Connecting MicroScribe Digitizers

 

RevWorks is completely compatible with the most current M, G and older 3D series MicroScribe articulated arm digitizers. Each series of MicroScribe comes in a variety of models characterized by two distinct working volumes and for G and 3D series arms having two levels of accuracy for each working volume. All eight models are connected and used in a similar manner via USB or serial interfaces. MicroScribe digitizers are designed to be placed on your work surface without need for any specific mounting hardware. It is also possible to mount a MicroScribe digitizer to a tripod. For specific instructions on how to properly station or mount your MicroScribe device and attach probes, refer to your MicroScribe hardware documentation.

Before connecting a MicroScribe digitizer for the first time, please make sure that RevWorks has been properly installed before connecting your digitizer.

First-Time Connection of MicroScribe M and G USB Digitizers

If you are using the M or G series USB interface, the first time you connect the device to the USB port the Found New Hardware Wizard automatically starts. Follow the instructions presented, making sure that you choose to let the Wizard automatically find and install the proper USB drivers. Once you have finished the wizard, the MicroScribe USB interface is installed and ready to use with RevWorks. You do not need to install any drivers to make use of serial device communications.

To Connect a MicroScribe M or G Series Digitizer for USB Communications

1. Position your MicroScribe digitizer on the work surface.

2. Using the standard USB cable that comes with the digitizer, connect the square end of the cable to the port on your digitizer marked USB.

3. Connect the rectangular end of the cable to a USB port on the back of your computer.

Note: If this is the first time you have connected the MicroScribe to your computer the Found New hardware Wizard starts automatically. See the description above regarding installing USB device drivers.

4. Connect your foot pedal or hand switch to the digitizer port labeled Accessory, if applicable.

Note: When G series MicroScribes are connected with a USB cable the separate power cable is not needed. The required power is supplied through the USB connection if the external power supply is not connected. M series digitizers always require an external power source.

5. Place the digitizer into its home position.

Your MicroScribe M or G digitizer is now ready to configure.

Note: For M and G series arms it is not necessary to home the device by pressing the Home button on the back of the device when using RevWorks. Upon first use of the device the MicroScribe Calibration Wizard leads you through an initialization process and automatically homes your device.

To Connect a Series MicroScribe G or 3D Digitizer for Serial Communications

1. Position your MicroScribe digitizer on the work surface.

2. Using the custom RS-232 serial cable that comes with the digitizer, connect the circular connector end of the cable to the port on your digitizer marked Serial.

3. Connect the DB9 connector end of the cable to serial communications port on the back of your computer.

Note: Make note of the communications port to which you connect your digitizer. You may need it when you configure the digitizer in RevWorks.

Warning: When connecting your MicroScribe G digitizer for serial communications, do not connect the USB cable.

4. Connect your foot pedal or hand switch to the digitizer port labeled Accessory, if applicable.

5. Connect the power cable to the circular power receptacle on your digitizer.

6. Place the digitizer into its home position.

Your MicroScribe digitizer is now ready to configure.

Warning: MicroScribe 3D series digitizers must be placed into the proper home position before turning on power. Powering on a 3D series digitizer automatically triggers the internal homing feature. Failure to home the device properly causes data corruption when the device is used. For G series arms, the MicroScribe Calibration Wizard leads you through an initialization process and automatically homes your device.