I'd seen a few set up like that and considered it at first. The reason I went with the rod was because it's a smaller form factor. I didn't want the larger beam part of the DRO obstructing my view. It would be nice to have the reader in the same spot, though.
I don't see any particular reason you couldn't do as you said. I have the Mitutoyo DRO on my PM1340 tailstock mounted as you describe. The challenge you will run into is alignment of the beam. If both the beam and display are anchored, the the beam has to be aligned to the dispaly at both ends of travel prior to locking the beam in position. My RF45 did not have a cavity in the head casting to accept the display unit, otherwise I would have attempted that version. Also, make sure you mount the display so that battery changes are easy.
Thank you both!
I will go for it. The battery will not be an issue with the DRO that I have (Shars, see pictures). The alignment is something I think I can do. I will post pictures when I am done.
Ariel