LMI Technologies Gocator Series User manual

USER MANUAL
Gocator Line Profile Sensors
Gocator 2100, 2300, 2400 Series; Gocator 2880
Firmware version:4.5.x.xx
Document revision:D

Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual 2
Copyright
Copyright © 2017 by LMI Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Proprietary
This document, submitted in confidence, contains proprietary information which shall not be
reproduced or transferred to other documents or disclosed to others or used for manufacturing or any
other purpose without prior written permission of LMI Technologies Inc.
No part of this publication may be copied, photocopied, reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, or
reduced to any electronic medium or machine readable form without prior written consent of LMI
Technologies, Inc.
Trademarks and Restrictions
Gocator™ is a registered trademark of LMI Technologies, Inc. Any other company or product names
mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Information contained within this manual is subject to change.
This product is designated for use solely as a component and as such it does not comply with the
standards relating to laser products specified in U.S. FDA CFR Title 21 Part 1040.
Contact Information
LMI Technologies, Inc.
9200 Glenlyon Parkway
Burnaby BCV5J 5J8
Canada
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.lmi3D.com

Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual 3
Table of Contents
Copyright 2
Table of Contents 3
Introduction 11
Safety and Maintenance 12
Laser Safety 12
Laser Classes 13
Precautions and Responsibilities 14
Class 3B Responsibilities 14
Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD) 15
Systems Sold or Used in the USA 16
Electrical Safety 16
Handling, Cleaning, and Maintenance 17
Environment and Lighting 17
Getting Started 19
System Overview 19
Standalone System 19
Dual-Sensor System 20
Multi-Sensor System 21
Hardware Overview 22
Gocator Sensor 22
Gocator Cordsets 22
Master 100 23
Master 400 / 800 / 1200 / 2400 24
Master 810 / 2410 25
Calibration Targets 26
Installation 28
Mounting 28
Orientations 29
Grounding: Gocator 31
Grounding: Recommended Practices for
Cordsets 31
Installing DIN Rail Clips: Master 810 or 2410 32
Grounding: Master Network Controllers 33
Grounding When Using a DIN Rail (Master
810/2410) 33
Rut-Scanning System Setup 34
Layout 34
System Setup 35
Software Configuration 36
System Operation 36
Network Setup 37
Client Setup 37
Gocator Setup 39
Running a Standalone Sensor System 39
Running a Dual-Sensor System 40
Next Steps 43
How Gocator Works 44
3D Acquisition 44
Clearance Distance, Field of Viewand
Measurement Range 45
Resolution and Accuracy 46
X Resolution 46
Z Resolution 47
Z Linearity 47
Profile Output 49
Coordinate Systems 49
Sensor Coordinates 49
System Coordinates 50
Part and Section Coordinates 52
Switching between Coordinate Systems 53
Uniform Spacing (Data Resampling) 53
Data Generation and Processing 54
Surface Generation 54
Part Detection 55
Sectioning 55
Part Matching 56
Measurement and Anchoring 56
Output and Digital Tracking 57
Gocator Web Interface 58
User Interface Overview 58
Toolbar 59
Creating, Saving and Loading Jobs (Settings) 59
Recording, Playback, and Measurement
Simulation 61
Recording Filtering 63
Downloading, Uploading, and Exporting
Replay Data 64
Metrics Area 66
Data Viewer 67
Status Bar 67
Log 67
Frame Information 68
Interface Language 68

Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual 4
System Management and Maintenance 70
Manage Page Overview 70
Sensor System 71
Sensor Autostart 71
System Layout 71
Buddy Assignment 73
Exposure Multiplexing 74
Over Temperature Protection 74
Networking 75
Motion and Alignment 75
Alignment Reference 76
Encoder Resolution 76
Encoder Value and Frequency 77
Travel Speed 77
Jobs 77
Security 79
Maintenance 80
Sensor Backups and Factory Reset 81
Firmware Upgrade 82
Support 83
Support Files 84
Manual Access 84
Software Development Kit 85
Scan Setup and Alignment 86
Scan Page Overview 86
Scan Modes 87
Triggers 88
Trigger Examples 91
Trigger Settings 92
Maximum Input Trigger Rate 93
Maximum Encoder Rate 94
Sensor 94
Active Area 94
Tracking Window 95
Transformations 97
Exposure 98
Single Exposure 99
Dynamic Exposure 100
Multiple Exposure 101
Spacing 102
Sub-Sampling 102
Spacing Interval 103
Material 104
Alignment 106
Alignment States 106
Alignment Types 106
Alignment: With and Without Encoder
Calibration 106
Aligning Sensors 107
Clearing Alignment 110
Filters 110
Gap Filling 110
Median 111
Smoothing 112
Decimation 113
Surface Generation 113
Part Detection 117
Edge Filtering 120
Data Viewer 121
Data Viewer Controls 122
Video Mode 122
Exposure Information 122
Exposures 122
Overexposure and Underexposure 123
Spots and Dropouts 124
Profile Mode 125
Section Mode 127
Surface Mode 128
Height Map Color Scale 131
Region Definition 132
Intensity Output 133
Models 134
Model Page Overview 134
Part Matching 135
Using Edge Detection 136
Creating a Model 139
Modifying a Model's Edge Points 141
Adjusting Target Sensitivity 144
Setting the Match Acceptance Criteria 145
Running Part Matching 145
Using Bounding Box and Ellipse 145
Configuring a Bounding Box or an Ellipse147
Running Part Matching 148
Using Part Matching to Accept or Reject a
Part 149

Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual 5
Sections 149
Creating a Section 152
Deleting a Section 154
Measurement 155
Measure Page Overview 155
Data Viewer 156
Tools Panel 156
Adding and Configuring a Tool 156
Source 157
Streams (Sections) 158
Regions 158
Decisions 159
Filters 161
Measurement Anchoring 162
Enabling and Disabling Measurements 163
Editing a Tool or Measurement Name 165
Changing a Measurement ID 165
Removing a Tool 166
Profile Measurement 166
Feature Points 166
Fit Lines 168
Measurement Tools 169
Area 169
Bounding Box 171
Bridge Value 173
Circle 176
Dimension 177
Groove 179
Intersect 183
Line 185
Panel 186
Position 189
Round Corner 190
Strip 193
Tilt 197
Script 198
Surface Measurement 199
Measurement Tools 200
Bounding Box 200
Countersunk Hole 204
Dimension 211
Ellipse 214
Hole 217
Measurement Region 220
Opening 221
Measurement Region 228
Plane 228
Position 230
Stud 232
Measurement Region 235
Volume 235
Script 237
Script Measurement 238
Built-in Functions 238
Output 243
Output Page Overview 243
Ethernet Output 244
Digital Output 248
Analog Output 250
Serial Output 252
Dashboard 255
Dashboard Page Overview 255
State and Health Information 255
Measurements 257
Gocator Emulator 258
Limitations 258
Downloading a Support File 259
Running the Emulator 260
Adding a Scenario to the Emulator 261
Running a Scenario 261
Removing a Scenario from the Emulator 262
Using Replay Protection 263
Stopping and Restarting the Emulator 263
Working with Jobs and Data 263
Creating, Saving, and Loading Jobs 263
Playback and Measurement Simulation 264
Downloading, Uploading, and Exporting
Replay Data 266
Downloading and Uploading Jobs 268
Scan, Model, and Measurement Settings 269
Calculating Potential Maximum Frame Rate 270
Protocol Output 270
Remote Operation 270
Gocator Accelerator 272

Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual 6
Benefits 273
Installation 273
Gocator Accelerator Application 273
Dashboard and Health Indicators 275
SDK Application Integration 275
Limitations 276
Gocator Device Files 277
Live Files 277
Log File 277
Job Files 278
Job File Components 278
Accessing Files and Components 279
Configuration 279
Setup 280
Filters 281
XSmoothing 281
YSmoothing 281
XGapFilling 282
YGapFilling 282
XMedian 282
YMedian 282
XDecimation 283
YDecimation 283
XSlope 283
YSlope 283
Trigger 284
Layout 285
Alignment 285
Disk 286
Bar 286
Plate 287
Devices / Device 287
Tracking 289
Material 289
SurfaceGeneration 291
FixedLength 291
VariableLength 292
Rotational 292
SurfaceSections 292
ProfileGeneration 292
FixedLength 293
VariableLength 293
Rotational 293
PartDetection 294
EdgeFiltering 295
PartMatching 295
Edge 296
BoundingBox 296
Ellipse 296
Replay 296
RecordingFiltering 297
Conditions/AnyMeasurement 297
Conditions/AnyData 297
Conditions/Measurement 297
Streams/Stream (Read-only) 298
ToolOptions 298
MeasurementOptions 299
StreamOption 299
Tools 299
Profile Types 299
ProfileFeature 300
ProfileLine 300
ProfileRegion2d 300
SurfaceTypes 300
Region3D 301
SurfaceFeature 301
SurfaceRegion2d 301
ProfileArea 301
ProfileBoundingBox 303
ProfileBridgeValue 304
ProfileCircle 306
ProfileDimension 307
ProfileGroove 309
ProfileIntersect 311
ProfileLine 312
ProfilePanel 313
ProfilePosition 316
ProfileRoundCorner 317
ProfileStrip 318
Script 321
SurfaceBoundingBox 321
SurfaceCsHole 323
SurfaceDimension 325
SurfaceEllipse 327

Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual 7
SurfaceHole 328
SurfaceOpening 330
SurfacePlane 332
SurfacePosition 334
SurfaceStud 335
SurfaceVolume 337
Output 338
Ethernet 339
Ascii 341
EIP 342
Modbus 342
Digital0 and Digital1 342
Analog 343
Serial 344
Selcom 344
Ascii 345
Transform 345
Device 346
Part Models 346
Edge Points 347
Configuration 348
Protocols 349
Gocator Protocol 349
Data Types 350
Commands 350
Discovery Commands 351
Get Address 351
Set Address 352
Get Info 353
Control Commands 354
Protocol Version 355
Get Address 355
Set Address 356
Get System Info 356
Get States 357
Log In/Out 358
Change Password 359
Set Buddy 359
List Files 360
Copy File 360
Read File 361
Write File 361
Delete File 362
User Storage Used 362
User Storage Free 363
Get Default Job 363
Set Default Job 363
Get Loaded Job 364
Get Alignment Reference 364
Set Alignment Reference 365
Clear Alignment 365
Get Timestamp 366
Get Encoder 366
Reset Encoder 366
Start 367
Scheduled Start 367
Stop 368
Get Auto Start Enabled 368
Set Auto Start Enabled 368
Start Alignment 369
Start Exposure Auto-set 369
Software Trigger 370
Schedule Digital Output 370
Schedule Analog Output 371
Ping 371
Reset 372
Backup 372
Restore 373
Restore Factory 373
Get Recording Enabled 374
Set Recording Enabled 374
Clear Replay Data 374
Get Playback Source 375
Set Playback Source 375
Simulate 376
Seek Playback 376
Step Playback 376
Playback Position 377
Clear Measurement Stats 377
Read Live Log 378
Clear Log 378
Simulate Unaligned 378
Acquire 379
Acquire Unaligned 379

Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual 8
Create Model 380
Detect Edges 380
Add Tool 380
Add Measurement 381
Read File (Progressive) 381
Export CSV (Progressive) 382
Export Bitmap (Progressive) 383
Get Runtime Variable Count 384
Set Runtime Variables 384
GetRuntimeVariables 385
Upgrade Commands 385
Start Upgrade 385
Start Upgrade Extended 386
Get Upgrade Status 386
Get Upgrade Log 387
Results 387
Data Results 387
Stamp 388
Video 388
Profile 389
Resampled Profile 390
Profile Intensity 391
Surface 391
Surface Intensity 392
Surface Section 392
Surface Section Intensity 393
Measurement 394
Operation Result 394
Exposure Calibration Result 395
Edge Match Result 395
Bounding Box Match Result 396
Ellipse Match Result 396
Health Results 396
Modbus Protocol 402
Concepts 402
Messages 402
Registers 403
Control Registers 404
Output Registers 405
State 405
Stamp 406
Measurement Registers 407
EtherNet/IP Protocol 408
Concepts 408
Basic Object 409
Identity Object (Class 0x01) 409
TCP/IP Object (Class 0xF5) 409
Ethernet Link Object (Class 0xF6) 409
Assembly Object (Class 0x04) 410
Command Assembly 410
Runtime Variable Configuration Assembly 411
Sensor State Assembly 412
Sample State Assembly 413
Implicit Messaging Command Assembly 414
Implicit Messaging Output Assembly 415
ASCIIProtocol 417
Connection Settings 417
Ethernet Communication 417
Serial Communication 418
Polling Operation Commands (Ethernet Only) 418
Command and Reply Format 419
Special Characters 419
Control Commands 419
Start 419
Stop 420
Trigger 420
LoadJob 421
Stamp 421
Stationary Alignment 422
Moving Alignment 422
Clear Alignment 422
Data Commands 423
Result 423
Value 423
Decision 424
Health Commands 425
Health 425
Standard Result Format 425
Custom Result Format 426
Selcom Protocol 428
Serial Communication 428
Connection Settings 428
Message Format 428
Development Kits 430

Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual 9
SDK 430
Setup and Locations 431
Class Reference 431
Examples 431
Sample Project Environment Variable 431
Header Files 431
Class Hierarchy 431
GoSystem 432
GoSensor 432
GoSetup 432
GoLayout 432
GoTools 433
GoTransform 433
GoOutput 433
Data Types 433
Value Types 433
Output Types 433
GoDataSet Type 434
MeasurementValues and Decisions 435
Operation Workflow 435
Initialize GoSdk APIObject 436
Discover Sensors 437
Connect Sensors 437
Configure Sensors 437
Enable Data Channels 437
Perform Operations 437
Limiting Flash Memory Write Operations 439
GDK 439
Benefits 440
Supported Sensors 440
Typical Workflow 441
Tools and Native Drivers 442
Sensor Recovery Tool 442
GenTL Driver 444
16-bit RGB Image 448
16-bit Grey Scale Image 449
Registers 451
XMLSettings File 452
Interfacing with Halcon 452
Setting Up Halcon 453
Halcon Procedures 456
Generating Halcon Acquisition Code 460
CSV Converter Tool 461
Troubleshooting 463
Specifications 465
Sensors 465
Gocator 2100 & 2300 Series 465
Gocator 2320 468
Gocator 2130 and 2330 470
Gocator 2140 and 2340 472
Gocator 2342 474
Gocator 2150 and 2350 476
Gocator 2170 and 2370 479
Gocator 2375 482
Gocator 2180 and 2380 485
Gocator 2400 Series 488
Gocator 2410 490
Gocator 2420 493
Gocator 2880 Sensor 496
Gocator 2880 497
Sensor Connectors 500
Gocator Power/LAN Connector 500
Grounding Shield 500
Power 501
Laser Safety Input 501
Gocator I/O Connector 502
Grounding Shield 502
Digital Outputs 502
Inverting Outputs 503
Digital Input 503
Encoder Input 504
Serial Output 505
Analog Output 505
Master Network Controllers 506
Master 100 506
Master 100 Dimensions 507
Master 400/800 508
Master 400/800 Electrical Specifications 509
Master 400/800 Dimensions 511
Master 810/2410 512
Electrical Specifications 514
Encoder 515
Input 516
Master 810 Dimensions 518

Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual 10
Master 2410 Dimensions 519
Master 1200/2400 520
Master 1200/2400 Electrical Specifications 521
Master 1200/2400 Dimensions 522
Accessories 523
Return Policy 525
Software Licenses 526
Support 532
Contact 533

Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual 11
Introduction
Gocator laser profile sensors are designed for 3D measurement and control applications. Gocator
sensors are configured using a web browser and can be connected to a variety of input and output
devices.
This documentation describes how to connect, configure, and use a Gocator. It also contains reference
information on the device's protocols and job files. The documentation applies to the following sensors:
lGocator 2100 series
lGocator 2300 series
lGocator 2400 series
lGocator 2880
B revision Gocator sensors are only supported by firmware version 4.3 or later. These sensors
are compatible with SDKapplications built with version 4.x of the SDK. The sensors are also
compatible with jobs created on sensors running firmware 4.3.
C revision Gocator sensors are only supported by firmware version 4.5 SR1 or later. These
sensors are compatible with SDKapplications built with version 4.x of the SDK. The sensors are
also compatible with jobs created on sensors running firmware 4.x.
Notational Conventions
This documentation uses the following notational conventions:
Follow these safety guidelines to avoid potential injury or property damage.
Consider this information in order to make best use of the product.

Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual 12
Safety and Maintenance
The following sections describe the safe use and maintenance of Gocator sensors.
Laser Safety
Gocator sensors contain
semiconductor lasers that emit visible
or invisible light and are designated as
Class 2M, Class 3R, or Class 3B,
depending on the chosen laser option.
See Laser Classes on the next page for
more information on the laser classes
used in Gocator sensors.
Gocator sensors are referred to as
components, indicating that they are
sold only to qualified customers for
incorporation into their own
equipment. These sensors do not
incorporate safety items that the
customer may be required to provide
in their own equipment (e.g., remote
interlocks, key control; refer to the
references below for detailed
information). As such, these sensors
do not fully comply with the standards
relating to laser products specified in
IEC 60825-1 and FDA CFR Title 21 Part
1040.
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein
may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
References
1. International standard IEC 60825-1 (2001-08) consolidated edition, Safety of laser products – Part 1:
Equipment classification, requirements and user's guide.
2. Technical report 60825-10, Safety of laser products – Part 10. Application guidelines and explanatory
notes to IEC 60825-1.
3. Laser Notice No. 50, FDA and CDRH http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/rad-health.html

Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual Safety and Maintenance • 13
Laser Classes
Class 2M laser components
Class 2M laser components should not cause
permanent damage to the eye under
reasonably foreseeable conditions of operation,
provided that:
lNo optical aids are used (these could focus
the beam).
lThe user’s blink reflex can terminate
exposure (in under 0.25 seconds).
lUsers do not need to look repeatedly at the
beam or reflected light.
lExposure is only accidental.
Class 3R laser components
Class 3R laser products emit radiation where
direct intrabeam viewing is potentially
hazardous, but the risk is lower with 3R lasers
than for 3B lasers. Fewer manufacturing
requirements and control measures for 3R laser
users apply than for 3B lasers. Eye protection
and protective clothing are not required. The
laser beam must be terminated at the end of an
appropriate path. Avoid unintentional
reflections. Personnel must be trained in
working with laser equipment.
Class 3B laser components
Class 3B components are unsafe for eye
exposure. Usually only eye protection is
required. Protective gloves may also be used.
Diffuse reflections are safe if viewed for less
than 10 seconds at a minimum distance of 13
cm. There is a risk of fire if the beam encounters
flammable materials. The laser area must be
clearly identified. Use a key switch or other
mechanism to prevent unauthorized use. Use a
clearly visible indicator to show that a laser is in
use, such as “Laser in operation.” Restrict the
laser beam to the working area. Ensure that
there are no reflective surfaces in this area.
Labels reprinted here are examples only. For accurate specifications, refer to the label on your
sensor.

Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual Safety and Maintenance • 14
For more information, see Precautions and Responsibilities below.
Precautions and Responsibilities
Precautions specified in IEC 60825-1 and FDA CFR Title 21 Part 1040 are as follows:
Requirement Class 2M Class 3R Class 3B
Remote interlock Not required Not required Required*
Key control Not required Not required Required – cannot remove
key when in use*
Power-on delays Not required Not required Required*
Beam attenuator Not required Not required Required*
Emission indicator Not required Not required Required*
Warning signs Not required Not required Required*
Beam path Not required Terminate beam at useful
length
Terminate beam at useful
length
Specular reflection Not required Prevent unintentional
reflections
Prevent unintentional
reflections
Eye protection Not required Not required Required under special
conditions
Laser safety officer Not required Not required Required
Training Not required Required for operator and
maintenance personnel
Required for operator and
maintenance personnel
*LMI Class 3B laser components do not incorporate these laser safety items. These items must be added and completed by customers
in their system design. For more information, see Class 3B Responsibilities below.
Class 3B Responsibilities
LMI Technologies has filed reports with the FDA to assist customers in achieving certification of laser
products. These reports can be referenced by an accession number, provided upon request. Detailed
descriptions of the safety items that must be added to the system design are listed below.
Remote Interlock
A remote interlock connection must be present in Class 3B laser systems. This permits remote switches
to be attached in serial with the keylock switch on the controls. The deactivation of any remote switches
must prevent power from being supplied to any lasers.
Key Control
A key operated master control to the lasers is required that prevents any power from being supplied to
the lasers while in the OFF position. The key can be removed in the OFF position but the switch must not
allow the key to be removed from the lock while in the ON position.

Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual Safety and Maintenance • 15
Power-On Delays
A delay circuit is required that illuminates warning indicators for a short period of time before supplying
power to the lasers.
Beam Attenuators
A permanently attached method of preventing human access to laser radiation other than switches,
power connectors or key control must be employed.
Emission Indicator
It is required that the controls that operate the sensors incorporate a visible or audible indicator when
power is applied and the lasers are operating. If the distance between the sensor and controls is more
than 2 meters, or mounting of sensors intervenes with observation of these indicators, then a second
power-on indicator should be mounted at some readily-observable position. When mounting the
warning indicators, it is important not to mount them in a location that would require human exposure
to the laser emissions. User must ensure that the emission indicator, if supplied by OEM, is visible when
viewed through protective eyewear.
Warning Signs
Laser warning signs must be located in the vicinity of the sensor such that they will be readily observed.
Examples of laser warning signs are as follows:
FDA warning sign example IEC warning sign example
Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD)
Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD)is the distance from the source at which the intensity or the
energy per surface unit becomes lower than the Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) on the cornea
and on the skin.
The laser beam is considered dangerous if the operator is closer to the source than the NOHD.
The following table shows example calculations of the NOHDvalues for each Gocator model and laser
class, assuming continuous operation of the laser. As a configurable device the Gocator, lets you set the
laser exposure (laser on-time) independently of the frame period (total cycle time for data acquisition).
Continuous operation of the laser means that the laser exposure is configured to be identical to the
frame period, which is also referred to as 100% duty cycle. However, in many applications the laser
exposure can be smaller than the frame period (less than 100% duty cycle) thereby reducing the NOHD.
The table therefore shows the worst-case NOHD.

Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual Safety and Maintenance • 16
Model Laser Class Model Constant Class IMPE(mW) Class IIMPE(mw) Class INOHD(mm) Class IINOHD
(mm)
2x20 2M 101 0.39 0.98 259 103
2x30 2M 101 0.39 0.98 259 103
3R 351 0.39 0.98 900 358
3B 2246 0.39 0.98 5759 2292
2x40 2M 101 0.39 0.98 259 103
3R 351 0.39 0.98 900 358
3B 2246 0.39 0.98 5759 2292
2x50 2M 101 0.39 0.98 259 103
3R 351 0.39 0.98 900 358
3B 2246 0.39 0.98 5759 2292
2x70 2M 98 0.39 0.98 251 100
3R 341 0.39 0.98 875 348
3B 1422 0.39 0.98 3645 1451
2x75 3B-N 8817 0.64 13777
2x80 2M 95 0.39 0.98 245 97
3R 335 0.39 0.98 859 342
3B 1031 0.39 0.98 2645 1052
To calculate the NOHDvalue for a specific laser class, use the following formula:
NOHD= Model Constant / MPE
Model Constant includes a consideration of the fan angle for the individual models.
Systems Sold or Used in the USA
Systems that incorporate laser components or laser products manufactured by LMI Technologies
require certification by the FDA.
Customers are responsible for achieving and maintaining this certification.
Customers are advised to obtain the information booklet Regulations for the Administration and
Enforcement of the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968: HHS Publication FDA 88-8035.
This publication, containing the full details of laser safety requirements, can be obtained directly from
the FDA, or downloaded from their web site at http://www.fda.gov/cdrh.
Electrical Safety
Failure to follow the guidelines described in this section may result in electrical shock or
equipment damage.

Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual Safety and Maintenance • 17
Sensors should be connected to earth ground
All sensors should be connected to earth ground through their housing. All sensors should be mounted
on an earth grounded frame using electrically conductive hardware to ensure the housing of the sensor
is connected to earth ground. Use a multi-meter to check the continuity between the sensor connector
and earth ground to ensure a proper connection.
Minimize voltage potential between system ground and sensor ground
Care should be taken to minimize the voltage potential between system ground (ground reference for
I/O signals) and sensor ground. This voltage potential can be determined by measuring the voltage
between Analog_out- and system ground. The maximum permissible voltage potential is 12 V but should
be kept below 10 V to avoid damage to the serial and encoder connections.
See Gocator I/O Connector on page 502 for a description of the connector pins.
Use a suitable power supply
The +24 to +48 VDC power supply used with Gocator sensors should be an isolated supply with inrush
current protection or be able to handle a high capacitive load.
Use care when handling powered devices
Wires connecting to the sensor should not be handled while the sensor is powered. Doing so may cause
electrical shock to the user or damage to the equipment.
Handling, Cleaning, and Maintenance
Dirty or damaged sensor windows (emitter or camera) can affect accuracy. Use caution when
handling the sensor or cleaning the sensor's windows.
Keep sensor windows clean
Use dry, clean air to remove dust or other dirt particles. If dirt remains, clean the windows carefully with
a soft, lint-free cloth and non-streaking glass cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. Ensure that no residue is left
on the windows after cleaning.
Turn off lasers when not in use
LMI Technologies uses semiconductor lasers in Gocator sensors. To maximize the lifespan of the sensor,
turn off the laser when not in use.
Avoid excessive modifications to files stored on the sensor
Settings for Gocator sensors are stored in flash memory inside the sensor. Flash memory has an
expected lifetime of 100,000 writes. To maximize lifetime, avoid frequent or unnecessary file save
operations.
Environment and Lighting
Avoid strong ambient light sources
The imager used in this product is highly sensitive to ambient light hence stray light may have adverse
effects on measurement. Do not operate this device near windows or lighting fixtures that could
influence measurement. If the unit must be installed in an environment with high ambient light levels, a
lighting shield or similar device may need to be installed to prevent light from affecting measurement.

Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual Safety and Maintenance • 18
Avoid installing sensors in hazardous environments
To ensure reliable operation and to prevent damage to Gocator sensors, avoid installing the sensor in
locations
lthat are humid, dusty, or poorly ventilated;
lwith a high temperature, such as places exposed to direct sunlight;
lwhere there are flammable or corrosive gases;
lwhere the unit may be directly subjected to harsh vibration or impact;
lwhere water, oil, or chemicals may splash onto the unit;
lwhere static electricity is easily generated.
Ensure that ambient conditions are within specifications
Gocator sensors are suitable for operation between 0–50° C and 25–85% relative humidity (non-
condensing). Measurement error due to temperature is limited to 0.015% of full scale per degree C.
The Master 400/800/1200/2400 is similarly rated for operation between 0–50° C.
The storage temperature is -30–70° C.
The sensor must be heat-sunk through the frame it is mounted to. When a sensor is properly
heat sunk, the difference between ambient temperature and the temperature reported in the
sensor's health channel is less
than 15° C.
Gocator sensors are high-accuracy devices, and the temperature of all of its components must
therefore be in equilibrium. When the sensor is powered up, a warm-up time of at least one
hour is required to reach a consistent spread of temperature in the sensor.

Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual 19
Getting Started
The following sections provide system and hardware overviews, in addition to installation and setup
procedures.
System Overview
Gocator sensors can be installed and used in a variety of scenarios. Sensors can be connected as
standalone devices, dual-sensor systems, or multi-sensor systems.
Standalone System
Standalone systems are typically used when only a single Gocator sensor is required. The sensor can be
connected to a computer's Ethernet port for setup and can also be connected to devices such as
encoders, photocells, or PLCs.

Gocator Line Profile Sensors: User Manual Getting Started • 20
Dual-Sensor System
In a dual-sensor system, two Gocator sensors work together to perform profiling and output the
combined results. The controlling sensor is referred to as the Main sensor, and the other sensor is
referred to as the Buddy sensor. Gocator's software recognizes three installation orientations: Opposite,
Wide, and Reverse.
AMaster network controller (excluding Master 100) must be used to connect two sensors in a dual-
sensor system. Gocator Power and Ethernet to Master cordsets are used to connect sensors to the
Master.