Quoting ivp <joecolquitt@clear.net.nz>:

>> The scales apparently put out serial info as to their position
>
> Absolute position is what's needed, more so than just the number
> of transitions between fixed points. Unless the pointer is moved
> to a home position (like a HDD) then a simple pulse system won't
> be dependable
>
> wbr
> --


I'm pretty sure that it's absolute.  When I switch off/on a digital  
caliper, IIRC it comes back on with the last position.  I am not in  
the U.S. currently, so can't check.  FWIW, these scales are hacked  
digital calipers (the cheap chinese ones).  Someone figured out the  
output stream some years ago, and now these off-the-shelf DRO's use  
modified versions of those calipers as the scales.

I kinda like the IR distance-measuring solution someone else posted,  
but then why not just put some "special" paint/tape (like reflective  
perhaps) in an inconspicuous area and have a camera use edge-detection  
to find the position?  ...Rube Goldberg?

Cheers,
-Neil.



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