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VRO Encorder Readout

The Velmex VRO™ Encoder Readout is a compact one and two axes digital readout for linear and rotary incremental encoders. The VRO can be used in conjunction with most of Velmex's products.
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Troubleshooting / FAQs
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.
Velmex VRO™ Features
Additional VRO operating 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
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VRO-1 – One Axis Encoder Readout – Reads and reports on an encoder connected to a single axis Velmex stage. |
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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. |
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VRO-1B – One axis VRO-1 version with tilt base. Allows for easier reading. |
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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
For information on obsolete Controllers and Readouts see the Controls Archive
For information on Encoders available, please see the Encoder Page.
VRO™ Specifications
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Enclosure: | Aluminum Black Anodized, IP30 rated | ||
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Weight (VRO-1) | 1.00 lbs. | (459 g) |
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Weight (VRO-2) | 1.06 lbs. | (481 g) |
Height (VRO-1/2) | 4.27" | (108.5 mm) | |
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Height (VRO-1B/2B) with Tilt Base |
5.50" | (140 mm) |
Width (all versions) | 6.87" | (174.5 mm) | |
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Depth (VRO-1/2) | 1.89" | (48 mm) |
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Depth (VRO-1B/2B) with Tilt Base |
3.5" | (89 mm) |
AC Power Adapter: | |||
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Weight | 0.29 lbs. | (300 g) |
Height | 1.8" | (46 mm) | |
Width | 1.4" | (36 mm) | |
Length (without cord) | 2.8" | (73 mm) |
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Display: | |
Format | 2 Line x 16 Character |
Type | OLED, Green |
Contrast Ratio | 2000:1 (readable in direct sunlight) |
Character Height | 0.35" (9 mm) |
Viewing Angle | 160 degrees |
Half-life | 50,000 hours |
Tilt Range (Tilt Base) | 75 degrees |
Performance: | |
Maximum displayable count: | ±999,999,999 |
Maximum internal count: | ±2,147,483,647 |
Maximum count rate: | 1.6 MHz |
Encoder Inputs: | 4x quadrature differential line receivers, Schmitt trigger with low pass digital filtering |
Maximum power output: | 330ma per encoder |
RoHS compliant | |
Electrical Requirements: | |
AC Power Adapter | 90-264VAC 0.4A 47-63Hz |
VRO | 5VDC ±2% 1.0A |
Power Connector | 5.5 mm (type N) 2.5 mm ctr pin positive |
Encoder: | 4.87 to 5.13 VDC, 330 ma maximum input |
Differential or Single Ended Interface | |
Environmental: | |
Operating Temperature: | 0°-120° F (-18°-49° C) |
Relative Humidity: | 10%-90% (noncondensing) |
RS-232 Port Configuration | 8 Data, No Parity, 1 Stop, 9600 baud rate default (19200, 38400 baud rate user settable) |
VRO Serial Number

VRO Readouts have serial numbers which can be located on the right side of the device.
Options/Accessories for use with the Velmex VRO™
Various options and accessories are available to configure a VRO Encoder Readout for specific applications.
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Tilt Base - Optional tilt base changes the tilt angle for added visibility and operator comfort. More details on VRO Components Page. |
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T-slot Hinge – T-slot hinge allows mounting and placing were most convenient. With the T-slot, the VRO can be easy added to the support structure that might be used with a Velmex BiSlide®. Once mounted the VRO can be tilted for easy viewing. More details on VRO Components Page. |
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T-slot Mounting Flange – T-Slot mounting flange facilitates mounting of the VRO virtually any where needed for a fixed permanent installation. For example mounting in a panel box or on a wall. Placement of the VRO would be fixed. In order to adjust the tilt use the T-slot hinge to mount instead. More details on VRO Components Page. |
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Power Supply - The universal power supply is standard with all VRO Readouts. It can also be ordered separately. |
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Power Strip – Convenient power strip for plugging in multiple VROs and VXMs™. |
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International Power Adapters – a variety of international-rated power adapters are available. |
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Assorted Cable Adapters - Various adapters are available to connect to computer via USB and to various brands of linear and rotary encoders. |
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USB to RS232 - allows the VRO Readout to communicate with the computer. (10 ft.) Encoder Cables - connects the encoders to the VRO to transfer position data. (Specified based on travel length.) |
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End Caps – Rubber end caps protect the corners of the VRO Readout and the component connections from accidental damage. |
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Vinyl Bag – A clear vinyl bag protects the VRO from fogging in high moisture situations and/or transporting outdoors. |
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VRO-Tab 2 – Hand-held, two button remote which provides a convenient capture (upload VRO reading to computer) and reset of the VRO for faster data collection. Additional information on VRO Components Page. |
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C.O.S.M.O.S.™ (Computer Optimized Stepper Motor Operating System) can be used in conjunction with a Velmex VRO™ Readout. It coordinates communication between the computer and the VRO readout. While its primary function is to aid set-up and programming of the VXM™ Controller to control Velmex motorized positioning systems, COSMOS can send commands to emulate the buttons on the front panel VRO Readout. See Software for more information on COSMOS, along with computer notes, drivers and VXM programming examples. |
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Encoders - A variety of encoders that can be read by the VRO are available from Velmex that deliver an ultra-precise reading of the position of the carriage (slider) of various Velmex stages. Encoders offered include magnetic, inductive or rotary modes. For details, please see the Encoder page. |
VRO Readout Downloads
Click to open the section you need: | "Right Click" to download. |
Type | File Name | Description | Download | View |
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VRO Spec Sheet.pdf | Overview of the VRO with specifications | ![]() |
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VRO Quick Start Guide.pdf | Basic set-up and run for the VRO Readout | ![]() |
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VRO Reference Manual.pdf | Detailed specifications, usage instructions and care and maintenance. | ![]() |
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Encoder Information - See also the Encoder Section | ||||
Encoder Overview.pdf | Specifications for the encoders offered by Velmex | ![]() |
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Inductive_LinearTapeEncoders.pdf | Specifications for AMO Inductive Encoders | ![]() |
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Inductive-Encoder-Installation.pdf | Installation instructions for AMO Inductive Encoder | ![]() |
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Magnetic_Encoder_Specs.pdf | Specifications for Magnetic Encoders | ![]() |
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Magnetic-Encoder-Data-Sheet.pdf | Overview of features for Elgo Magnetic Encoders | ![]() |
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Magnetic-Encoder-Op-Manual.pdf | Operating Manual for Elgo Magnetic Encoders | ![]() |
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Rotary-Encoder-Lead-Screw.pdf | Operating manual and specifications for HEDs Rotary Encoder used on the linear lead screw | ![]() |
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Rotary-incremental-encoder.pdf | Specifications for Rotary Encoder used on the BEI double-shaft motors | ![]() |
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EPC Rotary Encoder Spec Sheet.pdf | Specifications for EPC Rotary Encoder primarily used on the XSlide | ![]() |
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Rotary Encoder Selection.pdf | Recommended Rotary Encoder for Velmex linear and rotary stages | ![]() |
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Encoder Connections and Cable Wiring.pdf | Instructions - Wiring diagrams for Encoder cable connection to VRO Readout | ![]() |
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.XLS | VRO Units Calculator in_mm.xls | Calculator for VRO Units for Rotary Encoders (inch/mm) | ![]() |
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.XLS | VRO Units Calculator mm_in.xls | Calculator for VRO Units for Rotary Encoders (mm/inch) | ![]() |
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.XLS | VRO Units Calculator Linear in_mm.xls | Calculator for VRO Units for Linear Encoders (inch/mm) | ![]() |
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.XLS | VRO Units Calculator Linear mm_in.xls | Calculator for VRO Units for Linear Encoders (mm/inch) | ![]() |
For .STP files, you may need to right click on the download button and save the "target" or "link".
"Right Click" to download. |
If you require a specific file format or cannot locate the drawing you require, please contact us.
Type | File Name | Description | Download | View |
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STP | VRO Assy.stp | VRO Readout assembly CAD drawing | ![]() |
For more information on obsolete Controllers and Readouts see the Controls Archive
Velmex VRO™ Applications and Examples
These are examples of Velmex products. If you wish a similar product, please contact us with your specific application specifications (travel distance, payload, hours per day in use, resolution, speed range, etc.). You can use the Request Assistance form. |
Pictured in our gallery are examples that show the VRO connected to various encoders on other Velmex products. Product and accessory offering is subject to change and availability.
Example Key Code | Meaning | Example Key Code | Meaning |
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A | Manually Operated | M | Motorized |
S | Standard | C | Custom Configuration |
B | BiSlide | U | UniSlide |
X | XSlide | R | Rotary Tables |
T | XY Tables | TT | Turntables |
E | Elevating Tables | FS | Fun Stuff (Ingenious, Cool, or Just out of the ordinary applications) |
Sorry, we don't have any images of our manual tables in a working application. Please check back later.
Examples of other Velmex products can be found on the Examples page or in the Examples section for each product.
Many questions can be answered by reviewing the "Features", "Model / Series", "Specifications", "Options / Accessories" and "Technical Documentation" sections for each product line. Additional FAQs about product comparisons, product construction, purchasing and shipping can be found on the company FAQ page.
VRO™ Readout FAQs
For how many axes can the VRO Readout interpret positioning?
The VRO can provide a readout from linear and rotary encoders for one or two axes. The axes can be configured in X, XY and XZ. An XYZ or other multi-axis configuration would require additional VRO Readouts.
Are there specific encoders the VRO will work with?
The VRO was designed for differential type encoders, however, it is fully compatible with single-ended encoders.
What standard of measurement does the VRO Readout use?
The VRO can report position in either Imperial English or metric. It can count revolutions. It also can report in degrees when connected to a rotary encoder.
If you have questions about your specific application or want us to design a system incorporating encoders and the Velmex VRO Readout, please complete the Request Assistance form or call Velmex to speak to one of our Application Engineers.