Re: DIY Three Axis DRO Kit

>
> I have finally finished my DIY three axis DRO. I set out to make a
> DRO as capable as the commercial versions but use the cheap Chinese
> digital scales and be low cost in its own right. The cost of the
> DRO parts minus the scale cables and PCB should be around $60-$70.
> I designed it to use common parts available at Digikey, Mouser, or
> the like and be all DIP devices to make it easier for someone to
> assemble it as a kit.
>
> Here are the set of features I included:
> · Software upgradeable over RS-232 serial port with free
> Windows software
> · Fast scale reading with a display update rate of up to 50
> times a second per axis
> · Powers scales for battery-free operation
> · Triple data sampling for glitch free readings
> · Three axis display with super high efficiency LEDS for
> maximum brightness
> · Display brightness configurable in 10% increments
> · Max display range of ±99.9995 inches (±999.995 mm)
> · Six display resolutions: ±99.9995, ±99.999, ±99.995,
> ±99.99, ±99.95, ±99.9 inches (±999.995, ±999.99,
> ±999.95, ±999.9, ±999.5, ±999 mm)
> · Incremental and absolute coordinate systems
> · Enter zero values for both coordinate systems entered via
> keypad
> · Enter incremental presets via keypad
> · Separate zero and preset buttons for each axis
> · Centerline function
> · Bolt hole patterns with programmable start and end angles
> · Linear error correction factors for each axis
> · Two data display modes: data averaging for a more stable
> display reading when the scale is at rest or direct data
> display to show the data unfiltered from the scale
> · Auxiliary input for either an electronic edge finder or
> tachometer
> · Electronic edge finder optical coupling so any optical
> electronic edge finder, like Enco's $19.99 Machinist's Mate,
> can be used.
> · Third axis configurable to display RPM or SFM from
> tachometer for lathe operations
> · Reversible axis directions
> · Diameter mode (2X) for any axis
> · Configurable auto power-off time (1 min, 5 min, 15 min, 30
> min)
> · Near zero warning by flashing display
> · Configurable tool offsets entered via keypad
> · Setup through display and keypad
> · Setup is retained even if power is removed
>
> Of course, being software upgradeable means that any conceivable
> feature could be added or changed in the future. Here are some
> pictures:
>
> http://www.shumatech.com/images/dro1.jpg
> http://www.shumatech.com/images/dro2.jpg
> http://www.shumatech.com/images/dro3.jpg
> http://www.shumatech.com/images/dro4.jpg
>
> I am going to build at least three more, one for my lathe, and two
> for friends. I am willing to offer the DRO as a build-it-yourself
> kit if there is enough interest to make the PCB manufacture
> affordable. I figure if 20 or so people are interested, the PCB
> should cost $10-$15 to produce. I am not willing to produce a
> finished product since I am way too busy at my day job. There are
> several commercial alternatives like Zietlow's, Positron, etc.
> that offer a finished product, albeit for a finished price. What I
> don't know is how many people are either willing or feel they are
> capable of soldering the components together and machining the case
> themselves.
>
> The case machining is very straightforward consisting of three
> windows for the LEDs and 28 holes of four different diameters. It
> took me about two hours to machine mine going very slow to double
> check everything. The PCB will consist of about 15-20 DIP IC's,
> the LEDs, and 30-40 resistors/capacitors/diodes. It should take
> someone 3-4 hours to solder together the whole thing.
>
> I might be willing to offer a few pre-assembled and tested PCBs but
> it will be on a time-allowed basis only.
>
> Any interest?
>
> -Scott
>