For something different - here's an interesting yet simple method of interfacing an Arduino with inexpensive digital calipers from "martin's useless and useful creations". The controller from what seems to be a set of generic digital calipers sends out 24-bit data sets which can easily be read by an Arduino with the provided sketch. Either way it's an effective way of creating a remote display for your calipers - the feed could go from an Arduino to an LCD shield, PC or even a huge dot matrix display. Why not?
The circuitry would only take a few minutes, and Martin has provided everything you need to get started here. And for more, we're on twitter and Google+, so follow us for news and product updates as well.
If you're new to Arduino, the first step is a solid board for your projects - our Freetronics Eleven - the Arduino-Uno compatible with low-profile USB socket, onboard prototyping space and easy to view LEDs:
