Re: RE: DRO

I used a rectangular aluminum tubing for my usdigital linear encoders. See
my post in www.metalworking.com They would be under the retired 1999
pictures under DRO*.*
Also see Steve Kulaga's program under the shareware room at the bottom.
Dan
-----Original Message-----
From: SMITH, THOMAS B. (JSC-DX) <thomas.b.smith1@...>
To: 'CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@onelist.com' <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@onelist.com>
Cc: 'axtein@...' <axtein@...>
Date: Thursday, February 10, 2000 10:08 AM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] 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@...
>
>--------------------------- ONElist Sponsor ----------------------------
>
>Get what you deserve with NextCard Visa. Rates as low as 2.9 percent
>Intro or 9.9 percent Fixed APR, online balance transfers, Rewards
>Points, no hidden fees, and much more. Get NextCard today and get the
>credit you deserve. Apply now. Get your NextCard Visa at
><a href=" http://clickme.onelist.com/ad/NextcardCreative1SR ">Click

Here</a>

>
>------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>Welcome to CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@...,an unmoderated list for the

discussion of shop built systems in the above catagories.

>To Unsubscribe, read archives, change to or from digest.
>Go to: http://www.onelist.com/isregistered.cgi
>Log on, and you will go to Member Center, and you can make changes there.
>For the FAQ, go to http://www.ktmarketing.com/faq.html
>bill,
>List Manager
>
>