VRO™ Encoder Readout
The Velmex VRO™ Encoder Readout is a compact one or two axes digital readout for linear and rotary incremental encoders.
Velmex VRO™ Delivers Ultra-Precise Position Readouts
The Velmex VRO Digital Readout delivers precise position information generate by linear or rotary incremental encoders. This compact, microprocessor uses the latest OLED display and DSP micro-controller technology. While the VRO was designed for use with differential type encoders, it is fully compatible with single-ended encoders. It easily and accurately reads the position signals generated from the encoder connected to either a one or two axis motion control system.
The VRO’s advance technology delivers an exact, consistent performance and insures they are very efficient, reliable and easy to program. It’s LED display has high visibility, high resolution and low energy consumption.
It supports position readouts in Imperial or metric units, counts revolutions, and reports in degrees when used with a rotary encoder.
Features
Automatic back-up of current settings.
Sleep mode saves energy, extends life.
Internal self-diagnostics makes troubleshooting easy.
Compatible with all 5v incremental encoders.
Encoders interface with the VRO through Schmitt triggers and digital filtering with quadrature decoding returning instantaneous results at maximum resolution. The Velmex VRO Readout System can be used in conjunction with Velmex’s VXM™ Motor Controller and with both manually-operated or motorized UniSlides®, BiSlides® and XSlides™.
VRO™ Configurations

VRO-1
One Axis Encoder Readout – Reads and reports on an encoder connected to a single axis Velmex stage.

VRO-2
Two Axis Encoder Readout – Reads and reports on encoders connected to two different axis. Multiple VRO-2 can be used with multi-axis stages.

VRO-1B
One axis VRO-1 version with tilt base. Allows for easier reading.

VRO-2B
Two axis VRO-2 version with tilt base.
Also available:
VRO-1H – One axis VRO-1 version with T-slot hinge for mounting on BiSlide framing
VRO-2H – Two axis VRO-2 version with T-slot hinge for mounting on BiSlide framing
Specifications
| Width | Height | Depth | Weight | |||||
| Model | Inches | Metric | Inches | Metric | Inches | Metric | lbs. | grams |
| VRO-1 | 6.87" | 174.5 mm | 4.27" | 108.5mm | 1.89" | 48mm | 1.0 | 459 |
| VRO-2 | 6.87" | 174.5 mm | 4.27" | 108.5mm | 1.89" | 48mm | 1.06 | 481 |
| VRO-1B/2B (Tilt Base) | 6.87" | 174.5 mm | 5.50" | 140mm | 3.5" | 89mm |


Display
| Format | Type | Contrast Ratio | Character Height | Viewing Angle | Half-life | Tilt Range (Tilt Base) |
| 2 Line x 16 Character | OLED, Green | 2000:1 (readable in direct sunlight) | 0.35″ (9 mm) | 160 degrees | 50,000 hours | 75 degrees |
Performance
| Maximum displayable count: | Maximum internal count: | Maximum count rate: | Encoder Inputs: | Maximum power output: |
| ±999,999,999 | ±2,147,483,647 | 1.6 MHz | 4x quadrature differential line receivers, Schmitt trigger with low pass digital filtering | 330ma per encoder |
* RoHS Compliant
Electrical Requirements:
| AC Power Adapter | VRO | Power Connector | Encoder: |
| 90-264VAC 0.4A 47-63Hz | 5VDC ±2% 1.0A | 5.5 mm (type N) 2.5 mm ctr pin positive | 4.87 to 5.13 VDC, 330 ma maximum input |
Differential or Single Ended Interface
Environmental:
| Operating Temperature: | Relative Humidity: | RS-232 Port Configuration |
| 0°-120° F (-18°-49° C) | 10%-90% (noncondensing) | 8 Data, No Parity, 1 Stop, 9600 baud rate default (19200, 38400 baud rate user settable) |
T-slot Hinge
T-slot Mounting Flange
Tilt Base
C.O.S.M.O.S.™ (Computer Optimized Stepper Motor Operating System)
Encoder Cables
Encoders
End Caps
International Power Adapters
A variety of international-rated power adapters are available.
Power Strip
Tab 2 Remote Send Pendant
USB to RS232 Serial Communication Cable
Vinyl Bag
VRO Power Supply
Applications and Examples
The example displayed may be a custom configuration, designed to the customer’s specifications; and not offered as a standard product. Custom configurations could contain custom, externally-fabricated components.
Pictured in our gallery are examples of configurations and systems using manually-operated Rotary Tables, along with configurations that also include other Velmex products. Product and accessory offering is subject to change and availability.
Encoder Readout with B48 Series Rotary Stage with Rotary Encoder

Here is an excellent example of a Velmex VRO being used in conjunction with an XY Table that is comprised of two perpendicularly mounted UniSlide linear stages with manual controls.

Velmex VRO Readout showing the precise position of three Velmex UniSlide linear stages that comprise a custom XYZ positioning system.
Downloads
The majority of CAD drawings found in our Technical Library are Step (.stp) files. You will also see .dxf, .dwg, .sat and .pdf files. For .STP files, you may need to right click on the download button and save the “target” or “link”. If you require a different format or cannot located the drawing you require, please contact us.
| Title | Summary | File Type | Link | hf:file_type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encoder Connections and Cable Wiring.pdf | Instructions – Wiring diagrams for Encoder cable connection to VRO Readout | |||
| Serial Port Diagnostics | Diagnostics for driver issues v.3.1.0 | exe | exe | |
| Universal USB Serial Drivers | Web page with access to the cable drivers for various operating systems so that the application software can access the USB as a standard COM port. | htm | htm | |
| VRO – Quick Start Guide.pdf | Instructions – Set-up VRO Readout | |||
| VRO Assy.stp | VRO Readout assembly CAD drawing | stp | stp | |
| VRO Reference Manual | Specifications, operation, care and maintenance of VRO™ Readout | |||
| VRO Spec Overview | Overview and Specifications for VRO™ Readouts | |||
| VRO Units Calculator in_mm.xls | Calculator for VRO Units for Rotary Encoders (inch/mm) | xls | xls | |
| VRO Units Calculator Linear in_mm.xls | Calculator for VRO Units for Linear Encoders (inch/mm) | xls | xls | |
| VRO Units Calculator Linear mm_in.xls | Calculator for VRO Units for Linear Encoders (mm/inch) | xls | xls | |
| VRO Units Calculator mm_in.xls | Calculator for VRO Units for Rotary Encoders (mm/inch) | xls | xls |
For information relating to encoders used with VRO visit the Encoders page.



















