VTube-LASER v2.9

Revision 2.9 Release Date: November 1, 2017 Back to VTube-LASER Back to VTube-LASER Updates See also VTube-STEP Updates Download in updates the VTube-LASER Support Page

MAJOR NEW FEATURE: ASSEMBLY

VTube now allows you to include multiple tubes in a single project. Add new tubes to existing tubes. Measure all the tubes together or separately. Align all the tubes at the same time or separately. See video 75 in the VTube-LASER Videos page

We reverse-engineered this entire assembly in about 30 minutes.

MAJOR ENHANCEMENT: END SCANNING IS MUCH IMPROVED

The end-scan engine is completely redesigned in version 2.9 It is much faster and more reliable than previous versions. It can now find the furthest point or the nearest point - or even the centroid of the end-scan cloud in the scan. It draws linear dimensions showing the endpoint offsets - including the ball probe compensation offset. (See the next section.) The obsolete End Scan Tolerance restriction is removed (See the section below). A new END measure was added to MEASURE SETUP to control the new settings. Improved measuring instructions show what to expect when trimming data in end scans. This change alone is worth the upgrade.

NEW: END POINT DIMENSION FOR OFFSET POINTS DURING MEASUREMENT

VTube now automatically draws a linear dimension in the viewport between the scanned point and the final offset point to confirm that the distance is correct.

NEW: CUSTOM REPORTABLE MEASURE NOTE FOR EACH MEASURE

VTube-LASER allows you to enter a custom measure note before a measure. This note can then be displayed in reports.

NEW: THE MEASURE DATE/TIME CAN BE REPORTED

VTube-LASER records and stores the measure date/time - and it can now be included in reports.

REMOVED END SCAN DIAMETER TOLERANCE RESTRICTION

VTube would refuse measurements that were too far from the end of the actual diameter surface of the tube. This does nothing but frustrate end users. Sometimes it is necessary to scan points that are far from the diameter. We removed this limitation permanently.

FIX: VTUBE NOW DRAWS DIAMETER EVEN WITH ZERO-LENGTH STRAIGHTS

In previous versions, zero length straights would stop the diameter from drawing. This has been fixed in build 95 of version 2.9.

ENHANCED - Bender NUMBER in BENDER SETUP Saved and Recalled with Project File

Customers that have many benders prefer to have the bender number saved in the project file because it is normal to associate the project with a bender. So now VTube saves the Bender Setup bender number to the project file.

ENHANCED - REMOVED "KEEP CUT PLANE" DIALOG

Customers never choose any other option than to keep the current cut plane, so we removed this dialog to save time.

NEW: IMPORT VECTOR LASERVISION PRT FILES

VTube-STEP (included in VTube-LASER) can now import Laservision PRT files: It can import single PRT files. It can import multiple PRT files into a single assembly. It can batch-convert multiple PRT file into a folder of VTube project files (VTP). Note: Build 91 makes PRT batch mode conversion much faster. Note: Build 95 allows for 180-degree bends in PRT files.

NEW: IMPORT MULTIPLE SUPRAVISION FILES

VTube-STEP (included in VTube-LASER) can now import multiple Supravision files. It can import single Supravision files. It can import multiple Supravision files into a single assembly. It can batch-convert multiple Supravision files into a folder of VTube project files (VTP).

NEW: IMPORT MULTIPLE SOLID EDGE FILES INTO AN ASSEMBLY

Import multiple SOLID EDGE files at one time into an ASSEMBLY.

ENHANCED: MORE USER INTERFACE SKINS TO CHOOSE FROM

There are now many more user interface skins to choose from in System Options.

ENHANCED SOLID MODELING ENGINE

The solid modeling engine was updated. To confirm this update, the trihedron is now a 3D solid model rather than the older stick figure.

NEW: MADE CHANGES FOR FARO USB DRIVER VERSION 6

The version 6 driver for FARO would sometimes not reconnect after having left the scanner control window, so VTube now automatically disconnects and reconnects when you exit that window.

NEW: "NO WAIT" FEATURE FOR SUPRAVISION NETWORK ALLOWS USB FLASH DRIVE COMMUNICATIONS

The new SV No Wait feature allows you to communicate with benders using the Supravision Network protocol with USB flash drives. When VTube-LASER performs a RECALL, it no longer waits for an immediate answer. This means that it will never time-out in this mode. It assumes that the answer will come an undetermined future time. To use this feature follow these steps: Insert the USB flash drive into the VTube-LASER computer. Press RECALL. Eject the USB flash drive. Plug the USB flash drive into the bender. The bender will respond to the command and place the answer on the USB flash drive. Plug the USB flash drive into the VTube-LASER computer again. Press RECALL again. VTube-LASER will find the response file on the flash drive and ask if you want to recall it.

OTHER CHANGES

• Build 98: The DCP (Diameter Cut Plane) now saves to project files and the default project file.
• Build 98: We reverted back to the correct scanning sound from the previous version. (This version accidentally included an experimental sound. Customers don't like it!)
• The PREVIOUS feature that steps back in the measurement step during measurement had some serious bugs. They are fixed. (NOTE: Do not use the "Previous" command in earlier versions.)

Other Pages

• See VTube-LASER Addata ZModem Communications Protocol for more information.
• Back to VTube-LASER
• Back to VTube Software Updates (for LASER Mode)
• See also VTube-STEP
• See also VTube-STEP Revisions
• See VTube-LASER Customer Support Page to download the latest version.
• See the tutorial on DCF - Dual Cylinder Fit
• See the tutorial on DCP - Diameter Cut Planes
• See VTube-LASER Cut Planes
• See How to Measure Tubes Attached to an Evaporator with the DCP Feature