Interesting DRO product

[black85vette]

I wondered why this product did not exist. Seemed logical to me for some applications. Single DRO remote readout. Ran into it searching thru eBay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120464546926&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en#ht_500wt_956

 

[zeeprogrammer]

Yeah...I think that's the one I was referring to in my 'Homemade DRO...' thread. $80! Nice if all you want to do is 'move' the display so you can read it.

I don't know what the 'M' button is for. Maybe that's what justifies the extra cost.

 

[black85vette]

Here is another I found interesting. Converts the digital caliper output to serial. Great if you want to use a laptop.

http://www.compendiumarcana.com/caliper/

 

[zeeprogrammer]

Saw that one too. You can see how easy it is to convert the signals.

The only thing is...newer laptops don't support RS232. You can get RS232 to USB converters...but then you're adding cost.

 

[SAM in LA]

Here is a three axis unit on eBay

http://cgi.ebay.com/XYZ-3-AXIS-DIGI...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item45effc83b0

With 6", 12" & 18" scales for $360

I'm just starting out so for now I am working on installing dial indicators with magnets to give me some reference measurements. The graduated dials on my 1994 vintage Shop Task can not be relied on to be accurate. They slip at random times.

 

[black85vette]

The only thing is...newer laptops don't support RS232. You can get RS232 to USB converters...but then you're adding cost.

The serial ports are still available but not in the stores. We order ours from Dell with the DB9 connector / serial port. Mandatory for us. My group is all network engineers and we need to connect to the console serial port of Cisco routers and switches. The USB / serial adapters do not work reliably enough for us.

 

[zeeprogrammer]

Had I come across that one first...I would have been sorely tempted. Still though...I'm figuring it will cost me under $200-225 for two systems (one for lathe and one for mill) plus some other features (like tach). So maybe I'm okay. Hm...but I'm not counting the processor...or the enclosures...or...ah...still good!

 

[Twmaster]

Zee... The M is for Metric....

I was looking at those too. I've seen them as low as $69.99 plus shipping. I worry about how well they will hold up over time. I was going to build the Shumatech but changed my mind.

 

[firebird]

Hi

I have fitted DRO's to both my mills. Transforms the machines. IMHO its a must do mod. I bought mine from here,

http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Measurement/Digital-Readouts

I don't know what the shipping costs are but they look cheaper.

Cheers

Rich

 

[black85vette]

Firebird; Thanks for the link. Have to check shipping but the cost is low.

 

[Diy89]

I wouldnt mind one of those readouts for just measuring stuff.....Especially after a late night! :-X

 

[black85vette]

Just saw something else interesting:

http://www.shars.com/products/view/2418/Mini_Computer_Interface_Kit

 

[cobra428]

black85vette,
LMS has scales with SPC capability also. $$$ price of shipping from the UK $$$ VAT $$$$ ??

http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_category.php?category=-561213210

Tony

 

[zeeprogrammer]

Yeah...just too expensive for me. $14 for a cable! I need something like 6 of them.

Nah...I'll get some 4 conductor and solder them on...maybe a cheap set of connectors too so I can disconnect near the scale. Electrical tape! Yeah...that's the ticket. ;D

Careful about having PC too close to swarf and/or coolant.