CNC Spindle synchronization

**hanermo2** · 14-06-2018

I highly recommend using an optical encoder, even like a cheap amt-102, for the index signal.

But this will need a high-speed interface board, as the signal is very crisp - what you want - and very short so only good motion control hw will be able to read it.

I tried about 10 different solutions - and am now using full industrial servos with index and a csmio-ip-s interface kit from cslabs.

**Chaz** · 14-06-2018

Originally Posted by hanermo2

I highly recommend using an optical encoder, even like a cheap amt-102, for the index signal.

But this will need a high-speed interface board, as the signal is very crisp - what you want - and very short so only good motion control hw will be able to read it.

I tried about 10 different solutions - and am now using full industrial servos with index and a csmio-ip-s interface kit from cslabs.

Do you use Mach or the CS Labs' new Software?

Have you tried Centroid Acorn?

Also, we are still waiting for pics from your machine(s) please :-)

**m_c** · 14-06-2018

There's no use recommending encoders when we don't even know if Leadhead's setup will even work with an encoder.

We really need to know what kind of controller the lathe is using, or if it's just using a parallel port, as it may just need some form of single slot sensor.

Plus Hanermo, those AMT encoders are not optical, they're capacitive. They would probably be ok for a continually moving axis though.

**Leadhead** · 14-06-2018

Gentlemen, Thank you for your assistance.
The lathe is a very simple Denford slantbed running Mach 3.
I am led to believe it will work quite effectively with a £2.50 Halls effect switch and a magnet on the spindle. After all your posts. I hope you will forgive the lack of sophistication (for the moment) I just have to try it, as have just seen a little Emco 5 conversion running Mach 3 threading. With the assurance that it has not missed a beat, having been programmed from F360 and a little tweak on the post processor. Just a couple of 3d prints required to hold things in situ.
Since I do not use the lathe that frequently, a Heath Robinson car boot solution. If I can get it to work, might suit the budget very well?

Chaz - Very interested in Centroid Acorn experience. Been studying it for while. Looming pile of vertical router bits laying in the corner looking for a control solution.

**Chaz** · 14-06-2018

Originally Posted by Leadhead

Gentlemen, Thank you for your assistance.
The lathe is a very simple Denford slantbed running Mach 3.
I am led to believe it will work quite effectively with a £2.50 Halls effect switch and a magnet on the spindle. After all your posts. I hope you will forgive the lack of sophistication (for the moment) I just have to try it, as have just seen a little Emco 5 conversion running Mach 3 threading. With the assurance that it has not missed a beat, having been programmed from F360 and a little tweak on the post processor. Just a couple of 3d prints required to hold things in situ.
Since I do not use the lathe that frequently, a Heath Robinson car boot solution. If I can get it to work, might suit the budget very well?

Chaz - Very interested in Centroid Acorn experience. Been studying it for while. Looming pile of vertical router bits laying in the corner looking for a control solution.

Sure. Ive just done a Lathe conversion. I might do my next mill with Centroid too.