Low cost kit-form absolute encoder suits rotary and linear position feedback Email - or

Mclennan's Low cost kit-form absolute encoder suits rotary and linear position feedback.

• High resolution absolute encoder provides 16-bit output for rotary or linear positioning in very compact size

Ash Vale, Surrey, UK - September 2010:
Mclennan Servo Supplies has introduced a new low cost absolute encoder system in a very compact kit-form that suits both rotary and linear motion applications. The new NEMO3 encoders from NUMERIK JENA are aimed at OEM's and machine builders that require space saving and inexpensive high resolution absolute position feedback integrated directly into their machines.

With analogue or digital output, the encoder consists of a separate reading head and code data disk or linear scale with specially developed chrome-on-plastic (COP™) printing technology in a gray code pattern that will provide a 16-bit rotary position output over 360º or up to 2 microns linear position output. An optional rotary version can include up to 11-bit user defined code patterns. Discs are available in standard formats from 26 mm to 42 mm in diameter and linear scales are supplied according to the length of travel required. High temperature versions are available for use up to +85ºC.

The reading head is powered from a user supplied 5 VDC and includes the collimated illumination module for 11 data tracks and two sin/cos tracks that provides a true differential output with 1024 periods plus amplitude and offset error compensation. The measuring system uses a 16 MHz serial clock and can return information at a 1 microsecond rate for high speed position feedback. An on-chip EEPROM stores calibration and configuration data so once set up, the encoder is a fit and forget solution.

The compact reading head is available in a standard version with all components mounted on a support frame or in a "Super Flat" design with a separate illumination module for extremely compact installations.

The MEMO3 is aimed at applications such as medical and processing equipment where absolute position feedback is critical and where set-up datum routines associated with incremental encoders are not tolerated.

Mclennan Servo Supplies can supply the NEMO3 separately or as a part of a complete system solution including servo or stepper motors, gearboxes, motion controllers and drive electronics, and other mechanical components as customised mechatronics solutions to suit your application.

Mclennan's motion control range grows with new Allied Motion product lines. Email - or

Mclennan's motion control range grows with new Allied Motion product lines.

Ash Vale, Surrey, UK - July 2010:
The long-standing distribution partnership between Mclennan Servo Supplies and Allied Motion Inc. has been extended with the Surrey based mechatronics specialists increasing its product line coverage of the prominent USA and European motion control manufacturers direct-drive torque motors, brushless servo motors, high performance servo drives and encoders.

Mclennan's close relationship with the Allied Motion group spans more than 30 years with many thousands of successful small & precision brushed and brushless motor applications for Premotec B.V. of the Netherlands – now one of four Allied Motion engineering/production companies or Technology Units. The new partnership aims to build a similar success with Allied Motion's Emoteq/COPI Technology Unit and will work across all of its products which include frameless and housed torque motors up to 2000 Nm, Quantum NEMA frame servo motors, X-Drive digital servo amplifiers, and ultra high resolution incremental encoders.

As well as a long history of success with Premotec, Allied Motion chose Mclennan because of its foothold in many market areas they target including Aerospace & Defence, Medical Device, Semiconductor & Electronics, and Scientific Research. Vic Sayer, Managing Director of Mclennan says, "We are very excited about working with these new Allied Motion products. We have an excellent reputation with Premotec's small and precision DC motor range and the Emoteq/COPI products offer similar flexibility with a strong standard range and the ability to custom engineer product - even for small quantities."

Highlights of the new products for Mclennan include the Megaflux range – large frameless and separate rotor/stator servo motors, up to 790 mm in diameter with as much as twice the power density and five times the speed ratings of competitive units. These motors are characterised by a high pole count that maximises torque output and rotational smoothness. The housed versions of these motors, complete with bearing system, commutation and position feedback device are aimed at direct-drive high precision motion control in demanding automation applications such as robotics where the large through aperture may be used to feed services such as electrics, optics or pneumatics.

Allied Motions ultra-high resolution encoders can provide outputs up to 5 million counts per rev for an angular resolution of less than one arc second. The technology does not compromise the speed bandwidth which is often found with other manufacturers high resolution encoders – (e.g. 250,000 counts per rev at 3750 RPM).

Allied Motion's Enduramax integrated-drive brushless DC motors include the rugged 75 mm diameter BE 30 model which includes single or dual shaft versions for a wide range of commercial applications such as pumps, fans or actuators. With its integral 12 V or 24 V BLDC drive, the Enduramax is available with optional CANopen bus control, various environmental protection options and automotive style electrical connection for simplified fit and forget installation.

The new X-Drive all digital AC servo drive is capable of providing up to 16 A continuous current for brushless servomotors and torque motors up to 4.7 kW power rating. With its integral direct-on-line power supply (110 – 240 VAC) and generous I/O complement, the X- Drive will suit a wide range of servo motion control applications.

Mclennan works closely with a small number of global motion control manufacturers such as Allied Motion and has assembled an impressive range of DC, stepper and servo drive technologies together with motion controls, and using its own in-house design and manufacturing capability, is able to offer complete integrated mechatronics assemblies with customised mechanics and other power train components.

Mclennan's new encoder is micro sized and maximum in resolution. Email - or

Mclennan's new encoder is micro sized and maximum in resolution.

• Micro encoder includes integrated electronics for very high resolution digital and analogue output – with UVW motor commutation tracking included.

Ash Vale, Surrey, UK - June 2010:
A compact and durable incremental micro encoder, capable of 100,000 counts per rev with a bandwidth up 16 MHz, is available from Mclennan Servo Supplies. The new Ulthemius® Micro Encoder from NUMERIK JENA is just 16 mm in diameter, and with a nominal length of less than 20 mm, weighs under 12 grams. The encoder is also available in an optional analogue version with a sine/cosine output to 1250 periods/rev, and thanks to its highly integrated design both output types include UVW commutation signals for 4-, 6- or 8-poles - so can provide a neat solution for cost-optimised OEM applications for servo motion control.

The Ulthemius uses specially developed chrome-on-plastic (COP™) code disks for extremely low mass and inertia in combination with a sophisticated optical pickup and internal signal conditioning from its integrated interpolation electronics. The self monitoring encoder takes care of phase, amplitude and offset errors and will output error signals before critical system status occurs.

For maximum durability the Ulthemius features an aluminium housing with IP40 or optionally IP50 environmental rating and an impressive shock specification to 100g for 11ms, with vibration to 10g between 10Hz and 2000Hz. The design includes precision bearings with a speed rating to 60,000 rpm. A choice of 16-pin header-style connector or flat cable connection is available. Aimed at pick and place automation, miniature servo motors, scanners, medical devices and direct integration into linear and rotary positioning stages, the encoder can provide sub-micron resolution output in an extremely small space envelope.

The digital version is available in several standard line count options from 4,000 to 80,000 CPR (after quadrature) with A, B and Z channels via RS422A compatible and short-circuit proof differential line driver outputs. The analogue version offers a 1000 LPR output at 1Vpp. Both types are available with custom CPR/LPR rates on request.

PosiStep fully packaged intelligent drive Email - or

Technical datasheet

Mclennan's new PosiStep fully packaged intelligent drive is in the box seat for single axis motion control.

Ash Vale, Surrey, UK - April 2010:
Motion and mechatronics specialist Mclennan has launched a new intelligent microstepping drive aimed at simplifying both the selection and installation of motion control for single axis applications in industry or research. The PosiStep is supplied as a plug and play package in a smart extruded aluminium enclosure for desktop mounting, complete with a 120/240 VAC, 50/60Hz power supply. With a colour coded connector scheme and optional cable sets for stepper motor, I/O, communications, limit switches and optional encoder feedback, users simply hook up their system and program motion and I/O sequencing from a computer in a choice of user-friendly graphical or advanced ASCII command sets. The PosiStep is available with 5A or 10A output current and for optimum performance, and even more simplified installation, can be supplied with matching microstepping motors from Mclennan's connectorised HT series.

Mclennan's new 'plug and play' packaged microstepping drive includes choice of graphical or ASCII programming, advanced drive functions, colour coded interfacing scheme and a selection of cable sets – all makes for simple selection and commissioning.

The new PosiStep drive is based on the ST range of intelligent microstepping drives from Mclennan's distribution partner, the USA motion specialist Applied Motion Products (AMP). The DSP based ST range has been well proven over many applications with sophisticated drive features such as advanced current control and anti-resonance for improved speeds and smoother motion. In addition, the ST has a choice of user program levels from simple to complex motion programming for single and multi axis use as well as diagnostic and configuration software for straightforward set-up.

The decision to combine this powerful component into the PosiStep package was developed through the requests of several customers who preferred to purchase a single integrated solution rather than individually purchase and interface the ST with all of the component parts for their machine automation systems. With the opportunity to save time and cost in both the planning and commissioning stages, industrial users can fast track new product development or speed production machinery build, whilst research facilities can specify the PosiStep as a universal solution which is easily adapted into new automated analytical tasks.

The PosiStep includes a selectable microstepping resolution up to 50800 steps/rev. On start-up, AMP's ST Configurator software is used to self test and auto setup the motion axis for optimal performance. A choice of AMP's Si or Q motion software provides a two-level approach. The Windows based Si (Simple Indexer) graphical programming software is a user-friendly icon based programming environment with mouse guided point and click functions that allows users of all levels to quickly set-up and program standalone motion and machine I/O sequencing. The Si version covers interfacing with sensors, PLCs, HMIs and other machine controls. In addition to motion commands, programmers can control I/O, conditional branching, alarms, and operator interfacing as well as troubleshoot set-up.

The alternative Q controller version uses AMP's high level Q programming language which includes complex multi-tasked motion and machine control. These include applications which require tightly synchronised 'on-the-fly' motion and I/O such as electronic gearbox and position registration functions. The Q version can be combined with encoder feedback for stall detection and position maintenance to return a motor to its commanded position under stall conditions.

Both controller versions carry a complement of I/O for machine interfacing. The Q version has two high speed inputs for position registration in addition to six general purpose inputs, two analogue inputs and four digital outputs. In addition to colour coded motor, encoder and limit switch cables, Mclennan also supply a simple Jog Box with a rocker switch, and a MMI extension cable.

Low cost miniature gearmotors for miniature power transmission Email - or

Mclennan launch new low cost miniature gearmotors for miniature power transmission

Ash Vale, Surrey, UK - January 2010:
Mclennan Servo Supplies has launched a new low cost miniature brushed DC gearmotor from its Italian distribution partner Micro-Motors s.r.l. The B138F features a durable spur gearbox in a 34 mm diameter moulded plastic housing with three point mounting built-in for straightforward installation.

With an overall length of just 37.5 mm, a wide range of standard reduction ratios are available from 12.25:1 to 1470.82:1, with maximum output torque from 1.5 Ncm to 50 Ncm. The sturdy gearmotor boasts a 20 N radial shaft loading with axial shaft load to 5 N. Steel housed gearbox versions are also available for increased application durability.

Available in a choice of 6 or 12 VDC and with VDR interference suppression included, the motor includes precious metal brushes and flying leads for flexible installation. Alternative windings for application optimised performance are also available.

Mclennan have an active stock program for popular ratios and voltage ratings across the range and provide a custom design service to build the B138F into complete mechatronic solutions complete with drives, motion controls and custom designed mechanics.