Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Fresh run at homebrew DRO

James Stevens <stevens@...> wrote:
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

Thanks for the input Jim. Sure I'll take a copy of the spec.

The problem has been that no single retailer has had all the required pieces in stock for me to examine. And since none of the items sport a "brand name", it's a crapshoot as to whether some pieces from one retailer will play well with pieces from another. The guys at the counter are very little help also. One guy at Calaero said the scales are compatible with the Mitutoyo SPC protocol, but I'm skeptical that he knows for sure.

I think I'll gamble and buy the scales from Calaero, and the readout from WT Tool and hope the cables and protocols are compatible. They both have return policies if it doesn't work out. Of course, getting service on these off-shore products may be prove to be a pain also.





"May a suitable landing spot be always on your glide slope"
J. Mark Wolf, Pinckney, Michigan
Rotorway Exec162F N1955Z
Check out my web site at: www.rotorwaybuilders.net/ucosm


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