Best 3 axis DRO features for a bench top mill?

I'm looking for input regarding the software features of mill DRO's, I'm already familiar with glass vs magnetic scales etc. I'm considering the DROPro's 3 axis Electronica EL700 Digital Readout Magnetic Scale Kit for $1,610, it has an LCD touch screen display. Just wondering what other DRO's are offering in terms of software features useful when milling, bolt hole patterns, arcs, etc. basically is there something better?

I used Shumatech, takes more work up front but is about a third of the cost you got there. It is full featured and they have a forum just for support. I do not have enough experience to begin to compare Shumatech 550 with other brands, but it is one for you to look at.

The guy that sells it doesn't make money from it, he just designed the software and takes orders for pre made circuit boards, when enough folks sign up, he then orders so and so many manufactured to distribute with a small kit.


http://www.shumatech.com/web/

Scotty

Hi coolidge

When it comes to high end DRO's most have the same or similar features. What really matters is how easy it to remember how to access and use these features. If you have to consult the manual all the time you will soon get sick of the DRO no matter how many features it has.
I have an Easson ES12 which is similar to the EL700 and can use Electronica Magnetic Scales if required (adapters available) but I cant help you with a comparison because I have never used the Electronica Head. I read all the specifications on the EL700 & ES12 before I bought mine but now cant remember all the details. I settled on the ES12 mainly because of the price. I did think that the EL700 was a nice machine from the specs.
Perhaps the only way to be sure is to find someone with either DRO that you can play with for a while and see how easy they are to use.
Good luck with your deliberations & let us know what you decide and why
cheers
Ron

Thanks I added the Easson ES12 to my list. Also added the Fagor 40iP thought he display looks pretty choppy, lots of staircase. I like the EL700 best for now, but if the touch screen is anything like the touch screen in my F150 I'll want to put my fist through it.

Hi coolidge

After reading your post I went out and looked at my DRO to refresh my memory of what I liked and disliked about the ES12.

Things I do like.
Has dedicated buttons for DIRECT access to most of the functions I use on the mill e.g. Sub datum, PCD, L hole, 1/2 function etc. No need to use menus/ submenus to access a function.

The buttons are physical buttons which are very easy to use.

Has dedicated X Y & Z and X0, Y0 & Z0 buttons for direct access.

When you enter a function, the parameter set up is direct and straightforward with out a need to reference the manual.

Has cutting speed display which is sometime useful if you are unsure or getting a poor surface.

Can accommodate a 4th axis but has to be ordered with a 4th Axis installed. Sold with 2,3 or 4 axis installed even though the DRO face is the same for each.
Can combine U & Z axis Useful for Knee & Quill Scales


Things I dislike
Universal Design Mill/ Lathe. Because it has no touch screen, complete customisation for Mill is not possible.
Hence it has buttons which are not used on the Mill e.g. R/D, Combining Y & Z axis. Because they are physical buttons they are always present even if the DRO is installed on a Mill.

After penning this response I went back and read your original post.
I then realised for the first time that the EL 700 is a full touch screen with NO PHYSICAL BUTTONS. Have I got this correct? If so then it should be completely customisable for a mill or lathe without unwanted functions showing. A very desirable point.

However I am not sure I would want a full touch screen as there are many situations where touch screens are not very easy to use. I think that I would really want to try a EL700 before purchase.

Hope my 2cents worth helps your decision
Ron

Thanks Ron, very thorough review. That's the thing I'm not sure about on the EL700, no actual buttons. I like buttons, even a mix of buttons and touch screen but total touch screen I'll have to think on that.

Touchscreen DRO sounds cool but after I thought about it a bit I'm not so sure I would want a touchscreen. Hands get dirty in the shop, it you're not aware of what might be on your finger like chips & grit, touching the screen could scratch it, I wouldn't want an expensive DRO screen to get scratched/scuffed over time. I wonder if the touch screen would be affected by oily fingers.

I suppose you could put a screen saver film on it though. I use the clear covers on both my DROs so the actual display never gets dirty, just wipe off the cover if needed.

Many DROs have membrane buttons now, over time they can crack. Haven't had that issue with my DROs though. I have a portable AC where the membrane has cracked, buttons underneath still work though, but it's also 15 yrs old. But then again the rubber type buttons fail also so it's a toss up. Not an issue I'm concerned about anyway.

The touchscreen just may be perfectly fine to use in the shop. After all people are using Android tablets for DROs also. I have an ES12 on my mill, one thing is a graphical display makes some of the functions easier to use like the hole circle, hole line, etc. Because of the visual it gives you on the display.

I prefer a graphical display on the mill, for the lathe I don't care for it. I personally don't mind the universal type display on a mill but I really don't like universals for the lathe. I have a lathe specific DRO for my lathe for the same reasons ronboult mentioned.

The touch screen is not a good choice for an oily metal working environment imo. In fact I decided just now I don't even need a graphical display, the less expensive LED numerical display is all I need. Duh I already have OneCNC Mill Professional CAD/CAM software so I can do all that stuff sitting at my desk on a huge high resolution monitor, plus a lot more the DRO can't do. That puts the EL400 4 axis DRO back on the table.

coolidge said:

Thanks I added the Easson ES12 to my list. Also added the Fagor 40iP thought he display looks pretty choppy, lots of staircase. I like the EL700 best for now, but if the touch screen is anything like the touch screen in my F150 I'll want to put my fist through it.

Click to expand...

Minimalist design and few features, but take a look at Shooting Star. Half the price you're looking at, easy to install, bulletproof. Old (ie, well-debugged) technology.

I have had a Shumatech DRO for several years now and the unit works OK!
However using Chinese scales is in my mind a weakness.
If I was to start again I would make sure that I used a DRO with good duality Glass Scales.
Anyways that is my two cents worth.

Al