Choosing the right Mesa Boards?

Type_Zero_Design wrote:

So it seems like if I were going to use a 7i85 for encoder feedback it would make the most sense to to go with a 7i92 rather than 7i76E beacuse the 7i92 supports two break out boards so if I understand correctly the 7i76E would still require a 7192, 5i25 or 6i25 to run the 7i85?

If thats so would a good option be 7i92 with 7i76 and 7i85?

I apologize for all the questions just want to make sure I do this right.

7i76E has 2 more break out board connectors ( those connectors can be used for other stuff to, like 7i74 or anothe 7i76 or 7i77 or.... ).
You do not need anything else if you go with the 7i76E, it has everything needed and plenty of inputs and outputs, you might only need a 7i85 ( again check if this is the correct board for encoder feedback ) IF and only if you want to have the loop closed in Linuxcnc.

I would gladly, but i do not have a 7i76E ! Installed them quite some time ago.
I do have:
5i25 x1
6i25 x2
7i77 x2
7i84 x2
7i74 x1
7i92 x1
7i73 x2
THCAD x1
Planing to use the 7i92/7i77/7i74/2x7i84/7i73 on a retrofit of a MAZAK Micro Slant lathe i own. It is fully functional, but i do not want to use it as is, when i know it is going to be much easier to use when done. No deadline to finish it, but i am tired of looking at it as a 3.5 tone paper weight. Just need some time.
Already installed:
5i25 x2
6i25 x1
7i92 x1
7i74 x2
7i70 x2
7i71 x2
7i77 x3
7i76E x1 plus 1 that someone else ordered
That might be a nice reference of how good and versatile they are. Never had a single issue, ever. And the tech support is by far the best and the fastest on the planet earth! PCW is extremely helpful even when i needed some fancy firmware. Filipe (if i am not mistaken ) at eusurplus is also very helpful and keeps the delivery on time, always.
I get all my Mesa boards from eusurplus.com, and always someone else orders them so my name is never on the order. Did you try there ? They ship in 2 to 3 days from Portugal to Austria or Germany and from there it takes x days depending on my friends schedule.
From my point of view, when i know i have someone that could help when doing retrofits and make a tailored firmware, that is the biggest reward i can get as i am sure i can successfully finish whatever i have started.

Type_Zero_Design wrote:

7i92 (Ethernet FgPGA)
7i76 (Servo control step/dir)
7i85 (encoder Inputs)
7i85 (general Inputs relay switching Outputs)
7i85 (in control panel for controller inputs with only single cable to run to electrical cabinet)

7i76E might be neater than 7i92+7i76.

Three 7i85 doesn't necessarily make sense. The 7i76 (or 7i76E) has one smart-serial port and the 7i85 has another. So look at the serial daughter cards for "stronger" IO that can switch relays etc directly.
store.mesanet.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=83_88

A 7i73 might be a good choice to put in the control panel, that is what it is meant for.

Type_Zero_Design wrote:

do you do retrofits for a living?

I have not looked into them, im in the US will they ship here?

Yes and no, meaning i do some for living and some for fun, but somehow i always get paid in parts or stuff even when i do it for fun !
In US you have another option, mesaus.com , that is JT online shop.