On 2010-12-18, Wild_Bill wrote:
I'd been wondering if an electronic counter would be a good solution, since
there are numerous models with varying features made for all sorts of
machine applications (counting/tachometer industrial applications).
I thought someone more familiar with integrating them into computer
applications might mention them as a good (but maybe not optimum) solution.

I have a couple of DPMs digital panel meters which are capable of reading
several types of input devices, including optical TTL quadrature encoders.
Other inputs are commonly used, from a fairly wide variety of signal
sources.

Of course a DPM by itself often requires an enclosure (or approx. 2"x5"
panel space) for mounting, but as far as a portable piece of test equipment,
they can be very versatile for monitoring a wide variety of machine
functions.
The Totalize feature is common on most industrial DPM tach/counters, and
other features are often fairly sophisticated specific programmable
functions.

Quality counters are made to easily integrate into machine electrical
systems, generally with output signal options that would likely be easily
implemented as inputs for a PC CNC application (maybe with a simple
isolation circuit).


I think that it is easier to buy a totalizing tachometer ($66) than to
mess with integrating a counter. I actually have a counter unit, but
to get it to really work is probably time consuming. The unit is
mysterious, it has been displaying a zero on LCD for years and is not
running out of battery.

i