Hello, not been around for quite a while.

I'm the new owner of an old cnc lathe and am looking to convert it to PC.

I've been looking at various options controller + software wise, and I remembered I had a Pokeys 57E languishing in a box {it was bought for PoBlocks use}

I'd like to put a spindle quadrature encoder I have to hand on the lathe to aide in spindle sync for threading applications.

I noticed that PoKeys seems to be able to now offer spindle sync + Mach4, and I have an unused Mach4 licence, I thought I'd drift back from the darkside of other cnc offerings that don't offer turning / lathe and see what was available with what I have (I've still got an ESS, but would like something which is functional now not aspirational  )

The lathe is a Denford ORAC http://www.denfordata.com/downloads/forum/Orac-brochures-and-illustrated-parts-list.pdf

The plan is: simple 2 axis control using modern stepper drives (AM882H) a I've got a few on the shelf, http://www.leadshine.com/productdetail.aspx?type=products&category=stepper-products&producttype=stepper-drives&series=AM&model=AM882
Spindle control via modern VFD {IMO Jaguar Cub}, preferably via modbus, as that is also on the shelf, https://inverterdrive.com/group/AC-Inverter-Drives-230V/IMO-CUB5A-1/
Spindle sync via quadrature encoder, also on the shelf, 500 PPR, http://www.shop.cncdrive.com/index.php?productID=767
Inputs are likley to just be E-stop, axis combined Home + Limit switches

I don't plan on an ATC, as I'd like to use Multifix tool changers instead http://www.lathes.co.uk/multifix/

I am going to consider reusing the existing keypad, but that will probably via an ATMega32u4 as a keyboard emulator.

I guess the questions are:
1) will a pokeys 57E work with a quadrature spindle encoder at 500ppr direct drive, and a spindle running upto 2000rpm
2) is anyone runing Mach4 + Pokeys with a lathe / turning application?
3) are there any lathe or turning functions that are unavailable by using a pokeys?

Other alternatives considered are LinuxCNC + Centroid Acorn {I don't have an acorn, but do have a Mesa 7i76e}, acorn seems really expensive for hobby use.

The 57cnc has been used to control a lathe, ttps://blog.poscope.com/encoder-threading-mach4-lathe-usb-cnc-controller-pokeys57cnc/ the 57e has in it's data sheet that it can be use with a encoder, have you directly asked the pokeys guys.

No I haven't asked them directly, I thought NeoTO frequents this forum / thread and may offer some guidance.

As noted in the response to the support ticket, 57E can do threading with Mach4 and the listed encoder. External pulse generator (e.g. PoExtBusOC16CNC) must be used since internal pulse generator doesn't support threading.

Note also that PoKeys57E is a barebone I/O interface and all signals connected to it must be properly preconditioned (no filter or protection on any of the pins).

....External pulse generator (e.g. PoExtBusOC16CNC) must be used since internal pulse generator doesn't support threading.

Note also that PoKeys57E is a barebone I/O interface and all signals connected to it must be properly preconditioned (no filter or protection on any of the pins).

NeoTO, thanks very much, I didnt know about the PoExtBusOC16CNC, I'll look at getting one.

with regards to the filtering, I've got a load of unused bobs, which will work just fine, thanks again