DRO for Myford ML7

[JonMottParticipant @jonmott]

Hi Guys, Having bought and finally fitted a DRO from the Model Engineering Exhibition, I couldn’t believe how poor the manual is – written in Chinglish. Does anyone know of a publication or articles on making the best use of the DRO

Jon Mott

[JonMottParticipant @jonmott]

[mgjParticipant @mgj]

If its the same, the manual also misses out on how to set up half the functions as well.  Can you please publish such results as you get.

 

To set up for accurate cutting depth, measure cuts against a micrometer measurement. If the lathe is taking too much, (ie you are consistently coming out a tad undersize) enter a +ve linear compensation and vice versa. I have got mine spot on (+/- .0001″ – it is astonishingly accurate), but the final measurement bears little relation to the supplied accuracy chart.

 

What does Z dial do?

And Radius or Dia in setup? – not the button on the panel.

 

When I have 5 minutes I shall ring Allendale.

[David Clark 13Participant @davidclark13]

Hi There

 had major problem with the mill manual.

I ended up with the readout registering a fraction of its movement.

Moved it say 2 inches and it registered 0.2 instead.

Finally managed to reset it to factory settings and will leave functions alone until I have a few days spare to figure it out.

I can’t remember how I reset to factory settings or I would figure out functions sooner.

If someone knows how to reset the Sino readout to factory settings, please let us know.

 

Also, is there any way to supress the last digits?

3 decmal places would be fine for imperial and 2 places for metric although 3 would be ok

Perhaps we could sort out a manul and publish it in MEW and on this site?

regards David.

 

 

 

 

Edited By David Clark 1 on 04/01/2010 08:21:38

[mgjParticipant @mgj]

your shrinking  distance is resolution.(Resolute)

 

To restore to factory settings you want All Clr 

 

Thats on the Allendale DRO. Is that what you wanted.

 

Personally I like the last digit. If I feed in to the 4th decimal place, it will work to that and is settable so  (now that the linear compensation is set correctly) working to  +/- .0001 is not difficult.

 

Also on a lathe, your minimum setting on dia is .0004 thou, because the resolution is .0002. However, one can work to a higher level of accuracy than that by removing errors before you get to final cuts – every other thou it will hit a whole thou to 4 decimal places.

[Norman BarberParticipant @normanbarber28134]

The Allendale DRO handbook certainly leaves something to be desired.  They must have sold a good many systems – perhaps they should think about a translation into Queens English.

 

I use my system on a mill and have managed to sort out most of the functions.  As far as restoring to factory set conditions is concerned, I have not found the All Clr function (or key) refered to by Meyrick, where is it?  The only way I can see of doing this is to reset each parameter manualy by pressing the decimal point key during the self test period when the system is first switched on and going through the set up procedure.  The factory set values are shown in the handbook.  To get the correct distance read out the resolution must be set to 5 (the factory setting).  The use of the term”resolution” in the handbook is confusing – it would be more accurate to call it “scaling”.  The read out on my system is to five decimal digits, not four as implied by other contributors.  The same for imperial or metric .  I would be happy with four digits but would like to get rid of the fifth.  It does not seem to be possible. Any suggestions?

 

Norman Barber

 

[mgjParticipant @mgj]

Norman – all clr is on both readouts. Press 6 longtime and you are into setup, and keep pressing up or down arrows until you get there. (I’m sure I teach grannies)

 

I have 4 decimal places (imperial) on both readouts. with a resolution of .0002″. I have 3 decimal places in metric mode, so I imagine the programming of our respective boxes is different.

 

There are obviously different chips in use. I have the budget boxes.

[Norman BarberParticipant @normanbarber28134]

Meyrick – Many thanks for the info, but it does not work with my system!!  I have just been out into the (freezing cold) workshop and tried it.  Pressing 6 for any length of time has no effect.  The only way I can get into set up mode is as stated in (my) handbook, which is to press the decimal point key while the system is doing it’s self check when first switched on.  It then goes into set up when self check is complete.  The self check does not take long – you have to be quick to press the decimal key before it finishes.

 

The only resolution setting which seems to be of practical use is the one you are using, but I have five decimal places in the display regardless of the resolution that is set.

 

I have the SINO SDS6 console, which is obviously different to the budget version.   

[mgjParticipant @mgj]

I think its a call to Allendale for both of us then?

 

Sorry I couldn’t be of help.

[Tony FergusonParticipant @tonyferguson56395]

I just bought a 1440 lathe with a Sino DRO. There is a downloadable manual at the web site of the company where I bought the lathe. here is a direct link:

 

http://tinyurl.com/yjko6mp

 

Now, I just need to read through it to figure out how to manage the linear compensation!!!

 

Cheers

 

Tony

 

 

[JulieParticipant @julie]

Thanks for the link.

 

It just so happens, I am looking to fit one on my mill at the moment, I have been looking for the instruction manual up front!

 

Slightly off topic, which version do people have?

 

I know the Sino SDS6-3 or 2 V is practically identical to Allendale’s (I think just re-badged), as are the glass scales.

Allendale’s versions/prices save me around £150 on Digital-Caliper’s prices, but are only 2 year warranty compared with 3 from Digital-Caliper.

Which version (inc scales) have people gone for?

 

Julie

Edited By David Clark 1 on 22/02/2010 07:52:05

[mgjParticipant @mgj]

I have the buget lathe and mill boxes from Allendale.

 

On the mill I have the GS300 standard sized scales. 

 

On the lathe the X axis and Z1 are the GS500 compact scales. The Z0 axis is a GS300.

 

Very happy with both, but the installation manuals leave out an important point. They do say how high low etc the read heads must be, but they also have to be aligned longituduinally – which sounds easy, but when access is cramped, its quite easy to misalign. (On one scale I was working upside down over the back of the lathe. ) It can also happen if you are mounting onto a lumpy casting, where getting a true alignment is quite awkward.

 

They may read in that position, but not that accurately (or are pretty accurate but won’t respond to linear compensation corrections), and diagnosis can be a bit frustrating.

 

However, all sorted now and very good.

[Tony FergusonParticipant @tonyferguson56395]

Sino SDS6 2V.

 

Exactly the same as the 3V, less the z axis.

 

I’m having a huge problem trying to decode the manual to deal with the linear compensation. i’ve followed it through in what appears to be step-by-step instructions, yet I can’t seem to get any different results.

 

Using the cross feed, I start with the clock at 0 and then I reset the y-axis reading to 0. Then, I turn the handwheel in 5mm. However, the DRO will read something like 0.0050 (or 0.0052). I use the forumula they provide in the manual and enter the compensation and try again and nothing changes. I’ve gone so far as to enter an arbitrary compensation number and still I don’t get any changes.

 

I’ve ensured that during the set-up that I’m dealing with Linear Compensation and not segmented.

 

Any thoughts?

[David Clark 13Participant @davidclark13]

Hi There

I got this.

Seems to divide the readout by 2 every time I played with it.

I think this was due to using the 1/2 function to centre a component.

Finally got it reset to normal and am leaving well alone until I have a couple of days to play with it.

regardsdavid

[Roger VaneParticipant @rogervane67137]

Re: SINO SDS6-3V and number of decimal places ……

 

If you are working in imperial measure and have readings to 5 decimal places and wish to change to 4 decimal places then it’s worth trying the following procedure.

 

Switch to metric measure, and then back to imperial (using the ‘M/I’ button) .  At this stage you will have the option to set the number of decimal places used for imperial measurement.  Select ‘MORI4’ in the display by use of the ‘up / down’ arrows and then hit ‘ENT’ – that will give you the desired number of decimal places.

 

Hope that it works for you.

[mgjParticipant @mgj]

Tony,  When you go to linear compensation you may find that you are altering microns or millionths of a metre. (parts per million). The Sino is using the same values as the cheapie, even if the interface is slightly different.

 

So your scales are reading correctly, it sounds. 5mm is 0.005 meters. So if you are out by .01mm you need to enter +/- 100.

 

So if you have a reading of .0052, I would enter +20 in whatever format they recommend. See what happens.

 

The formula will I imagine convert all this in parts of a metre and back again. I found that once I got mine to accept the reading, once I had it right over .4″ it was right all over.  Oh it wasn’t perfect perfect , but it was very close and perfectly usable.  A few uses and checks against the mike, and a bit of tweaking, and it was spot on.

 

I have little experience of scales other than the Allendale ones, but see my post above, reference alignment. I had what sounds to be the same problem. I was getting quite an accurate reading – well inside .001″, but I got no response to the linear compensation, even when I made entries of 1000. I eventually sorted the long axis alignment (ie getting the head straight along the scale – which I thought it was but obviously thats really critical.) and it worked perfectly.

 

I hope thats of use.

Edited By meyrick griffith-jones on 22/02/2010 18:38:43

[Tony FergusonParticipant @tonyferguson56395]

That’s great…and it makes sense now that I see someone say it: “parts of a meter”!

 

I’ll give this a shot on the weekend and see what happens!

 

Cheers

 

Tony

[RedpiperbobParticipant @redpiperbob16487]

Hi All

I am just toying with the idea of fitting a DRO from Allendales to my Myford ML7 can anyone tell me how to workout the length of the glass scales for the Cross slide and the main bed, and which versions to use with their DRO-AE10-2L  console

Thanks in advance Bob

[David Clark 13Participant @davidclark13]

Hi There

Allendale did an article about this in MEW.

I expect they can supply a printout giving all the details you need.

regards david

 

[haroldParticipant @harold]

Posted by Redpiperbob on 24/02/2010 08:05:02:

Hi All

I am just toying with the idea of fitting a DRO from Allendales to my Myford ML7 can anyone tell me how to workout the length of the glass scales for the Cross slide and the main bed, and which versions to use with their DRO-AE10-2L  console

Thanks in advance Bob

 

Hi Bob.

 

I did this recently. I toyed for more than a year.  Allendale will include some large chunks of Al bracketry which renders the job trivial. I only needed  1 additional perforation (4BA hole in cross-slide) and produced a very neat job which gives accurate results. It’s the first time I’ve drilled cast iron and the first time I’ve tapped cast iron and the first time I’ve used blacking. If I can do it …

Click for Allendale article with pix

 

HTH

H

 

[RedpiperbobParticipant @redpiperbob16487]

Thanks David and Harold

Time to bite the bullet (spend the money)

Now I know what to order. I’ll let you know how I get on.

Bob

[Jeff DaymanParticipant @jeffdayman43397]

Just FYI I fitted “Jenix” brand DRO’s to my 9 x 20″ Taiwan mill. The Jenix units are made in Korea. 3 axes for the 9 x 20 were about 320 UK pounds.

 

It was easy to fit, and after connecting it it worked perfectly and passed all checks without ANY programming adjustments at all (thank heavens).

 

My only complaint is that the y and z axis mounting hardware as supplied just was not usable for my particular machine – not even close to a fit to existing holes, in the way of levers, etc. I made up some new mount blocks and brackets and got on fine with it. The manual is clear and understandable.

 

It was priced right and has worked great for two years now. You might want to check them out before ordering.

 

Good luck with your setup , Jeff

Edited By Jeff Dayman on 24/02/2010 18:28:01

[NoviceParticipant @novice]

Hi, is there anyone out there who can explain to me what the advantages are of this DRO system with console in comparison of the simple digital scales as shown in ME 4360 on page 346. Looks much more simple to me.

You can use if you like: j.roos12 ed chello.nl

 

Cheers, Jan

[JulieParticipant @julie]

There are a number of reasons (some of which may not be true!)

1) The accuracy – linear encoders are generally 5 microns resolution – often a digital type scale is 0.01MM – 1/2 the accuracy (Not always true!)

2) Linear encoders are usually well protected against water/suds/oil, even the slightest bit of damp in the digital scale stops it working – and this could be 1/2 way through a cut

3) The DRO itself generally has many features beyond simple x,y,z readout.

For example:

The ability to set a number of zero (datum) points – allows you to work from one datum for say the centre of a set of holes e.g. 6 holes on a 1″ PCD , followed by another set 3″ to the right, and yet still maintain the true datum of the workpiece.

Automatically allow for tool size – instead of calculating the cut you need to do, set the cut you want, include the tool size, then when cutting; work towards a zero target rather than 3 5/32″ x 7 35/64″ – plus your tool size of 12MM.

Allows use of metric tools with imperial dims (or visa versa) 

Calculates for holes on a PCD, angular sets of holes, pocket milling, milling radii etc. etc.

The scope really depends on the DRO you get – but it is a lot more than just showing x,y,z.

 

 

 

Julie 

[Traction manParticipant @tractionman]

Hi there

 

At the back end of 2008 I got a SDS6-V3 and five scales from the dealer in Hertfordshire, three of these scales I fitted on my Chester mill, and two on my old Harrison L5 lathe.

The worn lead screws on the lathe was the main reason for getting the system.

I am a beginer in model engineering, and my background is in telecommunications, so I am not very conversant with how these devices should work or be used. The manual as stated above is of very little use to a beginer, and I have had several conversations with the dealer which have not been very productive. As a result the DRO display has spent 90% of the time in its box under the shelf. I thought at first that it was me being dub but seeing the other posts has been slightly heartening. My question is is there another display unit out there that will work with the scales I have got and do what is clamed in the sales blurb? because as far as I can see the SINO is not usable. 

 

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