Digitizing Probe

[gary_k]

I have a 2007 PRSalpha, version 3.6.44 with ArtCam pro 2009 sp2a build 183 and Windows 7. I am using my digitizing probe for the first time. The probing went fine but when it came to making a dxf surface, I could not find the PROBE TO SURFACE TRANSLATOR under tools. Any ideas?

Thanks, Gary

[Brady Watson]

Go look for it here on your computer: C:\Program Files (x86)\ShopBot\Virtual Tools\Probe to Surface

Just dbl click on it. Looks like somebody deleted the link in the menu item while programming.

-B

[gary_k]

Brady,

Thanks for your response. I followed your directions to C:\Program Files (x86)\ShopBot\Virtual Tools and Probe to Surface is not there. I reloaded the ShopBot control software and it is still not there. I am not sure how I could be missing it.

Thanks,
Gary

[Brady Watson]

Then create a new folder that follows this structure: C:\Program Files (x86)\ShopBot\Virtual Tools\Probe to Surface and unzip the attached files into it. If you don't have a menu item in SB3, then run it from the folder by itself. You can right-click on it and make a shortcut to your desktop if need be.

-B

[gary_k]

Brady,

I followed your instructions and it works fine however, it doesn't show up in the menu still, I had to create a shortcut to my desktop - just curious why it doesn't show up in the menu but glad to have it working.

Thanks again for your help!

Gary

[Brady Watson]

Gary - No problem. I think something must have slipped between the cracks on the SB side of things when they released one of the later versions. Glad you got it working.

-B

[gary_k]

Brady,

Thanks again for your help.

I have 1 more question, I am in the middle of digitizing a relative large project. I am 24 hours into the project and need probably another 24 hours to complete it. I am apprehensive about leaving it running unattended. Can I use the S-key to pause while in the digitizing mode - will it start back up at the same spot or what would you recommend to leave it unattended for 8 hours?

Gary

[myxpykalix]

Gary,
I would defer to whatever Brady recommends however I have left mine running for a 20+ hour scan before. I no longer have my probe but i think the chance of something screwing up if you stop/start it is greater then if you let it go.

I have left my bot run unattended while doing a 3d finishing pass for at least 12 hours (watching it on the security monitor) though.
Right now its running a 3d finishing pass for the last 2 hours while i'm watching the Packers...23-14 2 min to go!:eek:

[Red F]

When I went to the shopbot training in Durham they left the digitizer running overnight. Sometime half way through the tip of the probe fell off.

[steve]

Gary,
I have done 35 hour 3D cuts before, and often do 10 or so hour cuts overnight. I keep an eye on it with a monitor, as long as I can hear it cutting and there is no fire i'm happy.
Although I would never do what Jack does... watch football ! Sometimes I'll watch Clint Eastwood shoot a bunch of people (bad guys only). Wonder what other people do while the bots working?

[Brady Watson]

Gary,
Before I moved to laser scanning, I used the SB probe quite often. Many parts took 4 or more days (8 days on one of them!) to complete. When digitizing it is relatively safe to run overnight - however, I would keep an eye on it from time to time & a $50 baby monitor might be a smart thing to invest in to monitor it from a remote location.

-B

[crash5050]

Gary,
Wonder what other people do while the bots working?

I usually lean on the side of the bot and get grease all over my big belly.