Faro Photon 20 User manual

FARO Laser Scanner
Photon 20 / 120
with HYPERMODULATIONTM
User’s Manual

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Copyright © 2010 FARO Technologies Inc. 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
FARO LASER SCANNER PHOTON 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 FARO LASER
SCANNER PHOTON 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.
FARO Technologies Inc. Internal Control File Location:
X:\CONTROL\RECORDS\05MANUFA\PARTSPEC\5 Scanner LS\E726 FARO Laser Scanner Photon Manual EN.pdf
Revised: July 30, 2010

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Table of contents
1Introduction 5
2Safety Precautions 7
2.1 General Safety Information 7
2.2 Electrical Safety 8
2.3 Laser Safety 8
2.4 Mechanical Security 11
3Equipment 12
4Your first scan - step-by-step 13
4.1 Setup of the FARO Laser Scanner Photon 13
4.1.1 Step 1 - Setting up the tripod 13
4.1.2 Step 2 – Tribrach preparation 14
4.1.3 Step 3 – Fixing the FARO Laser Scanner Photon 15
4.1.4 Step 4 – Connecting the FARO Laser Scanner Photon 15
4.1.5 Step 5 - Switching on the scanner 17
4.2 Installing and using the software 17
4.2.1 Step 6 – Software installation 17
4.2.2 Step 7 – Establishing an Ethernet connection to the scanner 17
4.3 Starting a scan 19
4.3.1 Step 8 – Unlocking the laser 19
4.3.2 Step 9 – Scanning 19
4.3.3 Step 10 – Shutting down the scanner 20
5Shutdown of the FARO Laser Scanner Photon 21
6The Software SCENE Record 23
6.1 Installation 23
6.2 License 23
6.3 The scan bar 24
6.3.1 Scanner Parameter 24
6.3.2 Scanner Settings 35
6.3.3 Scanner selection 36
6.4 The Scanner menu 37
6.5 Status bar 37
7Color Option 38
7.1 Initial Setup of the camera 38
7.2 Setup before scanning 38
7.3 Scanning with color 45
7.3.1 Camera parameters in SCENE Record 45
7.3.2 Camera parameters in SCENE Record Mobile 46
7.3.3 Position of the camera during a color scan 47

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8Using SCENE Record Mobile 50
8.1 Setting up the Wi-Fi connection 50
8.1.1 FARO Laser Scanner Photon 50
8.1.2 Setting up the Wi-Fi with a PDA and Windows Mobile 53
8.1.3 Setting up the Wi-Fi connection with the iPod Touch 59
8.2 SCENE Record Mobile Pages Description 66
8.2.1 Scan Page 66
8.2.2 Settings Page 67
8.2.3 Color Page 68
8.2.4 Project Page 69
8.2.5 Operator Page 69
8.2.6 Storage Page 70
8.2.7 Scans Page 70
8.3 Viewing scans 71
8.4 Auxiliary Files in the Scans Network Drive 72
9Cleaning Instructions for Optics 74
9.1 Slightly Contaminated Mirror 75
9.2 Greatly Contaminated Mirror 76
9.3 Cleaning the Receiver Lens 76
9.4 Suppliers 76
10 Appendix 77
10.1 FARO Laser Scanner Photon error messages 77
10.2 FARO Laser Scanner Photon data and power cable 77
10.3 Helical scan mode (option) 78
10.3.1 Introduction 78
10.3.2 Operation 78
10.3.3 Electrical interface 82
10.3.4 Test device 83
11 Technical Data 85
11.1 Ranging Unit 85
11.2 Deflection Unit 85
11.3 Laser (Optical Transmitter) 85
11.4 General 86
11.5 Available Replacement Parts 86
12 Product Environmental Information 87

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1Introduction
Fig.1 FARO Laser Scanner Photon
The FARO Laser Scanner Photon is a precise measuring instrument
producing photorealistic three dimensional images. The main features are
•HYPERMODULATIONTM
•high accuracy
•high resolution
•high speed
•modularity
•mobility
The FARO Laser Scanner Photon works by sending an infrared laser beam
into the center of a rotating mirror. This deflects the laser on a vertical
rotation around the environment being scanned; scattered light from
surrounding objects is then reflected back into the scanner. To measure the
distance FARO's Laser Scanner uses the phase shift technology. This means
that the laser beam is modulated with constant waves of different lengths.
The distance from the scanner to the object is accurately determined by
measuring the phase shifts in the waves of the infrared light.
HYPERMODULATIONTM greatly enhances the signal-to-noise ratio of the
modulated signal with the help of a special modulation technique. The X, Y,
Z coordinates of each point are then calculated by using angle encoders to
measure the mirror rotation and the horizontal rotation of the Laser

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Scanner. The on-board PC enables the scanner to be operated without the
use of a laptop. Once a scan has been made, the user can easily navigate a
3D view where the entire scan data can be inspected and analyzed.
A list of possible applications can be found on the FARO webpage
http://www.faro.com.
This manual provides an introduction to the FARO Laser Scanner Photon.
As a minimum requirement, read at least the safety information and the
step-by-step guide before using the scanner!
Faro Scanner Production GmbH
Lingwiesenstraße 11/2
D-70825 Korntal-Münchingen
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Mail: UU[email protected]UU
Web: UUwww.faro.comUU

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2Safety Precautions
2.1 General Safety Information
WARNING:
•Do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. For outdoor
use, please use the FARO PowerBase battery (available as optional
accessory) as a power supply and ensure that the device is protected
against rain or spray water. Do not use the product near water.
Humidity must not be higher than 80%. Liquid entering the product’s
enclosure can lead to severe damage, fire or electric shocks.
•When the product is transferred from a cold to a warm environment,
water may condense on some elements inside the product. Wait till the
condensation water is dried by itself before switching on the FARO
Laser Scanner Photon.
•Do not open the housing. You can damage the product by opening
the housing and the product’s warranty may be affected.
•Read this User’s Manual carefully and retain it. Adhere to all
warnings and follow the instructions step by step.
•Do not use parts which have not been supplied or recommended by
FARO.
•Servicing and repair must only be done by qualified service personnel
authorized by FARO.
•Unplug this product from the power outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
oThe power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
oThe product has been exposed to rain or water or other liquids.
oThe product has been dropped or damaged in any way.
oObjects have fallen into the product
oThe product does not operate normally by following the
operating instructions.
oThe product exhibits a distinct change in performance.
oWhen the required service and calibration date is due
•Only replacement parts authorized by FARO may be used according
to the instructions obtained from FARO (a list of the available
replacement parts can be found in chapter 11).
•Do not expose the product to extreme temperatures. The ambient
temperature must not be lower or higher than given in the
specifications (see chapter 11). Do not use the FARO Laser Scanner
Photon near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers or other
products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
•Do not use the FARO Laser Scanner Photon in vicinity of strong
magnetic or electrical fields.

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2.2 Electrical Safety
Do not open the housing. Dangerous high voltages are present inside the
enclosure. Only qualified service personnel should open the cabinet. Never
push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may
touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts. This could result in a fire
or electric shock and damage the product.
This product should be operated only from the power source supplied or
recommended by FARO. Please ensure that the specifications of the AC
converter are met by your line voltage. If you do not know the power line
voltage in your area, please ask your local power company.
This product may be equipped with a three-wire grounding-type plug, a plug
having a third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a grounding-type
power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug
into the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your outlet (and not the
plug).
2.3 Laser Safety
CAUTION: This product employs a laser system. To prevent direct exposure
to the laser beam, do not try to open the enclosure.
The FARO Laser Scanner Photon should only be operated by trained
personnel.
The outlet of the laser beam is marked by stickers. If the laser
is armed, do not look into the direction of the laser without
wearing laser safety glasses. Viewing the laser beam without
protection from a short distance may pose an eye hazard.
Avoid direct eye exposure and do no stare into the beam or
view directly with optical instruments. Do not place mirrors or objects with
reflective surface into the beam.
Fig.2 Warning labels

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Fig.3 Safety sticker on scanner
Fig.4 Safety Sticker
When operating the FARO Laser Scanner Photon, you must adhere to the
eye safety distance (nominal ocular hazard distance NOHD). The eye
safety distance is dependent on the requested resolution (see chapter
6.3.1.1.) and on the laser power. Personnel working in distances shorter
than the eye safety distance must wear laser safety glasses. Prevent people
without laser safety glasses from entering this area (e.g. by using a safety
fence). The FARO Laser Scanner Photon stays within the limits of laser class
1, if all instructions of this manual are obeyed, especially if no one is allowed
to enter the minimal hazard distance unless equipped with laser safety
goggles. The customer shall assess the proper functioning of the delivered

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FARO Laser Scanner Photon at regular intervals, each of which shall not
exceed a maximum period of one year. A possibility to check proper
functioning of the laser scanner is through the FARO customer service during
the yearly maintenance and certification service. You shall immediately stop
the further usage of the FARO Laser Scanner Photon, if any failure has been
found.
Regarding eye safety, laser radiation from the FARO Laser Scanner Photon
20 / 120 can be regarded as coming from a pulsed laser source. The eye
safety distance is dependent on the requested scan resolution and the X-
Control setting (see also chapter 6.3.1.2). Repetition rate and pulse duration
for the available combinations of resolution and X-Control settings are as
follows:
Resolution X-Control Repetition rate
[Hz]
Pulse duration [s]
1/1 1x 24 0,00093
1/1 2x 12 0,00187
1/1 3x 6 0,00374
1/1 4x 3 0,00748
1/2 1x 49 0,00047
1/2 2x 24 0,00093
1/2 3x 12 0,00187
1/2 4x 6 0,00374
1/2 5x 6 0,00374
1/2 6x 3 0,00748
1/4 2x 49 0,00047
1/4 3x 24 0,00093
1/4 4x 12 0,00187
1/4 5x 12 0,00187
1/4 6x 6 0,00374
1/4 7x 6 0,00374
1/4 8x 3 0,00748
1/5 2x 61 0,00037
1/5 3x 31 0,00075
1/5 4x 15 0,00150
1/8 3x 49 0,00047
1/8 4x 24 0,00093
1/8 5x 24 0,00093
1/8 6x 12 0,00187
1/8 7x 12 0,00187
1/8 8x 6 0,00374
1/10 3x 61 0,00037
1/10 4x 31 0,00075
1/10 5x 31 0,00075
1/10 6x 15 0,00150
1/16 4x 49 0,00047
1/16 5x 49 0,00047
1/16 6x 24 0,00093
1/16 7x 24 0,00093
1/16 8x 12 0,00187

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1/20 4x 61 0,00037
1/20 5x 61 0,00037
1/20 6x 31 0,00075
1/20 7x 31 0,00075
1/20 8x 15 0,00150
1/32 6x 49 0,00047
1/32 7x 49 0,00047
1/32 8x 24 0,00093
Tab. 1 Repetition rate and pulse duration
If eyes are not protected adequately when working with laser beams, severe
damage can occur.
For best eye protection please use laser safety glasses which are specified
for DI 770-<800 L4 and OD4@770-800nm or higher. D stands for
continuous wave laser mode, I for pulsed laser mode, 770-<800 describes
the laser wavelength, OD4 and L4 are the optical density and L-rating, which
are both used to indicate the level of protection provided for specific
wavelength ranges. Please refer to your laser safety commissioner for more
information.
2.4 Mechanical Security
The FARO Laser Scanner Photon may only be used when set on a flat and
stable surface. People can be hit and severe injuries can be caused by an
overturn of the FARO Laser Scanner Photon. Only use equipment
recommended by FARO and follow the setup instructions of the
manufacturer.
If using a cart, move the setup with special care. Never move the cart by
pulling at the data or power cables. Pushing or pulling of the cart with too
much force, sudden stops or an uneven surface can cause an upset of the
scanner.
The scanner is rotating clockwise up to 360 degrees when performing a
scan. Ensure that the case of the scanner can rotate freely and does not hit
any objects during the scan.
While scanning and for a short period after the scan, the mirror unit is
rotating with high speed. Do not touch the rotating mirror unit with your
hands or any objects. You could hurt yourself and cause damage to the
scanner.

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3Equipment
Fig.5 Equipment
Check that all of the equipment that is required for the operation of this
product is available, as listed below.
•Scanner carry case
•FARO Laser Scanner Photon 20 / 120
•Laser lock key
•Scanner data and power cable
•Scanner connector box
•Power supply unit with cable
•Ethernet cable
•Tribrach
•CD with SCENE Record software
•User’s manual
•PowerBase battery (optional)
•Tripod (optional)
Retain all packing material as you may require them at a later stage.

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4Your first scan - step-by-step
This chapter will guide you step-by-step from setting up the scanner to
doing the first scan using SCENE Record.
4.1 Setup of the FARO Laser Scanner Photon
4.1.1 Step 1 - Setting up the tripod
Extend and lock all legs of the tripod. Check that the tripod adjustment
arrangements have been locked and that the legs are of even length. Ensure
that the surface is stable, that the tripod feet are secured and that the tripod
is firm in its position.
Fig.6 Aluminum tripod
Fig.7 Carbon fiber tripod

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Please note: In extreme windy conditions, please make sure that the tripod
has a stable standing. For this, you should affix a heavy weight to the tripod
or sandbag its feet.
4.1.2 Step 2 – Tribrach preparation
4.1.2.1 Using the aluminum tripod
Open the locking screw of the tripod head and remove it from the tripod.
Screw the tripod head to the base of the tribrach. Make sure that it is firmly
tightened.
Fig.8 Attaching the tripod head
4.1.2.2 Using the carbon fiber tripod
Open the fastener of the tribrach as shown in the picture below and remove
the tribrach from the base of the scanner.
Fig.9 Removing the tribrach from the scanner
Screw the tribrach on the carbon fiber tripod.
Fig.10 Tribrach on the tripod

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4.1.3 Step 3 – Fixing the FARO Laser Scanner Photon
Remove scanner from case, check outer casing for any signs of damage or
distortion. Check mirror for damage due to scratches, cracks, distortion and
inspect for cleanliness.
4.1.3.1 Using the aluminum tripod
Place the scanner on the tripod. Once in position lock the scanner into place
by using the tripod’s head locking screw. Test that the scanner is correctly
locked in place by gently attempting to lift it from the tripod.
4.1.3.2 Using the carbon fiber tripod
Place the scanner on the tribrach and lock the fastener of the tribrach. Test
that the scanner is correctly locked in place by gently attempting to lift it
from the tripod.
4.1.4 Step 4 – Connecting the FARO Laser Scanner Photon
Fig.11 Connection scheme
•Insert the 90° bend connector of the blue data and power cable into
the scanner.
Connector
box
Power
su
pp
l
y
Data and power cable
o
r
Ethernet cable
PowerBase
batter
y

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Fig.12 Insert 90° bend connector into scanner
•Attach the blue data and power cable to one of the legs of the tripod.
Fig.13 Blue data and power cable at tripod leg
Without battery
•Ensure that the connector box is switched off (red button pressed).
•When positioning the scanner, please ensure that the connector box is
easily accessible and that its red power on/off button is easy to apply.
•Insert the bigger connector of the blue data and power cable into the
connector box.
•Insert Ethernet cable into PC port as specified by PC manufacturer and
into the connector box. If the Ethernet connection does not work, an
Ethernet switch and two ordinary Ethernet cables might have to be put
between PC and connector box.
•Check that the power supply unit is switched off and unplugged.
Connect power supply cable to the connector box; connect power
cable into an approved power supply source.
With battery
•Ensure that the Battery is switched off.
•Insert the connector of the blue data and power cable into the battery.
•Insert Ethernet cable into PC port as specified by PC manufacturer and
into the battery. If the Ethernet connection does not work, an Ethernet
switch and two ordinary Ethernet cables might have to be put between
PC and battery.

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4.1.5 Step 5 - Switching on the scanner
Check that the laser lock is in Off position.
Switch on the external operating PC and when the PC is
ready, switch on the power for the scanner by turning the red button
on the connector box or, if you have a battery pack, by using the
switch on the battery pack. The scanner’s Power LED will be on.
Start the scanner by pushing the On/Off button. This will start the
boot procedure of the internal PC, which will be indicated by the PC
LED turning to red for a moment and then flashing in green.
When the PC is ready, the PC LED will remain green, while the
Motor LED will be flashing in green till the initial parameter
transfer is finished.
When the base unit and the mirror unit are ready, the Motor LED will
stop flashing and remain green.
4.2 Installing and using the software
4.2.1 Step 6 – Software installation
If SCENE Record is not already installed on your PC, insert the CD supplied
with the scanner and follow the installation instructions on the screen.
4.2.2 Step 7 – Establishing an Ethernet connection to the scanner
Run SCENE Record and click on the symbol to select your scanner by a
left-click on the scanner’s name. Open the context menu with a right-click to
connect to the scanner.
The status icon will change to “Connected” after the connection has been
established and the “start scan”-symbol ( ) will become activated ( ).
Fig.14 SCENE Record – scanner selection

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4.2.2.1 Connection problems
A connection can only established if the scanner and the operating PC have
compatible IP addresses and compatible subnet masks. If they don't, this is
indicated by the Net incompatibility icon . You can check the parameters
on the operating PC using the command ipconfig in the windows command
prompt.
Fig.15 Checking IP address with ipconfig
If the operating PC has no valid IP address (like in Fig.15) you might have to
assign a static IP address to the PC. If the operating PC is part of a LAN, ask
your system administration to do this. Else you can configure the operating
PC's IP address in Windows' Control Panel Æ Network Connections Æ Local
Network Connection (LAN) Æ Properties Æ Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Æ
Properties, using the option "Use the following IP address" and providing a
valid IP address and subnet mask.
Fig.16 TCP/IP Properties
If the scanner selection dialog shows a net incompatibility you have to
change the IP address of the scanner remotely. Select the command Set IP
address form the scanner's context menu as shown in Fig.17.
Fig.17 Net incompatibility problems
Change the IP address of the scanner to an address that only differs from
the operating PC's IP address by the last number. The subnet mask of PC
and scanner should be identical. If you sometimes have the scanner

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connected to your LAN, ask your system administrator for a yet unused IP
address.
Fig.18 Changing the Scanner's IP address
4.3 Starting a scan
4.3.1 Step 8 – Unlocking the laser
Insert the key into the lock and turn it to the On position.
The Laser LED will flash green while exchanging parameters with the
PC unit.
A red light on the upper part of the scanner and the green Laser LED
will indicate that the laser is unlocked and ready for scanning.
If you are in a distance less than the eye safety distance,
wear your laser safety glasses now and take care that there
are no people in the potentially dangerous area unless they
are wearing laser safety glasses.
Remember that the scanner is turning and the mirror unit is rotating with a
high speed. Ensure that the scanner can move freely and that no objects can
touch the mirror unit.
If there is not enough space on the internal harddisk of the Laser
Scanner when you start a local storage scan, the PC LED will start
blinking and the scanner will refuse scanning. In this case, please
erase scan data from the internal harddisk of the scanner and try
again.
4.3.2 Step 9 – Scanning
You can start your first scan either by clicking on the symbol (Start Scan)
in SCENE Record, or by pressing the Start button on the scanner. The

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software might ask for a name and a place for saving the scan. After this,
the scan starts and a progress bar will be displayed.
In the very first scan after the scanner has been switched on, the scanner
starts turning counterclockwise for a brief moment. Then it stops and starts
scanning in clockwise motion. All consecutive scans are then taken without
the initial counterclockwise motion. On completion of the scan the scanner
rotates counterclockwise back into its initial position.
The result of the scan will be displayed on the screen.
Like any other measurement system the FARO Laser Scanner brings best
results after a certain warm-up period. Generally, scans that were made
during this warm-up period are usable without any problems; but for highest
quality standards, we recommend to process a series of scans before you
start. Best results will be achieved after six scans in ¼ resolution.
4.3.3 Step 10 – Shutting down the scanner
Lock the laser by turning the key to the Off position. Use the On/Off button
on the scanner (pressing it for at least 5 seconds) or the SCENE Record
Software to shut down the scanner.
The PC and the motor LED will be flashing green during the
shutdown and the Laser and the Motor LED will be switched off.
After the shutdown is finished, the PC LED will be off and you can
switch off the power supply of the scanner.