Who want to make a touch probe?

[Magnus]

Hi!

Can anyone help me I have problem to import DFX.cambam files (probe) from MR Bean. I have Microsoft xp service pack 2, and installed MS Net Framework1.1 and hotfix kb886903 and NET Framework 2.0 with security update. I can install Cambam and get the program to start, looks normal. And after that i downloaded files from MR Bean probcambam and try to opend it but only receive an Error message:There is an error in the MXL-document (14,55).
and a code is diffrent from file to file. I have tried the other way to install the cambam with no luck. I have two computers and thay behave in the same way, same Error. What do i do wrong please help me i really want to make the probe. And for extra info i cant load any file.

Thanks Magnus

[10bulls]

And for extra info i cant load any file.

Bit of a stab in the dark, but it may be related to regional settings (loading DXF files will also have problems). Can you try changing your decimal character to '.' rather than ',' and see if that helps.

[10bulls]

Eureka! I think we've cracked it!!!

The "One Penny" Touch Probe

This probe took me a few hours to make, using pretty simple stuff and has been continuously scanning for 2 days now (90,000 cycles), without any glitches.

It's only a wobbly prototype but can resolve down to about 0.01mm.
Some surface mount bits turned up today so I'm going to build a Mk II version using a milled pcb and some other improvements MrBean and I are contemplating.

I also happen to have had dumped on me several acrylic sheets some builder was chucking out in some assorted (day glo) colours. I think that'd look pretty cool, especially a 3 LED version

Oh well,

enjoy!

[MrBean]

Yeh. Forget "Intel inside", this should be badged "Electronics Outside".

[miljnor]

well the picture isn't all that clear on your web sight.

So just to clear it up.

The coin/penny is drill thru and the bolt goes thru it?

this then rests on the pin heads for contact?

The spring pushes down on the penny/bolt for adjustment?

And the silicone is for keeping the penny from sliding around?

And from what I gather the silicone goes around the prob inside of the shaft hole underneath the pins???

[10bulls]

well the picture isn't all that clear on your web sight.

Sorry, it had been drinking, I'll have words with it.

The coin/penny is drill thru and the bolt goes thru it?

Yes, so that the head is against the top (unfaced face).

this then rests on the pin heads for contact?

Yes, like a dolmen.

The spring pushes down on the penny/bolt for adjustment?

Yes

And the silicone is for keeping the penny from sliding around?

Yes. To be honest, I haven't put any on the prototype, but I thought it would be a good idea as if the probe gets pushed sideways the disk
can rub against the inside of the cylinder and hang.

And from what I gather the silicone goes around the prob inside of the shaft hole underneath the pins???

I would put it outside. That way you can put it on afterwards when you're happy it's working. Or you could use a small piece of silicon tube maybe.

[turmite]

10Bulls is it still working? Are you gonna post plans?

Mike

[greybeard]

10 bulls - just a thought. Had you considered substituting a small cylinder of foam rubber for the spring ?
I see the spring as being asymetrical in its pressure on the penny, and the foam could also act as a seal above it. The foam could be stuck to the penny for location, and a second piece underneath the pin assembly could as as a lower dust seal.
John

[10bulls]

10Bulls is it still working? Are you gonna post plans?

Yes, the scan completed with not one hang. The plans (such as they are) are on on the web link in post #39.

[10bulls]

10 bulls - just a thought. Had you considered substituting a small cylinder of foam rubber for the spring ?

Yes, in fact MrBean's Mk I probe had a piece of foam for a spring.
It would certainly work and I like the idea of gluing it to the disk to help prevent sideways movement.
The design lends itself to tinkering and using what's lying around.

[sdantonio]

All the commercial scanners and computer controlled measuring systems uses tools with ball tips. Shouldn't be a big problem to put a ball bearing ball at the end of the tip.

Actually I had a brilliant idea the other night. Traditional violin makers, when they see an instrument where they want to preserve as much information as they can, make up a plaster mold cast directly from the instrument. Modern materials allow us to use a combination of silicone rubber (which will not stick to varnished surfaces) and urethane polymer to make the final casting.

A violin maker I know in NYC tells me that his sillicone/urethane castings come out so accurate that they preserve even the smallest imperfections in the surface like chipped varnish, etc.

So I make a urethane casting, then use the touch prove on that. And I can be as rough with that as I want. Couldn't be simpler.

[N4NV]

So I make a urethane casting, then use the touch prove on that. And I can be as rough with that as I want. Couldn't be simpler.

Where do you get the casting material? Any brands you prefer?

Vince