Newall DRO microsyn question

astjp2

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Ok, I am trying to piece together a Newall DRO for my lathe, I found a 5um Microsyn encoder for the crossfeed and it looks like it is an older model. It does not say G2 on it like the newer ones do. Is it different than the G2 or was it just not labeled as a G2? I am trying to get an accurate .0005 reading on the crossfeed and Newall is the easiest to install in my opinion. Tim
 

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The problem with the microsyn in particular for the lathe cross slide is one of resolution/accuracy and also the DRO head and its listed resolution. I looked into this previously for another person who was considering it for the cross slide. The accuracy is +/- 0.0002, but in diameter mode that is doubled. You can select a finer resolution to be displayed, but this is only for the more expensive Newall DRO heads like the DP700,/1200 not the DP500. So the DP500 display will jump in 0.0004" increments in diameter mode (radius is in 0.0002"). Th DP700 would be much more expensive, but does allow you set a finer resolution to display, this is often what is used with the lathe package. The standard Microsyn scales are only compatible with Newall DRO head units, although they do sell an RS232 version which works with other DRO heads which looks somewhat like the one in the picture. I would check the connector. See link below.
292020

An alternative might be to use magnetic scales, I used one with the Easson 12B DRO with a SRA 5 micron magnetic scale. They sell magnetic tape in 1 micron so would need to see about the reader head. You can put together a 2 axis magnetic system for under 1K. The scales are very compact and easy to install.
 
I have a DP 1200 or maybe it is a 900? and just picked up a DP 700 readouts for my lathe. I also am getting a 5um microsyn encoder that I got a super deal on ebay, I just need get an 8" scale and mounts for it now. With buying the microsyn stuff I am still only at $900 or so for a complete system.
 
In case you don't know, assuming you want 8" of travel, the actual Newall scale will be almost 15" long.
 
In case you don't know, assuming you want 8" of travel, the actual Newall scale will be almost 15" long.


Why so? Read head dimension? That is unusually llonger than most systems call for.
 
Well I have a 13 in lathe so a 6 inch scale comes up short and the next size up in an 8. I should go check actual travel of the crossfeed just to make sure. Tim
 
I recently installed a DRO PROS system on my Jet 1340 Tim, and had zero issues. Cracked open the piggy bank and chose the magnetic scales. A little pricey but I'm happy. They do offer glass scales also at a lower price.
 
Well I now have most of a Newall system with a Microsyn 5um and Spherosyn 10um encoder. I just need to get correct length a scale for the Microsyn for the crossfeed. If I only mount the scale on 1 end, I can shorten the need for the length of the scale by about 3" which is one of the things that the manual says you can do with this style of system... cool huh?
 
Nice!
I installed the DP500 on my mill. It was very straight forward and easy to install.
 
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