Texel Portal FX: Assembly Guide

Overview

Texel Portal FX 3D scanner is a hardware and software complex for quick acquisition of color 3D models of people and large objects. The main elements of the scanner are a turntable (rotating platform) and a vertical stand with depth sensors (RGB-D cameras). The kit may also include a high-performance laptop configured to run Texel software. Texel Portal FX 3D scanner quickly and smoothly rotates the object being scanned (up to 10 seconds per scan) and provides data collection from 4 depth sensors, which are also equipped with color (RGB) cameras. The resulting data streams are then processed by Texel software to produce a color 3D scan and other derived data, such as body measurements. Texel Portal FX is a compact and mobile solution for full-body 3D scanning with color.

Fully Assembled View

Unpacking

Texel Portal FX 3D scanner is shipped partially disassembled in a sturdy plywood box. Individual components of the 3D scanner are protected with bubble wrap, foam polyethylene, cardboard, or other packaging materials. To open the plywood box, unscrew the screws on the top lid of the box using a screwdriver. The screws holding the top lid are marked with red circles in the photo below.

When taking components of the 3D scanner out of the box, care must be taken to prevent damage to parts, cables, and other equipment components. Care must also be taken when moving the packaging and heavy components of the 3D scanner to avoid injury.

Package Contents

Texel Portal FX 3D scanner package includes the following items:

1. Turntable (rotating platform)
2. Power supply for the turntable with a power cable
3. Base crosspiece for the vertical stand that holds depth sensors
4. Three parts of the vertical stand with magnetic holders for depth sensors, USB hub, and necessary cables
5. 4 mm hex Allen key for assembly of the vertical stand
6. Decorative covers for linear connectors of the vertical stand
7. Power adapter for the USB hub
8. USB 3.0 Type A to Type B cable for connecting the USB hub to a PC or a laptop
9. 4 depth sensors (RGB-D cameras)
10. High-performance laptop (optional)

Please note that individual visual elements or components of the 3D scanner may differ slightly in appearance between different versions of the equipment, but their functionality and consumer properties remain unchanged. We will update this guide if there are significant changes in the design.

Vertical Stand Assembly

The vertical stand is assembled sequentially according to the steps below:

1. Place the base crosspiece on the floor, on a flat and solid surface. The height of the stand when fully assembled is 2450 mm, the recommended minimum ceiling height is 2500 mm (2.5 m).

   

2. Find the first part of the vertical stand: it has a sensor holder marked with the number "1".

   

3. Install the first part of the vertical stand upright on the crosspiece, lowering the linear connectors vertically into the profile slots (red arrow in the image below). Make sure that the outgoing cables are not pinched or damaged. The plastic groove cap on the base crosspiece should be on the same side as the outgoing cables (green arrow).

   

4. Tighten the 3 lower mounting screws on each side (marked with red circles in the image below) using the included hex key.

1. Find the second part of the vertical stand: it has sensor holders numbered "2" and "3" and a mounted USB hub.

   

2. Similar to the first part, connect the second part of the vertical stand to the first one, vertically lowering the linear connectors into the profile slots (red arrow in the image below). The cables and USB hub, as well as the sensor holders, should be on the same sides as on the first part. Next, tighten the 3 lower mounting screws on each side (marked with red circles) using the included hex key.

   

3. Connect the USB cable for the lower (first) sensor, the USB cable for the turntable, and the power cable to the USB hub (at the bottom).

   

4. Find the third (upper) part of the vertical stand: it has a sensor holder marked with the number "4".

   

5. Install the upper part of the vertical stand on top of the second one, lowering the linear connectors vertically into the profile slots (red arrow in the image below). The sensor holder should be on the same side as on the previous parts. Next, tighten the 3 lower mounting screws on each side (marked with red circles) using the included hex key.

   

6. Run the USB cable for the upper sensor: remove the plastic cap from the profile slot, run a longer USB cable inside the slot, and close it again with the plastic cap.

   

7. Install 6 plastic covers on the linear connectors.

   

8. Install 4 depth sensors on the corresponding magnetic holders, maintaining the numbering (the number on the holder and the sensor must match) and make sure that the metal base of the sensor is fully inserted into the groove on the holder for secure mounting.

   

9. Connect 4 depth sensors: insert the USB Type-C cable into the socket on the back of the sensor holding the sensor carefully with your hand to prevent accidental detaching from the holder.

   

10. Connect the power adapter for the USB hub at the bottom of the stand:

    

11. Connect the cable with a USB 3.0 Type B connector to the USB hub (port is at the bottom). This cable is for connecting a 3D scanner to a laptop (or PC).

    

12. Connect the other end of the cable with the USB 3.0 Type A connector to your laptop (or PC). You must use a USB 3.0 port or higher (usually colored blue).

    

13. Ensure that the stand is level (you can use a spirit level) and does not wobble. Adjust the screw feet on the base crosspiece if necessary.

    

Turntable Installation And Connection

The turntable (rotating platform) is shipped fully assembled and does not require any assembly. To install and connect the turntable correctly, follow these steps:

1. Place the turntable on the floor on a flat and solid surface in front the vertical stand with depth sensors. The panel with connectors should face the stand, the center of the platform should be inline with the sensors, and the distance from the edge of the platform to the vertical stand should be about 70 cm for optimal visibility.

   

2. Connect the power supply cable and the USB 2.0 Type B cable from the sensor stand to the turntable.

   

3. Connect the power cable to the power supply unit of the turntable.

   

4. Ensure that the turntable is level (you can use a spirit level) and does not wobble. Adjust the screw feet at the base of the turntable if necessary. Leveling the turntable is important for comfortable scanning.

   

Preparing 3D Scanner For Operation

The assembly process of Texel Portal FX 3D scanner is now complete. There are few simple steps left to fully prepare the scanner for operation:

1. Connect the USB hub power adapter, turntable power supply and a laptop (if necessary) to the wall power.

   

2. Turn on the USB hub by pressing the power button on the bottom. The blue power indicator should light up.

   

3. After completing the above steps, the white indicator on the turntable panel should light up and remain lit, signaling that the device is ready for operation. If the indicator flashes intermittently, this indicates the absence of power (probably, the power supply is not connected). The indicator will flash at a steady rate during the scanning process. At this stage, your Texel Portal FX 3D scanner is fully prepared to work with the Texel software installed on your laptop (or PC).

   

If you need to disassemble the scanner (e.g. for storage or transportation), we recommend following the steps described in this guide in a reverse order. This will simplify both the disassembly and subsequent reassembly process of the 3D scanner.