Ditron D80 and Easson 12B DRO Kits w/ Magnetic Scales now available

[T-Bone]

mksj,
I bought my Ditron D80 DRO as a 3 axis plus RPM sensor kit and I added a 4th magnetic scale to my order so I could mount one on my quill. I bought through AliExpress, big mistake on my part. They have refused to do anything to resolve their out of spec mag scales. My scales did not come with a calibration or certification document, just the plastic bag.

 

[percy]

@hman
The problems are definitely in the scales/head part, the display is fine. I did take extra care to mount the scales and reader head in place, they are perfectly aligned and rigid. I purchased a 12" precision mag scale from DRO PRO's and will mount it on my y axis soon. This will give me a chance to compare quality of accuracy. Here's a few pics of my Ditron scale mounting.

Hi T-Bone Did you get the accuracy problem sorted out with the Ditron? I'm curious about the comparison with the DRO Pro's Electronica magnetic scales.

 

[platypus]

Jeepers! This does not sound good. I just received a Ditron magnetic 3 scale DRO kit via eBay. The seller (Abigale) claimed, in writing, that they warranty the product for two years. Wouldn’t that be nice. Haven’t mounted it yet.

 

[mksj]

I have mentioned this several times, that buying from a known reputable dealer, you get tech. support and warranty. My concern with buying from AliExpress or many of the generic eBay sellers is that once sold it is your problem, and often you do not know what is authentic. The prices of units are often reduced because things like the scales may be generic or different brand than the DRO. Manuals are often poorly written, and they typically just sell them and know little to nothing about setting them up. May work for you, if on a tight budget, but can also be a PIA if there is a problem.

 

[percy]

I rechecked the Ditron magnetic scales for accuracy, my x axis is +/- .002" to +/- .004" through a range of .100", the y axis is about the same. I can't use them for machining. I'm going to buy a set of magnetic scales from DRO PRO'S and try them out.

Hi T-Bone

Did you ever get to compare the DRO PRO's magnetic scales to the Ditron ones?

 

[platypus]

I have mentioned this several times, that buying from a known reputable dealer, you get tech. support and warranty. My concern with buying from AliExpress or many of the generic eBay sellers is that once sold it is your problem, and often you do not know what is authentic. The prices of units are often reduced because things like the scales may be generic or different brand than the DRO. Manuals are often poorly written, and they typically just sell them and know little to nothing about setting them up. May work for you, if on a tight budget, but can also be a PIA if there is a problem.

Yes, for sure. Considered (and accepted) all these risks in advance. But if the scale can’t generate even close to accurate results upfront there is little hope. I set up a bench test using various size gage blocks and, luckily, got expected results…

 

[T-Bone]

Hi T-Bone

Did you ever get to compare the DRO PRO's magnetic scales to the Ditron ones?

Yes, the DRO PRO's magnetic scales are much more accurate. I set up and performed the same test as I did with the Ditron scales, the DRO PRO's (Electronica) scales were well within tolerance. The two brands of scales are not pin-for-pin compatible, so to use the Electronica scales with the Ditron DRO, I had to rearrange several wires on each of the D-Sub connectors within the Ditron DRO. Not difficult if you have basic soldering skills. One other mention, my Ditron D80 DRO went kaput (died) about a year after purchase.