### Defining a Contact Probe

Once you have accessed the Probe Utilities dialog box, you can define the entire probe unit from probe head, extension, down to the specific tip.

To define a contact probe, extension(s), and tip(s):

1. Type a name for the new probe in the Probe File drop-down list.

2. Select the statement No probe defined: under the Probe Description list.

3. Select the Probe Description drop-down list.

4. Select the desired probe head.

5. Press the ENTER key once the probe head is selected. Probe options relating to the currently highlighted statement will then be available for selection.

Note: Generally, the probe head orientation establishes the orientation of the first component in a probe file, usually the probe head. However, if you select a multi-connection probe adapter (such as a five-way adapter) as the first component, several possible connections become available. In these cases, the probe head orientation establishes the orientation of the multi-connection probe adapter. The probe head, then, may not align correctly with the machine axes, and you may need to adjust the rotation angle about the connection using the Probe Description list in the Probe Utilities dialog box. To do this, see the "Edit Probe Components" topic below.

Selecting a probe head

The selected probe head will then be displayed in the lower Probe Description box and in the graphical display box to the right.

1. Highlight the Empty Connection #1 in the Probe Description box.

2. Click on the drop-down list.

3. Select the next item to be attached to the probe head (either an extension or probe tip). Tips are displayed first by size and then by thread size.

Selecting a tip

For example, if a 5-way extension is added, PC-DMIS offers five empty connections. You may fill any or all of the needed connections with the appropriate probe tip(s). PC-DMIS will always measure the lowest tip (lowest in the Z axis) in the extension first.

5 way extension

If a line in the Probe Description box is selected that already contains an item, PC-DMIS will display a message asking if you want to insert before, or replace the selected item.

"Click Yes to insert before or No to replace."

- If you respond by clicking Yes, an additional line can be created by inserting the new tip before the original item.

- If you respond by clicking No, PC-DMIS will delete the original item and replace it with the highlighted element.

Note: The selected item is inserted at the highlighted line in the Probe Description box. PC-DMIS will display a message allowing you to insert the selected item before the marked line or replace the highlighted item when appropriate.

Continue selecting elements until all empty connections are defined. You can then define tip angles to calibrate.