Cheapest 3-axis DRO for chinese readout bars X2

[mnbylcr2]

Hey guys

I have just fitted 3 DRO bars on my X2 using the fignoggle plans - but I don`t like how the actual displays are everywhere! I want to get a 3 axis DRO display and while reasearching into it I found the shumatech, which seems like a nice project.
http://www.shumatech.com/

but being realistic, I`m not going to need all the functions and I simply want a display so that I can see all the readings together. I have seen a few on ebay but they seem quite pricey and after looking into the shumatech DIY kit, I`m sure there must be another sort of cheaper kit or even plans for a self built one.

Am I asking for too much? I just can`t afford to be paying £60 for a display that with a bit of effort I already have on each of the bars and likewise the shumatech is giving me more functions but at £130!

Advice welcome.

Chris

[hoss2006]

The Shumatech is about the best deal for a DRO, I've built one.
The Yadro could be about $85 US if you have the cables and case to mount the parts into
and an old PC or Laptop that it outputs to.
The Yadro UK prices are here.
Hoss

[hoss2006]

If you don't want to build one CDCO has a DRO for $189.

[fretsman]

Originally Posted by hoss2006 If you don't want to build one CDCO has a DRO for $189.

Hoss, do you know if that comes with the cables? I tried to email them but their email box is full? lol!

I was looking at this one as well:

http://www.shars.com/products/view/2...igital_Display

Thanks,
Dave

[mnbylcr2]

OK thanks for your replies. I am obviously being tight fisted - I just presumed after paying only $100 for the DRO bars with integrated displays and all the readout stuff - I presumed a simple screen to collate the readings on would be much cheaper..... For the price of the displays, I may as well go for the shumatech.

Chris

[idtkid]

Yes the CDCO DRO comes with a power adapter and 3 cables 1 for each axis. Its a decent system.

[fretsman]

Originally Posted by idtkid Yes the CDCO DRO comes with a power adapter and 3 cables 1 for each axis. Its a decent system.

Thanks for that, do you have a picture of yours?

May I ask the outer dimensions of it and what type of mounting system it uses?

Thanks for your time-
Dave

[idtkid]

Mine currently isnt installed, my whole x2 is on ebay as I just bought a house with a basement so I bought a bigger mill. I can get you the dimensions tonight when I am home. It has 8 small "coin" magnets glued on the inside of the back panel so that you can stick it to a metal surface if you want, other wise that back plate is bare and has room on the inside for bolt heads if you wanted to attach a flange or arm mount to it if that makes sense

[dyne]

This might be a silly question: I just purchased 3 cheap chinese scales (which I haven't received yet), is it possible to detach the character LCD from the PCB and relocate it?

I'm in a similar spot as mnbylcr2, I don't need any of the functions of the DRO besides having the display conveniently placed

[mnbylcr2]

Now that is an idea! I`m glad I`m not the only one thinking that the displays seem an awful lot of money when you already have displays there, just not conveniently placed!

Perhaps one for the electronics forum? Dyne - please keep me posted when you find a solution. I`m sure with the DRO bar alone being only $30, the displays can`t be that expensive!

Chris

[idtkid]

I doubt those coin cell batteries in the scales would power the LCD 3 feet away.

[dyne]

Originally Posted by mnbylcr2 Now that is an idea! I`m glad I`m not the only one thinking that the displays seem an awful lot of money when you already have displays there, just not conveniently placed! Perhaps one for the electronics forum? Dyne - please keep me posted when you find a solution. I`m sure with the DRO bar alone being only $30, the displays can`t be that expensive!

Hopefully someone who knows a bit more about the subject can chime in, I don't know if extending the connection from a few millimeters to a couple feet would work or not.