Adding encoders to steppers and selecting mesa cards

Hello

I want to upgrade my 3 axis cnc milling machine by adding 2000ppr incremental encoders with differential outputs to my stepper motors. I know this will not replace proper ac servos but my main reason for doing that is improving homing by using index of the encoders and monitoring if machine loses steps and maybe correcting that with pid.

I especially like capabilities of the 7i76e cards which gives cool features like analog spindle control, mpgs inputs and lots of gpio. For encoders interface i wanted to go with 7i85.

I wrote email to mesaus with inquiry about if the selected cards are compatible and received message saying that "The 7i85 card is a DB25 for use with a 5i25/6i25 or a 7i92", so i'am not sure if the expansion ports on 7i76e can be connected to 7i85.

I use 7i85S and 7i76e, cable delivered by Mesa = 25DB to IDC

Mesa part # EPP-M-CABLE

If you go to the Mesa site, and look up the 7i76e card, you can download the support software (under Specification).There is a config there for a 7i76e/7i85.