HEIDENHAIN ND 1300 User Manual

Operating Instructions

ND 1300 QUADRA-CHEK

(QC 320)

Video Edge Detection and Crosshair Systems

English (en) 2/2010

QC-300 Series

User’s Guide

Video Edge Detection Systems

QC-320, QC-321, QC-323, QC-324

QC-300 Series Video Edge Detection and Crosshair Systems User’s Guide

Published by Metronics, Inc. 30 Harvey Road Bedford, New Hampshire 03110 www.Metronics.com

User’s Guide part number: 11A10568 Revision 4 Publishing date: December, 2007 Printed in United States of America

QC-300 software version: 2.00

All information set forth in this document, all rights to such information, any and all inventions disclosed herein and any patents that might be granted by employing the materials, methods, techniques or apparatus described herein are the exclusive property of Metronics Inc., Bedford, New Hampshire.

Terms, conditions and features referenced in this document are subject to change without notice.

No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of Metronics, Inc.. Requests to Metronics, Inc. for permission should be addressed to the Technical Services Department, Metronics, Inc., 30 Harvey Road, Bedford, New Hampshire 03110.

Limit of liability and disclaimer of warranty

While this guide was prepared with great care, Metronics makes no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. The advice, methods and instructions contained in this book might not be suitable for your situation. When in doubt regarding suitability, you are encouraged to consult with a professional where appropriate. Metronics shall not be liable for any loss of profit or any damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential or other damages.

Trademarks

Metronics and QC-300 are registered trademarks of Metronics, Inc. and its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

Conventions & Terms

QC-300 refers to any of the QC-300 series of instruments. System refers to the QC-300 and the measuring devices connected to it.

Icons

This guide uses the following icons to highlight information:

WARNINGS The raised hand icon warns of a situation or condition that can lead to personal injury or death. Do not proceed until the warning is read and thoroughly understood.

DANGEROUS VOLTAGE The lightning icon warns of the presence of an uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product enclosure that might be of sufficient magnetude to cause serious shocks or death. Do not open the enclosure unless you are a qualified service person approved by Metronics, Inc., and never open the enclosure while power is connected.

CAUTIONS & IMPORTANT INFORMATION The exclamation point icon indicates important information regarding equipment operation or maintentance, or a situation or condition that can lead to equipment malfunction or damage. Do not proceed until the information is read and thoroughly understood.

NOTE The note icon indicates additional or supplementary information about an activity or concept.

Safety & Maintenance Considerations

General safety precautions must be followed when operating the system. Failure to observe these precautions could result in damage to the equipment, or injury to personnel.

It is understood that safety rules within individual companies vary. If a conflict exists between the material contained in this guide and the rules of a company using this system, the more stringent rules should take precedence.

Safety information is also included on the next page and in Chapter 2: Installation.

WARNINGS Disconnect the QC-300 from power before cleaning.

The QC-300 is equipped with a 3-wire power plug that includes a separate ground

connection. Always connect the power plug to a 3-wire grounded outlet. The use of accessories that remove the third grounded connection such as a 2-wire power plug adapter create a safety hazard and should not be permitted. If a 3-wire grounded outlet is not available, ask your electrician to provide one.

DANGEROUS VOLTAGE

Do not open the enclosure unless you are a qualified service person approved by

Metronics, Inc., and never open the enclosure while power is connected. There are no

user-serviceable components or assemblies inside. Refer servicing to qualified service

personnel.

General Maintenance

Disconnect the QC-300 from power and seek the assistance of a qualified service technician if:

• The power cord is frayed or damaged or the power plug is damaged

• Liquid is spilled or splashed onto the enclosure

• The QC-300 has been dropped or the exterior has been damaged

• The QC-300 exhibits degraded performance or indicates a need for service some other way

Cleaning the enclosure

Use only a cloth dampened with water and a mild detergent for cleaning the exterior surfaces. Never use abrasive cleaners, and never use strong detergents or solvents. Only dampen the cloth, do not use a cleaning cloth that is dripping wet. Instructions for cleaning the touch screen are different and are given below.

Cleaning the touch screen

The touch screen should be cleaned as described below to prevent scratching or wearing the screen surface and to prevent liquids from leaking into the enclosure.

Use only a soft, lint-free cloth dampened with water for cleaning the touch screen. Never use abrasive cloths or paper towels. Never use abrasive cleaners, and never use detergents or solvents. Only dampen the cloth, do not use a cleaning cloth that is dripping wet. Never spray the screen.

If the screen is badly soiled, the cloth can be dampened with a 50:50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. Remember, only dampen the cloth, do not use a cleaning cloth that is dripping wet, and never spray the screen.

Contents

Chapter 1 Overview

Overview of QC-300 features and functions ...................................................1

Chapter 2 Installation

Unpacking the QC-300 ....................................................................................5

Assembling the mounting stand .......................................................................6

Safety considerations .......................................................................................6

Power cord and plug .................................................................................6

Electrical wiring and connections .............................................................6

Location and mounting .............................................................................7

Power surge suppressor ............................................................................7

Connecting axis encoders ................................................................................7

Connecting an optional footswitch ..................................................................8

Connecting a printer .........................................................................................8

Connecting a computer ....................................................................................9

Connecting optional CNC outputs ...................................................................9

Connecting optional camera lighting and zoom ..............................................10

Connecting a video input .................................................................................10

Warranty registration form ..............................................................................11

Repackaging for shipment ...............................................................................11

Contents 1

Chapter 3 User Interface

Introduction ......................................................................................................13

Measurement functions ....................................................................................14

Selecting a measurement type ..................................................................14

Accessing programming functions ...........................................................15

Accessing part lighting adjustment tools ..................................................16

Storing JPEG stills of video images .........................................................17

Sending data to a computer from the Extra tab ........................................18

CNC and other Extra tab functions ...........................................................20

Extra tab functions ....................................................................................20

Space menu insert ..............................................................................20

Divider line menu insert ....................................................................20

Data prompt function .........................................................................20

Laser pointer ON/OFF .......................................................................20

Contents 2

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Joystick motor speed .........................................................................20

Axis lock ............................................................................................20

Part following ....................................................................................21

Stop motion .......................................................................................21

Goto feature .......................................................................................21

Multiple Extra tabs ...................................................................................21

Command buttons and wide keys ....................................................................22

Feature list ........................................................................................................23

LCD Screen functions ......................................................................................24

Number keys ....................................................................................................25

System functions ..............................................................................................26

Datum lock indication ...............................................................................26

Undo .........................................................................................................26

MX ............................................................................................................26

mm/in ........................................................................................................27

Setup .........................................................................................................27

Adjusting contrast threshold ............................................................................28

Video DRO panel .............................................................................................28

Auto-enter function ..........................................................................................29

Printing reports and sending data .....................................................................29

DRO screen functions ......................................................................................30

Toggling between cartesian and polar coordinate systems .......................30

Toggling between diameter and radius displays .......................................30

Selecting a fit algorithm ............................................................................31

LCD ON/OFF and deleting feature data ..........................................................32

Chapter 4 Quick Start Demonstration

Starting program recording ..............................................................................34

Selecting a probe ..............................................................................................34

Creating part skew and datum references ........................................................35

Creating a part skew .................................................................................35

Creating a datum zero point ......................................................................36

Probing a datum zero point .......................................................................36

Constructing a datum zero point ...............................................................37

Measuring features ...........................................................................................39

Measuring a circle with crosshairs ...........................................................39

Measuring a circle with the multiple edge probe ......................................40

Applying tolerances to feature measurements .................................................42

Printing a report ...............................................................................................44

Stopping the program recording ......................................................................45

Running the program .......................................................................................45

Chapter 5 Probes

Preparing to use video probes ..........................................................................48

System and part condition ........................................................................48

Selecting video magnification ..................................................................48

Adjusting light control ..............................................................................48

Adjusting video image contrast and brightness ........................................51

Adjusting video image contrast threshold ................................................53

Using video probes ..........................................................................................54

Selecting a probe .......................................................................................54

Selecting a probe color ......................................................................55

Specifying probe data collection parameters .....................................56

Collecting feature data .....................................................................................59

The auto-enter function .............................................................................59

Crosshair probes .......................................................................................60

Manual probing (crosshairs) .....................................................................60

Automatic probing (crosshairs) ................................................................61

Single edge probe .............................................................................................62

Manual probing (single edge) ...................................................................62

Automatic probing (single edge) ..............................................................63

Multiple edge probe .........................................................................................64

Probe seeding ............................................................................................64

Probing a line ...................................................................................................65

Probing a circle ................................................................................................66

Probing an arc ..................................................................................................68

Seeding to avoid erroneous data ......................................................................69

Recovering from data errors ............................................................................70

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Crosshair probe data collection parameters................................57

Edge probe data collection parameters .......................................58

Contents 3

Chapter 6 Measuring

Measurement activities ....................................................................................74

The measurement process ................................................................................74

Establishing the measurement reference ..................................................75

Leveling the part (optional) ...............................................................75

Skewing the part ................................................................................76

Creating a datum zero point ..............................................................77

Probing a datum zero point ........................................................77

Constructing a datum zero point ................................................78

Setting a datum at the current probe position .............................81

Probing and measuring features .......................................................................83

Probing with Measure Magic ....................................................................83

Contents 4

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Probing specific feature types ...................................................................84

Probing a single specific feature type ................................................84

Probing multiple specific feature type ...............................................84

Probing process .........................................................................................85

Supported feature types .....................................................................85

Backward/forward annotation ...........................................................86

Probing with crosshairs and video edge detection ....................................86

Probing specific feature types ...................................................................87

Probing points ....................................................................................87

Probing lines ......................................................................................88

Probing arcs .......................................................................................89

Probing slots ......................................................................................91

Probing rectangles .............................................................................92

Probing distances ...............................................................................93

Probing angles ...................................................................................94

Constructing features .......................................................................................95

Point constructions ....................................................................................95

Point constructed from a point ..........................................................95

Point constructed from a point and a line ..........................................95

Points constructed from an arc and a line ..........................................96

Points constructed from a line ...........................................................97

Point constructed from two lines .......................................................98

Points constructed from a distance ....................................................98

Point constructed from a distance and a point ...................................99

Point constructed from a circle ..........................................................99

Points constructed from a circle and a line ........................................100

Points constructed from two circles ..................................................101

Point constructed from a slot .............................................................102

Point constructed from a rectangle ....................................................102

Point constructed from an angle .......................................................102

Point constructed from an arc ............................................................103

Point constructed from multiple features ..........................................103

Line constructions .....................................................................................104

Line constructed from a line ..............................................................104

Line constructed from two points ......................................................104

Lines constructed from a point and a line .........................................105

Line constructed from a distance .......................................................105

Lines constructed from a point and a circle .......................................106

Line constructed from a point and a slot ...........................................107

Line constructed from a point and a rectangle ..................................107

Lines constructed from a point and an arc .........................................108

Lines constructed from two lines ......................................................109

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Line constructed from a line and a distance ......................................110

Lines constructed from a line and a circle .........................................110

Lines constructed from a line and a slot ............................................111

Lines constructed from a line and an arc ...........................................111

Line constructed from a line and an angle .........................................112

Lines constructed from a line and a rectangle ...................................112

Lines constructed from two circles ....................................................113

Lines constructed from a circle and an arc ........................................114

Lines constructed from a circle and a slot .........................................115

Line constructed from a slot ..............................................................116

Line constructed from two slots ........................................................116

Lines constructed from a rectangle and a circle ................................117

Lines constructed from a slot and an arc ...........................................118

Lines constructed from a rectangle and an arc ..................................119

Lines constructed from a slot and a rectangle ...................................120

Lines constructed between two rectangles ........................................120

Line constructed from a rectangle .....................................................122

Line constructed from multiple features ............................................122

Distance constructions ..............................................................................123

Distance constructed from a distance ................................................123

Distances constructed from two points ..............................................123

Distances constructed from a point and a line ...................................124

Distances constructed from a point and a rectangle ..........................124

Distances constructed from a point and a circle ................................125

Distance constructed from a point and a slot .....................................126

Distances constructed from a point and an arc ..................................127

Distance constructed from a line .......................................................128

Distance constructed from a line and a rectangle ..............................128

Distances constructed from two lines ................................................129

Distances constructed from a line and a circle ..................................130

Distances constructed from a line and an arc ....................................131

Distance constructed from a line and a slot .......................................132

Distance constructed from two distances ..........................................132

Distances constructed from two circles .............................................133

Distances constructed from a slot and a circle ..................................134

Distances constructed from a rectangle and a circle..........................134

Distances constructed from an arc and a circle .................................135

Distance constructed from two slots ..................................................136

Distances constructed from a slot and an arc ....................................136

Distances constructed from a rectangle and an arc............................137

Distances constructed from a slot and a rectangle .............................137

Distances constructed between two rectangles ..................................138

Contents 5

Contents 6

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Distances constructed from two arcs .................................................139

Circle constructions ..................................................................................140

Circle constructed from a circle ........................................................140

Circles constructed from two lines ....................................................140

Circle constructed from a circle and a distance .................................141

Circle constructed from two circles ...................................................141

Circle constructed from multiple features .........................................142

Arc constructions ......................................................................................143

Arc constructed from an arc ..............................................................143

Arc constructed from an arc and a distance .......................................143

Angle constructions ..................................................................................144

Angle constructed from an angle .......................................................144

Angle constructed from two lines ......................................................145

Creating features ..............................................................................................146

Creating a point .........................................................................................146

Creating a line ...........................................................................................147

Creating a circle ........................................................................................147

Creating an arc ..........................................................................................148

Creating a slot ...........................................................................................148

Creating a rectangle ..................................................................................149

Chapter 7 Tolerancing

Applying tolerances to features .......................................................................153

Selecting a feature .....................................................................................153

Displaying the tolerance screen ................................................................153

Selecting a tolerance type .........................................................................153

Selecting a specific tolerance ....................................................................154

Entering nominal, limit or tolerance values ..............................................154

Omitting a tolerance category ...........................................................155

Tolerance types .........................................................................................156

Bidirectional ......................................................................................156

Points ..........................................................................................156

Lines ...........................................................................................156

Circles and arcs ..........................................................................157

Slots and rectangles ....................................................................157

True position ......................................................................................158

Points and lines ...........................................................................158

Circles and arcs ..........................................................................158

MMC/LMC (Material condition) ......................................................159

MMC Circles and arcs ................................................................159

LMC Circles and arcs .................................................................160

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Runout ...............................................................................................161

Roundness ..........................................................................................161

Concentricity .....................................................................................161

Straightness ........................................................................................161

Parallelism .........................................................................................162

Perpendicularity .................................................................................162

Angle .................................................................................................162

Width .................................................................................................163

Chapter 8 Programming

Creating programs ............................................................................................167

Starting program recording .......................................................................167

Entering a program title (or user message) ...............................................168

Creating a skew and datum (including a message) ...................................169

Measure a feature (including a message) ..................................................170

Including safe CNC moves in programs (CNC option) ............................171

Applying a tolerance .................................................................................172

Reporting results .......................................................................................172

Stopping the program recording ...............................................................173

Specifying part fixturing (CNC option) ....................................................174

None ..................................................................................................174

Temporary .........................................................................................174

Permanent ..........................................................................................174

Editing Programs ......................................................................................175

Editing existing steps .........................................................................175

Editing magnifications ...............................................................175

Editing tolerances .......................................................................176

Editing brightness and contrast ..................................................177

Editing light intensities ...............................................................178

Editing user prompt messages ....................................................179

Appending new program steps to an existing program .....................180

Running programs ....................................................................................182

Archiving and retrieving programs ...........................................................183

Deleting programs ....................................................................................183

Contents 7

Chapter 9 Image Archiving (Option)

Introduction ......................................................................................................185

Capturing JPEG still images ............................................................................186

Image screen .............................................................................................186

Data screen ................................................................................................187

View screen ..............................................................................................187

Contents 8

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Metadata screen ........................................................................................188

Attaching metadata to a JPEG image ...............................................................189

Image file operations ........................................................................................191

Launching the file handler ........................................................................191

Selecting image files .................................................................................192

Selecting a drive ................................................................................192

Selecting files ....................................................................................193

Selecting individual files ............................................................193

Selecting groups of files .............................................................193

Selecting all files ........................................................................194

Viewing drive content ...............................................................................195

Preview mode ....................................................................................195

Details mode ......................................................................................195

Sorting files by name, date or title ............................................................196

Searching by keyword ..............................................................................197

Opening files for markup or edit ..............................................................198

From the feature list ...........................................................................198

From a storage drive ..........................................................................198

Renaming files ..........................................................................................199

Copying files to another drive ..................................................................200

Moving files to another drive ...................................................................201

Deleting files from either drive .................................................................202

Image markup and edit .....................................................................................203

Image markup and edit tools .....................................................................203

Beginning a markup or editing session .....................................................204

Drawing shapes and lines .........................................................................205

Squares and rectangles ......................................................................205

Circles ................................................................................................206

Text boxes .................................................................................................207

Data boxes ................................................................................................208

Editing shapes, lines, text boxes and data boxes .............................................210

Shape .........................................................................................................210

Location and orientation ...........................................................................211

Shapes, lines text, text boxes and data boxes ....................................211

Text box pointer lines ........................................................................213

Size ...........................................................................................................214

Shapes, lines text, text boxes and data boxes ....................................215

Text ....................................................................................................215

Color .........................................................................................................217

Line thickness ...........................................................................................219

Line ends ...................................................................................................220

Deleting image markup items ..........................................................................221

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Chapter 10 Communication

Connecting to a computer ................................................................................223

Sending data to a computer .......................................................................224

Sending data using the Print key .......................................................224

Sending data using the Extra tab .......................................................225

Connecting a printer .........................................................................................226

Printer format strings ................................................................................226

Report formats ..........................................................................................226

Printing a report ........................................................................................227

Printing feature measurement data ....................................................227

Printing QC-300 system settings .......................................................228

RS-232 connector pin designations .................................................................229

ASCII Code table .............................................................................................229

Chapter 11 Setup

The Setup Menu ...............................................................................................232

Accessing and using the Setup Menu .......................................................232

Entering the supervisor password ......................................................233

Selecting items from the Setup Menu ...............................................234

Selecting setup parameter choices .....................................................234

Entering and deleting setup data ........................................................234

Storing a parameter and advancing to the next step ..........................235

Leaving the setup menu .....................................................................235

Minimum setup requirements ..........................................................................236

Setup screen descriptions .................................................................................237

Language screen .......................................................................................237

Specifying the displayed language ....................................................237

Supervisor screen ......................................................................................238

Entering the supervisor password ......................................................238

Keeping setup privileges until the power is cycled ...........................238

Hiding setup parameters from unauthorized personnel .....................238

Limiting access to program functions ...............................................238

Saving and loading settings ...............................................................239

Encoders screen ........................................................................................240

Selecting an axis to configure ............................................................240

Specifying encoder resolution ...........................................................240

Specifying encoder type ....................................................................240

Selecting reference marks ..................................................................241

None ...........................................................................................241

Manual ........................................................................................241

Single ..........................................................................................241

Contents 9

Contents 10

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Absolute .....................................................................................241

Setting a new machine zero reference ...............................................242

Reversing the encoder count direction ..............................................242

Enabling axis error messages ............................................................242

Specifying slew limit .........................................................................242

Squareness screen .....................................................................................243

SLEC screen .............................................................................................244

LEC or SLEC, which is right for my application? ...........................244

LEC (Linear error correction) ...........................................................244

SLEC (Segmented linear error correction) .......................................246

NLEC Screen ............................................................................................249

.acf Files ............................................................................................249

.acf file format ..........................................................................249

Example 3 X 3 grid ............................................................................249

Example .acf file ................................................................................249

Calibrating from features ...................................................................250

Calibrating NLEC by adjusting station values ..................................252

Calibrating NLEC by importing a text file ........................................253

VED screen ...............................................................................................254

Specifying minimum probed points ..................................................254

Specifying light settling time .............................................................254

Specifying contrast threshold ............................................................254

Locking the contrast threshold ..........................................................255

Enabling axis-zeroing on the video DRO ..........................................255

Enabling user access to magnification calibrations ...........................255

Displaying image controls .................................................................256

Adjusting the focus filter ...................................................................256

Performing camera skew calibrations ...............................................257

Specifying camera type .....................................................................257

Including the crosshair and stake marks in video archives ...............258

Specifying the quality of JPEG images .............................................258

Setting the JPEG image number ........................................................258

Magnifications screen ...............................................................................259

Adding video magnifications ............................................................259

Deleting video magnifications ...........................................................259

Calibrating video magnification pixel size ........................................260

Calibrating with a circle artifact .................................................260

Calibrating with a straight edge..................................................261

Assigning magnifications to zoom positions .....................................262

Performing video parcentric and parfocal calibrations......................263

Enabling magnification change messages .........................................266

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Measure screen .........................................................................................267

Annotation (forward and backward) .................................................267

Minimum points required for a feature measurement .......................267

Locking features to their original datums ..........................................268

Specifying signed distances ...............................................................268

Enabling and configuring point filtration ..........................................268

Enabling point filtration .............................................................269

Specifying a filtration error limit................................................269

Specifying a filtration standard deviation range.........................269

Specifying the minimum percentage of retained points .............269

Display screen ...........................................................................................270

Display resolution ..............................................................................270

Default units of linear measure ..........................................................271

Radix for numeric displays ................................................................271

Angular units of measure ...................................................................271

Time formats .....................................................................................271

Date formats ......................................................................................271

Display mode switching ....................................................................272

Video DRO alpha blending ...............................................................272

Configuring the Extra tab ..................................................................273

Extra tab functions .............................................................................274

Space menu insert .......................................................................274

Divider line menu insert .............................................................274

Data transmission functions .......................................................274

Data prompt function..................................................................274

Laser pointer ON/OFF................................................................274

Joystick motor speed ..................................................................274

Axis lock ....................................................................................274

Part following .............................................................................275

Stop motion ................................................................................275

Goto feature ................................................................................275

Header screen ............................................................................................276

Creating report headers ......................................................................276

Print screen ...............................................................................................277

Specifying a data type .......................................................................277

Specifying a data destination .............................................................277

Report Type .......................................................................................277

Lines per page ....................................................................................277

Specifying column separators ............................................................278

Selecting a USB printer .....................................................................278

Contents 11

Contents 12

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Ports screen ...............................................................................................279

Baud rate ............................................................................................279

Word length .......................................................................................279

Stop bits .............................................................................................279

Parity ..................................................................................................279

EOC delay .........................................................................................279

EOL delay ..........................................................................................279

Clock screen ..............................................................................................280

Sound screen .............................................................................................281

Miscellaneous screen ................................................................................282

Return to DRO threshold ...................................................................282

Touchscreen calibration rows and columns ......................................282

Calibrating the touchscreen ...............................................................283

Touch screen cursor ...........................................................................283

Touch screen repeat delay .................................................................283

Touch zone size .................................................................................284

Screen brightness ...............................................................................284

Showing the Extra tab .......................................................................284

Buttons screen ...........................................................................................285

Selecting button functions .................................................................285

Selecting button responses ................................................................286

Selecting button logic ........................................................................286

Joystick screen ..........................................................................................287

Enabling joystick motion ...................................................................287

Specifying a joystick deadband .........................................................287

Specifying axis direction ...................................................................287

Specifying normal and fine axis velocity ..........................................287

Specifying linear and nonlinear joystick motion control ..................288

Calibrating the Joystick range of motion ...........................................288

Digital positioner screen ...........................................................................289

Enabling digital positioner motion ....................................................289

Specifying axis direction ...................................................................289

Specifying normal and fine axis velocity ..........................................289

Specifying axis acceleration ..............................................................289

Specifying a digital positioner counter debounce .............................289

Current value display .........................................................................289

Hardware screen .......................................................................................290

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Chapter 12 Problem Solving

Symptoms, probable causes and solutions .......................................................292

No image is visible on the LCD screen ....................................................292

Values displayed on the LCD screen are incorrect ...................................292

Reports are not printed or are incomplete .................................................294

Reports are printed incorrectly .................................................................294

Data cannot be transmitted to a computer ................................................295

Getting help from your distributor ...................................................................295

Chapter 13 Reference Material

Product specifications ......................................................................................297

Electrical ...................................................................................................297

Environmental ...........................................................................................297

Dimensions ...............................................................................................297

LCD ..........................................................................................................297

ENC tests ..................................................................................................297

Footswitch wiring ............................................................................................298

RS-232 connector wiring .................................................................................299

Lighting/Zoom connector wiring .....................................................................299

Tolerances definitions ......................................................................................300

Concentricity tolerance .............................................................................300

Reference Features ....................................................................................300

Least squares best fit .................................................................................300

Maximum inscribed circle ........................................................................300

Minimum superscribed circle ...................................................................300

ISO (least radial distance) .........................................................................300

Contents 13

Chapter 14 Options

List of product options .....................................................................................301

Contents 14

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Chapter 1: Overview

The Quadra-Chek 300 series is a family of advanced digital readout systems for performing 2, 3 and 4 axis measurements at very high levels of precision and accuracy. Dimensional inspection of components can be made using toolmaker’s microscopes and video measurement systems as part of in-line production activities or final quality inspection.

Feature points are entered manually using crosshairs or video edge detection, or automatically using the multiple video edge detection probe. Feature type can automatically be determined by the system when using Measure Magic. Part level and skew compensation can be performed on misaligned parts prior to measurements that eliminates the need for time-consuming fixturing.

Sequences of key-presses used to perform measurements can be recorded and stored as programs. These programs can be replayed later to perform complete measurement sequences. Sequences can be as simple as measuring a line, or can be expanded to include skew adjustment, datuming, the measurement of multiple features, tolerancing and printing reports of measurement results. Programs can include the CNC motion control option to fully automate program execution, increase thoughput and simplify operator tasks.

Overview

The intuitive interface will be familiar to users of the QC-200 and other Metronics digital readouts. Operators will find the QC-300 easy to understand and use thanks to the large color touch screen LCD display.

The color LCD displays alphanumeric and graphic information for the current measurement, part features and measurement data clearly on one screen, eliminating the need to page or scroll for information.

Touch screen controls select the feature to be measured, change operating and display modes, zero axes, and configure setup parameters. Touch screen controls change to support measurementspecific functions displayed on the LCD screen.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Wide keys

Print/Send data

Touch screen

controls

Numeric keypad

Command keys

Color touch

screen

LCD ON/OFF

Front panel keys enter numeric data, turn the LCD on or off and send data to a printer or computer. Two wide keys located over the LCD can quickly be pressed without looking at the front panel to initiate frequently used functions programmed by the user. All front panel keys provide tactile sensory feedback, and key-press operations can be configured to generate an audible sound.

Speaker and external speaker jack outputs are provided that can be adjusted for quiet or noisy environments. Ear phones can be plugged into the external speaker jack to facilitate silent operation in quiet environments.

Features

External footswitch

Lighting and zoom

Video inputs

Encoder inputs

CNC outputs

Not used

Tilt adjust

Overview

Speaker jack

USB port

RS-232 port

Video camera inputs are displayed on the color LCD and support NTSC and Pal formats as composite video and S-video signals. Video images can be stored as JPEG snapshots using the optional image archiving functions.

Measurements viewed on the LCD can be transmitted to a PC over USB or RS-232 ports or to a printer over the USB port.

The compact ergonomic design and adjustable-tilt front panel of the QC-300 allow users to locate and mount the instrument in a wide variety of environments that accommodate nearly any viewing requirement. The tilt front panel can be adjusted and secured in any convenient position. Rubber feet on the bottom prevent slipping when the system is not permanently bolted to a work surface using the bolt holes provided in the mounting stand.

Optional foot switch is available for operation when the user is not close to the front panel. All the optional accessories for the QC-300 are shown in detail at the rear of this guide in Chapter 14: Options.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Chapter 2: Installation

The QC-300 is easy to install in a variety of basic and advanced measurement applications. This chapter describes how to unpack and install the QC-300. Repackaging instructions are also included for return shipments and for distributors and OEM customers that are configuring a QC-300 and shipping it to an end-user.

Unpacking the QC-300

Carefully remove the contents of the shipping carton.

NOTE Save the carton and packaging materials in case future reshipment becomes necessary.

Installation

Inspect the components listed below for shipping damage. The contents of the carton includes:

• QC-300 instrument • Mounting stand and hardware

• Power cord • Warranty registration card

Shipments of other optional equipment in separate cartons might include:

• RS-232 serial cable • Video cable

• Light control cable • CNC output cable

• Foot switch • Taltech’s WinWedge® software

If any components were damaged in shipment, save the packaging materials for inspection and contact your shipping agent for mediation. Contact your Metronics distributor for replacement parts.

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Assembling the mounting stand

The QC-300 is secured to the swivel slots of the mounting stand by a shoulder screw, a cap screw and associated washers.

Assemble the QC-300 to the mounting stand as shown. Tighten the shoulder screw (1), and then tighten the cap screw (5) and washers (3 & 4) so that the QC-300 will be secure when adjusted to the desired tilt position.

Safety considerations

The QC-300 is completely enclosed and no hazardous outputs can come in contact with the user. Safety considerations are related to power connections and physical mounting.

WARNING If the QC-300 falls from its mounting location, serious personal injury or damage to the equipment can result.

Power cord and plug

Do not locate the power cord where it can be walked on or will create a tripping hazard. Connect the 3-wire power plug to only a 3-wire grounded outlet. Never connect 2-wire to 3-wire adapters to the power cord or remove the third ground wire to fit the plug into a 2-wire electrical outlet. Modifying or overriding the third-wire ground creates a safety hazard and should not be permitted.

DANGEROUS VOLTAGE Always disconnect the power cord from the source of AC power before unplugging it from the QC-300 power connector. The AC voltage available at electrical outlets is extremely dangerous and can cause serious injury or death.

Electrical wiring and connections

Perform regular inspections of all connections to the QC-300. Keep connections clean and tight. Locate cables away from moving objects. Do not create tripping hazards with power cords, input/output cables or other electrical wiring.

Use shielded cables to connect to the serial RS-232 port. Make certain that cables are properly terminated and firmly connected on both ends.

Safety, Power and Encoders

Location and mounting

Rest the QC-300 on a flat, stable surface, or bolt it to a stable surface from the bottom using four 10/32 screws fastened in the pattern shown at the right.

Power surge suppressor

Connect the QC-300 to power through a high-quality power surge suppressor. Surge suppressors limit the amplitude of potentially damaging power line transients caused by electrical machinery or lightning. When a surge suppressor is not used, power line transients can corrupt system memory or damage circuits.

Installation

Connecting axis encoders

Axis encoders are attached to interface connectors on the rear of the QC-300. Many encoder interfaces are available to match the wide variety of encoders that can be used with the QC-300. The type of axis encoder connectors will vary depending on the application. Encoder inputs are specified as analog or TTL at the time of purchase and cannot be changed in the field.

1 Verify that the QC-300 is off.

2 Connect the axis encoders tightly to their connectors. An axis label is provided near each connector. Do not overtighten the connector screws.

Encoder input parameters must be configured later using the Encoder setup screen. Please refer to Chapter 11: Setup for details regarding encoder setup.

X, Y, Z and Q axis

input connectors

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Connecting an optional footswitch

The optional foot switch is connected to the RJ-45 connector on the left side of the QC-300.

1 Verify that the QC-300 is off.

2 Connect the foot switch to the RJ-45 connector on the rear connector panel.

Footswitch connector

Connecting a printer

The QC-300 supports certain HP USB printers. Printer models must be specified when the QC-300 is ordered, or approved by Metronics later.

1 Verify that the QC-300 and printer power are off. Connect the USB printer to the USB Type A port on the side of the enclosure.

2 Make sure the USB cable plug is fully inserted.

USB printer

port

Connections

Connecting a computer

1 Verify that the QC-300 and computer power are off.

2 Connect a computer COM port to the QC-300 RS-232 serial port using a standard straight-through serial cable (Metronics part number 11B12176). Make sure the cable connectors are tight, but do not overtighten the connector screws.

3 Apply power to the computer, and then the QC-300. The default QC-300 settings for communication over the RS-232 serial port are shown here.

Installation

• Baud rate: 1200

• Parity: None

• Data bits: 7

• Stop bits: 1

• Flow control: Hardware

4 Launch the computer application that will be used to communicate with the QC-300, and configure the communication properties of the computer’s COM port and QC-300 to match.

RS-232 serial port

connector

Connecting optional CNC outputs

The optional CNC joystick and amplifier outputs are connected at the CNC output connector on the rear of the QC-300.

1 Verify that the QC-300 and CNC amplifier are off. Connect the CNC amplifier and joystick to the 26-pin D-sub connector on the rear of the QC-300.

2 Make sure the connector is fully inserted and make sure the cable connectors are tight, but do not overtighten the connector screws.

CNC output

connector

QC-300 Series User’s Guide

Connecting optional camera lighting and zoom

The QC-300 supports top, back and ring lighting for image illumination. The lighting output connections are made to an external light control box through the 44 pin D-sub connector. The 0 to 5 Volt zoom control output connections to a zoom am- plifier are also made through the Lighting/Zoom connector.

1 Verify that the QC-300, camera light control box and zoom amplifier are off.

2 Tighten the lighting/zoom cable to the lighting/zoom connector on the back panel. Do not overtighten the connector screws.

The lighting and zoom outputs must be configured using the Lighting and Magnifications setup screens. Please refer to Chapter 11: Setup for details regarding lighting and zoom setup.

Camera lighting

and zoom

connector

Connecting a video input

The QC-300 supports composite and S-Video inputs for NTSC and PAL systems.

1 Verify that the QC-300 and video camera are off.

2 Connect the video input to the composite or S-video connector. Make sure the connector is properly oriented and do not force the connector into place.

The camera input must be configured later in the VED setup screen. Please refer to Chapter 11: Setup for details regarding video setup.

Composite video

connector

S-video connector

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