This guide shows field operators how to set up the verification reflector for station verification, so the Dusty App can alert you if the laser tracker has moved or drifted during printing. If the tracker gets bumped, vibrates, or shifts in wind, your layout accuracy is compromised; the verification reflector catches this before it ruins a print.
When to Use It
Recommended on every job, every station. The verification reflector is your early warning that the tracker has moved. Setting it up takes a minute and can save you from reprinting an entire area, so make it part of your standard stationing routine.
Required for Floor Elevation. When collecting elevation data, completing the Verify Station Location step is mandatory. The FieldPrinter will not record elevation measurements without it. See How to Use Floor Elevation (Beta).
What the Verification Reflector Does
The verification reflector is a physical target the laser tracker “checks in” with periodically while the FieldPrinter is printing. It serves as a fixed reference point that confirms:
- The laser tracker has not moved or drifted since stationing.
- The station is still valid.
- The tracking environment is still stable.
If the tracker moves from an accidental bump, vibrations from nearby equipment, or wind, the Dusty App notifies you.
Prerequisites
-
The verification reflector and its tape, found in the Accessories Case.
- A completed station (control points recorded and locked in).
Steps
1. Choose a location for the reflector
Place the verification reflector on a flat, stable surface within 10-50 feet of the laser tracker.
Pick a spot where no one will step on or kick the reflector accidentally, and keep it clear of the FieldPrinter’s print and travel path. Foot traffic that disturbs the reflector will trigger false alerts.
2. Secure the reflector with tape
Use the tape from the Accessories Case to fix the reflector in place. The reflector must not move during the print session; it is your fixed reference. If the tape lifts or the reflector shifts, your verification point is no longer valid.
3. Point the laser at the reflector
Aim the laser tracker at the verification reflector until it locks on.
4. Record the verification point in the Dusty App
Record the verification point in the Dusty App under the Setup tab, step (3) Verify Stationing.
Verify It Worked
Once the verification point is recorded, the system periodically checks the reflector’s position during printing. You don’t need to do anything else unless the app alerts you.
If You Get a Tracker Movement Alert
The alert means the laser tracker is no longer where it was when you stationed. Layout printed after the movement may be inaccurate. Re-record the verification point, then reprint a line or object to check accuracy before continuing.
Common Issues
- False alerts: Usually caused by someone stepping on or kicking the reflector, or the tape coming loose. Re-secure the reflector and re-record the verification point.
- Tripod vibration or sliding: The verification reflector detects movement but doesn’t prevent it. Station on a stable surface, always use the tripod base, and add weight to the tripod for friction if needed. In congested areas or where bumps are likely, a column clamp or wall mount is a more stable alternative. See Alternatives to the Tripod.
- Repeated movement alerts with no obvious bump: Wavy or distorted lines and recurring alerts can point to an unstable setup or environmental factors. See Wavy or Distorted Lines During Printing.