THORLABS KSC101 User Manual
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THORLABS KSC101 User Manual

K-cube solenoid controller
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KSC101
K-Cube Solenoid Controller
KINESIS User Guide
Original Instructions

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Summary of Contents for THORLABS KSC101

  • Page 1 KSC101 K-Cube Solenoid Controller KINESIS User Guide Original Instructions...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Appendix A Rear Panel Connector Pinout Details ........34 Appendix B Preventive Maintenance ............35 Appendix C Specifications and Associated Parts ........36 Appendix D Regulatory ................37 Appendix E Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ..........39 HA0368T Rev C May 2019...

  • Page 3: Chapter 1 Safety

    K-Cube Solenoid Controller Chapter 1 Safety 1.1 Safety Information For the continuing safety of the operators of this equipment, and the protection of the equipment itself, the operator should take note of the Warnings, Cautions and Notes throughout this handbook and, where visible, on the product itself. The following safety symbols may be used throughout the handbook and on the equipment itself.

  • Page 4: Chapter 2 Overview And Setup

    Chapter 2 Overview and Setup 2.1 Introduction The K-Cube Solenoid Controller (KSC101) is a new very compact single channel controller for easy manual and automated control of solenoid operated shutters, and other such devices. Designed to operate 15V solenoid actuated devices, this mini controller is fully featured, possessing an embedded DSP processor to provide a multitude of flexible operating modes.

  • Page 5: Power Options

    For power, a single way wall plug supply (KPS101) is also available for powering a single K-Cube Driver. As a further level of convenience when using the new K-Cube Controllers Thorlabs also offers the 3-channel and 6-channel K-Cube Controller Hubs (KCH301 and KCH601).

  • Page 6: Kinesis Pc Software Overview

    2.3 Kinesis PC Software Overview 2.3.1 Introduction The K-Cube range of controllers share many of the benefits of the Thorlabs range of motor controllers. These include USB connectivity (allowing multiple units to be used together on a single PC), fully featured Graphical User Interface (GUI) panels, and extensive software function libraries for custom application development.
  • Page 7 K-Cube Solenoid Controller 2.3.2 Kinesis Server Kinesis controls are re-usable compiled software components that supply both a graphical user interface and a programmable interface. Many such Controls are available for Windows applications development, providing a large range of re-usable functionality. For example, there are Controls available that can be used to manipulate image files, connect to the internet or simply provide user interface components such as buttons and list boxes.
  • Page 8 F1 key when running the Kinesis server, or via the Start menu, Start\Programs\Thorlabs\Kinesis\Kinesis Help. 2.3.3 Software Upgrades Thorlabs operate a policy of continuous product development and may issue software upgrades as necessary. HA0368T Rev C May 2019...

  • Page 9: Chapter 3 Getting Started

    If you experience any problems when installing software, contact Thorlabs on +44 (0)1353 654440 and ask for Technical Support. DO NOT CONNECT THE CONTROLLER TO YOUR PC YET 1) Go to Services/Downloads at www.thorlabs.com and download the software.
  • Page 10 (KCH301 and KCH601). ) are also available - see Section 2.2. for further details. Full instructions on the fitting and use of the controller hub are contained in the handbook available at www.thorlabs.com. Caution When siting the unit, it should be positioned so as not to impede the operation of the control panel.

  • Page 11: Electrical Installation

    Fig. 3.2 Rear Panel Connections The solenoid is connected via the 6-way HiRose connector, which is compatible with all Thorlabs solenoid-actuated shutters (refer to Appendix A for details of pin outs). The unit also features an Interlock connector, for use in laser safety applications - see Section 3.4.2.
  • Page 12 POWER - A Standard 3.5 mm front panel jack connector for connecting the unit to a regulated DC power supply of 15 V, 1A. Thorlabs offers a compact, multi-way power supply unit (TPS008), allowing up to eight Driver K-Cubes to be powered from a single mains outlet. A single way wall plug supply (KPS101) for powering a single Driver K-Cube is also available.

  • Page 13: Connect The Hardware

    T h o r l a b s K S C 1 0 1 S w R e v 1 0 0 0 1 S o l e n o i d O f f M o d e i s M a n u a l Fig. 3.4 KSC101 start up screens...
  • Page 14 However, understanding this feature of the KSC101 is particularly important for customers using the KSC101 cube in an application where the shutter opening due to a disconnected EXT TRIG input can have safety implications.
  • Page 15 K-Cube Solenoid Controller 3.4.2 Using the Safety Interlock To comply with laser safety regulations, the Solenoid Controller K-Cube is fitted with a remote INTERLOCK connector located on the rear panel (see Fig. 3.2). A short circuit must be applied across the terminals of this connector before the unit can be enabled.

  • Page 16: Verifying Software Operation

    Chapter 3 3.5 Verifying Software Operation 3.5.1 Initial Setup 1) Install the Kinesis software as detailed in Section 3.1. 2) Connect the Controller to the solenoid (see Section 3.3.1.) and the PC, then switch ON. Wait several seconds for the system to settle. 3) Run the Kinesis utility and check that the Graphical User Interface (GUI) panel appears and is active.

  • Page 17: Chapter 4 Standalone Operation

    Chapter 4 Standalone Operation 4.1 Introduction The K-Cube Solenoid Controller (KSC101) is a compact single channel controller for easy manual and automated control of solenoid operated shutters, and other such devices. Designed to operate 15V solenoid actuated devices, this mini controller is fully featured, possessing an embedded DSP processor to provide a multitude of flexible operating modes.

  • Page 18: Operating Modes

    Chapter 4 4.2.1 Digital Display - Operating Mode During normal operation, the digital display shows the current state of the solenoid, On or Off, together with the operating mode - see Section 4.3. . Solenoid Controller S o l e n o i d O f f M o d e i s M a n u a l...

  • Page 19: Settings Menu

    K-Cube Solenoid Controller 4.4 Settings Menu 4.4.1 Overview S o l e n o i d O f f M o d e i s M a n u a l Press the MENU button MENU M e n u o p t i o n s Use the wheel to scroll through the menu options U s e w h e e l Press the MENU button to enter a particular option...
  • Page 20 Chapter 4 4.4.2 Menu Option - Set Modes S o l e n o i d O f f This option is used to move to an absolute position. M o d e i s M a n u a l MENU Press the MENU button, then use the wheel to scroll through the menu options.
  • Page 21 K-Cube Solenoid Controller 4.4.4 Menu Option - Set OFF Time This mode is used to set the time the solenoid is OFF, S o l e n o i d O f f M o d e i s A u t o (i.e.
  • Page 22 Chapter 4 4.4.6 Menu Option - Brightness In certain applications, it may be necessary to adjust the S o l e n o i d O f f brightness of the LED display. The brightness is set as a M o d e i s M a n u a l value from 0 (Off) to 100 (brightest).
  • Page 23 K-Cube Solenoid Controller 4.4.8 Menu Option - Select Stage For correct operation the solenoid type being driven must be selected to enable default operating parameters to be loaded. At this time, the only solenoid devices available are the SH05 and SH1. Both of these devices are driven by the SH05 option which is loaded on start up as default.

  • Page 24: Operation From The Top Panel

    The following brief tutorial guides the user through a typical series of operations. 4.5.1 Preparation 1) Connect a solenoid actuated device (e.g. a Thorlabs SH05 Shutter) to the ‘SOLENOID’ connector on the rear panel of the unit. 2) Connect the INTERLOCK jack plug - see Section 3.4.2.

  • Page 25: Chapter 5 Pc Operation - Tutorial

    PC based Kinesis software. 5.1 Preparation 1) Connect a solenoid actuated device (e.g. a Thorlabs SH05 Shutter) to the ‘SOLENOID’ connector on the rear panel of the unit. 2) Connect the INTERLOCK jack plug - see Section 3.4.2..
  • Page 26 Chapter 5 Section 6.2. For further details on the parameter values shown in the ‘Settings’ display - see Section 6.3. The Kinesis software will be used throughout the rest of this tutorial to interface with the Solenoid Controller K-Cube. 5.2.1 Setting Manual Mode Manual Close Open...

  • Page 27: Changing And Saving Parameter Settings

    Any number of 'virtual' control units can be combined to emulate a collection of physical hardware units For example, an application program can be written, then tested and debugged remotely, before running with the hardware. Please see the Kinesis Simulator helpfile (Start/All Programs/Thorlabs/Kinesis/ Kinesis Simulator Helpfile) for more information.

  • Page 28: Chapter 6 Software Reference

    Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Software Reference 6.1 Introduction This chapter gives an explanation of the parameters and settings accessed from the Kinesis software running on the PC. 6.2 GUI Panel The following screen shot shows the graphical user interface (GUI) displayed when accessing the Solenoid Controller K-Cube using the Kinesis software.
  • Page 29 K-Cube Solenoid Controller Mode Buttons - these buttons set the operating mode of the unit as follows. Note. The captions for each mode are not displayed on the GUI, and are provided here for reference only. However, hovering the mouse over a particular button on the GUI will generate a pop up window stating its function.

  • Page 30: Settings Panel

    Chapter 6 Identify - when this button is pressed, the ACTIVE LED on the front panel of the associated hardware unit will flash for a short period. Settings - Displays the 'Settings' panel, which allows the operating parameters to be entered for the motor drive - see Section 6.3. 6.2.1 Keyboard Shortcuts Certain functionality can also be accessed via PC keyboard shortcuts as follows: Jog Forwards...
  • Page 31 K-Cube Solenoid Controller settings to hardware, check the ‘Persist Settings to the Device’ checkbox before clicking the ‘OK button. Caution The ‘Persist Settings’ functionality is provided to simplify use of the unit in the absence of a PC. When the unit is connected to a PC and is operated via the Kinesis software, the default settings will be loaded at boot up, even if the ‘Persist Settings’...
  • Page 32 Chapter 6 Persist Settings to Hardware The parameters described above, together with the ‘Mode’ parameter set via the GUI panel, can be stored (persisted) within the unit itself, such that when the unit is next powered up these settings are applied automatically. This is particularly important when the unit is being used manually in the absence of a PC and USB link.
  • Page 33 K-Cube Solenoid Controller Trigger Mode The mode of the trigger port is specified in the Trigger 1 Mode and Trigger 2 Mode parameters as follows: Disabled - The trigger is disabled. Input - The IO port is set as a trigger input. Output - The IO port is set as a trigger output.

  • Page 34: Appendix A Rear Panel Connector Pinout Details

    Chapter 6 Appendix A Rear Panel Connector Pinout Details A.1 Rear Panel SOLENOID Connector The ‘SOLENOID’ connector provides connection to the shutter, or other solenoid actuated device. The pin functions are detailed in Fig. A.1. Description Opto Anode (12V limited to 20mA) Shutter Coil 15V Pulse, 10V steady state (0.4A max) Shutter Coil Ground (When ON) Open CCT (When OFF) Opto Cathode Ground...

  • Page 35: Appendix B Preventive Maintenance

    The equipment contains no user servicable parts. There is a risk of electrical shock if the equipment is operated with the covers removed. Only personnel authorized by Thorlabs Ltd and trained in the maintenance of this equipment should remove its covers or attempt any repairs or adjustments.

  • Page 36: Appendix C Specifications And Associated Parts

    Chapter 6 Appendix C Specifications and Associated Parts C.1 Specifications Parameter Value Maximum Exposure Rate 20 Hz Minimum Exposure Time 15 ms Typical Transfer Time 1.5 ms Accuracy 0.3 ms (at 15 ms exposure) On/Off Times 10 ms to 1000 s Maximum steady state power 3.5 W Hold voltage range...

  • Page 37: Appendix D Regulatory

    K-Cube Solenoid Controller Appendix D Regulatory D.1 Declarations Of Conformity D.1.1 For Customers in Europe See Section D.2. D.1.2 For Customers In The USA This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, persuant to part 15 of the FCC rules.
  • Page 38 Chapter 6 D.2 CE Certificate HA0368T Rev C May 2019...

  • Page 39: Appendix E Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

    Waste treatment is your own responsibility. "End of life" units must be returned to Thorlabs or handed to a company specializing in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public waste disposal site.
  • Page 40 www.thorlabs.com...

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