Neil,
A full writeup would not help, the electronics used are no longer available and require access to board level dimensions. It was a tight packaging job within the constraints of the "standard" Myford dimensions.
Different dimensions of another DRO system and lathe manufacturer will bring its own unique criteria and problems.
As the OP started out regarding the Cross slide, with a magnetic strip on the side of the slide and a read head towards the rear, tailstock approach problems will be relatively non existant.
Edited By KWIL on 02/10/2016 16:32:56