On Feb 19, 2024, at 11:41 AM, Peter Way <poogleway@...> wrote:

[Edited Message Follows]

I have a Littlemachines lathe with really awful DROs.? ?They use V389 batteries that last about a minute.? ?I have the following questions:

Is there any way of locking them? I have dicovered that my cheap HF digital calipers last a LOT longer on batteries if I carefully tighten the lock screw down after shutting them off. But they’re pretty much sitting on my desk in a pencil holder all the time or in a drawer on my bench, since I discovered that putting them back in the case turned them on constantly.

--?

Bruce Johnson

"Wherever you go, there you are." B. Banzai, PhD

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??? They don't turn odd when ya hit he switch , they just go to sleep . getting a switch between the batteries & the caliper someway will way improve battery life .

animal

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On Feb 19, 2024, at 11:41 AM, Peter Way <poogleway@...> wrote:

?

[Edited Message Follows]

I have a Littlemachines lathe with really awful DROs.? ?They use V389 batteries that last about a minute.? ?I have the following questions:

?

?

Is there any way of locking them? I have dicovered that my cheap HF digital calipers last a LOT longer on batteries if I carefully tighten the lock screw down after shutting them off. But they’re pretty much sitting on my desk in a pencil holder all the time or in a drawer on my bench, since I discovered that putting them back in the case turned them on constantly.

?

?

--?

Bruce Johnson

?

"Wherever you go, there you are." B. Banzai, PhD

?

Yup, they just turn the display off which saves bugger all power. There are some versions of these callipers that DO have very good battery life (like 3-4 years) but good luck finding them.


I’ve never tried a pair, but there are solar powered versions: that aren’t too spendy. Those are steel, you can get the plastic ones as well (I use those near electronics). Mitutoyo make them as well if you do want to spend more, theirs are even dual power battery/solar.


Tony



From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of mike allen
Sent: Tuesday, 20 February 2024 7:39 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [7x12MiniLathe] LittleMachines DROs and dials


They don't turn odd when ya hit he switch , they just go to sleep . getting a switch between the batteries & the caliper someway will way improve battery life .

animal

On 2/19/24 11:08 AM, Bruce J wrote:






On Feb 19, 2024, at 11:41 AM, Peter Way <poogleway@... <mailto:poogleway@...> > wrote:


[Edited Message Follows]

I have a Littlemachines lathe with really awful DROs. They use V389 batteries that last about a minute. I have the following questions:



Is there any way of locking them? I have dicovered that my cheap HF digital calipers last a LOT longer on batteries if I carefully tighten the lock screw down after shutting them off. But they’re pretty much sitting on my desk in a pencil holder all the time or in a drawer on my bench, since I discovered that putting them back in the case turned them on constantly.

On Feb 19, 2024, at 10:40?AM, Peter Way <poogleway@...> wrote:

I have a Littlemachines lathe with really awful DROs.? ?They use V389 batteries that last about a minute.? ?I have the following questions:

1. I'm working on a 3D printed battery holder that allows a AAA battery instead.? Is anyone else interested in these?

2. As I researched this, I realized that some of you have found linear DROs that may even be better to position the carriage and cross slide.
Can you recommend the best option?? It looks like magnetic ones are good for this application, and some cheap Chinese ones are really capacitive, and not as good.??

3. Have any of you converted from DROs to old fashioned dial handles?? That would be nice in addition, since those don't require any batteries, etc.? I kick myself every time I think about buying the DRO version.

Ralph Lehotsky 11:22am? ?

DROs on dials don't take out backlash. If you are thinking about DROs, attach them to fixed surfaces in order to get true readings.

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Ralphie