I’ve found Yuriy’s websites a very useful source of information over the years SC, especially with respect to the various ‘protocols’ used by different scale types and their manufacturers. His TouchDRO site also gives a lot of excellent info on choosing scales and documents the TouchDRO ‘app’ very well too. The ‘kit’ provides everything (I think) I’m going to need from a DRO on my SX3.5 and I also quite liked the idea of the screen/user interface being on a tablet – which can be upgraded and/or replaced if required.

I ordered two (X & Y) 5 micron optical scales from Aikron (another Chinese manufacturer mentioned by Yuriy) and as there was no cost difference, specified the RS422 outputs. Yuriy mentions that these are only really required for longer cable lengths but also does say that they can be useful when large brushless motors are being used. There was no difference in price for this option. They cost £141 (inc delivery). There was an issue with a ‘wrong’ part being delivered that was dealt with (replaced at no cost) very promptly by Aikron (within 10 minutes of my emailing them) and I’d have no hesitation in recommending them.

So the total cost of this 2-axis DRO set-up has been in the order of £270 (inc shipping) and I’m thus far very happy with my choices. Just have to figure out now the best way to mount the scales and my happiness will be complete!

If you don’t already have a ‘generic’ Android tablet, that will add to the cost but mine was about £80 (I think) and they still seem to be around that price at the moment. You don’t need a high spec one to run the TD app and the tablet can also have other workshop uses of course.

OK, I’m off down he shed to have a quick look at mounting the X-scale (and putting off doing the kitchen ceiling – maybe later when it’s cooler!)  🙂

Regards,

IanT