Fitting an encoder on a Tormach 1100

I have a standard Tormach bit file with encoder options on P2 and P3, this should work.
Note that if you use a standard BOB on P2 you may have troubles with slow inputs
so you need to find a BOB with decently fast inputs if you have a high resolution encoder
or use the bare 5I25 pins (carefully) or a Mesa 7I75

I think the next issue you need to solve is that Tormachs startup script will re-write
the firmware on startup if its not what it expected so this function needs to be disabled or modified to write the correct firmware.
(some PathPilot savvy people have this figured out so maybe they can chime in on how this is done)

Thank you Peter that is very helpful. I understand that I have to stop PP re writing the bit file back again I have done a lot of reading on this and think I have a reasonable idea now how it is done.

I will test it out with a standard BOB first, if that fails I will get the 7i75 like you suggested . I do have a 7i73 but do not have a way to connect that without my 7i76 that I need for another project. Looking forward for the bit file

The bit file that it seems to load now is tormach_mill3.bit.

If I went with the 7i85 instead of the 7i75 would I be able to achieve 3 mpg's plus my spindle encoder if so what version of the 7i85 would I need to order?

If you used a 7I85S or 7I85 you could use the spare encoder channels as MPG inputs
or connect the 7I73 (the 7I85 has 5 sserial channels and the 7I85S has one) and get 4 MPG channels
that way. The 7I73 might simplify wiring and supports the 1X encoder mode which is usually better for 100 PPR MPG dials

PCW wrote: If you used a 7I85S or 7I85 you could use the spare encoder channels as MPG inputs
or connect the 7I73 (the 7I85 has 5 sserial channels and the 7I85S has one) and get 4 MPG channels
that way. The 7I73 might simplify wiring and supports the 1X encoder mode which is usually better for 100 PPR MPG dials

Ok to re-cap I will order a 7i85s When you have time could you please make me the bit file to replace the tormach_mill3.bit and make P2 on the 5i25to be able to use the 7i85s.

Would this new one also allow me to use the 7i73 pendent if needed on the 7i85s

Thanks

Yes a 7I85S has one SSerial channel so its possible to add a 7I73 (or any other SSerial remote device)
if you dont need more step/dir outputs you can also use a 7I85 (no s) and get 5 SSerial expansion channels

PCW wrote: Yes a 7I85S has one SSerial channel so its possible to add a 7I73 (or any other SSerial remote device)
if you dont need more step/dir outputs you can also use a 7I85 (no s) and get 5 SSerial expansion channels

Thanks Peter for the help I will order the 7i85s and some other bits and I will await the bit file to suite.

Clive s wrote:

PCW wrote: If you used a 7I85S or 7I85 you could use the spare encoder channels as MPG inputs
or connect the 7I73 (the 7I85 has 5 sserial channels and the 7I85S has one) and get 4 MPG channels
that way. The 7I73 might simplify wiring and supports the 1X encoder mode which is usually better for 100 PPR MPG dials

Ok to re-cap I will order a 7i85s When you have time could you please make me the bit file to replace the tormach_mill3.bit and make P2 on the 5i25to be able to use the 7i85s.

Would this new one also allow me to use the 7i73 pendent if needed on the 7i85s

Thanks

The 7i85s is now in transit to me. How do I find the correct bit file?

freeby.mesanet.com/5i25_t2_7i85s.bit

Many thanks for your time Peter I will have ago and flash the board.