Repiar or replace my mitutoyo DRO?

[jcox1968]

I recently got a bridgeport with what appears to be a fairly old mitutoyo digital readout(model # ALC-3705W). The guy who sold it to me seemed to suspect that the display box is most probably the culprit because both axis went out at the same time. It lights up with all zeros and that is the ONLY thing it will do. I suspect a lightning strike, but WHO KNOWS~~~~.
Because of this, I am thinking that the scales are probably still good.

I am looking for some input here and any suggestions would be appreciated.

1. As old as the whole thing looks to be I am wondering if I could still get it repaired? And where whould I send it?
2. Since I have not been able to find another "box", could I possibly buy another brand that would be compatible with these scales?
3. Or (and what I am trying to avoid) should I just give up and order a complete new kit?

I am operating in "the cheap lane" here, so I am willing to jump thru some hoops if I could get the one I have working.
Thanks, for reading....

[outset]

You should replace the control box and reuse the old scales. Many brands use the same scale system just may need to swap plugs. New DRO box from china around 300$ check eBay. Will save time not needing to mount new scales,larger scales are $$ too.

[jcox1968]

As I posted this quite a while ago and no-one who had anything to say until YOU read it, I had decided to do just that and go to EBAY. I figured I would have to buy an entire new system (scales included), so I began to remove the scales starting with "X".
As far as I was concerned, the whole thing was junk, so I did not even concern myself with un-plugging the power since I saw no real hazard with the current coming thru the scale wires.
I un-bolted it and just happened to look up and saw the numbers changing on the readout!!!! LOW AND BEHOLD, "X" was working!!!!!! It seems that whatever I did removing it made it start working.
Next I switched the plugs between "X" and "Y" and the "Y" side's numbers numbers worked as well with the "X" scale plugged into it.
I was not so lucky on the "Y" scale though. I could get no output from it. I got out the ohm meter and found like 3 out of 6 wires were broken in its cord.
After fixing that, I still could not get any output so,,,,,,, $350 later I mounted a new "Y" scale and I'm back in business.
It was a tough decision when you look and the price of an entire new system compared to $350 for just the "Y" scale. And I admit that I might possibly be kicking myself later on down the road if it breaks down again and I have to spend twice as much to replace "X" or something, but I chose to go the route that I did because of the ease of getting replacement parts if/when it does break down. I had no input from anybody until you came along so I had to hope that this was the best thing to do...

Now my bigger question is "HOW DO I MOUNT THE SCALES CORRECTLY?"
It would appear that all one can reasonably do is use a test indicator along the outside surfaces of the scale to get them in-line with the axis in all directions. I feel kinda dumb asking this, but I have never done anything like this before.
Thanks again for your input.
John....

[outset]

The scales are not usually that challenging to mount on mills that already had a scale system. Just use a machinist level on the scale to make sure it is level with axis, use shims to keep slider part in line. If you will b using an auto lube system or coolant you should fabricate a cover for the scale. Sometimes if the scale is a different size than original and you don't want to drill any more holes in the casting you can mount a peice of aluminum flat bar and drill it to machine hole locations then mount new scale to the aluminum bar.

Just take you're time, and cut some shims to use for alignment

[yours_prabhat]

dear Sir,
Please e mail the problem you are facing step by step on prabhatmishra@gmx.com
regards
prabhat mishra