QVI Cobra DRS-300 User manual
Table of Contents
About This Guide
Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Who Should Read This Manual? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Related Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Documentation Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Special Symbols Used in This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
For Your Safety
Laser Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Laser Safety Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
For More Laser Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
Electrical Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Power and Grounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Liquids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Unsafe Operating Environments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Medical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Radioactive (Nuclear) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Explosive Atmosphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Section 1: Introduction
What Is Cobra?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 1
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 2
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 6
Dimensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 7
Computer Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 8
Cobra Laser Profile Scanner Users Guide
Section 2: Installation and Setup
System Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 1
Unpacking and Setting Up Cobra 2D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 2
Tools and Materials Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 2
Unpacking Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 2
Mounting the Video Camera and LCD Screen Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 6
Tools and Materials Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 6
Mounting Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 6
Cable Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 10
Unpacking and Setting Up Cobra 3D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 14
Tools and Materials Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 14
Support Surface Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 14
Unpacking Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 15
Installing Scan-X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 19
Installing on Windows 98 Second Edition Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 19
Installing on Windows 2000 Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 23
Setting the Parallel Port Address and Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 28
Enabling Scan-X 3D Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 30
Registering Scan-X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 31
Section 3: Getting Started
Powering Up Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 1
Screen Layout (2D Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 2
Screen Layout (3D Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 3
Accessing the Scan-X On-Line Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 3
How to View Help Topics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 4
Help Topic Window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 5
Raising and Lowering the Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 6
How to Perform a Scan: Scanning a Penny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 7
Optimizing Laser Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 12
Maximum Exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 12
Threshold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 13
Cobra Laser Profile Scanner Users Guide
Section 4: Swapping Sensors
DRS Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 1
Swapping Sensors on Systems Equipped with the Video Camera Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 2
Removing the Video Camera Assembly and Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 2
Mounting the Video Camera Assembly and Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 5
Swapping Sensors on Systems Not Equipped with the Video Camera Option . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 8
Removing a Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 8
Mounting a Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 9
Section 5: Adjusting the Sensor Mounting Pad
Rotational Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 1
Vertical Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 4
Section 6: Troubleshooting
Appendix A: Setting the Display Properties
Reducing the Number of Displayed Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A - 2
Reducing the Hardware Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A - 3
Appendix B: Focusing and Aligning the Camera
Focusing the Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B - 1
Aligning the Camera to the DRS Laser Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B - 3
Cobra Laser Profile Scanner Users Guide
This page was left blank intentionally.
Cobra Laser Profile Scanner Users Guide
About This Guide
Welcome!
Quality Vision International (QVI) has produced this Users Guide as part of its
ongoing effort to provide users with useful, comprehensive documentation. This
manual has been developed using documentation standards and a design that
enhances readability and makes it easier to find information.
We believe this manual will assist you in the installation and operation of your
Cobra Laser Profile Scanner. If you should have and questions that are beyond
the scope of this manual, please contact your local authorized sales
representative.
Organization
The Cobra Laser Profile Scanner Users Guide contains the following sections:
About This Guide (this section), describes the organization of this manual,
outlines the documentation conventions used in this manual, and provides
information regarding customer service.
For Your Safety, provides an overview of necessary safety precautions to be
observed whenever using your Cobra.
Section 1, Introduction, provides an overview of Cobra and the Scan-X
software, describes Cobra features and functions, lists Cobra specifications, and
describes minimum computer requirements.
Section 2, Installation and Setup, provides installation instructions for your
Cobra system and the Scan-X software, includes information about how to set
up your computer, describes how to enable Scan-X 3D mode, and contains
information about registering the Scan-X software.
Section 3, Getting Started, provides information on how to power up your
Cobra system, raise and lower the sensor, perform a scan, optimize laser
settings, and use the Scan-X on-line Help.
About This Guide i
About
This Guide
Section 4, Swapping Sensors, provides instructions on how to remove and
replace sensors.
Section 5, Adjusting the Mounting Pad, describes how to rotationally and
vertically adjust the sensor mounting pad.
Section 6, Troubleshooting, is brief guide to troubleshooting system problems.
Appendix A, Setting Display Properties, describes how to adjust the display
properties on your system for optimum performance with Scan-X.
Appendix B, Focusing and Aligning the Camera, describes how to focus and
align the video camera (if equipped) on your Cobra.
Who Should Read This Manual?
Read and familiarize yourself with this manual if you will be involved in the
installation and/or operation of your Cobra.
Related Publications
In addition to this manual, QVI may provide the following documentation
related to Cobra:
•Cobra Certification Reference Guide (P/N 790281). This manual contains
instructions for verifying the measurement accuracy of your Cobra system.
•Scan-X Reference Guide (P/N 790338). This manual provides an in-depth
description of the Scan-X software. It describes the user interface and
provides instructions on how to use the numerous functions available in
Scan-X.
•AutoScan Users Guide (P/N 790336). This manual is designed for the
advanced user and describes how to use AutoScan and/or Scan-X to
automate your Cobra system. It contains a pair of tutorials and includes the
AutoScan Public Class References and Scan-X Public Interface References.
ii About This Guide
Documentation Conventions
To help you locate, interpret, enter or select information easily, this manual uses
consistent visual cues and standard text formats. For example, capital letters (or
upper-case letters) may be used to call attention to certain words and to help
eliminate confusion and ambiguity. These documentation conventions are
explained in the table below.
Type Style or
Symbol Used for Examples and
Explanations
Bold or italic •Emphasized words •Do not repeat this step
•Select the highest magnification
level
Bold, sans-serif
typeface
•Commands to be typed
•Keys to be pressed
•Menu items to be selected
•Type Exit
• Press the Enter key
• Select Profile View in the View
menu
/•Selections from a main
menu and submenus
• Select File / Exit
Initial caps •Proper nouns
•Product names
•Sections, figures
• Use the Measure function
• Scan-X; Cobra
• See Section 3
All caps •Acronyms
•File names
•ASCII; QVI
•Edit INPUT.INI
About This Guide iii
About
This Guide
Special Symbols Used in This Manual
Throughout this manual you will find special information set apart from the
body text as Warnings,Cautions,Notes, and On-line Help references. The
meaning of each is explained below.
Warns you of the possibility of personal injury due to electrical shock when
performing a task related to the subject matter of this manual. Follow all
instructions precisely to ensure your safety.
Warns you of the possibility of other personal injury when performing a
task related to the subject matter of this manual. Follow all instructions
precisely to ensure your safety.
Alerts you to the potential for damage to the components of Cobra. Special
instructions may be included for minimizing this risk.
Note: Provides additional information related to the topic being discussed.
On-line Help: Provides references to Scan-X on-line Help topics that include
additional information about the topic being discussed.
Customer Service
QVI values all its customers. Please contact your local authorized sales
representative for:
•Customer service
•Questions and comments
•Information about additional training or support for your application
Please have your Cobra serial number and the Scan-X software version number
ready when you contact us.
Note: For more information regarding Scan-X, see the Scan-X Reference Guide
(P/N 790338) and/or the Scan-X On-line Help.
iv About This Guide
For Your Safety
For your personal safety, please review the following safety precautions. They
are provided for your protection, and to prevent damage to your Cobra. This
safety information applies to anyone who comes in contact with Cobra.
Laser Safety
Read the laser safety information carefully and follow all safety
precautions. Not following safety precautions could result in hazardous
radiation exposure to your eyes.
Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than
those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
Cobra should never be tilted or turned over while the laser LED is lit.
Cobra Digital Range Sensors (DRS) use a laser diode as the laser source. DRS
laser energy is not dangerous to exposed skin. However, if viewed directly or
from a reflection of a specular (mirror-like) surface for a period of time longer
than the normal human aversion to bright light, the emitted light from those
sources may be harmful to the human eye.
Cobra DRS laser sensors conform to laser safety regulations set forth by the
Code of Federal Regulations 21 (CFR 21) and submitted to the Center for
Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). DRS sensors also conform to the
IEC-825 (1993) laser safety regulations specified by the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
Cobra DRS laser sensors meet Class II requirements of the CFR 21 standard and
Class 2 requirements of the IEC-825 European standard.
For Your Safety v
For Your Safety
Laser Safety Markings
The following laser safety labels are attached to the laser sensor, and indicate
Cobra’s compliance with CDRH and IEC-825 regulations.
Safety Label Meaning
International
Laser Symbol
IEC-825 Laser
Safety Classification
CDRH Laser
Safety Classification
Laser Aperture
Warning
For More Laser Safety Information
For more information on laser safety, contact the Laser Institute of America
(lia@laserinstitute.org) and ask for ANSI specification number Z136.1-1993.
The Laser Institute of America also offers other booklets and information on
laser safety.
vi For Your Safety
Electrical Safety
The Cobra DRS control module and sensor operate at low voltages and power
levels. However, observe the following precautions regarding electrical safety.
Power and Grounding
Your Cobra is grounded through the power cord. To avoid electric shock, plug
the power cord into a properly wired receptacle with an earth ground
connection.
A protective ground connection is essential for safe operation of your
Cobra.
Power Cord
Follow these general safety rules regarding your Cobra’s power cord:
•Use only the power cord and connector supplied with your Cobra. If you
must use an extension cord, make sure it is grounded and is of the proper
type and wire gage.
•Do not operate your Cobra if the power cord is damaged.
•Position the power cord so that it will not be tripped over, pulled, or come in
contact with a hot surface.
Servicing
Cobra servicing should only be performed by qualified personnel.
Do not remove Cobra’s bottom panel to expose internal components. This is
a high voltage area that should only be accessed by an authorized service
representative. Contact your authorized service or sales representative for
assistance.
Liquids
Keep water and other liquids away from your Cobra, to reduce the risk of
spillage and electrical shock.
For Your Safety vii
For Your Safety
Accessories
Do not use any accessory attachments other than those provided or
approved by QVI. Improper accessories can cause fire, electric shock,
and/or personal injury.
Unsafe Operating Environments
Do not operate your Cobra in the following environments, where specific
regulatory compliances are required.
Medical
Do not operate your Cobra in hospitals, clinics, or laboratories, where
sensitive patient monitoring equipment may be affected.
Radioactive (Nuclear)
Your Cobra’s electronics are not radiation-hardened. Do not operate your
machine in a radioactive environment.
Explosive Atmosphere
Do not operate your Cobra in environments where flammable gases and
vapors or explosive dust are present. These could be ignited by the heat or
sparks which may be generated by your Cobra system.
viii For Your Safety
Section 1
Introduction
This section includes an overview of Cobra, shows the components for each
configuration and describes their respective functions, lists specifications, and
outlines the minimum computer requirements for customers supplying their own
computer.
What Is Cobra?
The Cobra 2D and Cobra 3D Laser Profile Scanners are economical,
non-contact measurement systems ideal for quickly scanning any part or surface
to produce high-resolution, two-dimensional or three-dimensional profiles.
Cobra combines laser technology, a computer-controlled moving sensor, and the
Scan-X data analysis software to produce an extremely versatile profile scanner.
Since Cobra scans by moving the sensor itself over the part; no special fixturing
is required.
Non-contact laser scanning is ideal for the non-destructive measurement of
fragile or pliable parts. Cobra is particularly useful for measuring precision cast,
machined, and stamped metal parts, toolings and dies, molded plastic
components, printed inks and paper surfaces, milled surfaces, membranes, and
coatings. It is also excellent for measuring flex circuits, epoxy dots, thick film,
and solder paste.
Cobra 2D can be used on a benchtop, mounted in your own fixture, installed
in-line to take process measurements, or placed directly over a larger
component. Parts are positioned below the sensor and are scanned by moving
the sensor along the Y axis. This creates a profile of the part surface.
Cobra 3D extends Cobra 2D functionality through the addition of computer
driven X axis staging. Parts are positioned on the stage and are scanned by
moving the sensor along the Y axis and the part along the X axis. This creates
numerous parallel linear profiles and generates a three-dimensional image.
Cobra is available with a video camera option for real-time imaging of the part
under test, which simplifies setup and specific feature selection for improved
throughput. The video camera option is only available on Cobras equipped with
DRS-300 or DRS-500 laser sensors.
Computer to run Scan-X and operate Cobra is required. A Pentium class
computer is available if you choose not to supply your own.
Introduction 1-1
Introduction
If your Cobra system is equipped with the video camera option, it has the
additional components shown in Figure 1-3. See the table below for information
about component functions.
This table describes the functions of the various Cobra components.
Component Function
•Focus Knob Raises and lowers the sensor to focus the laser over the part
surface
•Locking Knob Locks the Z axis slide in position
•Sensor Mounting
Pad
Supports the sensor on the end of the stage arm
•Thumb Wheel Raises and lowers the back of the main unit to level Cobra by
adjusting the sensor’s angle of travel (not used on 3D systems)
•Parallel Port Connects Cobra via parallel cable to the parallel port on the
associated computer, providing communication between the
computer and Cobra
•Power Switch Controls power to the main unit (|= on, O= off)
1-4 Introduction
Figure 1-3. Cobra Equipped with Video Camera Option
Component Function
•Power Cord
Receptacle
Connects Cobra via power cord to main power source
•System LED Indicates Cobra system power is on – illuminates when Cobra
is turned on
•Motor Cable Provides power to the X axis motor (3D systems only)
•X Axis Stage Provides third axis of measurement (3D systems only)
•Granite Base Provides a study work surface for optimum performance (3D
systems only)
•Sensor Takes laser-based height measurements
•Laser Sensor Cable Provides power to the sensor, and returns sensor readings to
Cobra
•Power LED Indicates power is available to the sensor – illuminates when
Scan-X software is active
•Laser LED Illuminates to indicate laser is taking height measurements
•LCD Screen Displays a live video image of the part on a 6.8" diagonal
TFT-LCD display (only applies to systems equipped with
video camera option)
•Camera Assembly Includes a self-contained B&W CCD video camera and
on-axis optical assembly for square-on viewing, and on-axis
adjustable LED surface illumination for perfect image (only
applies to systems equipped with video camera option)
Never connect or disconnect the laser sensor cable from the top of the sensor
while power is applied to Cobra. Doing so can seriously damage the sensor.
Introduction 1-5
Introduction
Specifications
This table lists the specifications for your Cobra Laser Profile Scanner.
Dimensions
Cobra 2D
Depth 42.5 cm (16.8")
Width 22.0 cm (8.6")
Height 31.5 cm (12.4")
Weight 10.5 kg (23 lbs)
Cobra 3D
Depth 61.0 cm (24.0")
Width 51.0 cm (20.0")
Height 39.0 cm (15.4")
Weight 80 kg (175 lbs)
Travel
Maximum Y axis scan length 50 mm (2.0")
Maximum X axis scan length
(only applies to Cobra 3D)
100 mm (4.0")
Z axis adjustment range 50 mm (2.0")
Power and Environment
Power requirements 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 2.0 Amps
Rated environment •18-23° C ± 2° C/hr
•30-80% humidity
(non-condensing)
•vibration <0.002g below 15 Hz
Operating environment 15-30° C
1-6 Introduction
This manual suits for next models
3
Table of contents
