### Customizing the Probe Readout

The Probe Readout Setup dialog box has various options for working with Leica trackers. This topic discusses a few key options that relate to Leica tracker usage (See "Setting Up the Readout Window" in the "Setting Your Preferences" chapter from the Core PC-DMIS documentation).

To access the Probe Readout Setup dialog box, select the Edit | Preferences | Probe Readout Setup menu item. You may also access this dialog box directly from the Probe Readout window by right-clicking and selecting Setup.

Probe Readout Setup dialog box

Show Feature ID: Displays the Feature ID for the feature being executed, or the closest feature depending on the Display distance to closest CAD option.

Show Feature Type: Displays the type of feature corresponding to the feature being executed.

Show current probe position on screen: Displays a 3D representation of the current position on the Graphics Display window.

Show deviation arrow on screen: Displays a 3D arrow on the Graphic Display window indicating the direction of deviation. The tail of the arrow is always drawn to the probe location in inspect mode and the measured point in build mode.

Center Probe on graphic window: The graphical representation of the current probe will always be displayed at the center of the Graphics Display window.

Distance to Target: This is an execute-only option. In execute mode, it shows the distance from the probe to the feature being executed or the closest feature depending on the Display distance to closest CAD option.

Distance to... Executing Feature or Closest Feature: This option allows you to display the currently executing feature ID or the feature ID for the closest feature to your current probe location. The distance to that feature will update according to the feature selected (executing or closest).

Target: Selecting Centroid will calculate the distance to the centroid of the feature. Selecting Surface/Edge point will calculate the distance to the point which is on the feature or CAD element and closest to the centroid.

Display Distance to closest CAD: Shows the distance from probe to closest CAD element.

Apply dimension color: This check box changes the colors of the deviation values (Distance to Target values) to match the out of tolerance dimension colors.

Show RMS: Displays the RMS value as hits are taken.

Inspect / Build mode: By default (Inspect mode), PC-DMIS displays the deviation (T) as 'Difference = Actual - Nominal'.

- Build Mode: The general purpose is to provide real-time deviations between a real object and its nominal data or CAD model. This allows you to position your part as it relates to the CAD design data.

Selecting this option will display the distance and direction that you need to move the measured point to reach the nominal position or 'Difference = Nominal - Actual'.

Note: When you are moving the part into position, there are just real-time deviations displayed without storing any data (taking hits). After the part is positioned within a reasonable deviation (e.g. 0.1mm), you would typically measure (hits are taken) the final position of the feature.

- Inspect Mode: In this mode, the position of an object (point, line of surface, etc.) is checked and compared with design data.