Evolution in Motion​​


Integrating STM32F4 microcontrollers, Python-based application Kivy, and the 3D hardware acceleration capabilities of Raspberry Pi, DR.DRO, our  Rotary Controller DigitalReadOut sets a new standard for machine tool control in both usability and performance.


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 More than a DRO

DR.DRO is our take on Digital ReadOuts for your manual machine tools, and it's much more than that: DR.DRO is also a rotary table controller, feeds and speeds controller, an electronic lead screw and can evolve further.

An embedded controller is in charge of reading your digital scales and encoders incoming signals. The same device, with high speed and accuracy, is also capable of controlling a servo motor or stepper controller for simple operations.


Things such as direct indexing, or fixed speed feeding/rotation, are easily done with DR.DRO, giving you the advantage of computer-controlled motion to reduce human error and speed operations up. Gear hobbing or single point threading are just some examples of what can be performed with DR DRO. And thanks to a simple and responsive interface it's easy to set up your tool and get it ready to perform.


These features make DR.DRO capable of several machining tasks, extending the capabilities of manual machine tools far beyond what initially intended.


Assisted threading ​

Now convenient and powerful on a lathe.


By graphically setting markers on DR.DRO it's possible to accurately configure threading up to a shoulder; DR.DRO will keep your threading position in sync by tracking both z axis coordinates and spindle position, so that engaging/disengaging your lathe's half nut will not result in a compromised thread. 

Assisted threading can also be configured to work in a semi-automated cycle, ensuring that proper depth for each pass is defined before starting the automated feeding. Cutter angle compensation can also be accounted for by entering the desired thread angle, so that cutter engagement while treading is performed on only one side of the cutter; all of this without having to use the lathe's compound slide. 

This is especially useful when a fixed tool post has been installed on the lathe.

Taper cutting​

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When the lathe is equipped with cross slide power feed it's also possible by manually feeding the lathe saddle: DR.DRO will control the cross feed, tracking the saddle position as the operator moves it. The simple parameters configuration will allow you to machine accurate tapers without having to set the compound slide to a precise angle.

Furthermore, for lathes not equipped with a taper attachment, there is no limitation on taper length as the entire distance between centers is available for the taper cutting operation.

In the spirit of transparency and knowledge sharing, the whole project is publicly available on Github, currently not as well documented as we'd like; but it will be, rest assured!

Review from Rotary SMP

Checkout this awesome review that Mark from RotarySMP created about our DR.DRO!

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Hackaday article

Clear and concise highlights!

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