Bostomatic BD 18-2 upgrade

As adding a higher resolution encoder. As far as Linuxcnc is concerned it shouldn't matter, but if the servo drives use the encoder feedback as well, they will need re-tuned, and if motor commutation is involved that will also need addressed.

Since your motors don’t have tachs , you would either have to use and amp that allows for encoder velocity or capable of running in current mode. I’d suggest a AMCI be25a20. These are brushless drives that can be run in single phase and have inputs for tachs , encoders and halls switches. They are super easy to set up. The Glentek motors are very common, the first 2 numbers being the diameter of the motor. You could use Glentek drives, but they are horribly expensive and any one who ever owned a Fadal knows Glentek has worst customer service then AT&T!! The amc amps go cheap on eBay and new are in the $500 range.

Would those amps drive my brushed motors? I already purchased www.ebay.com.au/itm/322460615556 but now am unsure if it was the right direction. They are step direction so trying to figure out what i lose vs pwm.

Sorry for the delayed reply didn't realize i had gotten the response.

Yes, they will drive your motors. they use analog +/_ 10v signals. Servos will always be superior to steppers as they are closed loop. I have used these drives on yellow cap Fanuc motors recently with 1024 per rev encoders with good results. You could also run the AMC drives in current mode, which is a bit more work to tune.