HEIDENHAIN ND 100 User Manual

Operating Instructions

ND 120
QUADRA-CHEK

Software Version

2.0.x

English (en)
5/2013

Introduction

11

12

13

141519

16

1718110

1 LCD screen
2 Soft keys
3 Axis keys
4 Menu key
5 Arrow keys
6 Help key
7 Send key
8 Numeric keypad
9 Command keys
10 Measure keys

Front panel keys

Panel keys are used to initiate feature measurements, apply
tolerances, send reports of measurement results and configure
operational parameters.

Panel function key Panel key
Soft keys: Functions change in support of the activities displayed

on the LCD.

Axis keys: Select axes for zeroing or presetting datums prior to
measurements.

Menu key: Displays soft key menus for system setup, extra
functions and clearing data.

Arrow keys: Used to scroll through lists and navigate menus and
setup screen data fields. The Up Arrow key is also used to begin
a feature construction process, as described in "Constructing Part
Features" on page 45.

Help key: Displays help topics for current function.

Send key: Used to transmit measurement results to a computer.

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 3

Panel function key Panel key
Numeric keypad: Used to enter numeric data.

Command keys: Control measurement and data entry

processes.

Measure keys: Select a feature measurement type. Feature
measurement types include points, lines, circles distances,
angles and skew alignments.

4 Preface

Rear panel

11

1

21415

16

1

3

1 Power switch
2 Power cord connector
3 Replaceable fuse holder
4 USB (type B) interface
5 Encoder inputs
6 Earth (ground) terminal

Notice

Do not engage, or disengage any connections while the
unit is under power. Damage to internal components may
result.

Notice

It is necessary to connect the earth (ground) terminal on
the rear of the product to the star point of machine ground.
Minimum cross section of the connecting wire: 6 mm2.
Never use this equipment without proper grounding.

Notice

Periodically inspect the display unit, connectors and
connection cables for damage and poor connections.

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 5

Information contained in this manual

These Operating Instructions cover the operation, installation, setup
and specifications of the following models:

Product name ID Index

ND 122 QUADRA-CHEK 749315-02 -, A, B

ND 122 QUADRA-CHEK 749315-03 -, A, B

ND 123 QUADRA-CHEK 749315-12 -, A, B

ND 123 QUADRA-CHEK 749315-13 -, A, B

Operating information is contained in chapter 1. Installation, setup
instructions and specifications are contained in chapter 2. For detailed
Installation Instructions refer to the ND 120 Installation Instructions
(ID 1029950-xx).

Software version

The software version is shown in the About setup screen. See
"Language selection and product version" on page 70.

6 Preface

Fonts used in this manual

The following fonts are used to indicate operator controls or to show
emphasis:

 Operator controls - Soft Keys and other Panel Keys are shown in

letter gothic bold font.

 Emphasis - Items of special interest or concepts that are

emphasized to the user are shown in bold type.

Showing sequences of key presses

The user performs sequences of soft key and panel key presses to
measure features and complete other tasks. These sequences are
indicated using text as shown in the following example:

 Press the MENU key, press the Clear soft key and then press the Yes

soft key is sometimes abbreviated as:

 Press MENU>Clear>Yes

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 7

Safety symbols

Where the following safety symbols appear on the product they alert
you to important safety information.

Symbol Description

This symbol denotes “Caution, risk of danger”. Refer
to the accompanying information or documentation to
protect against personal injury or damage to the unit.

This symbol is used to denote “Earth (ground)
terminal”.

This symbol is used to denote the power switch “On
(supply)” position.

This symbol is used to denote the power switch “Off
(supply)” position.

8 Preface

Messages shown in these instructions

The following examples show how safety, property damage and
general advice messages are shown in these instructions. Read and
understand these types of messages before proceeding to prevent
personal injury or property damage.

Messages about other safety messages. These
supplemental directives do not address specific hazards,
but instead provide information that promotes awareness
and use of specific safety messages.

Warning!

Messages that provide information about the nature of a
hazardous situation, the consequences of not avoiding a
hazardous situation, and method(s) for avoiding a
hazardous situation.

Notice

Messages that provide information primarily about
situations that can lead to property damage, the potential
consequences of not avoiding the situations, or method(s)
for avoiding the situations and general advice messages.

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 9

Safety

The following messages provide safety information for preventing
personal injury and product damage:

Read and understand these instructions before use to
avoid the possibility of personal injury or death.

Hazardous live parts may be exposed if the unit is opened.
Do not open the unit. There are no serviceable items
inside.

The protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired if used in a manner not specified. Do not use this
product in any way other than its intended use.

Notice

For safety, operation and handling of the unit, keep this
document for future reference.

Cleaning

Warning! Risk of electrical shock

While cleaning it is possible to conduct electricity from
hazardous live parts if liquid enters the product.

To avoid the hazard, always power off the product,
disconnect the power cable and never use a cloth that is
dripping or saturated with water.

Notice

Never use abrasive cleaners, strong detergents or
solvents to avoid damage to the product.

Power-off the DRO.
Disconnect the power cable from the source of power.
Clean exterior surfaces with a cloth dampened with water and a

mild detergent.

Measurement axes

The ND 120 DRO’s display 2 or 3 axes depending on the model
purchased. DRO screen images used throughout this manual show
different numbers of axes and are for illustration only.

10 Preface

Supervisor password

Critical setup parameters are password protected. Only qualified
personnel should be given password access to setup screen
parameters. This prevents inadvertent adjustments to the installation
setup parameters.

Notice

The password is 070583.

Enter the supervisor password

Press the MENU key to display the menu soft keys.

Press the Setup soft key to display the setup menu.

Navigate up or down in the menu to highlight the Supervisor menu
item using the Up/Down Arrow keys.

Navigate from the menu to the Password setup field using the
Right Arrow key.

Enter the supervisor password 070583 using the numeric keypad.

Press the FINISH key to save the password and return
to the setup menu.

Press the FINISH key to return to the DRO.

Notice

Supervisors may wish to remove this page from the
Operating Instructions after initially setting up the readout
system. Retain in a safe place for future use.

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 11

12 Preface

1 Operation ..... 17

1.1 Overview ..... 18

1.2 Basic Functions ..... 19

Initial power-up ..... 19

Establishing a repeatable machine zero ..... 20

Power-off ..... 20

Panel key descriptions ..... 21

Display modes and soft key layout ..... 24

DRO mode screen ..... 24

Feature evaluation mode screens and soft keys ..... 25

Feature measurement mode screen and soft keys ..... 26

Menus ..... 27

1.3 Preparing to Measure ..... 30

Power-up ..... 30

Establish machine zero ..... 30

Select the desired annotation ..... 31

Toggle between forward and backward annotation ..... 31

Align the part to a measurement axis ..... 32

Perform a part alignment (Skew) ..... 32

Establish a datum ..... 33

Probe skew and part edge lines for point construction ..... 33

Construct a datum point from line features ..... 34

Zeroing the datum ..... 34

Presetting the datum ..... 35

1.4 Measuring Part Features ..... 36

Part features ..... 36

Feature list ..... 36

Probing part features ..... 36

Probing with crosshairs ..... 36

Measuring features ..... 37

Auto repeat ..... 37

Measuring points ..... 38

Measuring lines ..... 39

Measuring circles ..... 40

Measuring distances ..... 41

Measuring angles ..... 42

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 13

1.5 Creating Part Features ..... 43

Created features ..... 43

Creating features ..... 43

Example of creating a feature ..... 44

1.6 Constructing Part Features ..... 45

Constructed features ..... 45

Constructing features ..... 45

Example of constructing a feature ..... 46

More feature construction examples ..... 47

1.7 Tolerances ..... 50

Feature tolerances ..... 50

Applying tolerances ..... 51

Example of applying a tolerance ..... 52

1.8 Reporting ..... 54

Reporting ..... 54

Sending reports ..... 54

1.9 Error Indications ..... 55

Scale errors ..... 55

14

2 Installation, Setup and Specifications ..... 57

2.1 Installation, and electrical connection ..... 58

Items supplied ..... 58

Accessories ..... 58

Installation ..... 59

Tilting base (ID 625491-01) (optional) ..... 59

Mounting arm (ID 382893-01) (optional) ..... 59

Mounting frame (ID 647702-01) (optional) ..... 60

Electrical connection ..... 61

Electrical requirements ..... 61

Environmental conditions ..... 61

Power connector wiring ..... 61

Replacing a fuse ..... 62

Connecting encoders ..... 63

Connecting a computer ..... 64

Connecting to Hyperterminal ..... 65

2.2 Software setup ..... 66

Setup menu ..... 67

Setup example: entering the supervisor password ..... 68

Order of setup ..... 69

Language selection and product version ..... 70

Axis configuration ..... 71

Supervisor password and program unlocking ..... 72

Sending and receiving settings data ..... 73

Encoder configuration ..... 76

Encoders screen ..... 76

Misc screen ..... 79

Stage squareness calibration ..... 80

Error correction ..... 81

Linear error correction (LEC) ..... 82

Segmented linear error correction (SLEC) ..... 84

Nonlinear error correction (NLEC) ..... 88

NLEC by measuring points on a calibration grid ..... 90

NLEC by importing an NLEC data .txt file ..... 92

Saving an NLEC data .txt file ..... 93

Measurement scaling for parts that expand or shrink ..... 94

Scale Factor screen ..... 94

Measurement configuration ..... 95

Measure screen ..... 95

Display formatting ..... 97

Display screen ..... 97

Hot key assignments ..... 100

Hot keys screen ..... 100

Print formatting ..... 103

Print screen ..... 103

Form Chars screen ..... 107

2.3 Specifications ..... 108

Dimensions ..... 109

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 15

16

Operation

1.1 Overview

The ND 120 is an advanced digital readout (DRO) system for
performing 2 or 3 axis measurements using TTL encoders. The
ND 120 can be used with optical comparators, toolmaker’s
microscopes or video measurement systems as part of in-line
production or in final quality inspection.

The following functions are available:

1.1 Overview

 Reference mark evaluations for distance-coded and single reference

encoders

 Linear, segmented linear and nonlinear error correction
 Scaling factor for parts that expand or shrink
 Multilingual LCD user interface: language is selected by the user
 Soft key functions under LCD change to support different user

activities

 Arrow keys for easy navigation of lists and menus
 Skew compensation for part alignment prior to measurement,

eliminating the need for time-consuming fixturing

 Two datums for absolute and incremental measurements
 Axis zero and preset keys for establishing datums
 Easy selection of feature measurement type using clearly marked

measure function keys:

 Points, lines, circles, distances, angles
 Skew for part alignment

 Feature measurement can include:

 Dimensional measurements of geometric part features
 Creation of features by entering dimensional data
 Construction of new features from existing features
 Applying tolerances

 Number keypad with:

 Number keys for data entry
 Decimal point and +/- keys for data entry

 User-defined hot keys that program panel keys to initiate commonly

used functions.

 Reports of measurement results sent to a computer over USB-to-

Serial connection

 User-defined settings sent to a computer over USB-to-Serial

connection

ND 123 Front panel

18 1 Operation

1.2 Basic Functions

Initial power-up

Switch on the power (located on the rear of the
enclosure). After switching the power on, or after a
power failure, the power-up screen will be displayed.

Press the ENTER key to advance from the power-up
screen to the DRO.

Your DRO is now ready for operation and is in the Current Position
operating mode. Encoder position values will be displayed for all axes.

1.2 Basic Functions

Power-up screen

DRO screen

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 19

Establishing a repeatable machine zero

If your DRO was configured to establish a machine zero upon power­up, a message will be displayed asking you to cross reference marks
or enter hard-stop axis reference positions. The machine zero is used
by the DRO to apply error correction data as measurements are
performed. To establish a repeatable machine zero you must either:

 Move the stage to have encoder reference mark crossings

recognized on each axis or

 move the stage to the hard-stop reference position and press ENTER

on each axis when no encoder reference marks are present.

1.2 Basic Functions

Power-off

Notice

If the requirement to cross reference marks is bypassed
by pressing the Cancel soft key, error correction data that
might be stored in your DRO will not be applied.

Switch the power off. The parameter settings and
error compensation tables that have been saved
during operation will be retained in memory.

20 1 Operation

Panel key descriptions

Descriptions of panel key functions are provided in the following
pages for Measurement function, Command, Help, Axis, Send and Menu
keys. Soft key functions are also described later in the next section as
part of screen and soft key layout descriptions.

MEASURE keys Function

Measure point: Press the Point key once to

measure one point, or twice to use auto
repeat to measure a series of points. A
minimum of one data point is required to
measure a point.

Measure line: Press the Line key once to
measure one line, or twice to use auto repeat
to measure a series of lines. A minimum of
two data points are required to measure a
line.

Measure circle: Press the Circle key once to
measure one circle, or twice to use auto
repeat to measure a series of circles. A
minimum of three data points are required to
measure a circle.

Measure distance: Press the Distance key
once to measure one distance, or twice to
use auto repeat to measure a series of
distances. Two points are required to
measure a distance.

1.2 Basic Functions

ND 123 panel keys

Measure angle: Press the Angle key once to
measure one angle, or twice to use auto
repeat to measure a series of angles. Collect
a minimum of two data points, then press the
ENTER key on each leg of an angle.

Align part: Press the Skew key to
compensate electronically for non-square
part alignment on the primary axis.

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 21

COMMAND keys Function

Enter data: Press the ENTER key to enter

points during feature measurements or to
enter values into configuration fields.
Pressing the ENTER key indicates that data
from a measurement or in a field is ready for
use.

Finish a measurement: Press the FINISH key
to complete a feature measurement. Pressing
the FINISH key a second time returns the user
to the DRO screen.

1.2 Basic Functions

HELP key Function

AXIS keys Function

SEND key Function

Delete data or features: Press the CANCEL

key to delete the last point entered, data in
configuration fields or any highlighted feature
from the feature list.

Quit current activity: Press the QUIT key to
abandon the current task and return to the
DRO screen or to exit the feature list.

Provide help: Press the Help key to display
help topics on the screen. Help topics explain
how to use the current function.

Zero an axis: Press the axis key to the right
of the desired axis to zero the axis position
value when establishing a zero datum.

Preset an axis or axes: Press one or more
axis keys to the right of the desired axis or
axes when presetting axis position values for
a new datum.

Transmit measurement results: Press the
Send key to transmit measurement data to a
computer.

22 1 Operation

MENU key Function

Display soft key menus: Press the MENU key

to display the titles of menus above the soft
keys. Menus include:

 Setup: Used by supervisors to configure

the operational characteristics of the
system.

 Extra: Used by operators to conduct

measurements and send measurement
result data.

 Clear: Used by operators to clear

measurement data and datums.

ARROW keys Function

Navigate menus and setup screen
data fields. The Up Arrow key is also
used to begin a feature construction
process.

1.2 Basic Functions

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 23

Display modes and soft key layout

DRO screens display information in one of four operating modes:

 DRO mode displays current positions of axes
 Feature evaluation mode screens can be toggled between two

displays that show all measurement results and the data cloud of
collected points

 Feature measurement mode displays feature type, points

collected and current positions of axes during measurements

 Setup mode displays installation and setup screens

Soft keys change to support activities shown on the screens.

1.2 Basic Functions

Notice

Installation and setup screens and soft keys are described
later in Chapter 2: Installation, Setup and Specifications.

DRO mode screen

The DRO screen shows:

 Feature list of measured features on the left side
 Unit of measure and current datum in the upper right corner
 The current positions of all axes
 Part alignment status: a small rectangle over the axis letter indicates

that the part is aligned to a measurement axis (a skew was

performed)

DRO current position screen showing current axis
positions

24 1 Operation

Feature evaluation mode screens and soft keys

The feature evaluation screens can be toggled between two displays
by pressing the View soft key to show:

 Feature list of measured features on the left side
 Unit of measure and current datum in the upper right corner
 The feature type and number of the highlighted feature
 Feature position
 Geometric and dimensional values such as diameter, length or angle
 Number of data points used to define the feature
 Form error
 Parent features used if the feature was constructed
 An indication that the feature was created if applicable
 Data cloud of collected data points used to define the feature

DRO soft keys Function
Recall Displays a different feature from the feature list

by specifying its feature number.

1.2 Basic Functions

Feature evaluation mode screen showing feature
values

View Toggles between the default screen showing

axis values and the screen showing data points
collected to define the feature.

Change Shows alternative fit algorithms for the current

feature type, such as LSBF (least squares best
fit) and ISO.

Tol Displays the alternative tolerances that can be

applied to the current feature.

Notice

Tolerances are discussed later in this chapter.

Feature evaluation mode screen showing data points

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 25

Feature measurement mode screen and soft keys

The feature measurement screen is displayed after initiating a feature
measurement by pressing a Measurement key and shows:

 Feature list of measured features on the left side
 Unit of measure and current datum in the upper right corner
 The feature type being probed and the number of collected data

points

 The current positions of all axes

DRO soft keys Function

1.2 Basic Functions

Recall Recalls the first parent feature of a new feature

construction.

Create Displays fields for entering data to create the

specified feature type.

Constr Initiates a new feature construction.

Feature measurement mode screen showing feature
type and points collected

26 1 Operation

Menus

Press the MENU key to display menu titles over the soft keys at
the bottom of the LCD screen. Press a menu soft key to display
the corresponding menu screen. Menus include:

SETUP menu SETUP functions

Press the Setup soft key to
display the collection of
Setup screens used to
configure the DRO. Use of
the Setup menu is
explained in Chapter 2:
Installation, Setup and
Specifications.

Notice

Access to setup menu configuration data fields is
password restricted to supervisors and other technically
qualified personnel. Configuration mistakes can result in
serious measurement errors.

EXTRA menu EXTRA functions

Press the Extra soft key to
display the Extra pop-up
menu. The Extra menu is
used perform many
measurement and data
transmission functions.
Highlight a function and
then press the ENTER key.
Extra menu functions
include:

1.2 Basic Functions

Menu titles are displayed over soft keys at the bottom
of the LCD screen

Annot Toggles between forward

DMS/DD Toggles between the

Inch/mm Toggles between the

MCS Clears datums and re-

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 27

and backward annotation.

display of degrees,
minutes, seconds and
decimal degrees.

display of inches and
millimeters.

establishes machine
coordinates.

EXTRA menu EXTRA functions
MinMax Collects and stores

Preset Sets the position of one or

Preset! Recalls the last preset

Prt RS Sends current data to the

1.2 Basic Functions

Send 2 Sends current X, Y data to a

Send 3 Sends current X, Y, Z/Q

minimum and maximum
values until the finish key
is pressed.

more axes to specified
values.

position.

RS-232 port.

computer.

data to a computer.

Send D Sends current diameter to

Send F Sends current form error to

Send L Sends current distance to a

Send Q Sends current Q-axis value

Send r Sends current radius to a

Send X Sends current X-axis value

Send Y Sends current Y-axis value

Send Z Sends current Z-axis value

Send < Sends current angle to a

Zero 2 Zeros X and Y axes.

Zero Q Zeros Q-axis protractor

a computer.

a computer.

computer.

to a computer.

computer.

to a computer.

to a computer.

to a computer.

computer.

value.

28 1 Operation

CLEAR menu CLEAR functions

Press the Clear soft key to
clear feature, datum and
part alignment data.

1.2 Basic Functions

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 29

1.3 Preparing to Measure

Power-up

 Switch on the product. The power switch is located on the rear of

the enclosure. After switching the power on, or after a power failure,

the power-up screen will be displayed. See "Initial power-up" on

page 19.

 Press the ENTER key to advance from the power-up screen to the

DRO.
If the product was configured to establish a machine zero upon

powering up, a message will be displayed asking you to cross
reference marks or specify axis references manually.

Establish machine zero

1.3 Preparing to Measure

A repeatable machine zero is required for the DRO to apply the
calibration chart to the machine geometry correctly.

It is not recommended to use the machine without active
calibration. This would lead to unknown position errors.

Usually the calibration is based on referencing via reference marks on
the encoders. To establish the machine zero after power-up:

 Move the stage to have the reference mark crossings recognized on

each axis.
If the machine zero is determined via hard stops:

 Move the stage to the hard-stop reference position and press ENTER

on each axis.

30 1 Operation

Select the desired annotation

Annotation determines the number of measurement points collected
for each feature type.

 Forward annotation: Use forward annotation to require a

previously specified number of points for each feature type. When
using forward annotation, the number of required points is shown in
the top left corner of the screen. As points are entered, the number
of required points counts down. Since a fixed number of points is
required using forward annotation, the system automatically
completes the measurement and displays the feature after the last
required point is entered. It is not necessary to press the FINISH key
in forward annotation measurements to complete a measurement.

 Backward annotation: Use backward annotation to allow the

operator to determine the number of points for each feature.
Backward annotation displays the total number of points collected
in the top left corner of the screen as they are entered. It is
necessary to press the FINISH key to complete backward annotation
measurements.

Toggle between forward and backward annotation

 Press Menu>Extra>Annot>Enter

1.3 Preparing to Measure

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 31

Align the part to a measurement axis

Accurate measurements require the part to be perfectly aligned along
a measurement axis. Misaligned parts result in cosine measurement
errors. Use the skew function to convert machine coordinates to part
coordinates and compensate for part misalignment. Measure a skew
each time a new part is mounted on the measuring system.

Measure a skew line by probing a straight edge of the part on a major
measurement axis. A minimum of two points is required for a line, but
probing more points will improve accuracy.

Notice

The alignment is performed on a part edge here as an
example. Part alignments can be made on part features
other than an edge. For example, a line constructed
between the centers of two holes could be aligned to a

1.3 Preparing to Measure

Perform a part alignment (Skew)

measurement axis if desired.
The skew alignment edge or line must be oriented within

45 degrees of the measurement axis.

 Press the Skew key.
 Probe a minimum of two points along the part edge.

In the example shown here, the part is aligned to the
X-axis by probing three points along the bottom edge
of the part.

Notice

The part could alternately have been aligned along a
vertical edge to the Y-axis.

Three points are probed to align the bottom edge of a
part to the X-axis

32 1 Operation

Establish a datum

Establish a reference datum once the part is skewed. Two datums can
be created. Typically, datum 1 is a zero reference and used as an
absolute or primary datum, while datum 2 is used as an incremental or
temporary datum.

Datums can be set to zero or can be preset to specified values.
Two methods can be used to establish a datum:

 Zero or preset the X and Y axes on a point or on the center point of

a circle

 Zero or preset the X and Y axes on a point or on a center point

constructed from parent features

While the datum can be created from a probed point or from the
center point of a probed circle, it is more commonly created from a
point that has been constructed from important parent features, such
as the skew alignment line and a second part edge line. An example
of a datum created from a constructed point is shown below.

Notice

Constructions and the feature measurements necessary
for constructions are discussed in detail later in this
chapter. However, a brief example of constructions is
shown here to adequately cover the topic.

Probe skew and part edge lines for point construction

Probe a skew alignment line along the bottom of the part and probe a
line on the left side of the part. These lines will be used to construct a
datum point.

Perform skew part alignment to the X-axis on the bottom edge

 Press the Skew key.
 Probe 3 points along the bottom edge (points 1, 2

and 3).

 Press the FINISH key to complete measuring the

skew line.

1.3 Preparing to Measure

Probe a line along the left edge

 Press the Line key.
 Probe 3 points along the left edge (points 4, 5 and 6).
 Press the FINISH key to complete measuring the

A skew is performed along the bottom and a line is
probed on the left side

second line.

The skew and left edge lines will now be shown in the feature list on
the left side of the DRO screen. The point construction using these
parent features is shown next.

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 33

Construct a datum point from line features

Construct a point from the skew line and the left edge line to create a
datum.

 Press the Point key. The Probe Point screen will be

displayed.

 Press Up Arrow>ENTER to start the construction and

select the line feature (2). The screen will change to
the Construct Point screen, feature 2 will be checked
and skew line feature 1 will become highlighted.

 Press ENTER to check feature 1.
 Press the FINISH key to complete the point

construction from the intersection of the two
checked parent line features.

1.3 Preparing to Measure

POINT key is pressed Features are selected Point is constructed

Zeroing the datum

Datums can be zeroed or preset. This example creates a zero
reference datum from a point feature.

 Press the X and Y Axis keys to zero the point position.

Point is highlighted Point is zeroed as datum

34 1 Operation

Presetting the datum

Datums can be zeroed or preset. This example creates a preset
reference datum from a point feature.

 Press MENU>Extra>Preset>Enter to display the preset

screen.

 Press the desired Axis key and enter the preset value

for the axis.

 Press another Axis key if desired and enter the preset

value for that axis.

 Press the FINISH key to preset the datum to the

specified values.

PRESET Selected from EXTRA menu Preset values are entered Point is preset as datum

1.3 Preparing to Measure

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 35

1.4 Measuring Part Features

Part features

Features are measured by probing data points that characterize the
dimensional geometry of the part. For example, several points probed
around the circumference of a circle results in numeric and graphic
representations of the circle geometry. Throughout this manual, a
measured geometry is referred to as a feature and can alternately be
displayed numerically or graphically by pressing the View soft key.
There are several types of features and each has different dimensional
information. For example, a circle has a center point position and a
radius, a point has a position, and an angle has degrees.

1.4 Measuring Part Features

Feature displayed numerically Feature displayed graphically

Feature list

Each feature is added to the feature list when it is measured. The
feature list shows all features measured on the left side of the LCD
screen and is visible in DRO and measuring modes. Each feature is
identified by a number and an icon indicating its type (i.e. circle, line,
etc.). Up to 100 features can be added to the feature list. Use the
Arrow keys to scroll through the list. Highlight the desired feature to
recall or send the feature data to a computer. Select parent features
from the feature list to construct new features. Delete features using
the CANCEL key or by pressing the MENU key and then the Clear soft
key. In general, the user should delete old features, datums, and
skews from the feature list before each new measurement session.

Probing part features

Part features are probed with crosshairs.

Probing with crosshairs

 Move the stage to position the crosshairs over the desired feature

point and press the ENTER key. The probed point will be added to the

points required for the feature.

36 1 Operation

Measuring features

The ND 12x measures point, line, circle, distance and angle features.
To measure a feature using backward annotation (See "Select the
desired annotation" on page 31):

 Press the desired feature Measurement key
 Probe the required points
 Press the FINISH key

Auto repeat

Use auto repeat to measure several features of the same type (such
as a series of circles). Press the desired feature Measurement key twice
to activate auto repeat. For example, press the Circle Measurement
key twice to measure a series of circles. When auto repeat is selected,
the Probe feature screen becomes the Probe features screen. For
example, the Probe Circle screen becomes probe Circles screens as
shown below.

1.4 Measuring Part Features

Probe Circle screen Probe Circles screen

Use auto repeat and forward annotation to speed up repetitive
measurements. For example, the measurement of a dozen circles
requires the user to press the Circle Measurement key before
measuring each circle and press the FINISH key for each
measurement. The same measurements using auto repeat and
forward annotation requires the user to press the Circle Measurement
key twice before and the FINISH key once after measuring all 12
circles. Pressing the FINISH key turns off auto repeat.

Notice

Examples of measurements are shown in the next few
pages and will use crosshairs to probe points on the 2-D
demo part shipped with each unit.

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 37

Measuring points

Points are the simplest features to measure. Only one point is required
to define the location of a point. A maximum of 100 points can be
probed and will be averaged by the system to measure a single point.

 Press the Point Measurement key. The Probe Point

screen will be displayed. Press the key twice to
measure a series of points using auto repeat.

 Move the stage to position the crosshairs over the

desired point location and press the ENTER key.

 Press the FINISH key to complete the measurement.

The point position will be shown and the point feature
will be added to the feature list.

1.4 Measuring Part Features

A point is probed on the part

The point position is shown and the point feature is
added to the feature list

38 1 Operation

Measuring lines

A minimum of 2 points are required to measure a line. A maximum of
100 points can be probed and will be processed by a fit algorithm to
define the line.

 Press the Line Measurement key. The Probe Line

screen will be displayed. Press the key twice to
measure a series of lines using auto repeat.

 Move the stage to position the crosshairs over an end

point of the line and press the ENTER key.

 Move the stage to position the crosshairs over the

other end point of the line and press the ENTER key.

 Press the FINISH key to complete the measurement.

The line position and angle will be shown and the line
feature will be added to the feature list.

 Press the Change soft key to change the line fit

algorithm if desired.

Line fit algorithms include:

 LSBF: Fit determined by minimizing the sum of the squared point

deviations from the form fit.

 ISO: Fit determined by minimizing the form deviation.

A line is probed on the part

1.4 Measuring Part Features

The line position and angle are shown and the line
feature is added to the feature list

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 39

Measuring circles

A minimum of 3 points are required to measure a circle. A maximum
of 100 points can be probed and will be processed by a fit algorithm to
define the circle.

 Press the Circle Measurement key. The Probe Circle

screen will be displayed. Press the key twice to
measure a series of circles using auto repeat.

 Move the stage to position the crosshairs over a point

on the circumference of the circle and press the ENTER
key.

 Move the stage to position the crosshairs over two

other points evenly distributed around the
circumference, pressing the ENTER key to collect each
point.

 Press the FINISH key to complete the measurement.

The circle position and diameter will be shown and
the circle feature will be added to the feature list.

1.4 Measuring Part Features

 Press the Left or Right Arrow key to toggle the

display between Diameter and Radius if desired.

 Press the Change soft key to change the circle fit

algorithm if desired.

Circle fit algorithms include:

 LSBF: Fit determined by minimizing the sum of the squared point

deviations from the form fit.

 ISO: Fit determined by minimizing the form deviation.
 Outer: Yields the biggest circle.
 Inner: Yields the smallest circle.

A circle is probed on the part

The circle position and diameter are shown and the
circle feature is added to the feature list

40 1 Operation

Measuring distances

Two points are required to measure a distance.

 Press the Distance Measurement key. The Probe

Distance screen will be displayed. Press the key
twice to measure a series of distances using auto
repeat.

 Move the stage to position the crosshairs over the

first of the two points and press the ENTER key.

 Move the stage to position the crosshairs over the

second of the two points, and press the ENTER key.

 Press the FINISH key to complete the measurement.

The X, Y and vector distances will be shown and the
distance feature will be added to the feature list.

 When a Z-axis is used, press the Left or Right Arrow

key to toggle the display between the vector distance
(L) and the Z height if desired. Z-axis height is not
used in the calculation of vector distance.

A distance is probed on the part

1.4 Measuring Part Features

The X, Y and vector distances are shown and the
distance feature is added to the feature list

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 41

Measuring angles

A minimum of 4 points evenly divided on two legs of an angle are
required to measure an angle. A maximum of 100 points can be
probed on the two angle legs. Once the minimum two points are
probed on each angle leg, additional points can be distributed between
the two legs in any proportion. For example, the first leg could be
defined by 4 points, and the second by 8.

 Press the Angle Measurement key. The Probe Angle

screen will be displayed. Press the key twice to
measure a series of angles using auto repeat.

 Move the stage to position the crosshairs over a

minimum of two points evenly distributed on one
angle leg, pressing the ENTER key to collect each
point.

 Press the FINISH key to complete the measurement

of the first leg.

 Move the stage to position the crosshairs over a

1.4 Measuring Part Features

minimum of two points evenly distributed on the
second angle leg, pressing the ENTER key to collect
each point.

 Press the FINISH key to complete the angle

measurement. The angle and angle vertex position
will be shown. The angle feature and two angle leg
features will be added to the feature list.

 Press the Change soft key to change the angle type if

desired.

Slot features form an angle (

ø) on the part

Angle types include:

The two legs of an angle are probed on the part

 INCLD: Included angle (A1).
 360-A1: 360 degrees - included angle.
 180+A1: 180 degrees + included angle.
 180-A1: 180 degrees - included angle

INCLD (A1) 360 - A1 180 + A1 180 - A1

The angle and angle vertex position are shown. The
angle and angle legs are added to the feature list

42 1 Operation

1.5 Creating Part Features

Created features

The Create Part Feature function can be used to create features that
are not found on the part geometry. These features can be used as
reference points for inspection purposes. For example, in order to
measure a feature that is referred to a point off the part geometry, the
user could create the reference point.

Users can create points, lines, circles, distances, angles, and part
skews. Created features are the same as probed features except that
the created features are geometrically perfect, so form error and
tolerance values do not apply.

Created features are not the same as constructed features, which are
discussed in the next section of this chapter. Created features are
defined by the user. For example, to create a circle, the user defines
the location of the center point and the diameter or radius.
Constructed features are built from previously measured or created
parent features. For example, the user could construct a line between
two or more points in the feature list. Constructed features can have
form errors and tolerance values.

Creating features

The method of creating a feature is identical for all feature types. To
create a feature:

 Press the desired feature Measurement key
 Press the Create soft key
 Enter the required feature data
 Press the FINISH key

1.5 Creating Part Features

Notice

An example of creating a feature is shown on the next
page.

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 43

Example of creating a feature

In this example, a circle is created:

 Press the CIRCLE MEASUREMENT key to display the

Probe Circle screen.

 Press the Create soft key to display the Create data

entry screen.

 Enter the circle position and diameter (or radius)

values.

 Press the FINISH key. The new circle will be shown on

the screen and added to the feature list.

1.5 Creating Part Features

Circle Measurement key is pressed Circle position and diameter values are

entered

New circle is shown in the feature list

44 1 Operation

1.6 Constructing Part Features

Constructed features

New features can be constructed from probed, created, or other
constructed features in the features list. Constructions are frequently
used to perform skew alignments, set datums and measure
relationships between parent features.

Users can construct points, lines, circles, distances, angles, and part
skews. Constructed features are the same as probed features. They
can have form errors and tolerances can be applied.

Notice

If a construction is requested that does not include the
required parent features or is not supported, an error
message is displayed indicating an “Invalid construction”.

Constructing features

The method of constructing a feature is identical for all feature types.
To construct a feature:

 Press the desired feature Measurement key
 Press the Constr soft key or the Up Arrow key
 Highlight a required parent feature, then press the ENTER key to

select it

 Continue highlighting and selecting parent features until all the

required features are selected

 Press the FINISH key

1.6 Constructing Part Features

Notice

An example of constructing a feature is shown on the next
page.

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 45

Example of constructing a feature

In this example, a new point feature is constructed from two parent
circle features:

 Press the Point Measurement key.
 Press the Constr soft key or press the Up Arrow key to highlight the

last feature in the feature list. If the last feature in the feature list will

not be one of the parent features, press the Up Arrow key until the

first parent feature is highlighted. In this example, the first parent

circle feature is at the bottom of the feature list.

 Press the ENTER key to select the highlighted feature. A checkmark

will appear at the feature location in the list.

1.6 Constructing Part Features

Point Measurement key is pressed First circle feature is highlighted First circle feature is selected as a parent

feature

 Continue highlighting and then selecting features until all the

required parent features are selected. In this example, the second

circle feature is highlighted and selected.

 Press the FINISH key to construct the new feature. The new point

feature is shown at the bottom of the feature list.

Second circle feature is highlighted Second circle feature is selected as a

parent feature

FINISH key is pressed to complete
constructing the new point feature

46 1 Operation

 Press the View soft key to show a graphic image of the feature

construction. In this example the image shows that the Int 1 point
feature was constructed at the top intersection of the two circle
circumferences.

 Press the Change soft key to show alternative point features that can

be constructed from the two parent circle features.

 Press the desired construction alternative soft key to change the

feature construction type. In this example, the Mid Pt point feature
was selected, and the point is constructed at the mid point between
the two circle center points.

View soft key is pressed to show graphic
image of constructed feature

Change soft key is pressed to show
alternative constructions

More feature construction examples

A collection of some typical feature constructions are shown here
graphically as examples. Many more constructions are possible.
Invalid construction requests will initiate an error message.

Construction Parent features Graphic

Point Two lines: intersection

Point Line and circle: intersection

Point Two circles: intersection

Point Two points: mid point

Point feature type is changed from Int 1

1.6 Constructing Part Features

to Mid Pt

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 47

Construction Parent features Graphic

Point Point and circle: mid point

Point Distance and point: offset

Point Circle: center point

Point Line and point: perpendicular

1.6 Constructing Part Features

Point Line and datum: perpendicular

Line Points: Best fit

Line Line and circle: perpendicular

Line Two lines: bisector

Line Line and distance: offset

Circle Multiple circles: best fit

48 1 Operation

Construction Parent features Graphic

Circle Circle and distance: offset

Distance Two points: point to point

Distance Circle and circle: center to center

Distance Point and line: perpendicular

Angle Two lines: vertex

1.6 Constructing Part Features

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 49

1.7 Tolerances

Feature tolerances

The following tolerances are available.

Feature type To l e r a n c e

Point Bidirectional position

1.7 Tolerances

Point True position

Line Bidirectional position

Line True position

Line Straightness

Line Perpendicularity

Line Parallelism

Line Angle

Circle Bidirectional position

Circle True position

Circle LMC: Least material condition

Circle MMC: Maximum material condition

Circle Roundness

Circle Concentricity

Circle Runout

Distance Width

Angle Angle

50 1 Operation

Applying tolerances

The method of applying tolerances is identical for all feature types. To
apply a tolerance:

 Highlight a feature in the feature list using the Arrow keys.
 Press the Tol soft key to display the tolerance soft keys.
 Press the soft key corresponding to the desired tolerance type, such

as runout for a circle. A new screen will be displayed containing data
fields for nominal and tolerance values.

 Enter the nominal and tolerance values and then press the FINISH

key to display the tolerance results. Press the FINISH key again to
return to the DRO screen.

Measurements that pass tolerance tests are indicated by a checkmark
in the tol soft key box. Measurements that fail are indicated by a
crossed circle in the Tol soft key box and by outlined characters in the
DRO screen.

1.7 Tolerances

Passed tolerance indicated by
checkmark in Tol soft key box

Notice

An example of applying a tolerance is shown on the next
page.

Failed tolerance indicated by crossed
circle in Tol soft key box and outline
characters

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 51

Example of applying a tolerance

In this example, a form tolerance (roundness) is applied to a circle
feature:

 Use the Arrow keys to highlight the desired feature in the feature list.

In this example, the circle feature is highlighted.

 Press the Tol soft key to display circle feature tolerance alternatives:

 Pos (Position)

 Form

1.7 Tolerances

 Runout

 Con (Concentricity)

 Press the soft key corresponding to the desired tolerance type to

display the data entry screen. In this example, the Form soft key was

pressed and the data entry screen for specifying the roundness

tolerance is displayed. Initially, the tolerance data field (Tol. Zone)

contains the measured deviation from ideal roundness.

Circle feature is highlighted using Arrow
keys

52 1 Operation

Tol soft key is pressed to display
tolerance soft keys

Form soft key is pressed to display the
tolerance data entry screen

 Enter the desired nominal tolerance values into the data fields

provided. In this example of circle form tolerance, only the
roundness tolerance field is provided, and a tolerance of 0.15 is
entered.

 Press the FINISH key to display the tolerance result. The tolerance

and actual values will be displayed. In this example, the tolerance
value was greater than the actual value and the tolerance passed. A
checkmark is shown to indicate a passed test.

 Press the FINISH key again to return to the DRO screen. The

checkmark is shown again in the Tol soft key box.

1.7 Tolerances

The form tolerance is entered The FINISH soft key is pressed to display

the tolerance test result

The FINISH key is pressed to return to
the DRO screen

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 53

1.8 Reporting

Reporting

Reports of measurement results can be sent to a computer over a
USB-to-Serial connection.

Notice

1.8 Reporting

Report types include:

Report type Report content
Display The data displayed on the DRO screen is sent as

Report All feature measurement data is sent in tabular

Report content and format are specified in the Print setup
screen discussed in Chapter 2: Installation and
Specifications.

one row for each axis.

form without tolerance data.

Tol Rpt All tolerance data is sent in tabular form. Feature

CSV All feature measurement data is sent in as comma

Tab All feature measurement data is sent in as tab

None No data are sent.

measurement data are not sent.

separated variables without tolerance data.

separated variables without tolerance data.

Sending reports

Reports can be sent at any time. To send a report:

 Press the feature Send key.

54 1 Operation

1.9 Error Indications

Scale errors

Only input encoder scale errors are reported. Scale errors are indicated
by the presence of graphic bars across the DRO screen instead of
numbers. Scale errors can be caused by a few conditions shown in
this table:

Possible cause Corrective action
Damaged encoder

reader head

Repair or replace the encoder.

Misaligned
encoder reader
head

Electrical noise on
the encoder input

Stage (encoder)
velocity too high

Faulty encoder
input connection

Recalibrate the reader head.

Verify that the earth ground provided by the
power source is in good condition and is
connected to the power system ground.

Verify that the encoder cable is shielded
and that the shield is connected to ground
at the DRO end.

Verify that the reader head is not generating
electrical noise.

Restrict stage velocity. If the velocity
required for error-free operation is slow,
recalibrate the reader head.

Repair or replace the encoder cable or seek
the assistance of your HEIDENHAIN
distributor.

1.9 Error Indications

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 55

1.9 Error Indications

56 1 Operation

Installation, Setup and Specifications

2.1 Installation, and electrical

connection

Items supplied

 Display Unit
 Power cord
 Installation Instructions
 Tilt / Swivel Assembly

Accessories

 Tilting base (ID 625491-01)
 Mounting arm (ID 382893-01)
 Mounting frame (ID 647702-01)
 QUADRA-CHEK Wedge communication software (ID 709141-01)

2.1 Installation, and electrical connection

58 2 Installation and Specifications

Installation

The DRO may be installed by attaching the unit to a tilting base, a
mounting arm or a mounting frame. Refer to the instructions provided
with an accessory for additional information.

Do not mount in a position that makes it difficult to access
the power switch or power cable.

Tilting base (ID 625491-01) (optional)

A locking handle is used to secure the DRO from below onto a tilting
base.

Mounting arm (ID 382893-01) (optional)

A locking handle is used to secure the DRO from below onto a
mounting arm.

2.1 Installation, and electrical connection

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 59

Mounting frame (ID 647702-01) (optional)

A mounting frame is used to secure the DRO for panel mount
applications.

2.1 Installation, and electrical connection

60 2 Installation and Specifications

Electrical connection

Electrical requirements

Power input: AC 100 V ... AC 240 V (–15 % to +10 %)

50 Hz ... 60 Hz (±2 %)
max.54 W

Replacable fuse: T500 mA / 250 V, 5 mm x 20 mm

Environmental conditions

The ND 12x meets standards for normal environmental conditions.
Operating temperature: 0° C ... 45° C

Storage temperature: -20° C ... 70° C
Protection (EN 60529) IP40, IP54 front panel

Weight: 2.6 kg

Power connector wiring

L: Line voltage (brown)
N: Neutral (blue)

Protective conductor (ground) terminal (green/yellow)
3-conductor (grounded)
Minimum diameter: 0.75 mm
Maximum length: 3 meters

Warning! Risk of electrical shock

A risk of electrical shock exists if this product is not
properly grounded.

To avoid the hazard, always use a 3-conductor (grounded)
power cord and ensure the ground is properly wired to the
building installation.

2

Power connector wiring

2.1 Installation, and electrical connection

Warning! Risk of fire

A risk of fire exists if a power cord not meeting minimum
specifications is used.

To avoid the hazard, always use power cords that meet or
exceed the minimum listed specifications.

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 61

Replacing a fuse

Warning! Risk of electrical shock

When replacing a fuse it is possible to touch hazardous live
parts.

To avoid the hazard, always power off the unit and
disconnect the power cable.

Notice

Use only replacement fuses meeting rated specifications
to avoid damage to the product.

 Power-off the DRO
 Disconnect the power cable from the source of power
 Press the fuse holder release until the retaining mechanism is

disengaged

 Remove the fuse holder and replace the fuse
 Re-insert the fuse holder and gently press until the retaining

mechanism is engaged

2.1 Installation, and electrical connection

62 2 Installation and Specifications

Connecting encoders

1

3

2

This product can be used with HEIDENHAIN linear, and rotary
encoders that provide digital TTL level signals.

The connecting cable must not exceed 30 meters in length.
The encoder connector locations are:

1 X-axis
2 Y-axis
3 Z/Q-axis

 Connect the axis encoder tightly to it’s connector. An input label is

provided near the connector.

Pin layout for encoder inputs:

D-sub connector 9-pin Assignment

1N/C

2U

3 

a1

Encoder axis connectors

Encoder axis connector pins

4U

a2

5 

60 V (U

7 + V (U

8U

)

n

)

P

a0

9 

2.1 Installation, and electrical connection

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 63

Connecting a computer

1

The USB (type B) (1) port can be used to send measurement result
data to a computer. Settings data can be sent and received from a
computer using Hyperterminal or a similar serial communication
program.

Notice

The USB driver for virtual COM-Port is required for
communication between the DRO and a computer. The
driver and installation instructions can be downloaded
from www.heidenhain.de

To connect a computer:

 Verify that the product is off.
 Connect a computer USB (type A) port to the product’s USB (type

B) port (1) using a USB (type A) to USB (type B) cable.

 Apply power to the DRO.
 Launch the computer application that will be used to communicate

with the DRO, and configure the communication properties of the
COM port to match those of the DRO. Hyperterminal is used in this
manual. See "Connecting to Hyperterminal" on page 65.

Bits per second 115,200
Data bits 8
Parity None

2.1 Installation, and electrical connection

Stop bits 1
Flow control Hardware

USB (Type B) connector

Pin layout for USB inputs:

USB (type B) Assignment

1+5 V

2 Data (-)

3 Data (+)

4 GND

64 2 Installation and Specifications

USB (type B) connector pins

Connecting to Hyperterminal

Hyperterminal or a similar serial communication application is required
to send and receive settings data and can be used to receive
measurement results.

To connect to Hyperterminal:

 Open Hyperterminal on the computer. The New Connection

window is displayed.

 In the New Connection window enter a filename in the Name: field,

select an icon and click OK.

 In the Connect To window, select the communications port being

used by the DRO from the Connect using: drop-down menu and
click OK.

 In the COM Properties window select the Port Settings to match the

DRO port settings and click OK.

Enter a filename, select an icon and click OKSelect the communications port Select the Port Settings and click OK

2.1 Installation, and electrical connection

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 65

2.2 Software setup

The operating parameters must be configured prior to using the DRO
for the first time, and any time part measurement, reporting or
communication requirements change. Day to day use of the product
does not require reconfiguration of software settings.

Notice

Parameter changes made in any of the setup screens can
change the operation of the DRO. For this reason, setup
parameters are password-protected. Only qualified

2.2 Software setup

Software can be configured manually using the Setup menu screens,
or automatically by loading a settings file saved after a previous setup
session. Settings files are loaded from a computer over a USB-to­Serial connection.

Parameters configured in setup screens will be retained until:

 The data-backup battery is changed
 The data and settings are cleared by maintenance personnel
 Parameters are changed using the Setup menu screens
 Certain software upgrades are performed
 Previously saved settings files are loaded

personnel should be given password access to setup
screens. The unlocking of password-protected setup
functions is described on page 72.

66 2 Installation and Specifications

Setup menu

123

Most operating parameters are configured using screens and data
fields accessed from the Setup menu. Highlighting Setup menu items
on the left side of the setup screen displays the corresponding setup
parameter data fields and choice fields on the right side of the screen.

1 Setup menu item: Setup screen name
2 Setup data field: Setup data are entered
3 Setup choice field: Setup choices are made

The Setup menu is easy to use:

 Press the MENU key and then press the Setup soft key.
 Navigate up or down in the menu to highlight the desired menu item

using the Up/Down Arrow keys.

 Navigate from the menu (left side) to the setup fields (right side)

using the Left/Right Arrow keys.

 Navigate up or down to highlight the desired data or choice field

using the Up/Down Arrow keys.

 Enter setup data using the Numeric Keypad, or choose a setup

parameter choice from soft key selections or list. shown when the
field is highlighted.

 Press the FINISH key to save the entry and return to the Setup

menu.

 Press the FINISH key again to return to the DRO.

An example of using the Setup menu to enter the supervisor
password is shown on the next page.

2.2 Software setup

Setup screen menu items, data fields and choice
fields

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 67

Setup example: entering the supervisor password

Critical setup parameters are password-protected. Only qualified
personnel should be given password access to setup screen
parameters. In this example, the Setup menu is navigated to the
Supervisor screen and the supervisor password is entered.

To enter the supervisor password:

 Press the MENU key to display the menu soft keys.
 Press the Setup soft key to display the Setup menu.
 Navigate up or down in the menu to highlight the Supervisor menu

item using the Arrow keys.

2.2 Software setup

The MENU key pressed to display the
menu soft keys

 Navigate from the menu to the Password setup field using the

The Setup soft key is pressed to display
the Setup menu

Right Arrow key.

 Enter the supervisor password using the Numeric Keypad.

The right Arrow key is used to highlight
the Password data field

 Press the FINISH key to save the password and return to the Setup

The supervisor password is entered
using the Numeric Keypad

menu.

 Press the FINISH key to return to the DRO.

The Arrow keys are used to highlight the
Supervisor menu item

The FINISH key is pressed to save the
password and return to the Setup menu

68 2 Installation and Specifications

Order of setup

The setup software is contained on up to 18 screens, depending on
the hardware configuration. It is possible that not all the setup screens
described in this chapter are active in your system. Disregard screen
descriptions that do not apply to your DRO.

The initial setup tasks should be performed in the order listed here.
Instructions are presented in this order on subsequent pages.

Initial setup tasks Setup screens

1: Language selection, axis configuration and product version information About

2: Supervisor password entry Supervisor

3: Encoder configuration Encoders and Misc

4: Loading settings data (instead of manual setup) Supervisor

5: Stage squareness calibration Squareness

6: Error correction LEC, SLEC or NLEC screen

7: Measurement scaling for parts that expand or shrink Scale factor

8: Measurement configuration Measure

9: Display formatting Display

The additional setup tasks can be performed in any order.

Remaining setup tasks Setup screens

Hot key assignments Hot keys

Print formatting Print and Form characters screens

Setup configurations can be saved to a computer using USB-to-Serial
connection.

Saving settings Setup screens

Saving settings data Supervisor

2.2 Software setup

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 69

Language selection and product version

The About screen contains selections for changing the language of
text displayed on the screen, included in transmitted data and printed
on reports. Product software and hardware information is also
provided on the About screen.

To select a language:

 Press MENU>Setup to display the Setup menu and highlight the About

menu item.

 Highlight the Language choice field.
 Press the List soft key to display the list of languages.
 Highlight the desired language and press the ENTER key.

2.2 Software setup

Highlight the About menu item Highlight the Language choice field Highlight a language and press the ENTER

key

 Press the FINISH key to save the language and return to the Setup

menu.

Notice

Language selection can also be made by pressing the Send
key while the startup screen is displayed.

70 2 Installation and Specifications

Axis configuration

The ND 122 supports a two axes configuration, the ND 123 supports
two and three axes configurations.

To select a configuration:

 Press MENU>Setup to display the Setup menu and highlight the About

menu item.

 Highlight the Configuration choice field.
 Press a soft key to select the desired configuration.

Highlight the About menu item Highlight the Configuration choice field Press a soft key to select a configuration

 Press the FINISH key to save the configuration and return to the

Setup menu.

2.2 Software setup

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 71

Supervisor password and program unlocking

The Supervisor screen contains the Password data field.
Most setup parameters are password-protected and setup can only be

performed after the password is entered. To enter the supervisor
password:

 Press MENU>Setup to display the setup menu and then highlight the

Supervisor menu item.

 Highlight the Password data field.
 Enter the supervisor password.

2.2 Software setup

Highlight the Supervisor menu item Highlight the Password data field Enter the password

72 2 Installation and Specifications

Sending and receiving settings data

The Supervisor screen contains tools for sending and receiving
configuration settings data. This eliminates the need to configure the
DRO manually using the setup screens. The settings data also
contains any error correction data that existed when the settings data
was saved to a computer. Settings data can be sent to or received
from a computer using Hyperterminal or a similar serial
communications application. Hyperterminal is used in this manual.

To send settings data to a computer:

 Establish communication between the DRO and the computer. See

"Connecting a computer" on page 64.

 Open and connect to Hyperterminal. See "Connecting to

Hyperterminal" on page 65.

 In Hyperterminal, click Transfer>Capture Text... The Capture Text

window is displayed.

 In the Capture Text window, enter a location and filename for

sending settings to.

 Click Start.

2.2 Software setup

Click Transfer>Capture Text... Enter a location and filename Click Start

 On the DRO press MENU>Setup to display the Setup menu.
 Use the Arrow keys to highlight the Supervisor menu item.
 Highlight the Password data field, enter the password then press

the ENTER key.

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 73

 Press the Send soft key. A pop-up window appears requesting

confirmation.

 Press the Yes soft key to confirm sending settings.
 Press the OK soft key.

2.2 Software setup

Press the Send soft key Press the Yes soft key Press the OK soft key

 In Hyperterminal, click Transfer>Capture Text>Stop. The settings

have been saved to the location and text file specified in the Capture
Text window.

74 2 Installation and Specifications

To receive settings data from a computer:

 Establish communication between the DRO and the computer. See

"Connecting a computer" on page 64.

 Open and connect to Hyperterminal. See "Connecting to

Hyperterminal" on page 65.

 On the DRO press MENU>Setup to display the Setup menu.
 Use the Arrow keys to highlight the Supervisor menu item.
 Highlight the Password data field, enter the password then press

the ENTER key.

 Press the Receive soft key. A pop-up window appears requesting

confirmation.

 Press the Yes soft key to confirm receiving settings. A pop-up

window appears notifying to “Send settings data now...”.

 In Hyperterminal, click Transfer>Send Text File...

2.2 Software setup

Press the Receive soft key Press the Yes soft key Click Transfer>Send Text File...

 Select the settings file to send to the DRO and click Open. A pop-up

window is displayed on the DRO verifying “Receiving settings
data...”.

 A pop-up will notify “The settings have been successfully received.

Reboot the system.” Reboot the DRO by powering-off the unit then
powering-on.

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 75

Encoder configuration

The Encoders and Misc screens contain data and choice fields for
configuring the encoders.

Encoders screen

The Encoders screen configuration fields include:

 Axis selection
 Encoder resolution
 Reference mark selection
 Machine zero offset (MZ Cnts)

2.2 Software setup

 Reversing encoder count direction
 Units of measure

To configure encoder settings in the Encoders screen:

 Press MENU>Setup to display the Setup menu and then highlight the

Encoders menu item.

 Highlight the Axis choice field and then press a soft key to select the

desired axis.

 Highlight the Res data field and then enter the encoder resolution in

the units shown in the Units choice field.

Encoders menu item is highlighted Press an axis soft key Enter the encoder resolution

76 2 Installation and Specifications

 Highlight the Ref Marks choice field and then press the List soft key

to display the reference mark choices. Highlight the required
encoder reference mark type and press the ENTER key.

Notice

Reference marks must be used if SLEC or NLEC error
correction will be performed later. Error correction is
discussed later in this chapter.

The M.Z. Cnts (Machine zero counts) data field is rarely used to specify
an offset from the machine zero position created by crossing encoder
reference marks.

 To specify a custom machine zero, highlight the M.Z. Cnts data field

and enter the machine zero offset in machine counts as determined
by: Machine counts = DRO value/encoder resolution.

2.2 Software setup

Select an encoder reference mark type
from the list

Enter machine zero offset counts if
required

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 77

 Highlight the Reversed choice field and press the Yes soft key to

reverse the encoder count direction.

 Highlight the Units choice field and press the In or mm soft key for

the resolution units.

2.2 Software setup

Choose a count direction Choose resolution units

 Press the FINISH key to save parameters and return to the Setup

menu.

78 2 Installation and Specifications

Misc screen

The Misc screen encoder configuration fields include:

 Auto DRO counts: The number of least significant DRO counts

required to refresh the DRO with new axis values.

 External axis-zero enable for X, Y and Z/Q axes. Allows axes to be

zeroed remotely from encoder zero buttons.

 Slew limit for the axes: High input slew rates resulting from rapid

input encoder motion can result in erroneous measurements.
Erroneous measurements are avoided by displaying encoder error
warnings when encoder values change at very high rates.

 Screen saver minutes: The period of time that the DRO can be idle

before going into activating the screen saver.

To configure encoder settings in the Misc screen:

 Press MENU>Setup to display the Setup menu and then highlight the

Misc menu item.

 Highlight the Auto DRO Cnts data field and enter the number of

DRO counts (axis motion) in the least significant digit position
required to automatically refresh the DRO axis values.

 Highlight the X, Y or Z/Q External 0 choice field and then press the

Yes or No soft key to enable or disable external axis zeroing by the
remote encoder.

 Highlight the Slew Limit data field and enter the slew rate limit

(increments of resolution per second). For example, at an encoder
resolution of 0.001 mm, a slew rate limit of 50,000 will result in
warning messages at encoder motion rates higher than 50 mm per
second.

2.2 Software setup

Enter Auto DRO counts Enable or disable external zeroing for all

axes

 Highlight the Scr Saver Min data field and enter the number of

Enter the slew rate limit in encoder
counts per second

minutes the DRO is idle before the screen saver is activated.

 Press the FINISH key to save parameters and return to the Setup

menu.

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 79

Stage squareness calibration

The Squareness screen contains data and choice fields for calibrating
the squareness of the measuring system. The calibration of stage
squareness requires the use of a certified square artifact.

To calibrate squareness:

 Align the squareness calibration artifact with the reference axis for

the squareness calibration. This axis will be the Master axis.

 Press MENU>Setup to display the setup menu and then highlight the

Squareness menu item.

 Highlight the Master Axis choice field and press a soft key to select

the reference (Master) axis for squareness calibration.

2.2 Software setup

 Highlight the Angle data field and press the Teach soft key to begin

the squareness calibration.

Highlight the Squareness menu item Select a Master Axis Highlight the Angle data field and press

the Teach soft key

 Follow instructions displayed on the LCD screen to complete the

calibration.

 Press the FINISH key.

80 2 Installation and Specifications

Error correction

There are three error correction methods:

 LEC: Linear Error Correction
 SLEC: Segmented Linear Error Correction
 NLEC: Nonlinear Error Correction

All DRO models are equipped with LEC, SLEC and NLEC. Each
method compensates for encoder and machine travel variations with
error correction coefficients. Coefficients are determined by
comparing actual measurements of a standard to the nominal values
imprinted on it.

Linear error correction (LEC) is performed in the LEC setup screen
and compensates for variations along an axis using one correction
coefficient for the entire range of motion on the axis. For example, an
LEC coefficient of 0.0002 per inch applied to a 6 inch measurement
along an axis produces a result of 6.0012 inches.

Segmented linear error correction (SLEC) is performed in the SLEC
setup screen and compensates for variations along an axis by applying
correction values to several individual segments of the measurement
range. The use of multiple segments increases the accuracy of
measurements beyond the accuracy obtained by applying a single
(average) to the entire axis. The correction starting point is mapped to
the axis machine zero MZ Offset) so that the correction coefficients
can be applied to each segment location upon power up.

Nonlinear error correction (NLEC) is performed in the NLEC setup
screen and compensates for variations in the entire measurement
plane created by two axes by applying correction values to a grid of
small areas included by the plane. The correction starting point for
NLEC is mapped to the machine zeroes of the two axes (MZ Offset)
so that the correction coefficients can be accurately applied to each
grid area location upon power up.

NLEC can be performed using one of two methods:

 By measuring points on a certified calibration grid with the target

ND 12x system

 By loading correction data from an NLEC data set generated by

another ND 12x or other systems capable of generating NLEC data.

2.2 Software setup

Notice

A repeatable machine zero, established by crossing
reference marks or defining a manual hard-stop, must be
present prior to performing SLEC or NLEC procedures.

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 81

Linear error correction (LEC)

LEC compensates for machine irregularities and encoder non­linearities by applying a single linear correction value to the entire
range of measurement. To apply LEC to a measurement axis:

 Press MENU>Setup to display the Setup menu and then highlight the

Scale Factor menu item.

 Verify that the Active choice field specifies No.

Notice

When scale factors are used, they must be applied after
error corrections.

2.2 Software setup

 Highlight the SLEC menu item and verify that the Enabled choice

field specifies Off.

 Highlight the LEC menu item and make sure that all correction

values are 1.0.

 Highlight the NLEC Setup menu item and verify that the NLEC

choice field specifies Off.

Notice

LEC can not be performed if a different error correction is
already enabled.

Verify that the Scale Factor is not active Verify that SLEC compensation is Off Verify that NLEC compensation is Off

 Position the standard artifact along the measurement axis.
 Align the artifact as closely as possible to the axis and then perform

a skew alignment as described in chapter 1 (see "Align the part to a
measurement axis" on page 32).

82 2 Installation and Specifications

 Perform a single measurement of the entire range of motion using

the standard artifact and make a note of the result.

Notice

Use an artifact that allows measurements of as much of
the axis range of motion as possible.

In this example of applying LEC, one point at end of the axis
measurement range is measured using an 8 inch standard.

Arrow number Descriptions

1: Standard length Entire 8 inch length is measured

2: Standard values The certified length of the standard

3: Observed values The measured length of the standard

4: Deviation graph Difference between standard and observed

values (not entered into any screen)

To perform the linear error correction in the LEC screen:

 Highlight the LEC menu item.
 Enter the Standard value of the artifact and the Observed value

measured by the DRO for the measurement axis. This example
shows Standard and Observed values for the X axis.

2.2 Software setup

Notice

LEC example using an 8 inch standard

The standard and observed values for axes should be

1.000 when no LEC correction is applied.

Highlight the LEC screen Enter the Standard and Observed values

for the axis

 Perform LEC on other axes if desired and then press the FINISH key

to save parameters and return to the Setup menu.

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 83

Segmented linear error correction (SLEC)

SLEC compensates for machine irregularities and encoder non­linearities by applying correction values to individual segments that
cover the entire range of motion along an axis. To apply SLEC to a
measurement axis:

 Verify that the appropriate encoder reference marks are selected in

the Encoders setup screen (See "Encoders screen" on page 76).

 Verify that the Startup zero field of the Measure setup screen is set

to Yes (See "Measure screen" on page 95).

 Cycle the DRO power off and then back on to establish the machine

zero if necessary.

2.2 Software setup

Notice

Reference marks, or a manual reference position must be
recognized by the DRO upon startup to create a repeatable
machine zero. Machine zero is required for SLEC error
correction.

 Press MENU>Setup to display the Setup menu and then highlight the

Scale Factor menu item.

 Verify that the Active choice field specifies No.

Notice

When scale factors are used, they must be applied after
error corrections.

 Press MENU>Setup to display the Setup menu and then highlight the

LEC menu item.

 Verify that all Standard and Observed data fields contain the value:

1.000 to eliminate the possibility that a previous LEC correction will
influence this SLEC correction.

 Highlight the NLEC setup menu item and verify that the NLEC

choice field specifies Off.

Notice

SLEC can not be performed if a different error correction
is already enabled.

 Highlight the SLEC setup menu item and verify that the Enabled

choice field is Off. SLEC correction can not be configured while
SLEC is enabled.

84 2 Installation and Specifications

Verify that values in the LEC screen are
all 1.000

 Press MENU>Setup to clear all existing datums, part alignments and

part data.

 Position the standard artifact along the measurement axis.
 Align the artifact as closely as possible to the axis and then perform

a skew alignment as described in chapter 1 (see "Align the part to a
measurement axis" on page 32).

In this example of applying SLEC, 4 points equally spaced along the
measurement range are measured using an 4 inch standard.

Arrow number Descriptions

1: Standard length Entire 4 inch length is measured

2: Standard values The certified values shown on the standard

3: Observed values The measured values

4: Deviation graph Difference between standard and observed

values (not entered into any screen)

5: Station numbers Segment end points (standard and observed

values) are entered into station data fields

The deviation graph in the example at the right shows a datum zero
point and 4 certified and (corresponding) measured points. The
certified value at the end of each segment is entered into the Standard
data field manually using the Keypad. The actual measured value at the
end of each segment is entered into the Observed field automatically
by pressing the Teach softkey.

Verify that NLEC compensation is Off Verify that the SLEC enable is Off

2.2 Software setup

SLEC example using an 8 inch standard

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 85

To configure segmented linear error correction in the SLEC screen:

 Position the crosshair probe over the zero reference of the standard

artifact and press the Axis key to zero the axis at the zero position
of the standard.

 Highlight the SLEC menu item.
 Highlight the Axis choice field and select the axis for correction.
 Highlight the MZ Offset data field and press the Teach soft key. The

offset between the zero reference location of the standard and the
machine zero will be entered by the DRO.

 Highlight the Station field. The station must be zero at the beginning

of the SLEC procedure. Enter zero values into the Standard and
Observed data fields to define the zero station as the reference.

2.2 Software setup

Select the axis for SLEC Press the Teach soft key to enter a

machine zero offset

 Position the crosshairs over the end of segment 1 on the standard,

highlight the Station field again and press the Inc soft key to
advance the station number to 1.

 Highlight the Standard field and enter the Standard value at the end

of segment 1. In the example, the value is 1.00000. Then highlight
the Observed field and press the Teach soft key. The system will
enter the value measured at the end of the segment. In the example
the Observed value at Station 1 is also 1.00000.Highlight the Station
field again and press the Inc soft key to advance the station number
to 2.

 Position the crosshairs over the end of segment 2 on the standard,

highlight the Station field again and press the Inc soft key to
advance the station number to 2.

 Highlight the Standard field and enter the Standard value at the end

of segment 2. In the example, the value is 2.00000. Then highlight
the Observed field and press the Teach soft key. The system will
enter the value measured at the end of the segment. In the example
the Observed value at Station 2 is 1.98000.

 Position the crosshairs over the end of segment 3 on the standard,

highlight the Station field again and press the Inc soft key to
advance the station number to 3.

Enter zeros into the Standard and
Observed fields of Station 0

86 2 Installation and Specifications

 Highlight the Standard field and enter the Standard value at the end

of segment 3. In the example, the value is 3.00000. Then highlight
the Observed field and press the Teach soft key. The system will
enter the value measured at the end of the segment. In the example
the Observed value at Station 3 is 2.98000.

2.2 Software setup

Enter Standard value and Teach the
Observed value for Station 1

 Position the crosshairs over the end of segment 4 on the standard,

Enter Standard value and Teach the
Observed value for Station 2

highlight the Station field again and press the Inc soft key to
advance the station number to 4. This is the last station in the
example.

 Highlight the Standard field and enter the Standard value at the end

of segment 4. In the example, the value is 4.00000. Then highlight
the Observed field and press the Teach soft key. The system will
enter the value measured at the end of the segment. In the example
the Observed value at Station 4 is 4.0000.

Enter Standard value and Teach the
Observed value for Station 4

 Repeat the SLEC process for other axes if necessary.
 When SLEC data are entered for all the desired axes, highlight the

Press the On soft key when all desired
axes have been compensated

Enabled field for each axis and press the On soft key to activate SLEC
for each axis.

 Press the FINISH key to save parameters and return to the Setup

menu.

Enter Standard value and Teach the
Observed value for Station 3

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 87

Nonlinear error correction (NLEC)

NLEC minimizes or eliminates the small inaccuracies in the X-Y
measurement plane due to machine irregularities and encoder
nonlinearity. Error correction coefficients are obtained by measuring a
certified calibration grid. The actual values are then compared to the
nominal grid values by the DRO. When NLEC is enabled, the
corrections are applied across the measured area of the X-Y
measurement plane. To apply NLEC to a measurement plane:

 Verify that the appropriate encoder reference marks are selected in

the Encoders setup screen (See "Encoders screen" on page 76).

 Verify that the Startup Zero field of the Measure setup screen is set

to Yes (See "Measure screen" on page 95).

 Cycle the DRO power off and then back on to establish the machine

2.2 Software setup

zero if necessary.

Notice

Reference marks, or a manual reference position must be
recognized by the DRO upon startup to create a repeatable
machine zero. Machine zero is required for NLEC.

 Press MENU>Setup to display the Setup menu and then highlight the

Scale Factor menu item.

 Verify that the Active choice field specifies No.

Notice

When scale factors are used, they must be applied after
error corrections.

 Press MENU>Clear to clear all existing datums, part alignments and

part data.

 Press MENU>Setup to display the Setup menu and then highlight the

LEC menu item.

 Verify that all Standard and Observed data fields contain the value:

1.000 to eliminate the possibility that a previous LEC correction will
influence this NLEC correction.

88 2 Installation and Specifications

 Highlight the SLEC setup menu item and verify that the Enabled

choice field specifies Off.

Notice

NLEC can not be performed if a different error correction
is already enabled.

 NLEC correction can not be configured while NLEC is enabled.

Highlight the NLEC setup menu item and verify that the NLEC
choice field specifies Off.

2.2 Software setup

Verify that values in the LEC screen are
all 1.000

Once these initial steps have been completed, NLEC error correction
can be performed using one of two methods:

 By measuring points on a calibration grid
 By importing NLEC data from a computer using the USB-to-Serial

connection

In the example of applying NLEC, nine points are measured using a
3 X 3 calibration grid.

Arrow number Descriptions

1: Grid alignment A Skew alignment is performed to align the

2: Datum and grid
data points

grid perfectly to the X axis.

A zero datum is created at the lower left
corner of the grid. This is the first position
(X=1,Y=1) that will be entered into the
NLEC setup screen.

Other calibration data points to be entered
into the NLEC setup screen are also shown
in the X,Y format (1,1 through 3,3 in this
example).

Verify that SLEC Enable is Off Verify that the NLEC is Off

Nine points of a 3 X 3 calibration grid are shown with
numeric X,Y grid locations

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 89

NLEC by measuring points on a calibration grid

 Position the standard artifact along the measurement axis.
 Align the artifact as closely as possible to the axis and then perform

a skew alignment as described in chapter 1 (see "Align the part to a
measurement axis" on page 32).

 Create a reference datum by probing the point at the 1,1 position of

the calibration grid and pressing the X and Y Axis keys to zero the
point.

 While the crosshair probe is positioned over the 1,1 grid point

(datum), highlight the NLEC setup menu item.Highlight the X and Y
Grid Size data fields and enter the number of calibration points in the
X and Y axes. In the example, 3 points were entered in the X and Y
Grid Size fields to describe the 3 X 3 calibration grid.

2.2 Software setup

 Highlight the X and Y Cell Size data fields and enter the distance

between calibration points on the X and Y axes. In the example, the
distance between points is 1 inch (25.4cm) on the X and Y
axes.Highlight the Machine 0 X or Y data field and press the Use Cur
soft key to enter the offset from the DRO machine zero and the
calibration grid datum. The offsets for both axes will be entered and
displayed automatically by the DRO.

Enter the X and Y calibration grid size Enter the X and Y cell size Enter the machine zero offset

 Highlight the X Pos data field. Initially the X Pos and Y Pos fields will

contain values of 1. These values are incremented by the DRO as
the calibration is performed. Press the Teach soft key to begin the
NLEC calibration, then follow the instructions provided on the
screen for conducting measurements. Grid measurement locations
are indicated in the top left corner of the DRO screen during
measurements. Upon completion of the grid measurements the
nominal (certified) and actual (measured) values will be displayed in
the Nominal and Actual data fields for each grid position.

90 2 Installation and Specifications

Grid measurement locations are
indicated in the top left corner of the
screen.

 Highlight the NLEC choice field and press the On soft key to enable

NLEC correction. Then press the FINISH key to save parameters and
return to the Setup menu.

Nominal and actual grid values are
displayed when the calibration is
complete

Press the On soft key to enable NLEC

2.2 Software setup

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 91

NLEC by importing an NLEC data .txt file

An NLEC data file created by measuring a certified calibration grid with
an ND 12x or other systems capable of generating NLEC data can be
used to provide NLEC correction data instead of measuring a
calibration grid with the target DRO system. The NLEC data file is
loaded from a computer using Hyperterminal or a similar serial
communications application. Hyperterminal is used in this manual.

To import NLEC data to a computer:

 Establish communication between the DRO and the computer. See

"Connecting a computer" on page 64.

 Open and connect to Hyperterminal. See "Connecting to

Hyperterminal" on page 65.

2.2 Software setup

 On the DRO, press MENU>Setup to display the setup menu.
 Use the Arrow keys to highlight the NLEC menu item.
 Highlight the NLEC choice field.
 Press the Data soft key then the Receive soft key. A pop-up window

notifies to “Send NLEC data now...”

 In Hyperterminal, click Transfer>Send Text File...

Highlight the NLEC choice field and

Press the Receive soft key Click Transfer>Send Text File...

press the Data soft key

 In the Send Text File window, select the NLEC data file to send to

the DRO and click Open.

 A pop-up will notify “The NLEC data was successfully loaded.

Reboot the system.” Reboot the DRO by powering-off the unit then
powering-on.

92 2 Installation and Specifications

Saving an NLEC data .txt file

 Establish communication between the DRO and the computer. See

"Connecting a computer" on page 64.

 Open and connect to Hyperterminal. See "Connecting to

Hyperterminal" on page 65.

 In Hyperterminal, click Transfer>Capture Text... The Capture Text

window is displayed.

 In the Capture Text window, enter a location and filename for

capturing the NLEC data sent from the DRO.

 Click Start.

Click Transfer>Capture Text... Enter a location and filename Click Start

 On the DRO, press MENU>Setup to display the Setup menu.
 Use the Arrow keys to highlight the NLEC menu item.
 Highlight the NLEC choice field.
 Press the Data soft key then the Send soft key. A pop-up confirms

the data was successfully sent.

 Press the OK soft key.

2.2 Software setup

Highlight the NLEC choice field and

Press the Send soft key Press the OK soft key

press the Data soft key

 In Hyperterminal, click Transfer>Capture Text>Stop. The NLEC

data has been saved to the location and text file specified in the
Capture Text window.

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 93

Measurement scaling for parts that expand or shrink

Scale factors scale measurement results using a multiplier and are
useful when measuring parts that will expand or shrink after
inspections have been performed.

Scale Factor screen

The Scale Factor screen contains configuration fields for:

 Enabling scale factor
 Specifying a scale factor multiplier value
 Providing the user access to scale factor editing

2.2 Software setup

To configure scale factor settings:

 Press MENU>Setup to display the Setup menu and then highlight the

Scale Factor menu item.

Notice

The setup process for all axes is identical and uses the
Encoders and Misc setup screens.

 Highlight the Multiplier data field and enter the scale factor

multiplier.

 Highlight the User Access choice field and press the No soft key to

restrict access to those who can provide the supervisor password,
or the Yes soft key to provide unrestricted access.

Notice

Password restricted access to setup parameters is
explained earlier on page 68.

 Highlight the Active choice field and press the No soft key to disable

the scale factor or the Yes soft key to enable it.

Enter the scale factor multiplier Select No to restrict access or Yes to

allow user access to scale factor editing

 Press the FINISH key to return to the Setup menu.

94 2 Installation and Specifications

Select No to disable or Yes to enable
scale factor

Measurement configuration

The Measure screen contains data and choice fields for configuring
DRO measurement parameters.

Measure screen

The Measure screen contains configuration fields for:

 Specifying forward or backward annotation point probing
 Specifying absolute or signed distances
 Specifying current datum screen
 Specifying if to prompt for machine zero at startup

To configure measurement parameters:

 Press MENU>Setup to display the Setup menu and then highlight the

Measure menu item.

 Highlight the Annotation choice field and then press the Back soft

key to allow the user to probe up to 100 points when measuring a
feature. Press the Forw soft key to complete a feature measurement
automatically when the number of points specified by the Fwd data
fields have been probed. For example, when Forw is selected and
the Fwd Circle value is 3, a circle measurement will be completed
automatically when 3 points have been probed.

 Highlight each of the Fwd feature data fields and enter the number

of probed points required to automatically complete a measurement
for each feature type when forward annotation is used. The
minimum numbers are:

2.2 Software setup

Point 1 probed point
Line 2 probed points
Circle 3 probed points

Select backward or forward annotation Enter the minimum number of points for

forward annotation probing

 Highlight the Distances choice field and press the Signed soft key to

display + and - distances. Press the Abs soft key to display distances
as absolute values.

Select Abs to display distances without
+ and - signs

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 95

 Highlight the Current datum choice field and press the 1 or 2 soft key

to select the current datum.

 Highlight the Startup Zero choice field and press the Yes soft key to

require a machine zero upon startup by crossing reference marks or
by prompting the user for a hard stop. Press the No soft key if no
machine zero is required.

2.2 Software setup

Select the current datum Select Yes to require a machine zero

upon startup

 Press the FINISH key to return to the Setup menu.

96 2 Installation and Specifications

Display formatting

The Display screen contains data and choice fields for configuring
display resolution and other display parameters.

Display screen

The Display screen configuration fields include:

 Resolutions for linear and angular measurements
 Startup linear and angular units of measure
 Selection of a comma or decimal point radix
 Unit of linear and angular measurement for the current session
 Selection of current units of measure
 Selection of a Cartesian or Polar display mode
 Range of displayed angles for angular measurements

To configure display settings:

 Press MENU>Setup to display the setup menu and then highlight the

Display menu item.

 Highlight the MM and Inch Disp Res data fields and enter the display

resolution index numbers for each unit of measure. For example, an
index number of 0.001 will round the display of MM or inch to 3
digits to the right of the radix character.

 Highlight the DMS Disp Res data field and enter the Degree/

Minutes/Seconds index number. For example, an index number of

0.01 will round the display of 30°20’45” to 30°21’.

 Highlight the DD Disp Res data field and enter the Decimal Degrees

index number. For example, an index number of 0.01 will round the
display of 30.786 degrees to 30.79 degrees.

2.2 Software setup

Enter the display resolution index
numbers for linear measurements

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 97

Enter the display resolution index
number for angular measurements in
Degrees/Minutes/Seconds

Enter the display resolution index
number for angular measurements in
Decimal Degrees

 Highlight the Startup Linear choice field and press a soft key to

specify a unit of linear measure set by the DRO upon startup. Soft
key selections are:

Soft key Result

mm The linear unit of measure will be millimeters

Inch The linear unit of measure will be inches

Last The linear unit of measure will not be changed

 Highlight the Startup Angular choice field and press a soft key to

specify a unit of angular measure set by the DRO upon startup. Soft

2.2 Software setup

key selections are:

Soft key Result

DD The angular unit of measure will be Decimal Degrees

DMS The angular unit of measure will be Degree Minutes

Seconds

Last The angular unit of measure will not be changed

 Highlight the Radix choice field and press a soft key to select a

Decimal or Comma radix.

Select a Startup Linear unit of measure Select a Startup Angular unit of measure Select a Radix

98 2 Installation and Specifications

 Highlight the Current Angular choice field and press a soft key to set

the current session to Decimal Degrees (DD), or Degrees/Minutes/
Seconds (DMS).

 Highlight the Current Units choice field and press a soft key to set

the current session to inches (Inch), or millimeters (mm)

 Highlight the Display Mode choice field and press a soft key to set

the current session to Cartesian (Cart), or Polar (Polar).

2.2 Software setup

Set the display of angles for the current
session

 Highlight the Angle Display choice field and press a soft key to

Set the display of units for the current
session

select the desired protractor angle display format.

Select the desired protractor
Angle Display format

Select the desired Display Mode

ND 120 QUADRA-CHEK 99

Hot key assignments

11

12

The Hot Keys setup screen is used to map frequently used functions
to front panel keys. Hot keys can save time by eliminating the need to
navigate through menus to initiate a function, or by making a function
more accessible through front panel keys.

Keys that are available for hot key mapping are shown here:

Arrow number Descriptions

1 Soft keys

2 Unit keys

2.2 Software setup

Hot keys screen

The Hot Keys screen configuration fields include:

 Key type
 Specific key for hot key assignment
 Function to assign to the key

Front panel keys available for hot key mapping

100 2 Installation and Specifications