stepper motor as encoder

[SK0480]

if using stepper motor as an encoder, I know that I will need to add additional electronics to it, but what steps will i need to take to connect the shaft of both of the motors(main stepper and the stepper that I will use as an encoder).

Thnks

[RavensFan]

This sounds like a mechanical question rather than a LabVIEW question.  You'll need a coupling to connect the two shafts.  I'm assuming you have rather small motors and encoders.  Search the web for "servo coupling".

[SK0480]

ok well if Iam using any encoder, lets say quadrature or optical, how can I make sure that it fits the shaft of my stepper motor-I mean do they come in standard sizes...also how will I need to connect to my daq board to measure the output signals from the encoder..

Thanks

SK

[RavensFan]

There are standard sizes.  They are usually some what of a loose fit with setscrews to hold them on.  Usually the small shafts have a flat on then to seat the setscrew and keep the shaft from spinning inside the coupling bore.

It depends on what kind of DAQ board you have.  Generally you wire the encoder to counter channels.  Often they are TTL level signals.  Just check the specs. of the encoder you are using against the specs. of the DAQ board to be sure they are compatible.  If the DAQ board has two input counters, then check to see if they can be configured in a way that allows them to work in quadrature.  They probably will, but without any details on what DAQ board you are using, I can't be sure.

Please ask any more questions in your original thread.  It is frowned upon to start new threads with what are questions about the same topic.

[SK0480]

ok that helps a lot, ok how will I need to set up the motor and encoder so that I could easily measure the steps. I mean will I need any mounting bracket or something. What can I do to keep the motor and encoder steady...any useful link ..

Thanks

[SK0480]

ok also if Iam using a unipolar stepper motor, meaning it has four phase(each phase split it to two)..Now, when selecting, and encoder, what do I need to make sure, do the encoder need to have the same resolution as the stepper motor(step angle)..

Thanks