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DRO for Metal Lathes
4 Axis with RPM Input

DRO for Metal Lathes
4 Axis with RPM Input

The Wireless DRO adapter provides a way to connect the TouchDRO application to optical or magnetic scales, along with select capacitive scales, calipers or micrometers. It is ideal for metal lathes with scales on the carriage, cross slide, tailstock, spindle angle encoder, and RPM sensor.

$259.00 USD
$259.00 USD
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  • In stock. Ships in 2-5 business days
  • Free domestic shipping on orders over $200
  • 5 year warranty
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Unlock the true potential of your manual metal lathe with the TouchDRO 4-Axis wireless digital readout. TouchDRO's innovative features and powerful functionality are designed by machinists for machinists to streamline common turning tasks, improve accuracy, and expand the capabilities of manual metal lathes. Whether you're a beginner, seasoned hobbyist, or a professional machinist, TouchDRO will adapt to your needs and will help you focus on machining without getting in your way.

What is This?

TouchDRO 4-Axis wireless DRO adapter for metal lathes allows connecting a wide variety of scales and encoders to an Android tablet running the TouchDRO application. It supports the vast majority of modern optical and magnetic DRO scales or rotary encoders with 5V TTL or RS-422 output (single-ended and differential), as well as capacitive scales, calipers and micrometers that use Mitutoyo SPC or "Chinese" BIN6 protocol (input converters sold separately). 

To complete your TouchDRO setup you will need:

  • A set of compatible DRO scales (supported pinouts are listed further down)
  • An Android tablet that meets TouchDRO system requirements
  • A 5V USB power supply (for example, an old phone charger that provides at least 1A of current)

* Android tablet and DRO scales not included.

Why Choose TouchDRO?

  • For Beginners

    TouchDRO's simple and intuitive user interface will help you improve your accuracy, make fewer mistakes, and build confidence in your machining skills. It eliminates guesswork, allows you to focus on learning the craft, and helps to achieve professional results faster.

  • For Seasoned Hobbyists

    TouchDRO is packed with features that will significantly enhance your manual lathe's capabilities. The graphical projection view simplifies internal thread cutting, while the reference image overlay enables you to machine of complex parts that would typically require a CNC lathe.

  • For Professional Machinists

    TouchDRO's professional features will boost your efficiency and increase the throughput of your machines. The flexible tool offset memory speeds up tool changes, sub-datum import enables offline job setup while the machine runs, and reference drawing display minimizes errors.

Specifications

TouchDRO TDA-410 Plus is a four axis DRO scale interface adapter, ideal for manual lathes. It can be used with the majority of modern optical and magnetic DRO scales, and many common capacitive scales.

  • Up to four 5V TTL/RS-422 scale inputs and a RPM input (differential or single ended)
  • Compatible with DRO scales and rotary encoders with reference track support (NPN, PNP, and Push-Pull)
  • Support for Mitutoyo SPC and BIN6 data protocol (adapters sold separately)
  • Ability to combine any two inputs into a single output
  • Bluetooth and USB connectivity
  • Position retention during power loss
  • Access to TouchDRO Plus application
  • Support for over-the-air firmware update

Please refer to the TDA-4xx User Manual and Adapter Feature Comparison for more details.

Supported DRO Scales

The adapters support DRO scales and rotary encoders that output 5V quadrature signal. This includes:

  • Majority of modern optical, magnetic, and inductive scales. Learn more
  • Mitutoyo DigiMatic scales with SPC output  - requires a SIC-5V-MIT-A input converter (sold separately)
  • iGaging Absolute DRO Plus scales  - requires a SIC-3V3-IG-A input converter (sold separately)

Pinout Options

TouchDRO TDA-410 scale inputs use female DB-9 (D-Sub 9) connectors. The adapter can be purchased with several different pinouts to suit some of the most common scale brands:

Brand 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Acu-Rite SENC Scales   A A' B B' OV/Gnd Vcc/5V R R'
Electronica/EMS, PM MagExact +Z Z' Vcc/5V Shield OV/Gnd A A' B' B
Ditron, Sino, Aikron, Easson, Vevor A' 0V B' Shield R'/Z' A +5V B R/Z
Generic Chinese Pinout (ToAuto, etc.)  5V 0V  A  B  


If you intend to use a mix of the above pinouts, choose the "Mixed". Please use the "Order Instructions" field in the shopping cart to tell us the pinout options for each axis. Alternatively, you can purchase one of the pin mapping boards and change the pinout yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have only 2 scales on my lathe. Can I still use this adapter?

Yes, TouchDRO will work perfectly with just two axes connected. You can always add more scales later if your needs change.

Can I use this adapter for a milling machine?

Yes, you can. The main difference between this adapter and the one for milling machines is the support for two additional inputs. If you don’t need a touch probe or a tachometer, this adapter will suit your needs.

My scales are not listed. Are they supported?

Please check the "Supported DRO Scales" page for detailed information on how to verify if your scales are compatible.

The pinout of my scales is not listed. Can I still use this TouchDRO adapter?

Yes, you can, but you will need to rewire the scales to match the adapter's requirements.

Can I change the pinout if I get different scales later?

Yes, the adapter's pinout can be changed using a small plug-in board, which can be purchased separately. Switching the pinout is quick and easy—it involves removing 6 screws, swapping the board, and installing a new one.

Will a wireless DRO be reliable in my shop?

Yes. TouchDRO uses Bluetooth 4.2, a highly reliable protocol with excellent range and robust error correction. Additionally, TouchDRO incorporates extra data integrity checks and anomaly detection to ensure smooth and accurate operation in your shop.

Isn't an Android tablet too brittle for a shop environment?

Not at all. Tablets are built to withstand years of daily use in various environments. High-quality tablets feature tempered glass and are well-protected against moisture and dirt. For extra peace of mind, you can add a rugged case and a screen protector.

Will leaving my tablet plugged in damage the battery?

No, it will not. Tablets have smart battery management systems that prevent unnecessary discharge cycles, and most models bypass the battery when plugged in, protecting it from damage.

Still have questions? Contact us