Ortec Digital Read Out

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

I don't know if anyone else on here has or had an Ortec DRO. Available from the 'guy who made them' in Guernsey or Jersey if memory serves correct and who was always at the ME shows promoting his product.

I bought a simple two axis version for my Linley mill about 23 years ago and it has served faithfully without issue until today. We've had some building work done and since I used the mill last they have been cutting paving blocks and overloading the circuit to my workshop blowing the traditional fuses (not CB's) a few times. Whether that has directly affected it I don't know but have done the usual – unplugged and re-plugged the power supply several times along with the two sensor cables – sometimes it's just blank other times incomplete digits and nothing registering from either scale. Looks like it's buggered.

So, what's a reasonable cost alternative DRO ? Or does anyone have a spare Ortec read out box under the bench says he with hope.

Any thoughts appreciated

Cheers – Tug

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

[David-Clark 1Participant @david-clark1]

I ‘seem to remember those. Was it a wire on a spool?
Sounds like a simple electrical problem possibly caused by vibration.l

Try reseating the digital display. Are they semiconductor or Nixie tube (glass enverope) types?

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

Thanks for the input David but no, it was not the wire type but was possibly the first DRO suitable for the home ME using glass (?) scales. I believe (I was told) the owner was sadly killed in a road accident as they suddenly became unavailable.

The readout is .0005 inches and .01mm – here's a pic of the readout in situ

It's certainly beyond me to fix other than as previously stated – It's probably best to replace it hence the question – can anyone recommend a reasonable cost alternative?

Tug

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

An interesting snippet of information [dated 2014] :

Ortec DROs were made by a one-man band in Guernsey utilising mylar scales from printers of the day. They have not been available for at least 10 years.

MichaelG.

.

Ref. __ https://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/threads/ortec-dro.23699/

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 01/04/2022 22:22:13

[steamdaveParticipant @steamdave]

Ramon

I remember those units. The scales were sourced from computer printers, but not sure about the box of tricks, but probably used some of the electronics of the printers of the day.

Doesn't help with your problem, though.

Dave
The Emerald Isle

ps Sorry, I've just noticed MG's post above!

Edited By steamdave on 02/04/2022 07:48:56

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

As to replacements I've been happy with my one from Machine DRO which must be 10-12 years old now and not missed a beat. You will also get the benafit of functions like PCD and 1/2

[Dave HalfordParticipant @davehalford22513]

It would be worth removing the display box circuit board to check for any cracks in the track around the base of the components. Pay close attention to the larger items and also the flexible ribbon to the display if there is one.

[10ba12baParticipant @10ba12ba]

Hello Ranon

I have a 2 axis Ortec box doing nothing to earn its keep, would do a swap for a good sized bunch of samphire when it's ready.

H.

Edited By 10ba12ba on 02/04/2022 16:49:51

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

Well thanks 10ba – sounds good – PM sent

Ramon

[ChrisLHParticipant @chrislh]

I also have an Ortec 2 axis DRO purchased 26 years ago and still going strong. The display unit did go on the blink back in 2015. I got in touch with Ortec and he (only employee) invited me to send it back for invetsigation. Came back a few days later, fully functional. Charged me precisely nothing ! Not many of those about.

[Ramon WilsonParticipant @ramonwilson3]

Hi 'Guys', Thought you might like to hear this

Thanks to the very kind gesture by '10ba12ba' I now have my DRO back up and running. What makes it even more special is that John has not been well and yet still managed to help out.

A really big thank you 10ba, it is so much appreciated. – Samphire will be winging it's way as soon as you let me have an address.

A big plus for this super fraternity on here for sure

Best Regards to all – Tug

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