Renishaw Equator 300 User manual

Equator™ 300 gauging system
www.renishaw.com/gauging
Product information

2
1. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................3
2. Regulatory information.................................................................................................................4
3. Safety information ........................................................................................................................6
4. Equator 300 gauging system specifications...............................................................................10
5. Working volume .........................................................................................................................13
6. Equator gauging system overview .............................................................................................15
7. Initial set up................................................................................................................................17
7.1 Unpacking ..................................................................................................................................18
7.2 Connecting cables......................................................................................................................19
7.3 Fitting the probe and stylus........................................................................................................21
7.4 Hardware signals .......................................................................................................................24
8. Cleaning and maintenance ........................................................................................................26
9. Decommissioning.......................................................................................................................28
Contents

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1. Introduction
This guide contains general information about the Equator 300 gauging system
For information not covered in this guide, please see:
• Equator Software Suite user guide
• Equator gauging system - MODUS programming guide

4
2. Regulatory information
Disclaimer
RENISHAW HAS MADE CONSIDERABLE EFFORTS TO ENSURE THE CONTENT OF THIS
DOCUMENT IS CORRECT AT THE DATE OF PUBLICATION BUT MAKES NO WARRANTIES
OR REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE CONTENT. RENISHAW EXCLUDES LIABILITY,
HOWSOEVER ARISING, FOR ANY INACCURACIES IN THIS DOCUMENT.
EC declaration of conformity
Renishaw plc declares that the Equator 300, the Equator 300 Extended Height and the Equator
controller comply with the applicable standards and regulations.
Renishaw plc hereby declares that the Equator 300, the Equator 300 Extended Height and the Equator
controller is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive
1999/5/EC.
Contact Renishaw plc or visit www.renishaw.com/Equator for the full EC declaration of conformity.
Patents
Features of Renishaw’s Equator and similar products are the subject of the following patents and
patent applications:
CNw 100402873C China 0516/CNw/0
CNw CN100464084C China 0584/CNw/0
CNw CN1295484C China 0543/CNw/0
EP 0470234 Europe 0187/EP/
EP 0501710 Europe 0243/EP/
EP 0543513 Europe 0226/EP/
EP 0564152 Europe 0249/EP/
EP 0674969 Europe 0317/EP/
EP 0748436 Europe 0344/EP/
EP 1086352 Europe 0439/EP/
EP 1147377 Europe 0449/EP/
EP 1368615 Europe 0495/EP/
EP 1407152 Europe 0516/EP/
EP 1446636 Europe 0543/EP/
EP 1505362 Europe 0439/EP/
EP 1528355 Europe 0543/EP/
EP 1585903 Europe 0584/EP/
EP 1777423 Europe 0516/EP/
EP 548328 B Europe 0211/EP/
EP 826138 B Europe 0376/EP/
EP TR 2009 02853 T4 Europe 0516/EP/
JP 2,510,804 Japan 0243/JP/0
JPw 2002-541,444 Japan 0439/JPw/0
JPw 2003-512,611 Japan 0449/JPw/0
JPw 2004-534,189 Japan 0516/JPw/0
JPw 2005-519277 Japan 0543/JPw/0
JPw 2006-513380 Japan 0584/JPw/0
JPw 3,004,050 Japan 0187/JPw/0
JPw 3,294,269 Japan 0211/JPw/0
JP 3,341,922 Japan 0249/JP/0
JPw 3,676,819 Japan 0376/JPw/0
JP 3,827,748 Japan 0317/JP/0
JPw 4062515 Japan 0495/JPw/0
WO 2009/027660 P.C.T. 0746/WO/0
USw 5,088,209 United States 0115/USw/0
US 5,302,820 United States 0226/US/2
US 5,323,540 United States 0243/US/2
USw 5,327,657 United States 0211/USw/0
US 5,339,535 United States 0243/US/0
US 5,402,981 United States 0249/US/0
USw 5,404,649 United States 0211/USw/2
US 5,505,005 United States 0243/US/3
US 5,813,287 United States 0317/US/2
USw 5,861,953 United States 0344/USw/0
USw 6,051,971 United States 0376/USw/0
US 6,145,405 United States 0317/US/3
US 6,336,375B1 United States 0317/US/4
USw 6,430,833 B1 United States 0439/USw/0
USw 6,588,333 B1 United States 0449/USw/0
US 6,772,527 B1 United States 0590/US/0
USw 6,909,983 B2 United States 0495/USw/0
USw 7,079,969B2 United States 0543/USw/0
USw 7146741B2 United States 0439/USw/2
USw 7241070 B2 United States 0516/USw/0
US 7568854B2 United States 0516/US/2

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Trade marks
RENISHAW and the probe symbol used in the RENISHAW logo are registered trade marks
of Renishaw plc in the United Kingdom and other countries. apply innovation and names and
designations of other Renishaw products and technologies are trade marks of Renishaw plc or its
subsidiaries.
All other brand names and product names used in this document are trade names, trade marks, or
registered trade marks of their respective owners.
Warranty
Equipment requiring attention under warranty must be returned to your equipment supplier.
Unless otherwise specifically agreed in writing between you and Renishaw, if you purchased the
equipment from a Renishaw company the warranty provisions contained in Renishaw’s CONDITIONS
OF SALE apply. You should consult these conditions in order to find out the details of your warranty but
in summary the main exclusions from the warranty are if the equipment has been:
• neglected, mishandled or inappropriately used; or
• modified or altered in any way except with the prior written agreement of Renishaw.
If you purchased the equipment from any other supplier, you should contact them to find out what
repairs are covered by their warranty.
WEEE directive
The use of this symbol on Renishaw products and/or accompanying
documentation indicates that the product should not be mixed with general
household waste upon disposal. It is the responsibility of the end user to
dispose of this product at a designated collection point for waste electrical and
electronic equipment (WEEE) to enable reuse or recycling. Correct disposal of
this product will help to save valuable resources and prevent potential negative
effects on the environment. For more information, please contact your local
waste disposal service or Renishaw distributor.
FCC information
Information to user (FCC Section 15.105)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the installation manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case
you will be required to correct the interference at your expense.
Information to user (FCC Section 15.21)
The user is cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Renishaw plc or
authorised representative could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
TÜV
This equipment has been independently certified by TÜV Product Services in accordance with OSHA
(US) and SCC (Canada) requirements to the standards UL61010-1 Third Edition and CAN/CSA-C22-2
No. 61010-1 Third Edition.
REACH regulation
Information required by Article 33(1) of Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (“REACH”) relating to products
containing substances of very high concern (SVHCs) is available at: www.renishaw.com/REACH
2

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3. Safety information
1. Base casting with hand-hold locations
2. Probe assembly
3. Floating or movement platform
4. Support strut or leg
5. Top casting
6. Drive strut
7. Counter balance mechanism
8. Hooke’s joints
9. Support arm for parallel kinematic constraint
mechanism
10.CE marking and serial number
11.Actuator for drive strut
12.Parallel kinematic constraint mechanism
The image below describes the different parts of the Equator, which are referenced in the following
safety information sections.
13.Fixture plate
14.Piece part and fixture
15.Stop button, when fitted

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• Lifting or moving the Equator should only be attempted by two people, using the-hand hold
locations provided in the base casting (1).
• Do not move or lift the machine by the top casting (5), the support arms of the constraint
mechanism (9), the support legs (4), or the three drive struts (e.g. by holding the orange protectors
or any part of the drive strut mechanism) (6)
• Due to the collision risk, always engage the stop button or activate Manual mode (15) when the
user is present within the machine volume. Disengage when the Equator is ready to operate and
the operator is clear of the machine volume.
• Potential finger traps and pinch points exist between:
• Support arm (9) and casting (5).
• Support arm (9) and constraint mechanism (12).
• Hooke’s joints (8) and drive body (6).
• Platform (3) and piece part (14).
• Platform (3) and constraint mechanism (12).
• In the centre between the struts of the constraint mechanisms (12).
• Users should not touch the Equator in these locations.
• When connecting a joystick or a stop button (15) to the Equator, it must be disconnected from the
mains power supply. Not doing so can cause damage to the circuitry.
• Never keep an additional non-connected stop button (15) or joystick in the vicinity of the system.
• On systems already fitted with the SP25 probe (2), the SP25M body contains high power LEDs
which emit invisible infrared radiation. The user cannot be exposed to this radiation unless the
probe is mechanically damaged.
• Please refer to SP25 Installation and Integration Guide, H-1000-5104.
• To avoid unexpected movements of the Equator, always recalibrate all probing tools after importing
a new environment into the UCCserver Equator.
• If this equipment is not used in its intended manner, any protection provided may be impaired and
the warranty may become void.
• CE mark and serial number (10) are located underneath the support arm for the constraint
mechanism (9).
• To warn users of potential risks involved with moving parts, active parts are coloured bright orange
(3), (6), (7), (9).
• During homing, the machine is in automatic mode and will only halt if the physical stop button is
engaged. (15)
3

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3.1 Electrical safety
The Equator gauging system is marked with one warning triangle, located on the rear of the controller.
See the label below.
Where this symbol is displayed on the product, the user must refer to the user
guide for information and safety advice
• There are no user serviceable parts inside this equipment.
• The Equator must be connected to a supply incorporating a protective earth conductor via a three
core mains cable.
• The equipment is isolated from AC power by disconnection of the IEC mains connector. If
any additional means of isolation is required, it must be specified and fitted by the machine
manufacturer or the installer of the product. The isolator must be sited within easy reach of the
operator and comply with IEC61010 and any applicable national wiring regulations for the country
of installation.
• Ensure that fans on the ends of the controller are not obstructed.

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3.2 Personal protective equipment
information
To reduce the risk of injury, the wearing of safety goggles and safety shoes is recommended when
working within the vicinity of this machine.*
Never lean on any part of the machine, and keep a minimum of one metre clearance zone around the
volume of the machine when it is operating.
The Equator controller can be placed either standing or lying on its side, but should be given a
reasonable protection from liquid spillage.
The fans for cooling the equipment must not be obstructed. Fans are located on the front and back of
the controller. Ensure that the Equator controller fans are located at least 10 cm from any surface.
*NOTE: Customers should complete their own risk assessment on delivery of machine to
define their own PPE requirements.

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4. Equator 300 gauging system
specifications
Equator machine specifications
Working volume XY: 300 mm
Z: 150 mm
Comparison uncertainty ± 0.002 mm
Scale resolution 0.0002 mm
Storage temperature -25 °C to +70 °C
Operating temperature +10 °C to +40 °C
Operating humidity Maximum 80 %RH at 40 °C, non-condensing
Machine electrical supply requirements 24 V DC supplied direct from Equator controller
Repeatability of piece part in fixture 1 mm
Fixture plate 305 mm × 305 mm
Maximum workpiece weight (including fixture
plate) 25 kg
Machine dimensions (W × D × H) 570 mm × 500 mm × 700 mm
Machine weight 25 kg
Protective equipment suggested** Eye protection and safety shoes
Guards None
* The process of measuring on an Equator involves defining a series of gauge points on the
component surface. Periodic calibration of a master part on a CMM establishes datum values for each
gauge point. The same gauge points on the same master part are measured on Equator (known as
‘mastering’) to establish a correlation with the certified CMM. Subsequently, a regular ‘re-mastering’
process is used to account for changing environmental conditions.
Size and position measurements made immediately following re-mastering will have a comparison
uncertainty of ±0.002 mm relative to the certified measurements of the master part. This specification
applies where each part is fixtured to within 1 mm relative to the master part.
** Customers should complete their own risk assessment on delivery of the machine to define their
own PPE requirements.
Equator machine specifications - Scanning
Probe type Renishaw 3 axis SP25 analogue scanning probe
Operating temperature +10 °C to +40 °C
Maximum scanning velocity 100 mm/s
Maximum scanning acceleration 1500 mm/s2
Maximum move velocity 500 mm/s
Maximum move acceleration 2500 mm/s2
Maximum scanning rate 1000 points/s

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Equator machine specifications - Touch Trigger
Probe type Renishaw 3 axis TP20 kinematic touch-trigger probe
Operating temperature +10 °C to +40 °C
Maximum touch point velocity 10 mm/s
Maximum touch acceleration 1500 mm/s2
Maximum move velocity 500 mm/s
Maximum move acceleration 2500 mm/s2
Equator machine labels
A warning label on each of the three support arms for the constraint
mechanism warns not to lift the machine by the support arms. The Equator
machine should only be lifted using the four hand holds on the base casting.
Equator controller specifications and electrical ratings
Controller electrical supply requirements 100 V AC - 240 V AC ±10%, 50 Hz - 60 Hz
Maximum rated power consumption 300 W
Maximum power consumption* 190 W
Typical power consumption** 100 W
Controller dimensions (W × D × H)*** 130 mm × 320 mm × 350 mm
Controller weight 8 kg
Communication with Equator PCIexpress
User input devices Keyboard and mouse (USB 2.0)
Display type VGA monitor
Display resolution 1280 p × 1024 p
USB hub**** 2 front, 4 back (USB 2.0)
Ethernet ports 1 × RJ45 connector
* Peak consumption at power-up
** 3-axis gauging system taking touch points under DCC control + peak consumption at power-up
*** Allow an additional 100 mm for cable connectors and cables
**** Rear USB ports are for keyboard, mouse and MODUS dongle only, they do not support general
plug and play devices.
Operating conditions
The Equator controller is specified to operate under the following conditions as defined in BS EN
61010-1:2001.
Altitude Maximum 2000 m
Operating temperature* +10 °C to +40 °C
Storage temperature -25 °C to +70 °C
Relative humidity Maximum 80% RH at 40 °C, non-condensing
Transition voltages Installation category II
Pollution degree 2
* System tested safe at 5 °C to 55 °C, however the probe will give accurate data in the range 10 °C to
40 °C.
4

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Equator controller labels
Label A (front) Label B (back) Label C (back)
1. USB connectors 3. USB connectors 10. Equator PCI express connector
2. Standby button 4. Monitor connectors 11. Equator 24 V power supply connector
5. Audio connectors
6. Ethernet connector
7. Parallel port (disabled)
8. Mains power supply
connector
9. Mains on/off power switch
4

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5. Working volume
Equator 300 working volume
Equator 300 Extended Height working volume

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The position of the working volume in the Z direction depends on the length of the stylus. For example,
when using a 75 × 8 stylus, the working volume boundary starts at the fixture plate, but when using
shorter styli, it is positioned above that height. See the orange dotted line on the image below.
When shorter styli are used, the ‘clearance’ below the working volume is intended to allow for the
use of component holding fixtures, i.e. fixturing can be used without consuming any of the Equator’s
working volume.
NOTE: When working with very short styli, it is sometimes necessary to add a fixture plate
spacer. More information is available at www.renishaw.com/equator-accessories.
In manual or joystick mode, if a movement outside the working volume is attempted, the machine will
stop moving.
In part program mode, if a movement outside the working volume is requested, the machine will
display an error message to indicate that the move cannot be completed.
5

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6. Equator gauging system overview
The Equator gauging system comprises the Equator gauging machine, the Equator Controller and the
probing system.
The Equator Controller supplies the power to the Equator machine as well as running the front end
software.
The Equator has a cylindrical working envelope with the dimensions Ø300 mm × 150 mm.
The Equator gauging system is delivered fully assembled and is connected to a single phase power
supply.
Operator interaction with the machine is by use of the shop floor interface Organiser, which handles
and runs part-specific gauging programs.
The Operator Equator system includes the following components:
• Equator gauging machine
• Controller unit
• Flat screen monitor (1280 p × 1024 p resolution DVI or VGA)
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Probe system
• EQR-6 stylus autochange rack
• Calibration artefact and styli
• Stop button or joystick
• One or more fixture plates (as quantity ordered)
• Organiser software
The programmable Equator system includes all of the above as well as the following components:
• Joystick
• MODUS Equator software
• USB dongle (enables MODUS Equator software)
NOTE: Further styli may be required, dependent on the user's requirements. More
information is available at http://www.renishaw.com/styli.

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1. Base casting with hand hold locations
2. Probe assembly
3. Floating or movement platform
4. Support strut or leg
5. Top casting
6. Drive strut
7. Counter balance mechanism
8. Hooke's joints
9. Support arm for parallel kinematic constraint mechanism
10.CE marking and serial number
11.Actuator for drive strut
12.Parallel kinematic constraint mechanism
13.Fixture plate
14.Piece part and fixture
15.Stop button, when fitted
6

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7. Initial set up
The following section describes how to set up the Equator gauging system hardware:
7.1 Unpacking ..................................................................................................................................18
7.2 Connecting cables......................................................................................................................19
7.3 Fitting the probe and stylus........................................................................................................21
7.4 Hardware signals .......................................................................................................................24

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When the Equator has been removed from its transit packaging according to the instructions attached
to the box, please follow the instructions in the following sections to start the system.
Contents of boxes
The Equator gauging system is delivered in several boxes. The larger box contains the machine and
relevant accessories, other boxes contain the controller, stop button or joystick, probe kit and relevant
accessories.
Transporting the Equator
When placed in its original packaging, the Equator machine can be moved by forklift or sack truck.
Over shorter distances, it can be moved manually by two people using the hand holds on the side of
the larger box.
The system should be transported in the original Equator packaging to ensure that no parts get lost or
damaged.
The Equator machine should only ever be lifted by two people. Use the hand holds on the four corners
of the base casting.
Equator machine positioning
The Equator system needs to be placed on a flat and sturdy surface. It is advised that a 1 m diameter
clearance of other objects is established to avoid collisions.
It is suggested that the monitor and the joystick (if fitted) are located near the machine so that
operational information can be seen by the operator.
Equator controller positioning
The controller can be placed on either side of the Equator as preferred. It can be placed either
standing or lying down.
Ensure that the fan intakes at the front and outlets at the rear do not become blocked in any way. Allow
10 cm distance between fan intakes and outlets to any surface.
7.1 Unpacking

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7.2 Connecting cables
8.2
8.3
8.0
8.1
9.1 9.2
W.1
W.2
W.3
-
!
!
!
8.6
17
8
9
8.1
8.4
8.5
Connect cables according to the diagram below in the specified order (steps 8 and 9).

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W.1: For further safety information, refer to the Equator Controller quick-start guide.
W.2: Be careful to connect the PCIexpress cable in the correct orientation, as failing to do so
can cause serious damage to the electronics. Refer to step 8.1.
W.3: Ensure all cables are connected prior to connecting to mains.
W.4: Power outputs must not exceed these limits
• (P1) 24 V ± 3% 4 A
(MAX CONTINUOUS) 5 A (MAX PEAK)
• (P2) 48 V ± 3% 4 A
(MAX CONTINUOUS) 8 A (MAX PEAK)
• (P1 & P2) COMBINED (48 V & 24 V) CONTINUOUS POWER OUTPUT MUST BE LESS THAN 300 W
NOTE: Both ethernet ports (LAN 1, LAN 2) cannot be connected to the same network.
A-5504-0065
A-5504-0065
8.1
W.2
!
8.1
A-5504-0070
A-5504-0070
8.1
W.2
!
W.4
!
P1 P2
7.2