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Magnetic Scales cannot be broken - Coolant & Dust Proof - Cut to length

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Electronica Magnetic Scale Mill kits $88000 Click HERE Electronica Magnetic Scale Lathe kits $98500 Click HERE

Welcome to DRO PROS, the Digital Readout Experts. If you're looking for a digital readout system (DRO) for your lathe or milling machine, you've come to the right place. The longer you look around the internet, you'll soon find that we provide the best customer service, the best product, and the best value for your money. We specialize in producing videos for our products that show you step by step how to choose, install, and operate them. We have hundreds of photos showing our customers installations, located HERE. But best of all, we actually talk and spend time with our customers. Confused or don't know what to buy? Call us now at (707) 452-8434 and talk to any of our knowledgeable sales staff and get the right machine or digital readout today!

Lifetime Warranty on Magnetic DRO Kits

For over a decade, DRO PROS has been proud to sell the Electronica brand Digital Readout kits for lathes and milling machines. In over 10 years, we've never had a magnetic scale malfunction. Therefore, it just seems right to offer the most incredible never seen before warranty on the best DRO kit on the planet. Buy a magnetic DRO kit from us and you'll never have to worry about buying a replacement anything, ever.

What Size Kit should I Buy?

Simply purchase a kit that has travels longer than the travel of your machine. For a mill, simply purchase a kit that has travels longer than the travel of your machine. As an example, a Bridgeport milling machine with a 9" x 42" table typically has 12" travel in the Y axis and 30" travel in the X axis. Therefore you would need an 12" x 30" mill kit for this machine. For a lathe, all you need is a kit that has enough travel for the X (cross slide) and the Z (carriage) axis travel. Don't be confused by the swing, which is the theoretically largest diameter object that can pass over the bed rails. The swing dimension has nothing to do with what you need for your DRO kit. As a general rule, the cross slide travel is roughly half of the swing plus a little bit more in order to cut over center. For example, a 1340 lathe (13" swing, 40" between centers) will typically have 13/2 = 6.5 + 1 = 7.5 inches of travel on the cross slide. Therefore you would need an 8" x 40" lathe kit for this machine. However, with this said, it's always best to measure the travels of your machine. Look to the left margin for videos on how to do this.

Magnetic Scale Physical Sizes

Magnetic scales are named according to the amount of travel the scales are built to accommodate. Maximum travel will be ~ 5/8" longer, and overall length will be 5-1/2" longer than stated scale size. Using a 12" scale as an example, it is designed to fully accommodate 12" of travel, it's maximum travel will be 12-5/8", and overall length will be 17-1/2".

MagnaSlim Readheads...

Electronica has released their new line of MagnaSlim magnetic scales. With the readhead measuring less than 1/2" x 1/2", this is the smallest readhead on the market, designed to fit where others can't! Of course it's IP-67 rated, meaning it's coolant and dust proof. Available in both 1 micron (0.00005") and 5 micron (0.0002") resolutions. These amazing readheads are perfect for mounting on the cross slide of lathes, or on benchtop mills or lathes.

Things to consider when buying a DRO:

In general, there are two main factors to consider when buying a DRO. First is scale type, and second, is display type. DRO PROS sells both glass and magnetic scales. Glass is popular because it's the least expensive, but it can (and frequently does) get contaminated from oil and debris. Magnetic scales are superior because they are coolant and dust proof. Further, they are slimmer, and can be cut to any length you want, making installation much easier.

Glass Scales - Inexpensive, but not coolant or dust proof. Cannot be cut to length. Only available as "Incremental" style.

Magnetic Scales - Coolant and dust proof, they can't be contaminated. Can be cut to length. Available in "Incremental" or "Absolute" style scales. Absolute scales are the best, because they never lose position, even if power is lost or the machine is moved with the power to the display turned off.

Capacitive Scales - You may see inexpensive digital scales being sold and/or marketed as magnetic, when in fact, they are not. For example, most digital calipers use capacitive linear encoders. The downside to capacitive technology is that it's susceptible to error when exposed to oils, dirt or low temperatures. Unfortunately, unscrupulous resellers often refer to their scales as magnetic, when in fact, they are not. More information can be found on Wikipedia HERE.

DRO Display Types:

DRO displays are available in 2, 3 and 4 axis kits. The screen is either an LED or LCD type. LED displays can only show numbers (like a calculator), and are therefore less expensive. LCD displays are much like a computer screen, and can graphically draw functions in color, allowing you to see what you programmed, before you cut it. Our EL700 display interfaces extremely well with our touch probe, making it our best DRO display ever!

Electronica Magnetic Digital Readout Kits

Our Electronica kits come with magnetic scales, which are coolant and dust proof. Easy to use, with the clearest display we've ever seen! So what does Magnetic Scale technology mean to you? Unlike glass scales, magnetic scales can be cut to any length you need, they can't be contaminated, and they're the easiest, thinnest scale to mount on the planet - only .4" thick!

Magnetic scale technology combines the best of optical and inductive technology. Just like inductive or "ball scales", magnetic scales are impervious to coolant or liquid, yet are slimmer, and cost half as much! They're easier to mount, more durable, and on par pricewise with optical scales. In summary, magnetic scales combine all the advantages of the other technologies, without retaining the negative qualities of being higher priced, or difficult to install, that inductive or "ball scales" suffer from.

If that wasn't enough, the Electronica bracket kits are the best we've ever seen. Unlike the competitors bracket kits, Electronica brackets are individually machined for accuracy, not cast. Our Library page includes a complete parts list and exploded assembly diagram - in short, no more missing parts or time consuming "how does this bracket fit together" sessions!

Electronica Magnetic Scale 2 Axis Mill Kits:

Electronica Magnetic Scale 2 Axis Mill Kits
Magnetic scales are the best - cut to length and can't be contaminated!	EL300 Universal Display	EL400 Machine Specific Display
Need help choosing between the EL300 & EL400 2 axis mill displays? Click HERE
Scales up to 20 FEET LONG now available - Call for details	Universal Display Mill & Lathe Functions	Mill Specific Touch Probe Port
Determining Magnetic Scale Length. Magnetic scales are named according to the amount of travel the scales are built to accommodate. This is the value you should use to match the travel of your machine. As a sidenote, maximum travel will be ~ 5/8" longer, and overall length will be 5-1/2" longer than stated scale size. Using a 12" scale as an example, it is designed to fully accommodate 12" of travel, it's maximum travel will be 12-5/8", and overall length will be 17-1/2".
Magnetic Scales	$880 10" x 20"	$940 10" x 20"
	$915 12" x 30"	$979 12" x 30"
	$945 12" x 36"	$1,019 12" x 36"
	$970 16" x 40"	$1,045 16" x 40"
	$980 18" x 40"	$1,055 18" x 40"
Display Arm Bracket:
X Axis (longitudinal) Bracket:
Y Axis (in and out) Bracket:

Electronica Magnetic Scale 3 Axis Mill Kits:

Electronica Magnetic Scale 3 Axis Mill Kits
Magnetic scales are the best - cut to length and can't be contaminated!	EL300 Universal Display	EL400 Machine Specific Display		EL700 Color LCD Graphic Display
Need help choosing between the EL300 & EL400 3 axis mill displays? Click HERE
Scales up to 20 FEET LONG now available - Call for details	Universal Display Mill & Lathe Functions	Mill Specific Touch Probe Port		Color LCD   Touch Screen Graphic Display Touch Probe Port
Determining Magnetic Scale Length. Magnetic scales are named according to the amount of travel the scales are built to accommodate. This is the value you should use to match the travel of your machine. As a sidenote, maximum travel will be ~ 5/8" longer, and overall length will be 5-1/2" longer than stated scale size. Using a 12" scale as an example, it is designed to fully accommodate 12" of travel, it's maximum travel will be 12-5/8", and overall length will be 17-1/2".
Magnetic Scales	n/a	$1,330 12" x 30" x 6"		$1,770 12" x 30" x 6"
	$1,255 12" x 30" x 16"	$1,335 12" x 30" x 16"		$1,785 12" x 30" x 16"
	$1,300 12" x 36" x 16"	$1,385 12" x 36" x 16"		$1,825 12" x 36" x 16"
	$1,330 18" x 40" x 18"	$1,425 18" x 40" x 18"		$1,865 18" x 40" x 18"
Display Arm Bracket:
X Axis (longitudinal) Bracket:
Y Axis (in and out) Bracket:
Z Axis Quill Bracket Set - Included only with the 6" quill axis kits:
Z Axis Knee Bracket Set - Included only with the 16" knee axis kits:

Electronica Magnetic Scale 4 Axis Mill Kits:

EL400 Machine Specific Display	EL700 Color LCD Graphic Display
Mill Specific Touch Probe Port	Machine Specific Color LCD Touch Screen Designed for our Touch Probe
Determining Magnetic Scale Length. Magnetic scales are named according to the amount of travel the scales are built to accommodate. This is the value you should use to match the travel of your machine. As a sidenote, maximum travel will be ~ 5/8" longer, and overall length will be 5-1/2" longer than stated scale size. Using a 12" scale as an example, it is designed to fully accommodate 12" of travel, it's maximum travel will be 12-5/8", and overall length will be 17-1/2".
$1,615 12" x 30" x 16" x 6"	$2,025 12" x 30" x 16" x 6"
$1,675 12" x 36" x 16" x 6"	n/a
$1,699 18" x 40" x 18" x 6"	$2,100 18" x 40" x 18" x 6"

Display Arm Bracket:
X Axis (longitudinal) Bracket:
Y Axis (in and out) Bracket:
Z Axis Quill Bracket:
Z Axis Knee Bracket:

Electronica 300 Series "Universal" 3 Axis Mill Display:

- The display does not have "Quick Zero" buttons like the 400 model.

- The lower eight function keys are not mill specific like the 400 model.

- The 300 model does not have a "Touch Probe" port like the 400 model.

Electronica 400 "Machine Specific" 3 Axis Mill Display:

- The front display has "Quick Zero" buttons for the X, Y and Z axis.

- The lower eight function keys are mill specific.

- Includes an interactive "Touch Probe" port on the back.

Electronica 700 Color TFT LCD 3 Axis Mill Display w/ LED Backlight:

- Color LCD Touch Screen

- Graphic Display draws functions

- Can be configured for a lathe or mill

- Includes an interactive "Touch Probe" port on the back

- Kit can be ordered with the Z axis configured for the Quill or the Knee

EL700 Color LCD in the ABS mode:

EL700 Color LCD Arc Function:

EL700 Color LCD Bolt Hole Function:

EL700 Color LCD Line Hole Function:

EL700 Color LCD Grid Hole Function:

EL700 Color LCD Pocket Function:

EL700 Color LCD Optional Touch Probe:

- axis datum capture

- measure distance

- measure single or dual angle

- find center of circle on internal or external pieces

EL700 Color LCD Touch Probe (continued):

- measure step height

- measure step width

- measure outside width

- measure inside width

EL700 Color LCD Polar Coordinates Function:

Electronica 400 "Machine Specific" 4 Axis Mill Display:

- The lower eight function keys are mill specific.

- The front display has "Quick Zero" buttons for the X, Y and Z axis.

- Z axis Summing Function.

Electronica 700 Color LCD 4 Axis Mill Display:

- Our most powerful, brightest display!

- Easiest to read touch screen

- Simple and intuitive interface

- Sealed Color LCD panel

- Fully interactive "Touch Probe" port on the back

- Built in mill and lathe functions - vector, summing, taper etc

- U axis can be shown independently or summed with the X axis to sum the knee and quill movement

- Z and U axis summed together to automatically report vertical (knee and quill) movement:

Electronica Magnetic Scale 2 Axis Lathe Kits:

       

EL300 "Universal Display" Kit					EL400 "Machine Specific" Kit
NOTE: Items are shown out of their protective boxes to better illustrate what's included. Display cover, and installation instructions included but not shown. All kits ship in original factory packaging and boxes. Magnetic Scales can be easily cut to length and can't be contaminated! Determining Magnetic Scale Length. Magnetic scales are named according to the amount of travel the scales are built to accommodate. This is the value you should use to match the travel of your machine. As a sidenote, maximum travel will be ~ 5/8" longer, and overall length will be 5-1/2" longer than stated scale size. Using a 12" scale as an example, it is designed to fully accommodate 12" of travel, it's maximum travel will be 12-5/8", and overall length will be 17-1/2".
8" x 30"	X	1 µm (0.00005") cross slide	$985	Call for Avail	8" x 30"	X	1 µm (0.00005") cross slide	$1,060
	Z	5 µm (0.0002") carriage				Z	5 µm (0.0002") carriage
8" x 40"	X	1 µm (0.00005") cross slide	$1,035	Call for Avail	8" x 40"	X	1 µm (0.00005") cross slide	$1,085
	Z	5 µm (0.0002") carriage				Z	5 µm (0.0002") carriage
10" x 40"	X	1 µm (0.00005") cross slide	$1,045	Call for Avail	10" x 40"	X	1 µm (0.00005") cross slide	$1,095	Call for Avail
	Z	5 µm (0.0002") carriage				Z	5 µm (0.0002") carriage
12" x 40"	X	1 µm (0.00005") cross slide	$1,085	Call for Avail	12" x 40"	X	1 µm (0.00005") cross slide	$1,125
	Z	5 µm (0.0002") carriage				Z	5 µm (0.0002") carriage
14" x 60" size not available in 300 series					14" x 60"	X	1 µm (0.00005") cross slide	$1,295
						Z	5 µm (0.0002") carriage
14" x 80"	X	1 µm (0.00005") cross slide	$1,280	Call for Avail	14" x 80"	X	1 µm (0.00005") cross slide	$1,485
	Z	5 µm (0.0002") carriage				Z	5 µm (0.0002") carriage
20" x 120" size not available in 300 series					20" x 120"	X	1 µm (0.00005") cross slide	$2,575
						Z	5 µm (0.0002") Jointed J2 scale
22" x 160" size not available in 300 series					22" x 160"	X	1 µm (0.00005") cross slide	$2,949
						Z	5 µm (0.0002") Jointed J2 scale
22" x 200" size not available in 300 series					22" x 200"	X	1 µm (0.00005") cross slide	$3,299
						Z	5 µm (0.0002") Jointed J2 scale
22" x 240" size not available in 300 series					22" x 240"	X	1 µm (0.00005") cross slide	$3,935
						Z	5 µm (0.0002") Jointed J2 scale
"Universal" Display Not machine specific					"Lathe" specific
Need help choosing between the EL300 & EL400 lathe displays? Click HERE
Display Arm Bracket:
X Axis (cross slide) Bracket:
Z Axis (carriage) Bracket:
Recommended EL300 Documents: How to Cut Magnetic Scales 2 Axis Lathe Worksheet EL300 Lathe setup EL300 Lathe Kit Parts List Changing EL300 Scale Read Direction					Recommended EL400 Documents: How to Cut Magnetic Scales 2 Axis Lathe Worksheet EL400 Lathe setup EL400 Lathe Kit Parts List Changing EL400 Scale Read Direction

Electronica Magnetic Scale 3 Axis Lathe Kits:

EL700 Machine Specific Color LCD Kit
Lathe Specific		Color LCD
NOTE: Items are shown out of their protective boxes to better illustrate what's included. Display cover, and installation instructions included but not shown. All kits ship in original factory packaging and boxes. Magnetic Scales can be easily cut to length and can't be contaminated! Determining Magnetic Scale Length. Magnetic scales are named according to the amount of travel the scales are built to accommodate. This is the value you should use to match the travel of your machine. As a sidenote, maximum travel will be ~ 5/8" longer, and overall length will be 5-1/2" longer than stated scale size. Using a 12" scale as an example, it is designed to fully accommodate 12" of travel, it's maximum travel will be 12-5/8", and overall length will be 17-1/2".
8" x 8" x 40"	$1,980
14" x 14" x 60"	$2,180
14" x 14" x 80"	$2,375
20" x 20" x 120" (J2 Jointed Scale)	$3,255
20" x 20" x 160" (J2 Jointed Scale)	$4,662
22" x 22" x 200" (J2 Jointed Scale)	$4,770
22" x 22" x 240" (J2 Jointed Scale)	$4,990
Display Arm Bracket:
X Axis (cross slide) Bracket:
Z Axis (carriage) Bracket:
Z' Axis (top slide) Bracket:
Recommended EL700 Documents: How to Cut Magnetic Scales 2 Axis Lathe Worksheet EL400 Lathe setup EL400 Lathe Kit Parts List Changing EL400 Scale Read Direction

Electronica 300 Series "Universal" 2 Axis Lathe Display:

- The proper terminology for describing a lathes axis are X and Z.

- This display has X, Y and Z buttons on the front panel.

- Only the X and Y keys and display windows are functional.

- The back of the display only has connections for the X and Y axis.

- The display does not have "Quick Zero" buttons like the 400 model.

- The lower eight function keys are not lathe specific like the 400 model.

Electronica 400 "Machine Specific" 2 Axis Lathe Display:

- The proper terminology for describing a lathes axis are X and Z.

- This display has the 'proper' X and Z buttons on the front panel.

- The back of the display has the proper connections for the X and Z axis.

- The front display has "Quick Zero" buttons for both the X and Z axis.

- The lower eight function keys are lathe specific.

Electronica 700 Color LCD 3 Axis Lathe Display:

- Our most powerful display

- Easiest to read bright Color LCD panel

- Simple and intuitive interface

- Sealed touch screen panel

- Built in lathe functions - vector, summing, taper etc

EL700 Color LCD Summing Mode:

- shown with both X and Z axis in summing mode

- X or Z axis can be individually configured to sum with the compound, or Z' axis

EL700 Color LCD Vector Function:

- Compound or vector angle can be independently set to any value

EL700 Color LCD Vector Function:

- moving just the compound or top slide automatically updates both the X and Z position

EL700 Color LCD display in Taper Mode:

Electronica Magnetic Scale 300 Displays:

The 300 display is a "universal" display. In other words, whether it's put on a lathe, a 2 axis mill or even a 3 axis mill, it's physically the same display. The display always has X, Y and Z keys, even if it's for a 2 axis mill. The buttons, or keys, are not lathe or mill specific, although the display can perform most all of the same functions as its big brother, the 400. Instead of machine specific keys, however, you must navigate the menu to find specific functions.

Electronica Magnetic Scale 400 Displays:

400 displays are all "machine specific". In other words, the mill and lathe displays are distinctly different. The axis keys (X, Y and Z) specifically match the machine. The function buttons, or keys, are also machine specific, which makes for a more intuitive, easier to use interface. The yellow front panel also adds "one-touch zero keys" the 300 does not have. Additionally, the back of the 400 has a contact probe input jack.

Benefits of Magnetic Scales

There are currently three different scale types available for digital readout systems. They are magnetic, glass, and inductive. Glass scales rely upon an optical encoder and receiver mounted inside of an aluminum extrusion. If the scale becomes contaminated by coolant, oil or dust, they are rendered useless.

Inductive scales are impervious to contamination. The disadvantages are they're bulky, expensive, and difficult to mount.

Magnetic scales combine the best of optical and inductive technology. Magnetic scales are impervious to coolant, liquid or dust, yet are slimmer than either of the other two technologies. They're easier to mount, more durable, and can be broken down into convenient lengths for shipping. The first thing customers notice with magnetic scales is that the readhead and the scale are completely separate components. This means mounting magnetic scales is easier than any other type scale - since the readhead mounts separately from the scale, mounting is much quicker, and a whole lot easier! Prior to Electronica, magnetic scales were prohibitively expensive. Today, they are on par pricewise with optical scales. In summary, magnetic scales hold all the advantages of the other technologies, without retaining the negative qualities of being higher priced or difficult to install that inductive scales suffer from.

Picture of a New Glass Scale:

Picture of a new glass scale. Notice the mirror finish along the walls inside the scale.

Picture of a Glass Scale that's been improperly used in a contaminated environment:

Picture of a glass scale contaminated by hundreds of debris particles after being placed in service less than 3 months. The inside of this scale should be a mirror shiny finish, as shown above. Even a single bit of debris can cause a glass scale to stop reading correctly. Unfortunately, a contaminated glass scale will continue to display position, albeit an incorrect one, leaving the operator unaware of the malfunction. The solution, of course, is to use magnetic scales. Magnetic scales are designed to operate in the harshest and most extreme environments. Not only are magnetic scales unaffected by debris or contamination, they're also protected against submersion in coolant or liquids.

	The height or head dimension of the readhead is critical to a clean DRO installation. Magnetic scale technology eliminates the bulky optical sensors common to traditional readheads. A slim design means the readhead can be mounted close to the machine, increasing travel and tool efficiency. Slimmer profile readheads are also much less likely to get damaged from dropped tools or workpieces. Magnetic readheads retain the advantage of being impervious to coolant, but aren't bulky or expensive like inductive or optical scales.
	The overall required mounting height is much less than optical or inductive scales.   Magnetic scale height is less than half that of inductive scales.
	"Required End Clearance" is the 'dead space' between the center of the readhead and the end of the scale. The more "Required End Clearance" a scale requires, the longer the scale becomes.

Electronica vs. DRO PROS vs. Easson vs. Fagor

How Do I Choose the Right DRO Kit?

To start with, all DRO PROS products are quality built to do the job right. However, with that said, each brand has it's own unique advantages. We know that choosing a DRO kit can be difficult, so in our endeavor to help our customers we've developed the following guidelines. While we try to be as impartial as we can, our interaction with our customers and their feedback has certainly influenced us greatly in forming our "opinions". Please keep in mind that every installation is different, only you can know what's best for you.

Electronica

PROS: The most technologically advanced DRO kit on the market today. For starters, the Electronica kit uses magnetic scales. Magnetic scales are impervious to coolant or liquid, and are slimmer than glass or inductive scales. They're easier to mount, more durable, and can be cut to any length you need. They can't be contaminated, and measure only .4" thick. The bracket kits are exceptional, being machined, not cast, and are anodized black for a professional finish.

CONS: Such an incredible deal you may end up buying more than just one!

COMMENTS: DRO PROS hits another home run! Affordable, built to last, and one of the best looking, easiest to use displays we've seen.

WHY YOU WOULD CHOOSE ELECTRONICA: If you value quality, ease of installation, and don't want your scales to get contaminated, this is the kit for you!

eBay "El Cheapo" vs. DRO PROS

But I can still save $5 and get an eBay special from some guy I can't understand or talk to!

Yes, we understand. We all want to get 'a bargain'. But trust us, you don't want to go there. Besides the fact you can't talk to these guys if you have a question, they don't provide a written warranty, if something breaks you can't get replacement parts, etc. etc, might we suggest you consider the quality of the manual?

We've all seen the eBay specials where the listing includes an English manual. But have you actually read the "English Manual" included with our competitors kit? Of course you haven't. Because if you did, you probably wouldn't buy the kit. But in order to see the manual, you'd first have to buy the kit. Quite the dilemma. Well, we have a solution - we did buy the kit, and we're happy to show you what you really get! Check out the two excerpts below explaining "Bolt Hole Circle", probably the easiest to use (and explain) function on a DRO:

From the DRO PROS 3M Manual: - Bolt Hole Circle -	From the Competitions Manual: - Bolt Hole Circle -
(Click on the documents above to open them up) (Make sure to check out the first remark on the last page of the competitions manual... and no, we didn't make this up - this is the manual you get!!)

So if this is the easiest to explain function, how well do you think their manual explains ARC procedures?

Remember, the very first moment you have a question, DRO PROS customers are going to call our toll free number and get the issue resolved immediately with an English speaking American.

Our competitors customers are going to wonder what in the world they were thinking when they saved $5. You be the judge!

What makes DRO PROS readouts the best? Am I really getting a good deal?

At DRO PROS we get daily emails from suppliers wanting us to hawk their digital readouts. We literally travel worldwide to seek out the best deals for you, our customer. International Trade Show in Beijing? Been there. Taiwan, Korea, Japan, China, you name it, we've been there. And guess what? Our selection of digital readouts represents the finest we've found. Anywhere. Trust us when we say you get what you pay for. We could choose to sell the same DRO's you see on eBay for $50 less, but we choose not to, because we know they won't last and ultimately will cause us and our customers frustration. Still don't believe us? Take a look here at the insides of a very popular DRO currently sold on eBay under various brand names:

(Click on images to enlarge)

Notice how the traces between the touch pads are simply taped in place by hand from leftover scraps - obviously this is much cheaper to manufacture, but how do you suppose this type of display is going to hold up on your machine? As they say, Caveat Emptor or 'Buyer Beware'.

Hopefully this information will help you, our Customer, when choosing your DRO system. Take your time, choose wisely.

What can a DRO do for me?

A digital readout system digitally displays a machine tool's exact position on an electronic display board. A DRO can greatly simplify your work, save time, reduce costly mistakes and allow you to produce more accurate, exacting parts. The DRO unit keeps precise track of tool bit position in all 3 axis - back and forth (x axis), fore and aft (y axis), and up and down (z axis). Without a DRO system, an operator must count the number of hand wheel revolutions to determine exact position of a tool head against the table. For example, some milling machine leadscrews are graduated at 16 threads per inch (TPI), which means that for every turn of the hand wheel the table moves 1/16? (.0625), therefore it takes 16 turns to move the table exactly 1?. Other machines are calibrated at 10 TPI, meaning it takes 10 hand wheel revolutions for the table to travel an inch. On the Z axis, it is typical for each division to represent .002?, where one full revolution is equal to .060?. Needless to say, it can quickly become quite confusing! The bottom line is that with a digital display, the days of counting hand wheel revolutions are over!

In summary, a machine equipped with a digital readout (DRO) is easier to use, less frustrating, and can save the operator many hours in setup and operation time. No more counting turns of the dial - simply turn the display on and you're ready to go - the DRO keeps track of position even after a power shortage!

Why should you buy from DRO PROS?

We speak English - We answer our phones - Same day shipping

Veteran owned, Veteran managed - and proud of it!

Our goal is to make customers for life. We feel that, in the long run, treating customers right will yield much more than simply "going for the sale". In accordance with that, we have attempted to pass on some ideas to help you, the customer, in completing your purchase decision:

Price. Probably the most talked about factor when buying a digital readout. Price can also be the most misleading, and perhaps worst way, to judge a digital readout kit. We've all heard the old adage, "You get what you pay for." Before the internet, it was true, price did generally correlate directly to value. But that was yesterdays economy. All resellers obtained their goods the same way, and therefore incurred the same costs. In today's economy, the market has changed drastically. At DRO PROS, we import and sell directly to you. Unlike our competitors, we do not have Western and Eastern sales divisions and multi layers of management to support. One location, one cost, and the savings get passed on to you!

Intuitiveness or "Ease of Use". Probably the most important, and hardest to determine factor when buying a readout. Think in terms of after the sale. Even if you get an absolute 'rock star' bottom line price that would make William Shatner proud, if the digital readout is not user friendly, you still didn't get a 'deal'. The whole point of getting a digital readout is to make your work easier and more enjoyable. If the digital readout is poorly designed, too complicated, if the display isn't bright enough, or in other words is 'user unfriendly', you'll regret your purchase decision every time you turn it on. It simply won't matter what you paid, it's not worth it!

Support. Most likely the second most important, and perhaps most overlooked factor when buying a digital readout. Imagine trying to reach a technician when you've bought a digital readout from an overseas reseller! Yet every day, people "save" $50 and buy products on eBay without stopping to think what will happen when they need service or tech support. Some digital readout resellers don't even publish a phone number! While our competitors continue to pare down or even totally eliminate their customer support, we continue to expand our Customer Service. Our Video Tutorials are the best in the industry, and are available free for you, our customers. Our tech help is the best in the business - our techs all know our readouts inside and out. Nobody knows digital readouts like DRO PROS!

Warranty. DRO PROS is proud to offer the industries safest, longest, lifetime warranty on all of our Electronica magnetic scale kits. DRO PROS brand warranty claims are handled directly by DRO PROS. No run-arounds, no hassle! Something not working as expected? Call us, don't get redirected overseas like the other guys!

Parts. Can you believe some resellers don't carry parts? That's right, buy from the "other guys", break a scale, and you get to replace the entire digital readout kit! Don't assume you can just go buy a different brand scale, either, because most manufacturers use different connectors on their scales. If that wasn't enough, even among those with a common connector, such as a DB9, most are hard wired differently. Finally, don't overlook the cost of parts. At DRO PROS, an 800mm replacement scale will cost you $197. A similar scale sold extensively by a European company will cost nearly $700! Finally, we have a massive inventory of parts, so rest easy - a replacement part is only a phone call away!

The Best Value. We literally search world-wide for the best value digital readout products on the planet. If there was a better digital readout package to be sold, we would be selling it. Yes, we've seen cheaper units on eBay, but there is a reason they're cheaper. Think poor quality, no parts, no manual, non-existent customer service, poor product fit/finish etc.

Customer Service. We pledge to never "over sell" you on a product that won't work well for you. Our philosophy is to try and save you money and get the best value kit tailored to the machinery you have. Many of our customers are surprised when we recommend against buying a more expensive brand. Again, our philosophy is to build customers for life. Give us a call and let us save you money!

Shipping. Most orders ship the same day, the next at the latest. We do not 'drop' ship, we have our own massive warehouse of inventory right here on site. We use UPS, you'll get a tracking number emailed to you immediately, and we cover all shipping insurance automatically.

The Company. DRO PROS is a veteran owned, American company. We enjoy selling quality products at competitive prices. We believe that  providing the best customer service is the key to success. No other company spends more time on the phone with customers than we do. Even in a down economy, our company continues to thrive and grow. We look forward to earning your business!

The Bottom Line. Our line of digital readout's are simply the most user friendly readouts on the planet. Because of our direct marketing structure, they're also extremely affordable. Coupled with our extensive customer service and affordable parts, our Digital Readout products are simply the best value on the planet.

Shipping:

Domestic Shipping to the United States: All digital readout shipping is done via UPS for a flat rate of $43. You'll get a tracking number emailed direct to you from UPS, enabling you to track your shipment door to door! We cover insurance against any potential shipping damages, so no hidden fees here!

International Shipping to Canada: All of our DRO shipping is done via UPS. We charge a flat fee of $80.

International Shipping elsewhere: All of our DRO shipping is done via the United States Postal Service via a flat rate of $140.

Industry Leading Unlimited Lifetime Warranty Electronica magnetic kits = Unlimited Lifetime Warranty DRO PROS brand warranty claims are handled directly by DRO PROS. No run-arounds, no hassle!

At DRO PROS, we take care of our customers. Have an issue or need some help? Let us take care of it with a toll-free call to California!

Call us now at 1-707-452-8434