I would like to learn a Little about digitizing (perferably, but not limited too Mach 3). I reverse engineer and often duplicate many componets and digitizing with a probe would be a huge help, but I am unfamiliar with digitzing and extremely busy to research everything needed digitize. If anyone could answer any of the following questions or have additional info they would like to share, it will be greatly appreciated.

1. Can the points from the point cloud be used to create CAD drawings(dxf, dxg ect.)?
2. How does one set up and configure Mach3 for the probe (ex. parallel port pin settings, modbus etc.?)?
3. Do I need any additional componets to interface the probe with the computer?
4. What kind of programs and software will I have to become familiar with, in order to digitize properly?
5. What kind of path does the probe travel to obtain the points?
6. Is there any "how to" literature, tutorials, forums or web sights with info on digitizing?
7. Is digitizing accurate?
8. Where can I purchase a digital probe?
9. Please feel free to share any addtional info you have re guarding digitizing not mentioned in the questions above.

I'm also interested in how I could use cameras to scan objects to assist with reverse engineering. (I've seen threads of people using web cams and lasers, leading me to believe that this is possible). Any info to the questions above that can be applied to using cameras would be very helpful.

Please, don't be shy, post as much info as you can re guarding digitizing using probes and cameras,.

Thank you,

George