Mesa daughter cards: Parallel vs Serial

mwinterm
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11 Nov 2020 16:41 #189016 by mwinterm

Mesa daughter cards: Parallel vs Serial was created by mwinterm

Hello,

I'm retrofitting a Mikron WF41C from Heidenhain to LinuxCNC. I'm not yet clear regarding the right selection of Mesa Cards. There are basically endless options. However in many cases there is the option to use parallel or serial connected daughter-cards. What are the differences from a user-perspective. Which one is to prefer?

Regards,

Marc

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PCW
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11 Nov 2020 19:36 #189028 by PCW

Replied by PCW on topic Mesa daughter cards: Parallel vs Serial

Typically , parallel breakout boards are used for high speed signals
like step/dir, PWM, and encoders and serial breakouts are used for slower
signal like general digital I/O for relay driving and limit/home switches etc

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mwinterm
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12 Nov 2020 23:33 #189162 by mwinterm

Replied by mwinterm on topic Mesa daughter cards: Parallel vs Serial

Thanks for the feedback. I'm currently looking into the following configuration:

Computer Ethernet -> 7i80DB-25 -> 7i77             (Servo control, linear encoder, spindle on/off/dir)
                               -> 7i74 -> 7i70     (various inputs 24V)
                                       -> 7i71     (varius outputs 24V)
                                       -> 7i73     (some buttons like cycle, stop, spindle on/off, MPG for jogging etc)

Does this look like a reasonable set-up to be operated by LinuxCNC?

Regards,

Marc

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PCW
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13 Nov 2020 00:17 #189166 by PCW

Replied by PCW on topic Mesa daughter cards: Parallel vs Serial

It should be OK though a 7I92M will also work as the FPGA card

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tommylight
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13 Nov 2020 00:34 #189169 by tommylight

Replied by tommylight on topic Mesa daughter cards: Parallel vs Serial

mwinterm wrote:

Computer Ethernet -> 7i80DB-25 -> 7i77             (Servo control, linear encoder, spindle on/off/dir)
                               -> 7i74 -> 7i70     (various inputs 24V)
                                       -> 7i71     (varius outputs 24V)
                                       -> 7i73     (some buttons like cycle, stop, spindle on/off, MPG for jogging etc)

I have used that same setup on several retrofits, but with 7i92 instead of 7i80

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mwinterm
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13 Nov 2020 22:12 #189260 by mwinterm

Replied by mwinterm on topic Mesa daughter cards: Parallel vs Serial

Thanks for the feedback. Yes the 7i92 is all I need.

However, I just tried to order the cards at Mesa and the 7i71 is out of stock. When I called Mesa they told me that it would take 8-10 weeks until they have them again... Not so excited about that. Is hardware being out of stock for so long a problem that often occurs with Mesa?

Regards,

Marc

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PCW
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13 Nov 2020 22:23 #189261 by PCW

Replied by PCW on topic Mesa daughter cards: Parallel vs Serial

It does happen with some lower demand products as we occasionally
get larger orders that deplete our stock.

A 7I72 would be be a good replacement for the 7I71 if you can
use sinking outputs. Another option would be 2x 7I84s though this
would give you more inputs than outputs
(64 inputs and 32 outputs vs 48, 48)

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mwinterm
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13 Nov 2020 22:44 #189262 by mwinterm

Replied by mwinterm on topic Mesa daughter cards: Parallel vs Serial

Sinking inputs do not make sense for me.

2x 7i84 would just work out as I need 31 outputs and 32 inputs. The 7i70 and 7i71 would just be nicer regarding the cabling as the Mirkon has a 37 pin D-Sub cable for all inputs and another one for all outputs (no x-cabling between the two cards and the two female D-sub 17 connectors).

Regards,

Marc

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tommylight
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13 Nov 2020 22:44 #189263 by tommylight

Replied by tommylight on topic Mesa daughter cards: Parallel vs Serial

Try
www.eusurplus.com
They ship very fast to where you are.

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mwinterm
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13 Nov 2020 22:50 #189266 by mwinterm

Replied by mwinterm on topic Mesa daughter cards: Parallel vs Serial

...used them before but the 7i71 is also not available at the moment.

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