Remote Triggering, Device Control and Measurements with the Laser Tracker
Overview
The FARO® Laser Tracker can initiate measurements in the following ways:
- Remote Triggering
- Controlling another device with the Tracker via external SYNC / Remote Output Trigger
- With software (CAM2, BuildIT)
Remote Triggering of Tracker Measurements (All models)
The standard way to do this when using isolated contacts is to have the contacts normally closed and supplying a +3.3 Volt CMOS (+5 Volt tolerant) signal to the trigger input.
When the contacts are opened, the input is pulled down by an internal 50 Ohm resistor making this an active low trigger. For the Vantage and earlier models: When the Master Control Unit (MCU) senses this change, a measurement is taken.
To trigger a measurement, FARO® recommends opening the contacts for at least 1ms. For the Vantage and earlier models: The MCU will take subsequent measurements for as long as the contact remains open.
The TTL Trigger uses the Green and Black wire pair of the MultiUse Integrator Cable. Connect the Black wire to ground and connect the Green wire to a voltage source of at least +3.3V. Be sure to use the Black wire from the Green-Black pair. If a Black wire from another pair is used, triggering will not properly occur. Isolate the remaining wire pairs so they do not short out.
CAM2 software, Measure Q, Measure 10, FARO Utilities Measure Pad, and the FARO Software Developer's Kit support the Remote Trigger, with the exception of Measure X1.
Using the Tracker to Control Another Device
External SYNC / Remote Output Trigger (Legacy Vantage models)
Please refer to the External SYNC / Remote Trigger Port section in Chapter 3 of the Vantage Tracker User Manual. Or the Trigger Cable Assembly section in Chapter 7 of the Laser Tracker Accessories Manual.
Auxiliary Box (Vantage S/E)
The FARO® Auxiliary Box provides ports to connect optional external devices to the FARO Vantage S or Vantage E Laser Trackers. At this time, the Auxiliary Box supports these devices:
- Temperature Sensors - 4 additional ports on the top of the box.
- External Trigger-Input - 1 port to trigger the Laser Tracker to measure using an external device.
To order parts, contact your regional FARO Sales Representative. The latest Laser Tracker Accessories Manual provides instructions about setting up and using the Auxiliary Box.
With Software (All models)
- Single Points
- Manually using keyboard or remote control
- Manually using keyboard or remote control
- Scanning
- Distance Interval Trigger (Distance Based Mode): The Tracker will take a measurement, as the Spherically Mounted Retroreflector (SMR) has moved a predefined distance in software.
Supported: CAM2, Measure Q, Measure 10 and BuildIT.
Click here to view a demonstration. -
Time Trigger (Time Based Mode) - The Tracker will take a measurement, when a certain amount of time has elapsed.
Supported: CAM2, Measure Q, Measure 10 and BuildIT.
Not supported: Measure X1. -
Stable Trigger - The Tracker will automatically record a reading when the SMR is in a stable location.
Supported: CAM2, Measure Q, Measure 10.
- Distance Interval Trigger (Distance Based Mode): The Tracker will take a measurement, as the Spherically Mounted Retroreflector (SMR) has moved a predefined distance in software.