Backlit displays for measuring tools. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Dane Bear
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 04:12:22 am
content: I am a Tool and Die maker, and I use alot of digital measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and protractors, many of wich are very hard to see the display in a dark environment or while inside a machine. To my knowledge no manufacturer of precision measuring tools makes a backlit display. I do not know what all is on the market that would fit these tools, but I do know it can't suck alot of juice because the largest batteries we use are a CR2032 and LR44.Any suggestions??Dane Bear

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 05:41:18 am
content: Clip-on light for your glasses?

author: justanothercanuck
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 06:04:12 am
content: Trying to apply a light to a non-backlit screen can be a hassle. Sometimes shining a light at the screen will blur out the image. I saw that a lot on gameboys until they finally started putting proper screens in their stuff. You could always change the screen and battery out, but that's not for everybody. Another idea I can think of would be using a LED and some sort of diffuser to spread the light around, if you can sneak them into the tool. YMMV with those though, because if you go too bright, it blurs out the screen and wastes battery power, not dark enough and its just a waste of battery power. I know that's not helpful, sorry.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2012, 03:40:34 pm
content: Hello fellow tool & die manAll of the lcd's that I am familiar with in measuring tools are custom units that are not going to have a backlit version available. I use the Mitutoyo absolute caliper internal components in some of the equipment that I make and there is not much space in there to add anything.

author: Dane Bear
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2013, 01:21:29 am
content: Hi, Roben!I use mostly Starrett which is just almost the same thing as Mitutoyo, and I see what you are saying about the custom screens. Its really tight with SPC output. (By the way, I HATE SPC) Maybe someday engineers will get out of their well lit offices and step into the yellow machine shop lights someday...

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2013, 01:27:38 am
content: Quote from: Dane Bear on January 03, 2013, 01:21:29 amPerhaps you machinists will put some decent lights up someday.

author: Dane Bear
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2013, 01:34:48 am
content: It already costs me $20,000 a month USD for electricity.

author: nukie
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2013, 03:42:12 am
content: If Casio G shocks can manage to cramp backlit in to a watch then I see no reason why a digital calipers not. Heck there's even solar powered calipers. It would be a useful feature.

author: Dane Bear
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2013, 02:04:20 am
content: I agree Nukie.

author: NiHaoMike
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 04, 2013, 05:40:15 am
content: What about "glow in the dark" paint applied to the back of the LCD after removing the reflective backing? Then it's just a matter of flashing it with a flashlight just before taking the measurement.