other spindle parameters will need to remain set, like parameter 35 = 5 for spindle axis and parameter 312 = 5 for encoder assignment. Position variables for axis 5 will contain your encoder position.

Re: Using the Acorn encoder input for a different purpose...

Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2021 9:10 am
by Chris D
Thanks much! I will give that a go and see what happens.

Thanks again!

Chris