Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Fresh run at homebrew DRO

"Dr.D" <mfea_2000@...> wrote:
J. Mark Wolf and Doug,

Doug is correct about the output of the scales. The "horizontal quill kits" outputs a analog signal. When they say that the scales are "Digital", they mean that the scale has a LED that show digits you can read, not a digital output. The output can be plugged into a digital readout display but it is configured to accept and decipher the signal. The best place to find out about these system is from the guys that invented these scales at www.proscale.com. ( No Mitutoyo did not invent them) They have digital readouts that should interface with you scale and I understand that the pricing is very reasonable.


Thanks for the input Doug and Dr. D.

I should have stated my application a little better.

I can't comment on the applicability of these quill kits for servo controlled mills, since my application (and experience to date) is only for a simple position readout on a manually controlled mill/drill.

As for the output signal from these "quill kits" they do refer to it as SPC output, and it is indeed a synchronous serial bit stream. The bit stream is 1.5 volt amplitude with the prettiest clock and data edges you've ever seen. The datasheets provided with the quill kits describes the protocol as 24-bit transmission, transmitting each "datum" twice, with a transmission every 300mS. The pin-out on the 4-pin connector is defined as power, ground, clock and data. The data and clock signals will have to be translated to 5 volt levels to be useful, but this is done with a simple comparator circuit.


My background is embedded computers and would like to build a fancier read-out head than the single axis LCD or the three axis LED "dumb" readout head that is available for these scales. I've got most of the parts including displays in my junk box. With a small computer between the quill kit and the read-out head a number of things can be accomplished simply. Such as programming bolt hole patterns, with current location and target location indicated, etc. But I have to find the silly mating connector/cable to make it practical.

Any ideas?


"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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