Ok, try this, if your sure your encoder is reading, then drop these two DROs on your screen set some where, and see if either of them will show a value when you turn your Encoder.
Put a DRO 170 (Encoder 1 position in units DRO)
Put a DRO 205 (Endocer 1 DRO external)
put those two above, and if you want copy over your DRO 29, then turn the encoder, if none of these are moving, then the problem is in the way your hooking up your encoder.
I dont have an encoder to test with here, BUT, I think Hood was using one recently, for a simular Encoder test, ask him if the above fails to bear fruit.
I mostly bring in MPGs and they are just a different type encoder. Principle should be the same.
Also: This is a GREAT site, with ALOT of great people with all kinds of different backgrounds and experiences......... I may be totally "Shot in the Head", on your encoder problem, so perhaps someone who has done encoder unputs recently can take it from here.
I honestly dont know why your not reading it, if the encoder is working, and you have it electrically hooked up right to the inputs on your board, then it should be reading.......
scott