DIY Rotary Encoders?

[JAZZCNC]

What control software are you using.? MACH3 can not do closed loop. FULL STOP . . It can read encoders and display the real position, there are also scripts or plug-in's that will let you define a following error +/- value and monitor the Encoder so if it goes out side these parameters generates an E-stop. But it will not correct any error nor can it tell Mach to do it.!

The Closed loop stepper system is FULL closed loop and does all the corrections within the drive so Mach or the control software doesn't need to do anything or even know it's happened. . . . That's the beauty and real benefit of them.!

I believe Linux Cnc can do closed loop with Encoders or glass scales but from what I've read it's not easy or simple setup with lots of messing around with PID settings. They also seem struggle to setup and get reliable results has due to nature of steppers using steps they can settle either side and throw PID settings etc off.?

Know Being honest closed loop correction is good and all that but if you've lost position and gone to far the damage is done anyway so it's only real benefit is if not gone far enough or to wrong place it can correct and get there. . . . Often thou if there's error then damage is done or work spoilt.!!

Don't be concerned with poor accuracy from steppers, they can be just has accurate as servos and far more reliable and easy to setup.
Secret with steppers is the tuning.!! . . if you tune them correctly and don't be greedy with Acceleration and Velocity then you'll not lose any steps or position. When you see people losing steps or position then 99% of time it's they have over tuned the motors or got a problem with machine binding or sticking robbing power/torque at higher speeds.

Buy decent digital drives and you won't have any troubles.