Chapter 4
PC Operation - Tutorial
4.1
Introduction
The following brief tutorial guides the user through a typical series of moves and
parameter adjustments performed using the PC based APT software. It assumes that
the unit is electrically connected as shown in Section 2.3.2., and that the APT
Software is already installed - see Section 2.4.2. For illustration purposes, it also
assumes that a Z612 motor is connected to the ‘Motor’ connector on the rear panel.
4.2
Select the Stage Type (using APTConfig)
To ensure that a particular stage is driven properly by the system, a number of
parameters must first be set. These parameters relate to the physical characteristics
of the stage being driven (e.g. min and max positions, leadscrew pitch, homing
direction etc.).
To assist in setting these parameters correctly, it is possible, using the APT Config
utility, to associate a specific stage type and axis with the motor controller. Once this
association has been made, the APT server applies automatically, suitable default
parameter values on boot up of the software.
Notes.
• By default, the software associates a Z606 type actuator, unless the user has used the
APTConfig utility to associate a particular stage.
• Even if a stage type and axis has been associated with the controller, it is still possible
to alter these parameters if required, (e.g. for a custom stage type not selectable using
the APT Config utility).
1) Shut down all applications using the APT server (e.g. APT User or your own
custom application).
2) Run the APT Config utility - Start/Programs/Thorlabs/APT/APT Config.
