28
Chapter 4
PC (Remote Mode) 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
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. It also assumes that the USB Drivers, the APT Software Server and the
various utilities are also installed - see Section 2.7.2.
4.2
Select the Stage Type
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 channel.
Once this association has been made, the APT server applies automatically, suitable
default parameter values on boot up of the software.
Note. Even if a stage type and axis has been associated with the controller channel,
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/All Programs/Thorlabs/APT Config/APT Config.
