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Chapter 6
Reference - PC (Remote) Operation
Stage and Axis Type - For Thorlabs stages, the stage type is displayed automatically
once the axis has been associated using the APTConfig utility. For third party stages,
the display shows ‘Unknown’.
Caution. Extreme care must be taken when modifying the stage related settings that
follow. Some settings are self consistent with respect to each other, and illegal
combinations of settings can result in incorrect operation of the physical motor/stage
combination being driven. Consult Thorlabs for advice on settings for stage/actuator
types that are not selectable via the APTConfig utility.
Min Pos - the stage/actuator minimum position (typically zero).
Max Pos - the stage/actuator maximum position.
Pitch - the pitch (in mm) of the motor lead screw (i.e. the distance travelled per
revolution of the motor).
Units - the ‘real world’ positioning units (mm or degrees).
Homing
When homing, a stage typically moves in the reverse direction, (i.e. towards the
reverse limit switch). The following settings allow support for stages with both Forward
and Reverse limits.
Direction - the direction sense to move when homing, either Forward or Reverse.
Limit Switch - The hardware limit switch associated with the home position, either
Forward HW or Reverse HW.
Zero Offset - the distance offset (in mm or degrees) from the limit switch to the Home
position.
Velocity - the maximum velocity at which the motors move when Homing.
For further information on the home position, see Section D.2.2.
Hardware Limit Switches
Note. The minimum velocity and acceleration/deceleration parameters for a home move
are taken from the existing move velocity profile parameters.
The operation of the limit switches is inherent in the design of the associated stage or
actuator. The following parameters notify the system to the action of the switches
when contact is made. Select Rev Switch or Fwd Switch as required, then select the
relevant operation.
Switch Makes - The switch closes on contact
Switch Breaks - The switch opens on contact
Ignore/Absent - The switch is missing, or should be ignored.
