Connecting mTECH linear scale to a Dynomotion KFLOP for CNC conversion (Australia)

Details for the connection:

Information from Robert:

We’ve successfully connected our mTECH JCXE linear scale to the Dynomotion.

The scales connect to JP5 (which is the RJ45 connector) on the KFlop controller board.

The scales need to be supplied 5VDC. Power them from the 5 VDC power supply which runs the KFlop board. Do not use the 5 VDC supply which powers the KStep.

The connector supports up to 4 scales (encoders 4 to 7). The wires connect in pairs.

in the example below * is for the encoder channel number.

ENC*A

ENC*B

mTECH JCXE linear scale Pins & Colour Codes Connection to KFlop

1   Not Used

2 - 0V (orange)    5VDC (also called 0VDC or common)

3 - Not Used

4   Shield (Not Connected/Not Used), The shield should remain on the cables to within a 3 cm of the connection

5 - Not Used

6 - A (Yellow)   Connect to ENC*A

7 - 5V (Red)   +5VDC

8- B (Green)   Connect to ENC*B

9 - Z -Reference (Brown)   Terminate, Not Used/ Not Required

Thanks for your help, much appreciated

Cheers

Robert “

 
 

Replies from Robert (Australia):

“Hi Scott,

thanks very much for that.

its a great help. we have it worked out and when the machine is running and we can test it absolutely works, i’ll send you the details.

it’s pretty easy.

much appreciated

Robert”

TDS Linear Scale JCXS - eXtra Slim Scale - Dimension drawing XS5, XS1, S5, S1

For those very tight space mounting location, it is good to know that we do have the eXtra Slim Scale model.

Model : JCXS5 and JCXS1, the number indicate resolution of 5 um or 1um.

Differences between DRO 2L and TDS 2 and TDS 2i, selecting for lathe machine

Below are the difference between mTECH DRO-2L, TDS-2 and TDS-2i

Nature;
the DRO2L is a specific model for lathe machine.
the TDS2 and 2i is a general model, with functions more cater for mill.

special functions;
DRO2L has a buttton for choosing radius or diameter display
TDS2 and 2i display of radius or diameter is done through the setup parameter

DRO2L has a taper calculation function for lathe
TDS2 and 2i has more of the mill fumction, like PCD, linear holes maching...

Physical;
DRO2L is made of cast metal, so it is hard and solid.
TDS2 and 2i casing is made of high impact plastic, it is strong and does not conduct electricity, making it safe.

Accessories;
DRO2L mounting is made specially for lathe mounting
TDS2 and 2i mounting is more for milling maching.



Conclusion;
if your machine is a lathe machine, i will highly recommend you to select the DRO 2L, if your machine is a mill/lathe or you have plan to use the DRO on a mill, i will suggest you choose the TDS2 or 2i.

Can we use 1 unit of DRO-3M and use it for both Lathe and Milling machine?

Can we use 1 unit of DRO-3M and use it for both Lathe and Milling machine?
The answer is YES.

This question is asked by Jim (ebay ID : cutaway3 in New Zealand).
I find this a very interesting way to save cost, as long as you do not need both machine to work the same time.

--------------------------
Jim is asking if the "1/2" function in the mTECH DRO-3M is the same as the Rad/Dia selection?
The answer is NO.

The 1/2 and Rad/Dia selection does not work like the way you want.

The 1/2 button when pressed after selecting an axis (e.g. X), it will half the current value.

For example

X is now 100mm

After pressing the button "X" "1/2"

X will now show 50mm

For Rad/Dia selection, it will always show the axis in "Radius" mode as Radius (normal counting) or "Diameter" mode as Diameter (double the reading).

--------------

How are we going to use the TECH DRO-3M in Lathe mode especially making it count in Diameter for X axis?
The answer is setting the resolution to 0.010mm (10um).

By changing the resolution parameter in the DRO, you can use it either as a Radius counting or Diameter counting.

In normal milling mode, the resolution is 0.005mm,

when it travel 0.005mm, DRO will display 0.005mm.

when it travel 50.000mm, DRO will display 50.000mm.

In Lathe mode, you can set the X axis resolution to 0.010mm

when it travel 0.005mm, DRO will display 0.010mm.

when it travel 50.000mm, DRO will display 100.000mm.

The only catch is that you must power on/off the DRO if you want to switch between Radius or Diameter mode.

But since people will alway use the Lathe in Diameter mode, this will not be a problem.

FAQ - installation: Do I need to remove the red plastic on the scale?

2 functions of the Red Plastic

- to secure the reader head during shipping
- to help to a guide for the gap between the reader and the scale during installation

So they should be remove.

Suggested time to remove the red plastic

We suggest to remove screws (8 screws) before you start the installation of the scale.

This is because in some case the space constraint make it difficult to remove the screws after you have install the scales. If there is no space constraint you can remove it after you install the scale.

BUT THE SCREWS SHOULD BE REMOVED BEFORE YOU START TO MOUNT THE READER HEAD.

How to use the plastic to check the gap between the reader and the scale.

1) There are 2 plastic on the reader head, the short plastic can be discarded.

2) The long plastic can be used to check the gap between the reader head and the scale.

3) Install the bracket and align the reader head with the red plastic, so that they rest nicely

on the scale.

4) Tighten all screws and slide out the red plastic.

5) Move the table and observe that the read head does not rub against the scale.

6) Check the gap with the red plastic, at both end limits and the middle of the scale.

7) The gap should fit nicely; else you will check your alignment of the scale/ reader head.

FAQ - What scale length will suit my machine ?

The best way to determine the length of scale that you required is to measure it.

Just follow the procedure to measure the "TRAVEL LENGTH" of the scale that you need.

(The physical length is 142mm(5.6inch) longer than the travel length of the scale, e.g. travel length is 820mm (32.28inch), physical length is 962mm (37.87inch).)

(We always mention the travel length for DRO as it is a more important piece of information than the physical length.)

1) Move your X axis to one extreme end and make a marking.

2) Move to the other extreme end and make another marking.

3) Measure the distance between the 2 marking, this is the TRAVEL LENGTH.

4) Select the correct travel length from our available list of travel length.

(E.g. you measure 780mm (30.7inch) travel length, the nearest is 750mm(29.5inch) or 820mm (32.28inch), we will choose 820mm(32.28inch), so that it will cover the entire travel distance).

5) Do the same for the other axis/axes.