Breadcrumbs

Probe calibration isn't working. What should I do?

If your physical SonoSimulator probe and the virtual probe on screen are no longer moving in sync, follow these steps: recalibrate first; redo Probe Setup during longer scanning sessions; and finally, if the issue persists, reset the gyroscope. Detailed instructions for each step are below.

1. Recalibrate at the beginning of each new case

We recommend recalibrating your probe at the beginning of every new case. For step-by-step calibration instructions, read How do I calibrate my probe?

Want a quicker way to calibrate?

Once your probe is in the START position, press C on your keyboard to calibrate. This bypasses the instructional pop-up.

Important: The C hotkey assumes your probe is already in the START position. If it is not, your probe will be calibrated incorrectly. Review How do I calibrate my probe? if you need help with the START position.

2. If you have been scanning for nearly an hour, redo Probe Setup

Probe Setup is a routine refresh for longer scanning sessions. About once an hour, open any case, select the Help question mark button in the bottom toolbar, and choose Probe Setup.

Probe setup pop up zoomed in.png
Help Button > Probe Setup in SonoSimulator Toolbar

Probe Setup is only available for probes received after September 2021.

3. If the virtual and physical probes still point in different directions, reset the gyroscope

If you have recalibrated and refreshed Probe Setup but the virtual and physical probes still point in different directions, try resetting your probe's gyroscope sensor.

This is an infrequent maintenance step. Most probes need a gyroscope reset only about once a year. Probes with heavy use may need one about every six months. If you have never reset the gyroscope before, doing so may resolve a persistent alignment issue.

Reset the gyroscope on Windows computers

  1. Download the SonoSim Probe Gyro Calibration Tool for Windows.

  1. Launch the tool and click ‘Run’.

image-20260820-224451.png
Initial Launch Message - Click Run

  1. Connect your SonoSim probe to a USB port, then click ‘Yes’.

image-20260820-224624.png
Connect SonoSim Probe Message - Click Yes

  1. Ensure your probe is lying flat and still on a stable surface. Then click ‘Yes’ to reset the gyroscope.

image-20260820-224822.png
Start Gyroscope Reset Message - Click Yes

The reset process will last approximately 20 seconds. Do not bump, move, or disconnect the probe while in progress.

If your probe is accidentally moved during the reset, please run the tool again.

  1. Once complete, click ‘OK’ to close the tool.

image-20260820-225715.png
Success Message - Click OK

Reset gyroscope on Mac computers

  1. Download the SonoSim Probe Gyro Calibration Tool for Mac.

  1. Launch the tool and click ‘Continue’.

image-20260820-230130.png
Initial Launch Message - Click Continue

  1. Click ‘Install’.

image-20260820-230247.png
Tool Installation Message - Click Install

  1. Click ‘Allow’.

image-20260820-230400.png
Access Check Message - Click Allow

  1. Connect your SonoSim probe to a USB port.

    Ensure your probe is lying flat and still on a stable surface.

    Click ‘Proceed’ to reset the gyroscope.

image-20260820-230451.png
Connect Probe & Reset Gyroscope Message - Click Proceed

The reset process will last approximately 20 seconds. Do not bump, move, or disconnect the probe while in progress.

If your probe is accidentally moved during the reset, please run the tool again.

  1. Once complete, click ‘Close’ to close the tool.

image-20260820-230541.png
Success Message - Click Close

4. If scanning feels unnatural because you have to wave the probe in the air

If you're scanning a structure that requires your probe to be held horizontally (e.g., RUQ, transvaginal window), we recommend anchoring the probe's footprint against a surface, such as your hand.

This will help keep the pivot point at the probe’s foot, like a real ultrasound probe.

If both hands are occupied while scanning, press F to freeze the image.

Anchoring probe footprint.jpg
Anchoring Probe Footprint

Probe Still Having Trouble?

Reach out to SonoSim Support. They can run a diagnostic on your probe to assess if it’s working correctly.

Still Have Questions?

Contact Support