## Using Different Probe Options

It is assumed that a probe has been loaded and the tip you will use has been calibrated.

Using a Probe On-line

To measure a point in the on-line mode using a touch trigger probe:

1. Lower the probe to the surface where the point is to be taken.

2. Trigger the probe by touching it to the surface.

3. Press the END key to complete the measurement process.

PC-DMIS is designed to determine the feature type. Probe compensation is determined by the probe radius. The compensation direction is determined by the machine direction.

For example, in measuring a circle, the probe would be inside the circle moving outward. To measure a stud, the probe would start outside the circle moving inward towards the part.

It is important that the approach direction be normal (perpendicular) to the surface when measuring points. While this is not necessary for measuring other features, it will improve the accuracy in determining the feature type.

To measure a point using a fixed probe, you must specify the feature type that is to be measured and the probe compensation direction. See "Using Hard Probes" in the Portable Documentation.

Using a Probe Off-line

When using PC-DMIS in off-line mode, you can access all the probe options. However, no actual measurements can be taken. Probe data can either be keyed in or the default settings used. For example, a qualification tool cannot actually be measured to calibrate a probe; the probe's nominal values must be keyed in.

To take a hit in offline mode:

1. Make sure that PC-DMIS is in Program Mode. Do this by selecting the Program Mode icon located on the Graphics Modes toolbar. (See the "Graphics Modes Toolbar" in the "Using Toolbars" chapter of the PC-DMIS Core documentation.)

2. Move the mouse cursor to the screen where the hit is to be made.

3. Click the right mouse button to move the probe's tip to the area of the part where the hit is to be taken. The probe is drawn on the screen and the probe depth is set.

4. Click the left mouse button to register a hit on the part. If you have wireframe mode selected, hits will be taken on the nearest wire. If you are in surface mode the hit is taken on the selected surface.

5. Press the END key to complete the measurement process.