Brother TC-211

I will go back to the manual and find out what I can about the resolvers on the system. Again Thanks to everyone here for the help

andypugh wrote:

For wiring up the control panel a 7i73 might be better. (as it has MPG inputs and supports matrix-wired switches). Cheap too.

The 7i73 is harder to connect. The use of the IDC connectors make the connections more difficult and less user friendly. I am telling this because I have one in a machine with also a 7i84.
The 7i84 also allows MPG, but yes it is a bit more expensive.

Swapping your resolvers for compatible encoders should also not be a large issue if your current resolvers do not work.

With a help of a scope you should be able to check if your drive convert the resolver signals into encoder signals that would be directly accepted by the 7i77 (that in your current machine, would be connected to the controller of your machine).
This seams the most likely as in your documentation it is written:
Location and signal output: AB signals 1024 with a Z
Z is the index of the encoder, being A B the channels of it.
If you connect a scope to this "signal ouput" you should be able to look at the A and B channels (also the Z) when rotating the shaft to prove that they will work.

As soon as I get the machine in the house I will get a scope on the z axis. A had to remove the servo motor do it would fit mangy doors. What type of signal will I be looking for on the scope ??

And I will post pictures when I test it because everyone hates pictures. Also the revolvers all work. The machine is on full functioning condition.

I'm not too worried about the cost of the cards. Ease of insulation is my first priority and I really would like the mpg.

You say that the machine is on full working condition?
Stop. Rethink, adapt yourself to the existing control, learn with it.
If you cannot do what you want with it think on retrofit. This is my opinion.

The signals that you are looking:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotary_encoder
on the section Incremental Rotary encoder

andypugh wrote:

The drives probably only work with resolvers though, so that swap would need new drives.

Yes, must probably the drives will only work with resolvers. Andy is correct, so having to change the current resolvers for encoders may be a large step.

Emcpt makes several good points. The first being if the machine works,at least for now, learn the original control. If nothing else you will at least get a chance to understand how the mechanisms of the machine actually operate. The chances of you ending up with a nighmare at this point are looking good. It is easy to tear the machine apart, it is not so.easy to get it all working again.


Second, the 7i84 is much easier to use for building a full size pendent(if you are not decoding a keyboard), due to it having terminal blocks. In addition, you do have to program your own buttons and knobs.

If the machine works, use it to make money, practice getting a small project working,learn how the machine actually works and when the time comes to actually do the machine, you will ahead of the game. For what it is worth....