Making the most of an SMA

[Sean Steele]

Why would someone pay the exorbitant amount of money that Wilcox/BnS charges for the SMA and then not use any version that has come out since 3.5 MR2? My boss pays for the SMA out of the departments budget but every time a new version comes out we have to justify loading it by predicting how much time it will save us.

4.0 just came out, the disc arrives and we, the CMM programmers, have to convince the boss that we should or should not load it. Now, I know that 4.0 has some issues. So, at the same time as I recommend against 4.0 I recommend that we do upgrade to 3.7 MR3. I used 3.7 MR1 at a previous employer. I know some of what it can do.

OK, I have confused myself already.
Here is my question. If you were still running 3.5MR2 and had a current SMA would you upgrade to 3.7 MR3 and why?

[kmcmm]

I use 3.7mr3 and really like it. I have found it to be very stable compared to earlier releases. I don't remember off hand what features that 3.7 has that 3.5 didnt. Can you adjust the locations of hit in autofeatures by clicking the path line in the graphic display window and moving it around?

[Wes Cisco]

For my applications 3.7 MR3 has been more stable than 3.5 MR2 was. 3.5 would powerboot me at least once a day, sometimes more. With 3.7 that is more like once or maybe twice a month. As for bennefits, the big thing that sold me on 3.7 was the enhanced graphics display screen. You can see all of your hits before the probe moves. And you can drag and drop individual hits. I have found these features very helpful to me in programing. I do not use a lot of CAD files. I am not in the automotive field. I do use Datapage sometimes, but not a lot. How stable 3.7 MR3 will be for you depends on what kind of computer you have and how you use the software, but I have not heard anyone yet who felt it was less stable than 3.5 MR2. The final answer is yes I would definitely upgrade to 3.7 MR3. No, I would not touch 4.0. No way, no how, not even maybe. My $0.02 and you were overcharged.

[tking]

With 3.7 mr3 I was able to error map the ph9a. When I calibrate the probes I use now I can get qualified tips for every 7.5 degree A/B positions but only actually running the cal routine on 9 positions, A 0,45, 90 and B0,90,-90, and 180. Very handy to have that many probe positions available all the time and very quick to requalify if you have any doubts.

TK

[BSchwark]

Just talked to an application engineer. He recommended waiting for 4.0 MR1.
Staying at 3.7 MR3 for now.................

BS

[Peter Warcholyk]

TK,

Would you be able to explain the method whereby you are able to "error map"
your probe?

I am running a B & S Mistral with a ph10t and a tp20 unit. If I could do as you have done, it would save me a tremendous amount of time every time that I need to change tips.

If possible please email me at; [email protected]

[tking]

TK,

Would you be able to explain the method whereby you are able to "error map"
your probe?

I am running a B & S Mistral with a ph10t and a tp20 unit. If I could do as you have done, it would save me a tremendous amount of time every time that I need to change tips.

If possible please email me at; [email protected]

Sure, gotta "work" for a bit but will get back with you shortly

TK

[Peter Warcholyk]

TK,

Thanks !!

I look forward to hearing from you.

ZydecoPete

[John Kugler]

Just talked to an application engineer. He recommended waiting for 4.0 MR1.
Staying at 3.7 MR3 for now.................

BS

Is 4.0 MR1 different from 4.1??
All these versions are giving me a headache.......

[Matthew D. Hoedeman]

Yes. The 'junked' V4.0 and went straight to V4.1 (which will have MR's). Why they junked V4.0 and didn't bother to fix any of it with MR's is a mystery. Was it so bad that it wasn't worth it? If so, what was the basis for V4.1? If V4.0 IS the basis for V4.1, why isn't V4.1 just V4.0 MR1? Too many versions being worked on at the same time still in the Wilcox bullpen.

[tking]

TK,

Thanks !!

I look forward to hearing from you.

ZydecoPete

OK Peter, I'm back near a phone, check your email for the number

TK

[JohnCTB]

I received version 4.0 in the mail this week. Am I correct that the majority of the people that use this forum agree "DO NOT LOAD V.4.0!" I am currently using V.3.7mr3 and have few problems. I too wonder why Hexagon would send me 4.0 if it is "junk" and they have already gone to 4.1?
Thanks,
JCTB

[William Johnson]

Thats becuase the right hand don't know what the left is doing.

[craiger_ny]

I received version 4.0 in the mail this week. Am I correct that the majority of the people that use this forum agree "DO NOT LOAD V.4.0!" I am currently using V.3.7mr3 and have few problems. I too wonder why Hexagon would send me 4.0 if it is "junk" and they have already gone to 4.1?
Thanks,
JCTB

I'll save you the trouble of looking too long for that answer.

junk, and junk

Craig

[JohnCTB]

Thank You Gentlemen!
I just looked at the thread titled version 4.0 Yes, I know I should have done a search earlier!! I will probably take Craig's suggestion and toss the disc and use the case.

JCTB