Hello,
I have a Scan Otter connected to a Scan Bridge. Using USB 3 through a wifi 6 dongle.
FW 1.1.8 otter, FW1.1.5 SB, 3.3.6 software ver. I have zero issues connecting and scanning.
My issues: My scans are difficult at best. No matter what mode I choose, the quality, using scan spray, scan spray and markers, markers on the base and standing. You get the picture.
1st it takes forever because it just looses tracking constantly.
2nd, and this may be normal, the built in light will only stay on for a max of about 15 seconds. I then turn it on again. I now just use a flashlight in place of it.
I have calibrated the unit twice with both finishing in the upper 90%.
The best part is that my scan still looks bad when I’m finished meshing it. I tried every setting I could generate adjusting the point cloud optimization and mesh settings.
It’s baffling how I see (youtube) people scanning very small objects with ease and getting great results while I’m having difficulty with a piece that’s approximately 3 inches long and 2 inches wide. (model car interior)
Is it possible the scanner is the issue? (needs repair)
Somehow I think it’s me.
Can you send some pictures of what you are scanning and also the results. I have found that, despite what some people will tell you, you really do need good lighting. Check your exposures, I find I get better results when I over expose a little. I have two led lights on tripods that I use and I also use a matt black silicone mat that is really for baking that I use as the base. I don’t use a rotatable stand any longer, I find walking around the model gets better results and fewer tracking issues. What kind of fps are you getting? When tethered to USB I get 29-30 fps and when using the wireless scan bridge I get 14-15. Both seem to work perfectly. The scan bridge definitely gives a better grip and I do lose tracking a lot less since using it. I have never used spray, don’t like the markers but do occasionally use some 3d printed objects with markers on spread around the target object.
t sounds like tracking might be the main issue. If your scanner keeps losing track, try adding small high-contrast markers or using a better scan spray. Also, the built-in light shutting off frequently isn’t normal - maybe check if a firmware update helps.
For better results, try scanning an object with more texture to see if the issue is with the scanner or just the model. If problems persist, reaching out to support might be a good idea. Hope this helps!
Mordorf: You are spot on about seeing 14-15 fps with the bridge. That’s exactly what I see. And I do move around the subject. If I use a marked turntable this thing turns into a fly swatter. I do like the portability of the bridge though.
adamsmith: I use the reflective markers, balled up tissue paper, marker towers, marker balls, marker billboards and spray. With the Otter’s built in light turning off and now knowing that it’s not functioning correctly, I’m going to contact support and try to send it in to be checked. If that’s even possible?
So it’s looking like support for the Otter is going to be a uphill battle.
Even after sending a very detailed explanation of what is happening they’re response is as follows:
Thank you for contacting Creality customer support.
We need more information for the printer in order to serve you better.
1:A screenshot of your complete purchase link and the order receipt/invoice (it’s a prove of warranty)
2:A picture of the SN code (it’s a bar code sticking on side of the printer /control box/about tab in the Sonicpad )
3:A video of the malfunction (you could try uploading it to any cloud drives or youtube, please check if the permission is set to public if you are using cloud drives.)
Your detail information and description would be appreciated.
Numbers 1 and 2 I fully understand. No problem at all.
Number 3 is not gonna happen because I just don’t feel the need for a video at this stage.
Especially after sending my detail information and description.
Any suggestions for support in the states?
I tried chat and was told no one could help and that I needed to speak with someone in the states. I didn’t see a phone number for the US anywhere.
I’ll agree on the observation where lot’s of YouTube videos show people who easily scan all kind of objects with no problems. Seems like a piece of cake to use Creality scanners.
But now as I got my hands on a Raptor Pro the reality is quite different. I’ve tried various small objects, and tried different scan methods but none work after several hours of testing. I’m not even close to get something where I can see that scanner has been able to detect the object.
Like for instance, if I choose Blue Laser Mode and Cross Lines, the “quality scale” to the left is stuck at the bottom (“Too close”) regardless how far I have the scanner from the object.
And if I select "Parallel lines” then no parallel lines are turned on, and Quality is stuck on either Too far or Too close.
The feeling I get is that it will be a huge effort to get this scanner to work in real life.
I just got the Otter Lite with handle. I tried to scan a part of my motorcycle exhaust in the shed. All I get is a flat 2D mess of pictures? The thing was green but only doing 5fps but kept saying keep going. I moved the exhaust to scan underneath as well but I don’t know what is going on. I am new to everything, 3D printing, 3D scanning but am up for the challenge. Why is it flat?
Hey Sam. I wanted to see if you ever solve the issue you were having with your scanner. I think I have a very similar issue with mine. Here’s a link to my post with pictures of what I’m scanning and the scan results. Your feedback would be much appreciated. Thanks, Jax
I gave up on it. The juice isn’t worth the squeeze for me. I spent way too much money trying to get close to the results I see on youtube and I would grade my performance a “D” at best. I even tried a infrared light (small) and achieved a slightly better result…. but that’s about it.
Sprays, markers of every size and shape, turn tables, different colored bases and back grounds, changed the room lighting, upgraded the pc not to mention the initial cost of the scanner with the battery mount.
So it sits on my desk mocking me.
Unfortunately for us Creality’s customer service is worse than Fed Ex’s and in my opinion the software needs a rethink. (maybe they’ve already done this as I haven’t used it for many months)
My apologies for not helping you at all. I know it’s frustrating, but for me personally I had too many other things that needed my attention in the build process and time is money.
Hey Sam, Even though you don’t have a solution, I appreciate your feedback nonetheless. It’s good to know (well maybe not good but…) that you’ve run into the same issues with their support as I have. Although I have found their chat support to be sometimes helpful. Here’s the link I use for their chat support. Good luck with everything.
I sent mine back and got a refund. It was a pathetic device. I am thinking that bloody owl test is already a hidden file on it and you think, this is great! All downhill from there! Rather have my money.
The owl test has no pre-scanned file in the software, the owl has just rich geometry and texture and is therefore easier to scan than for example the motorcycle exhaust that you tried. You would need to prepare it appropriately, maybe needs markers to scan.
Can you maybe attach a photo of how it looks when you try to scan? And describe a bit more what the problem is and what you tried to scan with which mode. I tried the P1 at Formnext and it was quite easy to use.
Honestly, I think it’s good, or maybe it’s just very temperamental. I had an accident and couldn’t get it out before. I think adjusting it with the blue light is extremely difficult. I’ve been trying for eight days with markers, more or less spaced apart, matte white, black, cardboard, etc., and nothing happens. There should be a starting point if the problem is with the settings. It’s not very useful for my photos; it doesn’t scan anything. It works in infrared. I’m going to use the warranty because I’ve had it for a few months now, and I’m honestly wondering if there’s something wrong with it. I calibrated it on Saturday with great difficulty.
It is very hard to tell what doesn’t work from the pure text description. The scanning requires some learning, getting used to it, the hand eye coordination etc. but with the P1 and its built in display it should be not that hard.
The technical support suggests:
Restart the device.
2. Restore factory settings.
3. Recalibrate the device.
4. Check whether the device firmware is up to date; if not, please connect the device to a WiFi and update it online.
If it doesn’t solve it they can help further. But it would be best if you could provide a video.
Well, I think I’ve just thrown €3500 in the trash. I’ve been working on your device for 10 days now. I’m going to contact legal services because this device is brand new and I can’t spend all day fixing your thing. I have a job and I just don’t have the time. All the procedures have been followed, but nothing works. I’m letting you know again that the calibration has been done, but it’s very difficult. Thank you for taking the time to reply anyway.
Thanks for the video. Generally the P1 seems to be working, the fact that the cross laser lines show up and that the camera captures the markers and it intermittently recognizes them is a good sign.
One thing that I noticed right away, that was tried in a very bright environment. The scanner has a hard time seeing the laser lines it projects on the markers and the object trying to be scanneda under these circumstances. If you ask me, this is the reason why IR scanning works and laser line scanning does not. You can try manual exposure in the small preview window of the IR camera there’s the switch for it (auto/manual), but generally I would highly recommend to use it with a bit more shading.
The other thing is the range and the movements. The range is set to a distance of 255mm to 470mm but you hold the scanner quite far away most of the time. Also you move it very quickly, looks like you’re trying to “catch” the tracking. Hold it steadily, without abrupt movements, slowly move it closer until it catches the tracking, then also steadily move it around the object close to the optimal distance if possible.
I understand that you are frustrated especially with the expensive high end device, but it’s not “my“ thing as I don’t work there, I’m just another 3D scanner user who has another model of the laser line scanners from Creality. I could give you tips how to use it (if you want to talk to someone who I also know someone from France who is very profiled with the Creality scanners, I could ask him).
If you want to reach someone actually from the Creality Scanner team who I’m sure will solve the problem, could you please write an email to:
Mention it’s about the P1 and that you made the video and talked to Sebastian about it so he knows right away what it’s about, I already forwarded it to him so he can check it. Unfortunately it’s past midnight on Saturday now already in their time zone, so I’m not sure when he can reply.
I’m pretty sure they can solve the issues. The support for the scanners is actually quite good, as these devices are for professional use.
