The current probe information can be found by clicking on the Probe Options icon . 

MicroScribe G2 and 3D Products

The Standard Probe shipped with all MicroScribe G2 and 3D systems and is considered the Default Probe, this could be the Point Probe or the 1/8" Ball Probe. When using this probe simply leave the Use Default Probe option checked in the Probe Options tab. When using the Extra Fine Probe, also from Revware, the Use Default Probe option should also be checked. See the following Powering on the MicroScribe section for information pertaining to the Extra Fine Probe.

Any probe other than the Default Probe is considered nonstandard, or custom. Custom probes fall into two categories - those that are simply a distance offset (longer or shorter, such as the ball probe mentioned below) than the Default Probe, and those that have variables other than length (such as asymmetry).

As shipped, MicroScribe 3D and G2 owners can only use custom probes that fall into the first category - a simple length variable. If you would like to use probes with additional variables you will need to purchase the Probe Calibration Fixture accessory from Revware in order to qualify them properly.

In addition to the calibration fixture mentioned above, Revware can supply three different types of probes to MicroScribe 3D and G2 users similar to the image below: Standard Point, Standard Ball, and Extra Fine. Any of these accessories can be ordered from a MicroScribe reseller, to find one near you visit the MicroScribe section of www.revware.net

Left to right: Standard Point, Standard Ball, Extra Fine probes.

See below for information on how to use custom probes with a fixed offset from the default probe.

Powering on the MicroScribe before using a Custom Probe
Whenever you wish to use a nonstandard probe with a MicroScribe G2 or 3D system, it is very important that the digitizer is powered on in the Home Position with the Standard Point Probe installed. For more on the Home Position see your MicroScribe hardware manual.

The Home position is important because it is used by the MicroScribe system as a reference for calculating and establishing an origin (0X, 0Y, 0Z) and reference coordinates in the three-dimensional workspace. A probe other than the standard will skew these calculations and result in inaccurate data. To learn more about the Home position see the hardware manual that accompanied your MicroScribe system.

If you plan on digitizing with an Extra Fine Probe, the MicroScribe still needs to be powered on in the Home position with the Standard Point Probe. However, the Use Default Probe can remain selected in the Probe Options tab.

After powering on the MicroScribe in the Home position, you may simply switch probes by unscrewing the probe in a counter-clockwise direction and screwing in the replacement .

 

Using Probes with a Fixed Offset from the Default Probe 

If you're using the Standard Ball Probe mentioned above, or any other probe with a fixed offset from the Default Probe, follow these steps:

1. For MicroScribe 3D models, power on the MicroScribe in the Home Position and with the Default Probe in place.
   
   
   
   For MicroScribe G2 models, press the Home button with the MicroScribe in the Home Position and with the Default Probe in place.
   
   
   
   
2. Switch to the Standard Ball Probe or the other new probe with a fixed offset from the Default Probe.
   
   
   
   
3. In the Probe Options tab of MUS, select the Use Fixed Offset from Default Probe option.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. In the accompanying text field, enter the difference between the new probe and the Default Probe in the measurement system specified in the Configuration tab.
   
   
   
   For G2 and 3D models, the Standard Ball Probe is 0.242 inches (6.147mm) shorter than the Standard Point Probe (this measurement is to the center of the ball). Enter this into the text field.
   
   
   
   
5. If you are using a different fixed offset probe measure the exact difference between the Default Probe and your probe in inches. If you are using a ball probe, measure to the center of the ball. The result should be entered in the corresponding field of the Use Fixed Offset from Default Probe option in the Custom Probe tab. If the probe is longer than the Standard Point Probe, the difference should be entered as a negative. If it is shorter, the difference should be entered as a positive.
   
   
   
   
6. Press the OK button at the bottom of the tab.
   
   
   
   
7. Each time the MicroScribe is restarted (powered on or the "Home" button is pressed) the Default Probe must be in place. Failure to do so will result in transmission of inaccurate data by the system.