Since 1998 we had offered the combination of one PCI-EncDAC 4-channel Encoder/DAC board with one IP-ED4 4-channel Encoder/DAC IndustryPack module at a lower "combo" price than the individual board prices. You've heard it before, our costs continue to go up and eventually we had to stop offering the discounted "combo" version. In 2004 the -8D16 version was delisted from our Price List, and this notice was posted here accordingly. During 2005 we did continue to accept orders for the old part number, at the old pricing, from our existing customers. Effective January 2006, order one PCI-EncDAC-4D8 plus one IP-ED4 for each 8-channel Encoder/DAC.

Because the IP-ED4 IndustryPack module is used as an I/O interface for a host computer, in the original design it was expected that any host would have its own interval timer capability. Therefore the original IP-ED4 only provided software-programmable watchdog timer capability for its onboard DAC and relay outputs. The total watchdog timeout interval is software-programmable in 0.1 millisecond increments up to 25.5msec maximum.

Software can select whether the DACs are enabled with or without the timer. To use the timer, software sets the timer interval, enables the DAC and relay, and then software polls the timer data. If software did not read the timer before the end of the programmed interval, the timer would "time out", disable the DACs to zero volts, and turn off the relay. The IP-ED4 timer data was useful data, but required a software calculation to be used as a process (interval) timer.

The most recent revision of the IP-ED4 IndustryPack module incorporates an upgrade to the timer circuitry. In the latest revision, timer circuitry can now implement a software-programmable interval interrupt, as well as watchdog timeout capability. As before, the increments are 0.1milliseconds and maximum interval is 25.5 milliseconds. Software polling of the timer provides exactly the same data, and the same functionality (keeps DAC and relay enabled) as previous versions, so no existing software which accesses the IP-ED4 timer will need to change. New software can be written to take advantage of the interval interrupt capability.

The revised implementation is fully digital, the timing reference is the IndustryPack "CLK" clock signal from the host.

To identify the timer revision, check the IndustryPack ID PROM revision code; this functionality is available in PROM Revision D. Note that this IP-ED4 revision can be firmware programmed to exactly mimic the older (Revision B) functionality without interval interrupt capability, if this is needed users should request PROM revision C. Unless otherwise requested, all boards are shipping with Revision D firmware. For additional information, request a copy of the most recent IP-ED4 user manual.

PRODUCT CHANGE NOTICES.

REC RESOLVER ENCODER CONVERTER

In the initial batch of REC-1 units, the output data rates were set very high to allow the highest possible resolver rotation rate tracking. Although Vigilant Encoder/DAC products are capable of tracking the high speed data, some other-brand controls can not accept the high-speed quadrature encoder inputs which Vigilant boards can track. Internally, the circuit boards of the REC-1 units share a common layout with the REC-2 version. As of June 1, 2004, all REC-1 units were modified to use one of the available REC-2 configuration jumpers (JP2) to select a set of slower output data rates for compatibility with ancient controllers. The June 2005 revision of the REC product provides a separate jumper (JP5) for the slow output data rates. The user manual is undergoing revision to incorporate new drawings showing the revised jumper locations. Also, the recent upgrade extends the input signal dynamic range by a factor of four, reducing or eliminating any need for user adjustment of signal amplitude. See the revised manual for details. Product specifications will be slightly changed starting in January 2006. The REC-1 product will remain unchanged. The REC-2 product will be identical to the REC-1 in functionality, but will allow powering by up to +24V instead of +5V.

ISA ENCoderDAC

The last batch of ISA EncDAC circuit boards was manufactured in 2001, as of 2005 the demand for ISA products is nearly non-existent so we do not expect to restock when existing stock is depleted. We still have stock of both 4-channel and 8-channel versions, as well as I/O cables. This product will be delisted from our product offerings when present stock is depleted. Similarly, I/O cables used with the ISA EncDAC will be delisted from our product offerings when present stock is depleted.

Digital I/O Expanders

In November 2003 we posted notice here that the ExpanderDig products were slated for discontinuation, as their functionality had been incorporated into newer, lower cost products (the ExpDigRelayxx products and the PCI-DIGxx products.) At that time we also announced that the Encoder/DAC product line was headed for a design revision due to component obsolescence, and that we intended to upgrade these products as part of the design revision...

PCI Dig144, ExpDigRel24 and ExpDigRel128 boards continue to be popular and remain in production, with no changes in pricing.

DISCONTINUED PRODUCTS .

As of October, 2004, ExpDig64 and ExpDig128 board production has ended and all stock has been sold. Digital I/O cables used with ExpDig64 and ExpDig128 Expanders will be delisted from our product offerings when present stock is depleted. PCI EncDAC combination product options which used ExpDig64 and ExpDig128 Expanders have been delisted from the product price list.

EMC Linux supports Vigilant EncoderDAC boards.

The Enhanced Machine Controller freeware supports the ISA EncDAC board and the 4-axis PCI EncDAC board. For more information on how to obtain the BDI (Brain Dead Install) CD for the software, go to: http://www.linuxcnc.org/bdi

Trimeta support for Vigilant EncoderDAC boards.

Trimeta announced support for Vigilant PCI EncDAC board. For more information, go to: http://www.trimeta.de/Products/DriverTypes/body_drivertypes.htm

A customer recently informed us of a typo in the PCI EncDAC board user manual. The manual states that the External Trigger input signal event is detected upon the high-to-low signal transition, the circuit actually detects the low-to-high signal transition. Please mark your old manuals accordingly.