Re: RE: DRO

> From: "SMITH, THOMAS B. (JSC-DX)" <thomas.b.smith1@...>
>
> Rudy/Art,
>
> I have also just nearly finished my installation of a DRO based on Steve
> Lindsay's program. It works like a champ on my 486/33 laptop (first tried
> it on a 386 laptop, but the printer port wasn't up to speed). I paid $150
> for 3 linear encoders from usdigital.com, and will contribute some $$ to
> Steve for his nice program. So for less than $200, an old laptop, and a
> little creative installation, I have a DRO. All I have to do is add two
> more encoders for my lathe and I can switch back and forth between the two
> machines with the same laptop.
>
> Here are some tips
> 1. Use shielded wire, especially if you have power table feeds (it may be
> overkill, but I individually shielded each conductor)
> 2. If you use linear encoders, shield them from chips, etc. I installed one
> of them under the x table, which required removal of the table, but it is
> completely hidden from above. Also, I didn't want to encase them because of
> the time and space it would take up.
> 3. I think the z axis should definitely use a rotary encoder because of the
> flying chips and difficulty in shielding from same.
>
> Art,
> Yes, please send me any info you have on your DRO project. While the linear
> encoders worked well, they are difficult to install and keep chips away
> from. I'd like to go with rotary for my lathe.
>
> Here's a question maybe someone can help with: When a DRO is installed on a
> small lathe, how many axes are used? I planned to only use two, since my
> small 9" swing would make it impractical to fit an encoder on the compound
> rest. The problem is the feed is so coarse for the carriage, how does one
> get fine control, (and at the same time, account for compound travel)?
>
> Tom
>
> >>>>>>>.............
>
> Message: 20
> Date: Wed, 09 Feb 2000 17:34:52 -0500
> From: "A. G. Eckstein" <axtein@...>
> Subject: Re: DRO
>
> Rudy,
> With the help of this list, I am in the process of building a 3 axis DRO
> for my mill/drill.
>
> At Goldmine, http://www.goldmine-elec.com/, I found some 24 volt motors
> with 1000 line encoders attached ($3.95 each). Be carefull of their specs
> as the shafts are 5mm not 3/16" as advertised. Also found some 5mm ID
> bearings ($1.49 each)at the same place. Then on the metalworking
> newsgroup, found a notice that Steve Lindsey was making his DRO software
> available for the download and it works quite well on an old 486 DX 100
> that I had laying around. While it should work in a DOS window, I find that
> it does not on this machine. Then with a few pieces of Al that I have
> laying around, I have had an enjoyable experience making chips on my Mill.
>
> The biggest difference between what I have seen in the metalworking drop
> box (and in the material with Steve's program) is that instead of using a
> single line to rotate the encoder, I put the encoder in a block on one end
> of the table and then have another axle in a block on the other end and
> make a loop out of the wire with it fastened on one side in the center of
> the table.
>
> If you need additional details, please let me know, and will send something
> to you off list as I have some drawings in cad. They are always evolving as
> I find ways (in my own mind) to improve the workings. At this point, I have
> two axis up and working and the resolution is 1.8 tenths per line on the
> encoder. Have a couple of ideas and may(?) be able to get that down to .1
> tenth with very little work. Hope to do that this weekend when I finish the
> blocks for the Z axis and hope to give it a try.
>
> Art
>
> At 10:52 AM 02/09/2000 +0200, you wrote:
> >From: "Rudy du Preez" <Rudi@...>
>
> >Hello,
> >
> >I have just joined the list - therefore not up do date.
> >
> >My interest is for a start DRO for my milling machines (DECKEL FP1 and
> ACIERA FP1) and lathe (Hardinge HLV). I have some experinece in electronics
> and computers for hobbies (automatic battery chargers for NC batteries,
> dyno's for small DC motors, speed measurement, etc.).
> >
> >My hope is to get involved in building my own DRO systems - I hope with
> your help!
> >
> >Anybody would like to give me some hints for circuits, hardware, software,
> etc.
> >
> >Thanks!
> >
> >Rudy du Preez
> >
>
> A. G. Eckstein
>
> axtein@...
>
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