What Do I Look for in Digital Readouts and Software?
What is the difference between the Digital Readout (DRO) or Software?
Manual Video Measurement Systems can be configured with a Geometric Digital Readout or Software depending on the application requirements. A stage which has encoder outputs is capable of connecting directly to a DRO or Software with a scale counter card installed. The advantages of each are displayed in the following chart:
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All Digital Readout Systems are not Created Equal
Some manufacturers try to save money by building their own Digital Readout System. Metronics' 
has proven itself as the premiere developer of metrology software and digital readout boxes. Companies that have integrated the Quadra-Chek readout into their system, feature an intuitive user interface, and simple, meaningful visual displays.
Operators Accomplish Complex Measurements with an Easy to Use Interface.
The Quadra-Check not only provides an X, Y, Z Digital Number Display, but also provides a graphical representation of the dimensions and feature list. This makes it easy to determine the feature in question and allows rapid calculation of feature to feature relational measurements.
Worldwide acceptance and support has made Quadra-Chek the leading supplier of geometric readout technology
The Video Imaging Institute recommends Quadra-Chek for geometric readout technology. Metronics is the world's premier developer of metrology software and digital readouts for measuring and inspecting 2D and 3D geometric parts. metronics' Quadra-Chek systems are the standard control interface of the world's leading precision metrology instrument manufacturers.
Metrology Software must be powerful, customizable, and easy to use
The best tools in the world are useless unless they are used. Most shop floor personnel are very familiar with calipers, gages, and basic digital readouts. One must be concerned with taking the operator to a new level of sophistication using computers, edge tools, motorized staging, data collection and analysis. Having software which allows customized windows gives operators different levels of access to features.
Look for Intuitive Displays to minimize training issues and Increase Productivity!
Easy to use Icons along with DRO screen, Part View Window, and Results Window can provide graphical feedback to operators of any skill level.
Interface Must be Intuitive and Simple
Operator prompts and user icons give the system usability. By having the ability to size and position the function windows and geometric buttons as custom design may be configured with specially the measurement tools required.
Design a system which is Network Ready now and in the future
Powerful software allows you to connect directly to the network or internal server. This will streamline data collection, image capture and documentation, and real-time SPC analysis from the shop floor to management disciplines.
Free Software Updates and all Inclusive Modules from the beginning
When looking to purchase a Video Measurement System all report generators and external data processing modules should be included up front. You should not be charged annual maintenance fees for new features being developed which are software based.
Powerful Edge Tools May Remove Operator Error
Video Edge Detection allows the operator to fire over 100 points at the click of a mouse.
Crosshair based measurements are accomplished by having the operator manually position the center of the crosshair on the desired point to be taken. Based on the magnification and pixel size of the width of the crosshair operator error may be induced. Edge tools increase speed and accuracy of measurements by allowing the operator to place the tool in the center of a desired feature and click the mouse. At this point a hundred points may be automatically fired to calculate the dimension.
Measurement and Data Collection
How does software make measuring the distance between two circles easier?
When taking a measurement, a graphical representation of the part is displayed and a feature number is allocated to that dimension. One may easily click the distance icon and select the desired features to be measured. There is no need to use the stage to zero out the readout on each feature.
System may support a Part Image Archive which provides a convenient archival reference
Record and store graphic measurement results of parts, along with dimensions and other information, on your PC or elsewhere on you network. Maintain organized, up-to-date records online for convenient, ongoing quality control and archival reference.
Today's world wants E-mail communication accomplished with Image capture with Drag and Drop Annotation
Drag and drop measurement data from part view displays onto a video-capture image, instantly appending accurate dimensions and witness lines. Save, print or email annotated images electronically in BMP file format to expedite the resolution of quality control issues with dispersed work partners.
Tolerance Displays allow the operator to put aside the prints and calculators
Translates data-intensive reports into informative graphics so operators can quickly see the results of tolerances applied to geometric features.
Don't be limited in the ability to create your own Report Format or Data Analysis procedure
Integrated database: Store, retrieve and manage enormous amounts of measurement data on the shop floor. Check quality control at the instrument platform within a familiar and intuitive interface. Share information locally and globally and export it to Microsoft Office applications.
Report Generator should provide quick and easy format for exporting/importing data
Report Generator: Build high-quality reports with easy-to-use, "drag-and-drop" report templates that simplify the selection and formatting of data. Save, print or email measurement result reports to team members for review
The Ability to Import/Export CAD data will save valuable time in writing part programs as well as give you the ability for Reverse Engineering
Export Data: Conveniently transfer measurement data to CAD for reverse engineering applications, or to Microsoft Access or Microsoft Excel for enhanced data processing.