Quote Originally Posted by Chaz View Post
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hengstler...EAAOSwySlaJSLx
The potential problem with that, is it's a hollow shaft encoder, which aren't as easy to mount/drive.
Something like this would also work - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-pc-New-...oAAOSwImRYIVLB
But that's from China.

It really depends on what the existing setup is, whether it can be adapted, or if a complete new setup is needed. A photo of the existing setup would be good.
Quote Originally Posted by Chaz View Post
Agreed, there is a markup however they have done all the integration bits to make it work reliably. Ive seen a gamepad being used for the Acorn system too, there was / is a Harrison 300 lathe on ebay with Acorn running with an xbox type controller.

Also, they are about to launch a 16 in / 16 out add on board, lack of inputs and outputs has not helped.
A lathe using a gamepad controller fills me with dread for some reason!
Probably because I know how much a damage a crash on a lathe can do, where as at least on a router/mill, the biggest damage is likely to be a broken cutter.

I noticed the IO expansion as well. It's interesting they're having to rely on ethernet though. I would of thought using the i2c or UART ports on the BeagleBone would of been an easier option.