There is a design that uses and android tablet which sound like what you want to do using a PC. I think the same basic idea could be used on a PC if you want to write the software. It was done many years ago with the "Yadro" DRO. This used a PC running DOS rather than Windows or linux. This is a link to the DRO running on an Android tablet.

Les.

I have the Machine DRO box. Tests out OK as basic DRO on an older Panasonic ToughBook but hafta confess I've not used it in anger.

The original intention was to relatively easily get a fourth, independent, axis for the quill on my Bridgeport. But that has joined the (long) list of stalled projects.

I imagine writing different apps would be no great issue for an appropriately skilled programmer given knowledge of the outputs and, especially, zero position retention features. If you can get LabView Home Edition in the UK it would probably be a decent way of creating a custom app without needing to write all the pesky display features and memory / timing management. Having used the pro version of LabView a lot back in the day I'm a confirmed fan. Beats the heck out of machine code thats for sure!

Although all the standard DRO boxes have loads of zero position memory registers none seem to be able to throw a signal when zero is reached to, for example, turn off feeds on a mill. Surely I'm not the only guy who'd like the electronic equivalent of a multi position bed stop with single dog tooth throw out clutch on both axes of a lathe. But nowt like that seems to be available. Think one step down from basic "teach-me" CNC. Of course if you re going to write an app for lathe use might as well put an electronic lead screw on a well.

I'm watching the thread started by ChrisB "DIY Magnetic DRO" with considerable interest. If the all DIY approach looks promising and not silly amounts of work I'll probably move the Machine DRO box on as it doesn't really do enough for my wish list.

Clive