Single DRO for 2 machines

Hi everyone, I was wondering if anyone has used a single DRO module for 2 machines? I'm strapped for space and want a DRO on my Colchester chiomaster and my Chester 626.

Looking at the pictures the DRO uses a serial connector. You can buy serial switch boxes so wondering if anyone had ever done it?

Hi,
No reason why you can't use two sets of encoders one one readout. Details depend on the type of encoder. An optical one or magnetic with electronicss in the readhead would be simplist. What DRO are you looking a geting? a link to the model would be good.
I've one this sort of switching before with no problem.

Robert G8RPI.

From a practical point of view you will have to alter the DRO setup each time you switch from mill to lathe which could become a faff.

Also if you have a complicated job on the mill and need to turn something before you complete the milling ops you will loose your datum and have to establish that again when you return to the mill

I didn't quite understand why being strapped for space would make you want to use a single DRO module. But if you want to use a single display for both machines I would suggest looking at a TouchDRO setup.

You'll need two adapters (120$ each) and a tablet or smartphone on which you have to download the DRO app. Then you can use the tablet or smartphone for both machines via Bluetooth.

Consider buying a 4 axis DRO. The scales can stay connected permanently.

Hi Adam

You may be interested in an article I have just had published in the December 2019 issue of Model Engineer Workshop. It is for a DRO Source Selector that can be built for about £30 and I used it to switch between signals from my mill and lathe encoders. You would need to have basic skills in assembling and soldering components on to a printed circuit board. The design includes my PCB design which can be ordered online. It works with encoders that have 5V 90 degree quadrature signals such as used on the Machine-DRO SDS6-3V console.

Andy Prior

I have made a simple switch box to allow me to use my two axis DRO with either my mill and lathe. I mostly use the DRO on the mill, but swapping over to the lathe and back is easy and quick.