The SMX Tracker4000 emits a beam from a laser to a mirrored target called an SMR (Spherically Mounted Retro reflector). The SMR is guided by hand or machine over features to be measured and reflects the beam back along the same path to the tracker. The tracker follows every move, taking 1000 measurements per second. Miniature laser encoders report the horizontal and vertical angles while the laser interferometer

reads the distance. The computer stores data when instructed by infrared controller, optional voice control, or by striking a key on the computer. Initially you measure points or features to establish a coordinate system. You then tell the system to measure a surface, a line, a radius, as if you were finding features in a CAD model. Repositioning the head anywhere is fast using any 3 or more known features on the part.