KSA FAB LAB > Microscribe

TESTING THE MICROSCRIBE CONNECTION

This document describes how to test the connection to the Microscribe digitizing arm. If you are unable to connect to the Microscribe using your chosen software initially, please follow these steps to determine where the problem lies.

Step 1: Check All Cables

First verify that all cables are securely and properly attached. The arm itself should have three cables attached to the back of the base, and the green power light on the base of the arm should be on. The three cables lead to (from left to right as you look at the front of the arm) the foot pedal, the computer, and the power adapter. The connection to the computer should plug into the serial port in one of the expansion slots on the back of the computer - not one of the USB ports.

If the green light is not on, turn the arm on using the power switch at the back of the arm's base.

Step 2: Test with Immersion Inscribe Utility

Once all cables are firmly connected and the green power light is on, the second step is to make sure that the computer itself can communicate with the arm, without worrying about your appication. You can test the computer's connection via the Immersion Inscribe utility, which can be found on your desktop (look for the icon pictured at right), or in the Start menu under "Start | Programs | Immersion Inscribe 3".

When you launch this program, you should see the window pictured at right. Notice that the left icon shows a green arrow, and the X, Y, and Z axis readouts at the bottom are all reporting positions. While you have this utility open, pick up the digitizing probe and move it about in space - the position indicators should all change reflecting the arm's new position.

If you do not see the window pictured, you instead will probably see the error window pictured at left instead. This in an indication that the computer cannot communicate with the digitizing arm using the current port and speed settings. Ensure that the Port field is set to COM 4 - the Baud field can be set to any value, but the higher values are usually better. Test the new settings by clicking on the "Connect" button. You will know you have a successful connection when the configuration window changes to the one shown at right.

After you have verified that the computer itself can communicate with the Microscribe, close the Immersion Inscribe utility before attempting to connect via your modeling software. Having the Inscribe utility running will prevent any other application from connecting to the digitizer!

Step 3: Test with your software

After you have connected from the computer to the digitizer, the last step is to establish a connection from within your modeling software. Instructions for how to do this vary according to the modeler which you are using. If you are using FormZ, please consult the Microscribe plugin manual. If you are using Rhino, check the help articles provided with Rhino, or the Digitizing with Rhino article on this site.

Please contact Matt Bernhardt at bernhardt.7@osu.edu if you have any suggestions or corrections to this article.