A simple, affordable, yet powerful and flexible software DRO kit with a hardware interface. The basic YADRO consists of a bare printed circuit board and a software license. Build the small circuit board and attach it to an old, recycled, laptop PC. The software has plenty of functionality built in but it can easily be user-modified. YADRO works with inexpensive Chinese linear digital scales - available separately or in kits to fit your machine.

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Overview

YADRO, an acronym for Yet Another DRO, is much more than just another DRO.  As the saying goes, it is "greater than the sum of its parts".

YADRO represents a new approach to machine tool position read-outs.  It is an Axis Measurement Engine which uses the power of a PC.  Its underlying design is very flexible - users can easily adapt YADRO to various machines, as needed.  Yet, despite all its power, YADRO won't intimidate a beginner.  The power is there to harness, if you wish, or you can simply use its included functions - right out of the box.

The basic YADRO system consists of a small hardware translator board, mounted on the machine, and a small software program - which can run on an older reclaimed PC.  The YADRO translator takes the signal outputs from up to 4 linear digital scales and combines them into a single data stream which is fed to the PC's serial port.  The YADRO software then separates the combined data, performs any needed calculations, displays the results onscreen, and accepts user commands - such as zeroing specific axes, changing units of measure, and much more.

YADRO's simple display screen hides the power within.  If you are interested in adapting it to another machine - for which functions are not included - you are free to program new features via the Macro Scripting Engine.  These macros are similar to macros in spreadsheets and word processors - and they are just as easy to use.  Libraries of macros can be built and stored in YADRO's configuration files.

Upon start-up, the macros are automatically loaded into memory where they can be selected, by a single keystroke, from a drop-down menu.  YADRO already includes a large number of macros for such operations as bolt circles or step drilling and it can even assist in making cam profiles.  If you have a process which is not included, you can add it yourself or request it to be included in a future update.

All axes can be displayed in the conventional manner, such as XYZ, but they may also be assigned user supplied descriptive names.  This is a great help to beginners who are using YADRO on more than one type of machine.  Industry XYZ conventions are not usually intuitive to a novice when moving from a mill to a lathe.  Being able to name the axes, with whatever names make sense, helps reduce frustration and ruined parts.

YADRO also contains a convenient Math Calculator which can evaluate expressions typed in at the keyboard.  Entered formulas can also operate on the values displayed in the various axes.

For more detailed technical information on how YADRO works, click [here] to visit the YADRO website.

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Features

			Inexpensive		uses DIY circuit board; old notebook PC; Chinese digital scales
			Easy Assembly		only simple hand tools needed; no surface mount devices
			Flexible		adapts to any type of machine (up to 4 axes); assign any scale to any axis
			Smart		user programmable via Macro Scripting Engine
			Powerful		modular design; power of PC for math & data; remote microcontroller interface
			Simple Operation		assign commands to single keystrokes; drop down Macro menu
			Math Calculator		user entered formulas via keyboard; formulas work with axis values
			Built-In Operations		circle pattern; step drilling; sequencing (stop to drill); and more
			Definable Tools		multiple tool geometries supported; compensation for radius, height, etc.
			User Defined Axis Names		plain text names to help beginners
			Large Display Numbers		easy to read from a distance
			2 Scale Protocols		supports common 24 Bit data and less common '7BCD' scales (glass scales not supported)
			Scale Debugging		built in auto-detection; find scale problems quickly and easily
			Scale Power		built in isolated supply for scales; no batteries needed; helps eliminate 'ground faults' between PC and scales
			Minimal Requirements		PC can be older/slower model, with one floppy drive (minimum 386 @ 75MHz, 1MB RAM, DOS 6.22, serial port)

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DID YOU KNOW?

We sell scales too - be sure to check out our [Scales & EZ-Fit Kits]

Buy It

Anxious to buy?  Can't wait for our on-line shopping cart?  No Problem!  [more]

Prices are in Canadian Dollars and are subject to change without notice. (Taxes not included.)

A NOTE ABOUT "WHERE TO BUY":  HobbyMetrix is the authorized distributor for YADRO throughout Canada and the United States.  If you live elsewhere in the world and are looking for a source of YADRO, it is available in Australia and New Zealand through RA Bell Instruments Ltd (click [here] to visit the website), and is available in Europe and the rest of the world through L.S. Caine Electronic Services (click [here] to visit the website).

BUNDLES   &   PCB

YADRO - Complete Bundle Y-B4 YADRO - Stage 4 Bundle NEW! - Everything you need to assemble a fully working YADRO system! Printed Circuit Board (see item [Y-PCB], below, for details) Electronic components (not mounted) required to populate the YADRO circuit board Wall Transformer (115 VAC Input / 9-12 VAC or VDC Output) Internal connectors/cables for all 4 scale channels, power supply, and COM port - Pre-Assembled  [click to view] CD with software and instructions Printed YADRO orientation sheet with assembly notes Plastic case (includes rubber feet, and double-sided tape) Self-adhesive, removable construction/machining template Pre-printed, self-adhesive, full-colour "dress label" Detailed machining/assembly guide for case (clear step-by-step, with colour photos) Miscellaneous mounting hardware (for circuit board and DB-9 connector) ATMEL MCU is Pre-Programmed Click [here] for a detailed parts maxtrix (comparison chart). Nearly all components are RoHS compliant. [FAQ] $189.95 CDN  Delivery: Stock to 10 Days

YADRO - Advanced Bundle Y-B3 YADRO - Stage 3 Bundle Printed Circuit Board (see item [Y-PCB], below, for details) Electronic components (not mounted) required to populate the YADRO circuit board Wall Transformer (115 VAC Input / 9-12 VAC or VDC Output) Internal connectors/cables for 3 scale channels, power supply, and COM port - Pre-Assembled  [click to view] Optional connector/cable for 4th scale channel available upon request (additional charge applies) CD with software and instructions Printed YADRO orientation sheet with assembly notes Does not include a case ATMEL MCU is Pre-Programmed Click [here] for a detailed parts maxtrix (comparison chart). Nearly all components are RoHS compliant. [FAQ] $152.95 CDN  Delivery: Stock to 10 Days

YADRO - Intermediate Bundle Y-B2 YADRO - Stage 2 Bundle Printed Circuit Board (see item [Y-PCB], below, for details) Electronic components (not mounted) required to populate the YADRO circuit board CD with software and instructions Printed YADRO orientation sheet with assembly notes Does not include any cables or a case ATMEL MCU is Pre-Programmed Click [here] for a detailed parts matrix (comparison chart). Nearly all components are RoHS compliant. [FAQ] $98.95 CDN  Delivery: Stock to 10 Days

YADRO - Basic Bundle Y-B1 YADRO - Stage 1 Bundle Printed Circuit Board (see item [Y-PCB], below, for details) Only ATMEL MCU, DC-to-DC Converter, and Crystal included (not mounted) Does not include any other components, parts, connectors, cables, case, or companion CD ATMEL MCU is Pre-Programmed Click [here] for a detailed parts matrix (comparison chart). All components are RoHS compliant. [FAQ] $66.95 CDN  Delivery: Stock to 10 Days

YADRO - Bare Circuit Board Y-PCB YADRO - Unpopulated PCB Dual-Layer Circuit Board with Silk Screen Legend No Surface Mount Devices Required Includes Software License Circuit Board only - no other items included Circuit board is RoHS compliant. [FAQ] $44.95 CDN Delivery: Stock to 10 Days [ top of Buy It ] [ top ]