How to Define a Custom Probe

The Custom Probe feature can be found by clicking on the Probe Options icon .

 

MUS can store up to four custom probe profiles per device at any one time, but probes cannot be "mixed and matched" between devices. All probe profiles are initialized to be equivalent to the default probe until overwritten explicitly by the user. The following steps will lead you through the process of defining a new custom probe.  

1. In the Probe Options tab of MUS select the Use Custom Probe option.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. From the drop down list select a custom probe name that you previously stored, or choose a probe profile to overwrite or redefine.
   
   
   
   In the second case make sure that the Redefine/Overwrite check box is also selected. This will display the five steps required to switch probes.
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. If you are using a custom probe profile you have previously saved, place the MicroScribe in the Home Position with the custom probe installed, and click the Done button. For more information on the Home Position consult the MicroScribe hardware manual.
   
   
   
   
4. If you are overwriting or redefining a probe enter the new probe name in the Step 1 text box. If you would like to keep the existing name don't change the contents of the Step 1 text box.
   
   
   
   
5. Place the MicroScribe in the Home Position with the Default Probe in place. Click the Step 2 Done button.
   
   
   
   
6. Switch to the custom probe and place the MicroScribe in the Home Position (For MX units this can be the default home position or the one mentioned in step #5 of the Using Probes with a Fixed Offset from the Default Probe section). Click the Step 3 Done button.
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. Secure the Probe Calibration Fixture to a reachable area in the workspace so that it doesn't move when touched firmly. Place the custom probe in one of the three divots on the probe calibration fixture, which can accommodate 1 mm to 8 mm probe ends. Choose the divot that most closely matches the size of your probe.
   
   Keeping the probe in place in the divot, move the MicroScribe stylus around the probe to make a cone-like motion. While moving through this motion click the foot pedal or hand switch 20 times to collect 20 points. The Step 4 status bar will keep you updated on your progress.
   
   
   
   If the points are not accurate enough for the software, you will be asked to repeat Step 4. To do so, click the Restart Point Collection button to start over.
   
   If you slip from the Probe Calibration Fixture while collecting the 20 points, you can click the Restart Point Collection button to delete the previously captured points and input 20 new ones.
   
   
8. After collecting the points from the Probe Calibration Fixture, click the Step 5 Save Custom Probe Definition button to save the new custom probe profile.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   The XYZ offsets between your custom probe and the Default Probe will be displayed at the bottom of the tab.
   
   
   
   
9. Press the OK button at the bottom of the Probe Options tab.