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Chapter 5
PC Operation - Tutorial
5.1
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 3.3.1. and that the APT
Software is already installed - see Section 3.1. For illustration purposes, it also
assumes that a Z812 motor is connected to the ‘Motor’ connector on the rear panel
5.2
Using the APT User Utility
The APT User.exe application allows the user to interact with any number of APT
hardware control units connected to the PC USB Bus (or simulated via the APTConfig
utility). This program allows multiple graphical instrument panels to be displayed so
that multiple APT units can be controlled. All basic operating parameters can be set
through this program, and all basic operations (such as motor moves) can be initiated.
Hardware configurations and parameter settings can be saved, which simplifies
system set up whenever APT User is run up.
Fig. 5.1 Typical APT User Screen
1) Wait until the KDC101 has started, then run the APT User program - Start/
Programs/Thorlabs/APT/APT User.
Caution
If your PC becomes unresponsive (e.g due to an operating system problem,
entering a sleep state condition, or screen saver operation) for a prolonged
period, this will interrupt communication between the APT Software and the
hardware, and a communications error may be generated. To minimize the
possibility of this happening it is strongly recommended that any such modes
that result in prolonged unresponsiveness be disabled before the APT
software is run. Please consult your system administrator or contact Thorlabs
technical support for more details.