Faro Gage User manual

FARO Gage Manual
MAY 2011
08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page 1 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM

08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page 2 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM

©FARO Technologies Inc., 2002-2011. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any
form or by any means without written permission of FARO
Technologies Inc.
FARO TECHNOLOGIES INC. MAKES NO WARRANTY, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, REGARDING THE
FARO GAGE AND ITS MATERIALS, AND MAKES SUCH
MATERIALS AVAILABLE SOLELY ON AN “AS-IS” BASIS.
IN NO EVENT SHALL FARO TECHNOLOGIES INC. BE LIABLE
TO ANYONE FOR SPECIAL, COLLATERAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH OR
ARISING OUT OF THE PURCHASE OR USE OF THE FARO GAGE
OR ITS MATERIALS. THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE LIABILITY
TO FARO TECHNOLOGIES INC., REGARDLESS OF THE FORM
OF ACTION, SHALL NOT EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF
THE MATERIALS DESCRIBED HEREIN.
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUAL IS
SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE AND DOES NOT
REPRESENT A COMMITMENT ON THE PART OF FARO
TECHNOLOGIES INC. ACCEPTANCE OF THIS DOCUMENT BY
THE CUSTOMER CONSTITUTES ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT IF
ANY INCONSISTENCY EXISTS BETWEEN THE ENGLISH AND
NON-ENGLISH VERSIONS, THE ENGLISH VERSION TAKES
PRECEDENCE.
FARO®and FARO®Gage are registered trademarks of FARO
Technologies Inc.
Acrobat®is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems, Inc.
Bluetooth®is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
Windows®XP and Windows®7 are registered trademarks of The
Microsoft Corporation
FARO Technologies, Inc. Internal Control File Locations:
F:\CONTROL\REFERENC\08PRODUC\ENGLISH\Prdpub47\08m47e00 - FARO Gage - May 2011. pdf
F:\CONTROL\RECORDS\05MANUFA\PARTSPEC\14863-001.pdf
08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page 3 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM

08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page 4 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM

FARO Gage
May 2011
i
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
General Information........................................................ 3
Regulatory Information................................................... 3
Bluetooth ...........................................................................................3
Product Environmental Information .............................. 4
Precautions ...................................................................... 6
Chapter 2: Setup
The FARO Gage Packing Contents............................... 7
Packing List........................................................................................7
Optional Accessories .......................................................................7
Packing the FARO Gage................................................ 8
Hardware Setup............................................................... 9
Mounting the Base ...........................................................................9
Surface Mount Plate Dimensions.............................................. 10
Installing Probes ............................................................................. 11
FARO Gage Power Supply ........................................... 12
Supplying Power to the FARO Gage........................................... 12
FARO Gage Battery Pack............................................................. 13
Installing the Battery Pack..........................................................13
Removing the Battery Pack .......................................................14
Charging the Battery Pack ........................................................14
Chapter 3: Operation
Numerical and Signal Processing................................ 15
Handle LED..................................................................................... 15
FARO Gage Handle Buttons ........................................ 16
Error and Status Indicators............................................ 16
Referencing the Encoders............................................................ 17
Host Computer .............................................................. 17
Wired Connection..........................................................................18
FARO Wireless..................................................................................18
Using - Windows XP .................................................................... 19
Using - Windows 7....................................................................... 21
08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page i Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM

FARO Gage
May 2011
ii
Chapter 4: Probes
FARO Gage Probes....................................................... 25
Custom Probes............................................................................... 26
Installing Probes ............................................................................. 26
Renishaw Probe Installation and Operation .............................. 27
TP-20 Probe Kit .............................................................................27
Custom Probe Compensation..................................................... 29
Chapter 5: Accuracy
Compensation and Calibration .................................. 31
Compensation versus Calibration................................................31
Gage Compensation.................................................................... 31
Gage Calibration.......................................................................... 32
Repeatability .............................................................................. 32
Volumetric Accuracy ................................................................ 33
Loss of a Degree of Freedom....................................... 33
Chapter 6: Maintenance and
Troubleshooting
Normal Maintenance ................................................... 35
Gage................................................................................................35
Host Computer................................................................................35
Mounting Stiffness Test .................................................. 36
Temperature Considerations........................................ 37
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)....................................... 38
ESD Best Practices ..........................................................................38
Troubleshooting ............................................................. 39
Power Issues.................................................................................... 41
Hardware Communication Issues................................................ 41
FARO Wireless Connection Issues ................................................ 42
FARO Wireless FAQ........................................................................ 43
FARO Gage Performance Verification Checklist ...... 44
Issues That Will Degrade Accuracy..............................................44
Gage Setup.....................................................................................45
Probe Setup ....................................................................................46
Probe Compensation ....................................................................46
Mounting .........................................................................................47
Single Point Articulation Test (SPAT)..............................................48
08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page ii Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM

FARO Gage
May 2011
iii
User Compensation........................................................................50
Calibrated Artifact ........................................................................50
Chapter 7: Configuring the FARO Gage in
CAM2 Gage
Hardware Configuration............................................... 53
Probes............................................................................. 54
Edit Probe....................................................................................... 55
Probe Compensation Overview.................................................. 55
Compensate Probe ...................................................................... 56
Hole Method - Guidance...........................................................57
Hole Method................................................................................60
Sphere Method............................................................................62
View Log......................................................................................... 64
Diagnostics..................................................................... 65
Temperature .................................................................. 65
Technical Support.................................... 67
Software License Agreement................A-1
Purchase Conditions.............................. B-1
Industrial Products Service Policy.........C-1
Industrial Service Policy.........................D-1
08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page iii Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM

08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page iv Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM

FARO Gage
May 2011
1Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction
Thank you for choosing FARO’s Portable Measurement Arm - the FARO Gage.
This document contains detailed instructions on how to use your new USB
communication-based/Bluetooth®wireless Gage. Additional information about
probes and important guidelines on maintaining your new Gage is also included.
If you have any questions or need further instructions about any procedure,
contact your Customer Service Representative by Phone, Fax or E-Mail. See
“Technical Support” on page 67.
Visit the FARO Customer Care area on the Web at www.faro.com to search our
technical support database. The database is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week, and contains hundreds of solutions to product and application questions.
Listed below are some visual and typographical conventions used in each of the
sections.
ALL CAPITAL text Indicates directory names, menu names, buttons,
tabs, key names, acronyms, and modes.
monospaced text Indicates alpha/numeric characters or values you
enter in a field on the screen. For example,
“Type 0.005 for the tolerance setting.”
bold text Anything you must enter exactly as it appears on
your keyboard. For example, to type a:install,
you would see text in bold type exactly as it
should be entered.
SMALL CAPS text Indicates dialog box, icon names, and window
names.
08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page 1 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM

FARO Gage
May 2011
2
Chapter 1: Introduction
You may also see a few new words. It is important that you understand the
meaning of these words before proceeding.
Warning
A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating
procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in personal injury or death. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.
Caution
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating
procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not proceed
beyond a CAUTION notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood
and met.
Note
A NOTE notice denotes additional information that aids you in the use or
understanding of the equipment or subject. Specifically, they are not used when a
WARNING or CAUTION is applicable. They are not safety related and may be
placed either before or after the associated text as required.
digitize Indicates the recording of XYZ coordinates of a point
or location in 3D space. The word digitize is the same
as the term measure when referring to points.
choose or select Indicates that you are initiating an action. For
example, “Select FILE < INSERT < CAD PARTS.”
left-click, right-click,
click, or press Indicates that you press and release the corresponding
mouse button or keyboard key. Also used when
referring to the hardware device buttons. For
example, “After selecting a file from the OPEN FILE
dialog box, click OK to open the file” or “Press ESC
at anytime to cancel a command.”
drag Indicates that you press and hold the LEFT MOUSE
button down and move the mouse. Release the mouse
button to finish. This word is often used when
changing the size of a window or toolbar.
08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page 2 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM

FARO Gage
May 2011
3Chapter 1: Introduction
General Information
The Gage is a multiple-axis, articulated arm with a spherical working volume.
Each joint has a rotary encoder. The signals from these encoders are processed
and positional data sent through the USB communications cable, or Bluetooth®
wireless connection, to the computer.
The Gage uses a non-volatile read/write FLASH memory. This memory stores
programming and some compensation data for the Gage. There are proprietary
methods that are capable of erasing, reading, and writing the FLASH memory.
These methods are used during manufacturing and field updating. Security for
the FLASH is limited to the anonymity of the access methods and the
unavailability of documentation for the address structure of the FLASH memory.
The only dynamic data stored in the Gage are settings which relate directly to the
operation of the Gage. Examples include the probe XYZ position, baud rate for
serial Gages, etc. The Gage does not maintain in memory, or cache, measurement
data of any type. Measurements recorded with the Gage are sent directly to the
properly connected computer.
Regulatory Information
Regulatory information for the wireless components of the Gage is listed on the
Bluetooth
FCC ID: ED9LMX9838
IC: 1520A-LMX9838
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
FCC Compliance Statement:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
1This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
Information To The User:
08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page 3 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM

FARO Gage
May 2011
4
Chapter 1: Introduction
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.
CAUTION: Any change or modification not expressly approved by FARO
Technologies, Inc. may void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Industry Canada Statement:
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1This device may not cause interference, and
2this device must accept any interference, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
CAUTION: EXPOSURE TO RADIO FREQUENCY RADIATION
The installer of this radio equipment must ensure that the antenna is located or
pointed such that it does not emit RF field in excess of Health Canada limits for
the general population: consult Safety Code 6, obtainable from Health Canada's
website www.hc-sc.gc.ca/rpb
Product Environmental Information
Legislation is now in place within the European Union (EU) that regulates waste
from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). European Directive 2002/96/
EC on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (the WEEE Directive)
stipulates that WEEE is now subject to regulations designed to prevent the
08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page 4 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM

FARO Gage
May 2011
5Chapter 1: Introduction
disposal of such waste and to encourage design and treatment measures to
minimize the amount of waste that is placed into the waste stream. The objective
of the WEEE Directive is to preserve, protect and improve the quality of the
environment, protect human health, and stimulate the practical use of natural
resources. Specifically, the WEEE Directive requires that producers of electrical
and electronic equipment be responsible for the collection, reuse, recycling and
treatment of WEEE which the Producer places on the EU market after August 13,
2005.
FARO Technologies, Inc., as a producer of electrical and electronic equipment
(EEE), has endeavored to meet these environmental responsibilities for
managing WEEE. In so doing, FARO is providing the following to inform its
customers about the WEEE collection process:
In order to avoid any potential dissemination of hazardous substances into the
environment, FARO has labeled this product with the WEEE symbol (see below)
in order to alert the end-user that it should be disposed of within the proper waste
management system. That system will recycle, reuse, and dispose of materials
from this product in an environmentally sound way.
The symbol represented below, and found on this FARO Technologies product,
indicates that this product meets the European Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment. This symbol, only applicable in European
Union countries, indicates that when this product reaches the end of its useful life
it should not be disposed of with normal household or municipal waste, but in an
established waste stream for WEEE.
Each EU Member State country has established a system for the collection,
disposal, and recycling of WEEE. End-users in the EU should contact their local
waste administration system for collection instructions concerning this product.
Refer to www.faro.com for further environmental information concerning this
product.
WEEE Symbol
08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page 5 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM

FARO Gage
May 2011
6
Chapter 1: Introduction
Precautions
The Gage is a precision measuring instrument that is ruggedized for shop use;
however, care must still be exercised in the operating environment when using
the Gage. Proper operation and care includes avoiding:
• Solvents.
• Abuse, such as dropping or twisting at end stops.
• Moisture and high humidity.
• Power fluctuations. See “FARO Gage Power Supply” on page 12.
• Excessive temperature changes without appropriate elapsed time. See
“Temperature Considerations” on page 37.
Your Gage can give you many years of service when treated with care.
08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page 6 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM

FARO Gage
May 2011
7Chapter 2: Setup
Chapter 2: Setup
This Chapter describes the basic setup and packing of the Gage. You should also
refer to the FARO Gage Assembly Instructions booklet found inside your Gage
shipping case.
The FARO Gage Packing Contents
The following components and accessories are standard items shipped with every
unit.
Packing List
• Shipping Case
• FARO Gage
• Probe Case:
• Two probes
• FARO Compensation Cone
• 12mm wrench
• Cap screws and wrench
• USB cable
• Lithium Ion Battery
• Surface Mount Plate
• Power Supply
• Dust Cover
• FARO Gage Manual CD
• FARO Gage Manual (this book)
•FaroArm
®Accessories Manual
• Gage Assembly Instructions
• Product Environmental Information European Union sheet
• FARO Gage Calibration Documents
Optional Accessories
The Accessories Manual that comes with your FARO Gage has all of the optional
accessories that you can order from FARO. Installation and detailed operational
instructions are included.
The Accessories Manual is also available on FARO’s Web site at www.faro.com.
To purchase optional accessories, contact FARO’s Customer Service by Phone,
Fax or E-Mail. See “Technical Support” on page 67.
08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page 7 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM

FARO Gage
May 2011
8
Chapter 2: Setup
Packing the FARO Gage
The Gage should be packed very carefully to prevent shipping damage.
1Pack the Power Supply, Probe Case, and Surface Mount Plate, as shown.
2Grab the Gage with both hands as shown.
3Insert the Gage into the case.
Figure 2-1 Pack the Power Module, Probe Case, and Surface Mount Plate
Figure 2-2 Insert Gage into the Case
08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page 8 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM

FARO Gage
May 2011
9Chapter 2: Setup
Hardware Setup
The following sections describe the proper setup of the Gage. This includes
attaching the Gage to your work surface, and connecting the Gage to the
computer.
Mounting the Base
The counterbalance by the tension spring generates torque at the base of the
Gage. So to achieve optimum machine accuracy, the mounting must meet certain
requirements.
NOTE: The Gage must be mounted in a upright position. Do Not mount the
Gage in an inverted (upside down), or sideways position.
To fasten the Gage:
1Attach the 3.5" threaded ring and surface mount plate to any stable location.
Tighten all mounting bolts to 100-inch pounds.
2Place the Gage on top of the 3.5” threaded ring.
3Screw the threaded collar clamp onto the base of the Gage and the 3.5”
threaded ring.
4Use the wrench to tighten the threaded collar clamp.
Figure 2-3 Mounting the Gage
08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page 9 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM

FARO Gage
May 2011
10
Chapter 2: Setup
For more information see “Mounting Stiffness Test” on page 36 and “FARO
Gage Performance Verification Checklist” on page 44.
Surface Mount Plate Dimensions
The Surface Mount Plate is used to clamp or bolt the Gage to a stable mounting
surface. It is an assembly of a standard 3½” mounting ring and a FARO designed
base plate.
You can bolt the Surface Mount Plate directly to a surface using the mounting
screws in the Probe Case. Make sure to tighten each mounting screw with the hex
wrench.
Figure 2-4 Surface Mount Plate dimensions
5.950
BC2.970
.406
.38
BC5.187
6X .281
A
CHAMFER
.12 X 45
.001
.001
A
1.00
08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page 10 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM

FARO Gage
May 2011
11 Chapter 2: Setup
You can bolt the 3½” mounting ring directly to a surface using the mounting
screws in the Probe Case. Make sure to tighten each mounting screw with the hex
wrench.
Installing Probes
The probe attaches to the threaded handle at the end of the Gage. Use the 12mm
wrench in the Probe Case to install the probe.
1Hold the button area near the end of the Gage with one hand.
Figure 2-5 Standard 3½” Mounting Ring dimensions
Figure 2-6 Installing a Probe
EQUALLY SPACED
WITHIN .005
3.500-8 UNC-2A
2X .09 X 45
CHAMFER
.54
2.50
2.970
.344 .22
6X .218
08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page 11 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM

FARO Gage
May 2011
12
Chapter 2: Setup
CAUTION: Do not hold the Gage except in the button area when installing a
probe. Holding the Gage at the last joint may stress the tube and damage the
system.
2Rotate the probe clockwise and thread the probe into the Gage.
3Use the 12mm wrench to hand-tighten the probe.
CAUTION: Only hand-tighten the probe with the 12mm wrench. Do not
over-tighten the probe.
Use your measuring software to setup and compensate the probe. See “Probes”
on page 54.
FARO Gage Power Supply
Power the Gage with the supplied power supply. The power supply shall be
NRTL Listed for US and Canada. For IEC member countries and Europe, the
power supply must be certified for the country in which the equipment is sold.
Contact FARO’s Customer Service to order a replacement. All servicing should
be referred to qualified service personnel.
CAUTION
(INDOOR USE ONLY)
Supplying Power to the FARO Gage
Place the Gage in an area with a properly grounded
outlet receptacle. The On/Off switch disconnects
power from the Gage.
WARNING: Do not disconnect, or isolate, the
Ground pin on the power supply cord.
Select the proper power supply cord intended for
installation in a protected environment. The power
supply automatically adjusts to the voltage.
• For 120V Connection: Use a UL Listed, type SJT
or SVT, 3-Conductor, 18 A.W.G. power supply cord, terminating in a molded-
on plug cap rated 125 VAC, 15A minimum, with a minimum length of six feet.
Rated Voltage: 110 - 240V ~ 50 - 60 Hz
Voltage Tolerance: +10% or -10%
Rated Input: 0.8A
Sec. Voltage: +12 VDC
Sec. Current: 2A
Pollution Category: 2
Installation Category: 2
USB
PORT
On/Off
SWITCH
08M47E00_FAROGage.book Page 12 Wednesday, June 8, 2011 4:12 PM
Other manuals for Gage
1
Table of contents
Other Faro Measuring Instrument manuals