#### Custom Probe Builder Utility - Component Builder Tab

The Custom Probe Builder Utility Component Builder tab allows the user to create custom probe components.

Custom Probe Builder Utility dialog box - Component Builder tab

To begin building a probe component using the Component Builder tab, enter or select an existing name from the Name drop-down list for the component being created.

Select the corresponding Element Type from the radio buttons.

The radio buttons define the Element Type available. The types are exclusive in that only a tip, extension or polygon can be created. You cannot create an extension and add a tip onto it from this tab.

In the following example, an extension is being created with the name "tip". The user enters a diameter and height and then clicks on the Create button. The resulting item is displayed in the graphics window.

The image in the graphics area can be zoomed and rotated similar to the PC-DMIS graphics window area.

Custom Probe Builder Utility dialog box - Component Builder tab with an Extension created

If the Connect Angle button is selected, the Connection Angle dialog box will be displayed for the user to specify the angle at which items will connect. Currently only vector entries are supported.

Connection Angle dialog box

All items added will continue to build upon the previous item until a new item is started. In the example shown below, another extension is added by simply pressing the Create button. An example would be to change the diameter and height and click on the Create button.

Once an item has been created, the Clear button will discard it. If the item has not been saved, it is permanently lost. Make sure to save any completed item before clearing it to work on a new item. Click on the Save button before clearing out an item to prevent the loss of your work.

Once an item is saved, the Clear button can be used to activate the other component types. A unique name is needed for each component otherwise existing items may be over written.

In the picture below a tip has been create using a Cylinder, Cone and Sphere.

Custom Probe Builder Utility dialog box - Component Builder tab with a Tip created

The Element Properties section changes depending on the Element Type selected. All elements allow the connection type to be specified.

- Cylinders and disks have the properties Diameter and Height

- A sphere has the property Diameter.

- A cone has the properties Diameter, Height and Minor Diameter

- A polygon has the properties Number of Edges, Height and Edge Length

An example of a Polygon follows:

Custom Probe Builder Utility dialog box - Component Builder tab with a Polygon created