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Chapter 3
Benchtop (Local Mode) Tutorial
3.1
Introduction
The following brief tutorial guides the user through a typical series of moves and
parameter adjustments. It assumes that a dual channel unit is electrically connected
as shown in Section 2.3.2. with ZST motors connected to the DRIVE CHANNEL 1 and
DRIVE CHANNEL 2 connectors on the rear panel, and the Motor Interlock plug fitted
to the MOTOR CONTROL connector.
Before starting this tutorial, it may be useful to first read the background on stepper
motor operation contained in Appendix D.
3.2
Checking Motor Calibration Factor
For convenience of operation, the unit displays real world units (i.e. millimetres or
degrees) for the LCD panel, but internally, microsteps are used to position the motor.
(see Appendix D Section D.1. for an explanation of microsteps).
The calibration factor is used by the unit to convert between the ‘real world units’
displayed and the internal microsteps units.
1) Switch on power to the unit.
After about 6 seconds, the LEDs flash and the version of software installed is
displayed
e.g.
Thorlabs Stepper Panel Unit V1.0.1
It is useful to report this number to Thorlabs Customer Support when requesting
assistance.
The unit is fully powered up and ready for use when the channel positions are
displayed as shown below..
2) Press the
key until the channel 1 led is lit.
3) Press the
key to enter the Setup menu. The display then shows the parameter
most recently selected.
4) Use the
and
keys to scroll through the parameter list and select the
Chan Calibration
parameter.
continued...
Chan
Menu
Save
