Chapter 4 Operation
Page 11
Rev K Jul 2021
Caution
The MTS series stages form part of the Thorlabs Nanopositioning system. We
recommend they are driven by the Thorlabs KDC101 K-Cube Brushed DC
Servo Motor Driver. If the stage is being driven by any other driver or
controller, consult Section 6.1. for motor pin out details and Chapter 5 for
details of the motor specification.
The stages are set up and calibrated at the factory and no further adjustment is
necessary. Do not allow screws or other objects to protrude through the top
platform as this could damage the internal mechanism.
Note
The USB cable should be no more than 3 meters in length. Communication lengths
in excess of 3 meters can be achieved by using a powered USB hub.
Chapter 4 Operation
4.1 General
The stages are connected to the controller via a flying lead terminated in a D-type
connector.
For a complete tutorial on using the stage with a motor controller, see the relevant
controller manual. Basic steps in controlling the stage are as follows:
1) Perform the mechanical installation as detailed in Section 3.2.
2) Connect the stage to the DC motor driver - see Section 3.2.3.
3) Connect the driver to the main supply and switch ‘ON’.
4) Connect the driver unit to your PC.
5) When using the stages in conjunction with the recommended Thorlabs KDC101
controllers, two software options are available: Kinesis
®
and APT™. The initial
start up routine is essentially the same in both cases, using the respective GUIs
shown in Figure 4.1 and 4.2. These are activated by running:
Start/Programs/Thorlabs/APT User/APT User
for the APT GUI
Start/Programs/Thorlabs/Kinesis/Kinesis
for the Kinesis GUI
6) Check that the correct stage/actuator has been read, as displayed on the GUI
(bottom right for Kinesis; bottom left for APT). If it hasn’t, the stage may not
operate correctly, and a manual intervention will be required (for details, refer to
the relevant KDC101 controller handbook).
Warning
The controller must be switched OFF before the stages are plugged in or
unplugged. Failure to switch the controller off may result in damage to either the
controller, the stage, or both.
