Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Fresh run at homebrew DRO

If you are just looking to be able to display the readings from 2 or 3 axis,
the same site (wttool.com) has a 3 axis digital readout for $259. You
should be able to plug the scales directly into the unit and have a full DRO
(I would verify with wttool first, though).

That's the good news for you but it took the wind out of my sails. I
planned on building a unit that takes the SPC output from a Mitutoyo digital
caliper and having it displayed (all three axis) with LED displays in a box,
but for $259 it's probably not worth it. The recent issues of Home Shop
Machinist have articles on mounting calipers onto your machine to take these
readings. The output in the articles goes to a monitor - but I figure if
you've got the computer already, you most likely are using CNC. This DRO
would be great if those who hand crank had a display available without a
computer.

If you have something else in mind let me know and I'll save you the wasted
time looking for the 30 page Mitutoyo spec for the digital output. I
searched way too long until the guy from Mitutoyo got back to me. I'll send
you a copy if you want.

Jim

----- Original Message -----
From: "jmarkwolf" <jmarkwolf@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, January 07, 2002 8:13 PM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Fresh run at homebrew DRO


> I've found some inexpensive ($76 for 12" & $99 for 20") Chinese made,
> fair quality, digital scales of various lengths at www.wttool.com &
> www.calaerosupply.com, as well as other places.
>
> It would be much less painless to build a system with these parts
> rather than cobbling the US Digital scales and encoder pieces.
>
> My background is micro-computers and would like to design and build
> my own intelligent readout display. Can anyone refer me to a
> comprehensive source of data on the digital interface protocol that
> these units are likely to employ? A guy at www.calaerosupply.com said
> they use the Mitutoyo protocol, but can't confirm.
>
> I saw some discussion on this forum awhile back but I don't think it
> was ever finally worked out.
>
> Input gratefully accepted.
>