DRO/linear encoder

Dear List,

Let me first say that I am in over my head and need advice. I am
trying to put together a DRO to measure travel of my Bridgeport knee.
The plan is to use a 2 axis DRO kit from Camtronics and a HEDS-9200
module with a 360 linear strip from US Digital. My questions concern
mounting of the linear strip. US Digital says this can be done using
double stick tape or drilling hole and using screws/aluminum mounts. Is
there a web site that might have a picture of a mounting? I know that
the protection of the encoder is also important. US Digital said that
linear strip runs inside module (makes sense) but doesn't touch it. If
it did touch would that destroy the strip or the module? Is it like
crashing a hard drive?

Any thoughts on this subject will be appreciated. I want to try this
installation rather than just buying a DRO.

Thanks in advance,

Richard Ronchi (Santa Clara, Ca)