TouchDRO Compatibility by Signal Family
This page organizes scale compatibility by the electrical signal type rather than manufacturer or physical construction. Understanding your scale's signal family is the key to TouchDRO compatibility.
Incremental Quadrature (TTL/RS422)
✅ Compatibility: Excellent
Supported by: All TouchDRO adapters
Signal Characteristics
- Digital A and B phase signals, 90° out of phase
- Optional index/reference pulse (Z)
- TTL (0-5V) or RS422 differential levels
- Most common DRO scale signal type
Compatible Scales
- Chinese glass scales: 99% use this signal type
- Heidenhain incremental: LS, LB series
- Mitutoyo AT2xx: AT200, AT215, etc.
- Magnetic scales: Most Newall, Fagor, Magnescale
- Rotary encoders: Standard incremental types
TouchDRO Support
- TDA-4xx series: ✅ Full support, auto-detection
- DIY glass scale kits: ✅ Primary supported signal type
- DIY adapters: ✅ Standard configuration
Setup Requirements
- Minimal configuration needed
- Set resolution (counts per unit)
- Configure direction if needed
Sin/Cos Analog
⚠️ Compatibility: TDA-4xx Only
Supported by: TDA-4xx series with appropriate firmware
Signal Characteristics
- Analog sine and cosine signals, 90° out of phase
- Typically ±1V differential signals
- Can be interpolated for very high resolution
- Found on premium scales
Compatible Scales
- Heidenhain analog: LIF, LIP, LIC series
- Mitutoyo AT1xx: AT100, AT115, etc.
- Renishaw TONiC: Analog output models
- High-end Magnescale: Analog output scales
- Newall Spherosyn: Analog scales
TouchDRO Support
- TDA-4xx series: ✅ Supported with sin/cos firmware
- DIY adapters: ❌ Not supported (lack analog processing)
- Glass scale kits: ❌ Not supported
Setup Requirements
- Requires sin/cos capable firmware
- Configure interpolation factor
- May need signal conditioning
- Calibration for optimal performance
SPC/Digimatic Serial
✅ Compatibility: Good to Excellent
Supported by: TDA-4xx (all protocols), DIY adapters (limited protocols)
Signal Characteristics
- Serial digital data transmission
- Absolute position (no homing required)
- Lower update rates (2-10 Hz typical)
- Multiple protocol variants
Compatible Devices
- Mitutoyo Digimatic: Calipers, height gauges, indicators
- iGaging scales: 21-bit and 24-bit protocols
- Shahe scales: 24-bit protocol
- Chinese SPC scales: Various protocols
TouchDRO Support by Protocol
- Mitutoyo Digimatic: ✅ TDA-4xx only
- iGaging protocol: ✅ TDA-4xx and DIY adapters
- Shahe protocol: ✅ TDA-4xx and DIY adapters
- Generic SPC: ⚠️ Varies by specific protocol
Setup Requirements
- Select correct protocol in firmware
- Configure voltage levels (1.5V, 3.3V, or 5V)
- Set update rate expectations
Proprietary Digital Protocols
❌ Compatibility: Limited to None
Supported by: Very limited support, varies by protocol
Signal Characteristics
- Manufacturer-specific digital protocols
- Often bidirectional communication
- High-speed serial data
- Advanced features (diagnostics, error correction)
Examples
- Mitutoyo AT7xx: Proprietary serial protocol
- Heidenhain EnDat: Bidirectional digital interface
- Renishaw BiSS: Bidirectional Serial Synchronous
- Magnescale proprietary: Various custom protocols
TouchDRO Support
- TDA-4xx series: ⚠️ Very limited, check latest firmware
- DIY adapters: ❌ Not supported
- Future support: May be added for popular protocols
Alternatives
- Use manufacturer's own DRO systems
- Look for quadrature output options on same scale
- Consider protocol converter modules
- Replace with compatible scales
Choosing the Right TouchDRO Adapter
TDA-4xx Series (Professional)
Best for: Maximum compatibility, professional applications
- ✅ All quadrature signals (TTL and RS422)
- ✅ Sin/cos analog signals
- ✅ All SPC/Digimatic protocols
- ⚠️ Limited proprietary protocol support
- Auto-detection and configuration
DIY Glass Scale Adapters
Best for: Chinese glass scales, budget builds
- ✅ TTL quadrature signals only
- ❌ No analog signal support
- ❌ No SPC protocol support
- Simple, cost-effective solution
DIY iGaging/Shahe Adapters
Best for: Digital calipers and SPC scales
- ❌ No quadrature signal support
- ❌ No analog signal support
- ✅ iGaging and Shahe protocols only
- Specialized for SPC applications
Signal Identification Tips
Quadrature Signals
- Look for A, B, and optional Z signal labels
- 9-pin connectors are usually quadrature
- Signals change as you move the scale
- A and B should be 90° out of phase
Analog Signals
- Look for SIN, COS signal labels
- 15-pin connectors often indicate analog
- Smooth analog waveforms when moving
- May have temperature compensation pins
Serial Protocols
- Look for CLK, DATA signal labels
- 4-pin connectors often indicate SPC
- Digital data packets when moving
- May have enable or request signals