(05-24-2017, 04:05 AM)Yuriy Wrote:(05-24-2017, 01:26 AM)Radnoaz Wrote: It seems like maybe buying the Mixed Scale kit would be the best future-proofing choice, but I'd like to know which kit would be recommended for using scales like these iGaging SS Absolute DRO models? And does anyone know which type of USB plug these scales use?
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00LNEHB04/r...c_continue
Mixed scale kit doesn't support Absolute DRO scales, so you will need to get the "iGaging" version of the controller. Generally speaking, Mixed Scale Kit is a compromise designed to be inexpensive and easy to build; "iGaging" controller is designed specifically for iGaging scales and works much better with them. You can read more about pros and const here: http://www.yuriystoys.com/2016/09/pre-ma...rison.html.
These scales come wit Mini and Micro B controllers (newer ones are Micro-B). The picture in your link are of the really old Absolute DRO, not Absolute DRO+ (plus). The former is not supported since it uses weird protocol. Chances are these are just an old stock picture. I haven't seen old scales for sale for a couple of years. If I were you I would contact the seller.
If you get Micro-B scales, you won't need to solder anything: I now sell a board with preinstalled Micro-B connectors. You'll just need to make an enclosure and you're good to go.
That said, these scales are way overpriced for what they are. They are 2x the price of the "classic" aluminum scales but accuracy and resolution is about the same once you mount them to the heavy cast iron machine frame.
Regards
Yuriy
Thank you for the nicely detailed reply! So....is it your opinion then that I would get the same durability and accuracy on my 10 x 22 metal lathe out of a set of the aluminum scales? I was just looking at the SS ones thinking they would be more durable, and their specs claim slightly higher accuracy over distance. If I wanted to go with the older Aluminum ones, which would you recommend? My new lathe isn't here yet, but I believe it will need a 12" and a 24" scales for the cross slide and carriage. It is a Grizzly G0752. The cross slide actually moves 6.5", not 6" as I thought, so I need an 8" scale, but I think I will end up having to cut down a 12" model to get the same type of scale as the 24" models I have been looking at.
I really appreciate your help. I have a Shumatech DRO 350 I built years ago, and am somewhat familiar with how the scale manufacturers started making things incompatible.
How about these? Shars has them on sale!
http://www.shars.com/24-digital-machine-aluminum-scale
http://www.shars.com/12-digital-machine-aluminum-scale
If they will work, I think I would like to use the Shars scales with which ever of your kits would be best.
I really appreciate your help in deciding. I have a Shumatech DRO 350 I built years ago, and am somewhat familiar with how the scale manufacturers started making things incompatible. So I am not too sure about what works with what these days.