It seems there's a new version of the Touch DRO App: https://www.touchdro.com/touchdro-plus.html (https://www.touchdro.com/touchdro-plus.html)
If I'm reading it correctly, the Plus version includes the ability to import CAD files/drawings, something I've been waiting for.
On the downside, it's only available if you purchase one of the new controllers: https://store.touchdro.com/ (https://store.touchdro.com/)
Still, not a horrible price IMHO for the ability to draw up designs and then import it to your DRO and will auto generate reference zeros, auto tool offset, and others.
Quick correction.
In reading more about the Touch DRO Plus enabled controllers, it states:
"RS-422 and TTL DRO scales and tachometer input for glass & magnetic scales"
On another page under "Compatible Scales" it states "The adapters support DRO scales and rotary encoders that output 5V quadrature signal."
I don't know if other scale types like capacitive and inductive output a RS-422 and TTL signal. Another question I have is regardless of what voltage a particular scale type uses, I know the output signal of an Arduino is 5V so I wonder if using an Arduino to output scale signals would allow using them with the new "Plus" enabled controller.
I'll keep digging and keep everyone updated.
While I haven't heard back from Yuriy yet, a friend of mine ensured me that it would be fairly easy to either boost a scale output signal voltage to the required 5V or, if necessary, use something like an Arduino Nano to convert the output signal to a TTL or RS-422 type signal that the new controllers would accept.
So it would be an option to use capacitive scales to input to the Plus controllers.
I pulled the trigger and ordered a Touch DRO Plus coded controller
in kit form.
Two reasons that pushed me over the edge,
- Like stated in the Yuriy's Toys thread, I've wanted the "Reference Image Overlay Function" ever since Yuriy posted about trying to incorporate the function into the App.
- While talking to my friend Brian about the new Plus features, he mentioned one of the short-falls of Touch DRO he'd experienced, that being he couldn't find a way to transfer projects from one device to another. When he'd upgraded tablets, he'd lose all his saved projects, way points, etc.
With the ability to import pictures and CAD files into the GUI of the App, now it should be possible to save and transfer them from one device to another and easily shared with anyone else with Touch DRO Plus.
On EDIT:
Struck out "in kit form" since kit version does
NOT include the PLUS feature
My bad.
After placing my order, I got an email from Yuriy that the kit version doesn't include the Plus option, only the pre-assembled TDA-400/420 adapters do.
I'm glad I'd contacted him asking questions so he noticed it and contacted me. Asked him to cancel the order so I can redo it.
If anyone else made the same mistake I did, I do see Yuriy has a return policy (https://store.touchdro.com/policies/refund-policy (https://store.touchdro.com/policies/refund-policy)) allowing you to get your money back, less restock fee, or exchange for higher value item (waives restock fee).
A bit more info and a heads-up.
The Touch DRO Plus feature is currently set up to only use 2D CAD drawings. Guess I'll have to figure out if 2D CAD images can be made from a 3D CAD drawing unless someone here knows.
Another feature is the ability to use you phone/tablet camera to take a picture of a part and import the image.
From the webpage:
Alternatively, you can take a photo of an existing part using the built-in camera. TouchDRO will ask you to locate four known coordinates in the photo. Based on the four coordinates, the application will correct any linear distortions in the photo and anchor it to the machine's coordinate system.
Now the heads-up.
If anyone orders, be sure to pay attention to the "Pin-out Options" located here: https://store.touchdro.com/products/adapter-for-glass-and-magnetic-scales (https://store.touchdro.com/products/adapter-for-glass-and-magnetic-scales) with particular attention to the notes below the chart:
If you intend to use a mix of the above pin-outs, choose the "Mixed". Please use the "Order Instructions" field in the shopping cart to tell us the pin-out options for each axis.
Note that TTL scales can be used with RS-422 inputs. In such case, the complementary lines will be left unconnected.
Quote from: Piggiron on Jun 05, 2024, 10:34 AMThe Touch DRO Plus feature is currently set up to only use 2D CAD drawings. Guess I'll have to figure out if 2D CAD images can be made from a 3D CAD drawing unless someone here knows.
It seems it's possible to convert a 3D CAD file into a 2D in various CAD programs like AutoCAD and FreeCAD. Yhe listed link is for how to do it using FreeCAD.
https://wiki.freecad.org/Manual:Generating_2D_drawings (https://wiki.freecad.org/Manual:Generating_2D_drawings)
My new Touch DRO Plus controller showed up in the mailbox today. Can't wait to start playing with it.
Sorry about the 10 little piggies in some of the pic's. :smiley_lolonground:
Can't wait to follow along! :D