My PM1236 with factory installed DRO is supplied via the lathe electrical panel. Therefore, every time I kill the power to the lathe, the DRO also is powered down. Wouldn't it be preferable to just plug the DRO directly into the wall outlet so that when I power the lathe down (e.g. for a tooling change), the DRO isn't cycling on/off so many times? Thanks for the feedback!
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DRO Power Source (Machine vs. direct plug)
- Thread starter TX COWDOC
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 27, 2012
- Messages
- 7,912
I wired my DRO to the lathe's power (not a preinstalled DRO from QMT) for exactly that reason. So the DRO powers off when I power off the lathe & no need to power on/off the DRO seperately. Same for my mill.
Sounds like I'm missing something? My lathe (same lathe as yours) doesn't power off unless I cut power to the lathe. Turning off the spindle does not cut power to the lathe (so the DRO is still on). I don't completely power off the lathe when making tool changes, measuring the workpiece, etc. Not even when I change chucks, I'll engage the e-stop button if the lathe has power to it.
Sounds like I'm missing something? My lathe (same lathe as yours) doesn't power off unless I cut power to the lathe. Turning off the spindle does not cut power to the lathe (so the DRO is still on). I don't completely power off the lathe when making tool changes, measuring the workpiece, etc. Not even when I change chucks, I'll engage the e-stop button if the lathe has power to it.
I installed a motor switch on the wall which services the 20A 240V plug the lathe is connected to. I flip this switch / kill the power to the lathe when I change chucks; or leave the shop unattended. I guess I'm just paranoid. I thought about plugging the DRO into the wall to keep it from powering on/off so much. I gather that most just leave the lathe powered up while making tooling / workpiece changes.
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2014
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I have both my DRO's hardwired into my machines, I do not power down my machines until I am done working for the day. If one is concerned when changing chucks, etc. then just push the E-Stop button. I do not think a DRO's cares if it is powered on and off several times a day, but in general I prefer to leave things powered up while working unless I was worried about someone else playing with the machines. In my household, I only have 1 wife, 2 small dogs and a cat, and the cat is the one that gets into everything. Only allowed to have 1 wife, so I am told/directed.
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- Apr 30, 2015
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- 12,157
Sounds like the factory DRO install leaves something to be desired, power-wise. I would change it to stay on when the spindle is powered down
-Mark
-Mark
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2014
- Messages
- 3,591
I run mine through a surge protector. Personally I would not want the power coming from the panel on a piece of equipment.
Considering how 'fragile' these head units appear, I treat as I would a computer or how the controller on a CNC machine is wired.
Considering how 'fragile' these head units appear, I treat as I would a computer or how the controller on a CNC machine is wired.
- Joined
- Dec 21, 2018
- Messages
- 2,140
Mine came wired to the machine and is on any time the main switch is on. I just push the E-stop when changing chucks. Doesn't affect the DRO. The one on my mill is plugged into a surge strip along with a light. PM1440HD