• TouchDRO TDA-410 wireless DRO adapter for metal lathes, shown with an Android tablet displaying the 2-axis position and RPM readout
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DRO for Metal Lathes
4 Axis with RPM Input

A 4-axis DRO interface box with RPM input for connecting modern and legacy glass or magnetic scales to the TouchDRO app on an Android tablet. Designed for manual metal lathes with carriage, cross-slide, tailstock or compound readout, and spindle RPM.
$259.00 USD
$259.00 USD
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  • Ships in 3-5 business days
  • Free shipping on orders over $200
  • 5-year warranty
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The TouchDRO TDA-410 is a wireless scale interface box optimized for metal lathes. It connects most modern and many legacy DRO scales (glass, magnetic, and common tailstock quill scales) to the TouchDRO app on an Android tablet. It reads the scales continuously and tracks position internally, so your readings stay accurate even when the tablet is disconnected, asleep, or you switch it to another machine. The TouchDRO app on the tablet handles position display, real-time surface speed, tool offsets, and layout view.

Key Features

  • Works with the scales you already have — supports most modern and many legacy glass, magnetic, and capacitive scales, either directly or with adapter cables and converters we offer. Check the compatibility table below.
  • Mix scale types across axes — for example, use a full size glass on the carriage, miniature magnetic scale on the cross-slide, and a capacitive quill scale on the tailstock.
  • Layout view — see your tool position over a top-down view of the workpiece. Use an exported CAD drawing or a photo overlay and turn complex profiles by tracking the cutter position on screen.
  • Switch between jobs without losing your setup — store unlimited datums and tool offsets, grouped into named workspaces for each part or fixture
  • Set up jobs offline — prepare datums, offsets and layout points on a computer, import to the tablet, save shop time

    See the complete TouchDRO feature list →.

What's Included

In the box

  • TouchDRO TDA-410 adapter
  • USB-A to USB-C power cable
  • Mini-DIN 4 mating connector for the tachometer input
  • Stylus
  • Quick start card

You'll also need

  • A set of compatible DRO scales — see the compatibility table below, or our recommended scales
  • An Android tablet — see our recommended tablets
  • A tablet mount
  • A 5V USB power supply (powers both the adapter and the tablet through a USB hub or splitter)

Compatible Scales

If you already have DRO scales on your lathe, the table below shows which ones plug in directly, which need an adapter, and what TouchDRO pinout to choose. Otherwise, see our recommended scales to choose a set for your machine.

DRO Scales

Scale TouchDRO Pinout Additional Adapter
Sino, Ditron, Aikron, Easson, Vevor, M-DRO Default (Ditron, Sino, Aikron) Not needed
ToAuto, Jing Generic (ToAuto) Not needed
Electronica/EMS, PM MagXact Electronica/EMS Not needed
Acu-Rite
SENC 50, SENC 150, SENC 250, ENC 150 (9-pin D-sub) Acu-Rite Not needed
100/200-series Mini-Scale (6-pin Bendix twist-lock) Default (Ditron, Sino, Aikron) 6-pin Bendix → DB-9 cable
NewAll
Spherosyn & Microsyn TTL models (MHG-TT, DSG-TT, DMG-TT, MAG-TS, etc.) Acu-Rite Not needed
Anilam
6-pin twist-lock (Wizard, Mini Wizard, Super Wizard, Spirit) Default (Ditron, Sino, Aikron) 6-pin Bendix → DB-9 cable
9-pin D-sub (post-Heidenhain rebrand) Default (Ditron, Sino, Aikron) Not needed
Sargon Default (Ditron, Sino, Aikron) DB-25 → DB-9

Capacitive Scales and Digital Tools

Scale TouchDRO Pinout Additional Adapter
Mitutoyo DigiMatic Default (Ditron, Sino, Aikron) Mitutoyo SPC converter (SIC-5V-MIT-A)
iGaging Absolute DRO Plus, EZ-View DRO Plus Default (Ditron, Sino, Aikron) iGaging converter (SIC-3V3-IG-A)

If your scales aren't on the list, or you don't know the brand or pinout, see how to identify an unknown scale for help figuring out what you have. For tested brands and full compatibility detail, see the full compatibility list. Or send a photo of the connector and label to info@touchdro.com, and we will do our best to help you identify them.

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:

Pinout 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Default (Ditron, Sino, Aikron)A'0VB'ShieldR'/Z'A+5VBR/Z
Electronica/EMS+ZZ'Vcc/5VShield0V/GndAA'B'B
Acu-Rite AA'BB'0V/GndVcc/5VRR'
Generic (ToAuto)5V0VAB     

If you intend to use a mix of the above pinouts, you can purchase one of the pin mapping boards and change the pinout yourself.

Specifications

  • 4 Quadrature A/B scale inputs with a reference signal (5V TTL, RS-422, NPN, PNP, or Push-Pull quadrature)
  • Supports Mitutoyo SPC, iGaging EZ-View, and BIN6 serial scales (input converter required, sold separately)
  • 1 spindle RPM input
  • Bluetooth 4.2 (Classic) or USB
  • 5V USB-C power, 1A supply recommended
  • Field-changeable scale pinout via plug-in board (sold separately)

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Can I use this adapter for a milling machine?

Yes, you can. The TDA-420 (milling machine adapter) adds one extra input for a touch probe or tool height setter. If you don't need that, the TDA-410 will work fine on a mill. Both adapters support the same scale types, RPM input, and axis summing.

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?

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.

What's the difference between the DIY kit and a pre-assembled TDA adapter?

The kit and the TDA-4xx share the same 32-bit architecture, scale protocol support, tachometer input, and TouchDRO Plus features. The pre-assembled adapters add touch probe input (TDA-420), reference mark support, power-loss position backup, 5-year warranty, and full technical support. If you enjoy hands-on electronics work, the kit gets you there for less. If you'd rather skip the soldering, see DRO for Milling Machines or DRO for Metal Lathes.

What's the difference between TouchDRO Plus and TouchDRO Community?

TouchDRO Plus is included with current-generation TouchDRO hardware (including TDK-40 kits and modules) and adds workflow tools like file import/export, image overlays, and automation features. TouchDRO Community is for legacy and fully DIY/third-party builds—it includes the essential DRO workflow but not the advanced Plus tools. See Plus features.