Prior OptiScan III User manual

OptiScan III | Manual
Motorized Stage System
V 1.7
Prior Scientific, Ltd
Cambridge, UK
T:[phone]
E: [e-mail]
Prior Scientific, Inc.
Rockland,MA,USA
T:[phone]
E: [e-mail]
Prior Scientific, GmbH.
Jena, Germany
T:[phone]
E: [e-mail]
Prior Scientific, KK.
Tokyo, Japan
T:[phone]
E: [email protected]
Prior Scientific, Suzhou.
Suzhou, China
T:[phone]
E: [email protected]

OPTISCAN III MANUAL
© Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd., UK
Version 1.7 March 2023
Page 2
Contents
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ............................................... 4
SECTION 2: UNPACKING THE SYSTEM ................................................................... 5
2.1 Other Accessories...........................................................................................................................5
SECTION 3: INSTALLATION ...................................................................................... 6
3.1 Removing an Existing Stage ........................................................................................................6
3.2 Fitting the OptiScan III Stage......................................................................................................6
3.3 Cable Connections .........................................................................................................................7
3.4 Focus Drive Installation ................................................................................................................8
SECTION 4: GETTING STARTED............................................................................. 10
4.1 USB Operation ............................................................................................................................ 10
4.2 Using Joysticks (CS152DP and CS200XY and CS200Z) ................................................. 11
CS152DP Joystick .............................................................................................................................. 11
CS200XY joystick and CS200Z focus ......................................................................................... 12
SECTION 5: ADVANCED OPERATION.................................................................... 13
5.1 RS232 Command Set................................................................................................................ 13
5.2 Macro and Soak ......................................................................................................................... 14
5.3 Soak Command .......................................................................................................................... 14
5.4 Differences between the OptiScan III and OptiScan II..................................................... 14
5.5 General Commands ................................................................................................................... 15
5.6 Stage commands ........................................................................................................................ 18
5.7 Z-Axis Commands ...................................................................................................................... 21

OPTISCAN III MANUAL
© Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd., UK
Version 1.7 March 2023
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5.8 Pattern Commands .................................................................................................................... 23
5.10 CS152DP and CS200XY/CS200Z (Joystick Configuration) ..................................... 25
SECTION 6: TROUBLESHOOTING.......................................................................... 26
SECTION 7: SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................. 28
SECTION 8: RETURNS AND REPAIRS ..................................................................... 29
SECTION 9: APPENDICES ......................................................................................... 30
Appendix A: Non Standard Focus Drive Installations................................................................ 30
APPENDIX B: Leica DML Focus drive installation............................................................................ 34
APPENDIX C: Direct Coupling Installation for Leica and DML and DMR Range........... 37
Installation on ‘DMR’......................................................................................................................... 37
Installation on the ‘DML’ ................................................................................................................. 39
APPENDIX D: Installing and Using the software...................................................................... 40
APPENDIX E – COMPATIBILITY WITH THE OPTISCAN III ................................................. 45
APPENDIX F – INFORMATION FOR CUSTOMERS IN CHINA ........................................... 46
Many thanks for purchasing an OptiScan III – we hope and expect that it will prove to be useful, reliable and an asset
to your microscopy work.
Please do take the time to read this manually thoroughly before attempting installation and use. This document
contains both important safety information as well as advice on how to install and operate the product successfully
to avoid damage.
If you have any problems with this product, please do not hesitate to contact Prior.

OPTISCAN III MANUAL
© Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd., UK
Version 1.7 March 2023
Page 4
SECTION 1: IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
•Save this manual as it contains important safety information and operating instructions.
•Use only as specified by these operating instructions or the intrinsic protection provided by
the unit may be impaired.
•Before using the stage system, please follow and adhere to all warnings, safety and operating
instructions located on the product and in this User Manual.
•It is safe for use in an ambient temperature from 5 to 40°C with relative humidity (RH) to 80%
up to 31°C decreasing linearly to 50% RH (relative at 40°C.
•Do not expose the product to water or moisture while energised.
•Do not expose the product to extreme hot or cold temperatures.
•Do not expose the product to open flames.
•Do not allow objects to fall on or liquids to spill on the product.
•Connect the AC power cord only to designated power sources as marked on the product.
•Make sure the electrical cord is located so that it will not be subject to damage.
•Make sure the system in installed so that the front panel power switch is easily accessible.
•For use in a manner not specified in this manual contact Prior before any work is done.
•To reduce the risk of damage, unplug the product from the power source before connecting
the components together.
•DANGER – Never alter the AC cord or plug. The power cord set must be an appropriately rated
and approved cord set in accordance in the regulations of the country it is used in. If the
supplied plug adapter is not the correct fitting for your geographic area or if you are unsure
about the relevant regulations, please contact your supplier for advice
•The OptiScan III is class 1 and must be only connected to a power outlet which provides a
protective earth (ground).
•Do not attempt to disassemble the product. Doing so will void the warranty. This product does
not contain consumer serviceable components. Service should be performed by Authorised
Service Centres.
•Only the exterior of this product should be cleaned using a damp lint-free cloth.
•This warning sign indicates there is a high voltage danger.
In accordance with The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations,
this symbol indicates that the product must not be disposed of as unsorted
municipal waste but should be collected separately. Refer to your local authority
in the EU for return and/or collection systems available in your country.

OPTISCAN III MANUAL
© Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd., UK
Version 1.7 March 2023
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FOR A FULL LIST OF PRODUCTS COVERED BY THIS MANUAL PLEASE SEE APPENDIX E.
This manual covers all varieties of the OptiScan III controller produced by Prior Scientific. It
also covers the control, via the OptiScan III, of any Prior product which is compatible with the
OptiScan III, including the control joystick, focus motors and the stepper motor stage.
SECTION 2: UNPACKING THE SYSTEM
The OptiScan III System consists of the OptiScan III Controller. This will usually be provided
with a CS15DP joystick.
Normally, the OptiScan III is used with an ES107 and ESIII stepper motor stage, and a PS3H122R
focus motor. However, the OptiScan III can also control the Translation stage and the ProZ
stand. See Appendix E.
2.1 Other Accessories
Other accessories may be provided with the OptiScan III. This include, but are not limited to:
Note: Make sure that all of the components that should be included with your OptiScan III
System have been supplied. If parts are missing, please contact your local Prior Dealer
H122KLC
Solid Couple Adapter for Focus Drive on Leica
H122KBIX
Direct fine focus coupling kit for Olympus IX/BX Microscopes
H122KON
Solid Couple Adapter for Focus Drive on Olympus/Nikon H276 RS232
cable for PC (9 or 25 pin)
H277
RS422 cable for Macintosh (8-pin Mini Din to 9 way D Type)

OPTISCAN III MANUAL
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© Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd., UK Version 1.7 March 2023
SECTION 3: INSTALLATION
3.1 Removing an Existing Stage
To avoid damage to the optics when removing an existing stage, ensure that the distance
between the objectives and stage is maximised, and that the condenser is clear of the stage.
Removal of the stage is normally a straightforward procedure, in most cases just by the
removal of fixing screws or the loosening of a clamp screw.
3.2 Fitting the OptiScan III Stage
The Prior OptiScan III stage is supplied with a base plate insert to suit the microscope
specified. Place the stage onto the microscope stage mount and attach using the fixing crews
or clamping screw supplied. Confirm that the OptiScan III controller unit is switched off before
connecting the stage to the controller with the lead provided (see diagrams below).
Shows the position of the
OptiScan III stage on a typical
upright microscope

© Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd., UK
Version 1.7 March 2023
Page 7
3.3 Cable Connections
The cable connections to the OptiScan III controller are located on the rear panel of the
control box, as shown in the illustration below. Before making any of these connections,
ensure that the OptiScan III controller is switched off. Each connection is labelled. Do not
connect your computer's serial port cable to the `Z' axis connector on the controller, this may
damage your computer and the OptiScan III controller. The RS232 connection from your
computer should be made to the RS232-1 port on the controller.
OPTISCAN III MANUAL
Shows the position of the OptiScan III
stage on a typical inverted
microscope

OPTISCAN III MANUAL
© Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd., UK
Version 1.7 March 2023
Page 8
3.4 Focus Drive Installation
For installation procedure for Zeiss Axio range (H122AXIO and H122AXIE), Leica DML range
(H122LB), and direct coupling models, see Appendix A.
The following instructions refer to the standard split sleeve mounting.
1. Loosen the clamp screw on the focus motor assembly and remove the focus motor from
the focus adapter.
2. Loosen the 3 socket set screws around the periphery of the focus adapter using a 2mm
Allen wrench until the focus sleeve is able to fit inside the adapter. Note that it is
important to insert the sleeve in the correct orientation with the lip furthest inside the
adapter (the chamfered edge of the sleeve will be inserted first). Note the orientation of
the sleeve as it has a recess around its outer surface, which will hold the sleeve in when
the setscrews are tightened. This recess must line up with the tips of the socket set screws.
3. With the sleeve in place, tighten the 3 socket grub screws in sequence until they all just
touch the sleeve, ensuring that the split in the sleeve does not line up with any of the set
screw positions. DO NOT TIGHTEN UP ANY OF THE SETSCREWS AT THIS STAGE.
4. Push the adapter onto the preferred coarse knob of the microscope as far as it will go. The
controller is factory configured to drive the focus motor in the correct direction when
mounted to the right hand side of an upright microscope. If the left hand coarse control
knob is preferred by the user or the focus drive is to be mounted on an inverted
microscope, the motor direction can be reversed by using a PC with a terminal emulation
programme e.g. Prior Terminal and changing the settings of the ZD command (see section
6) via RS232 communication.
5. The inside fitting diameter of the sleeve is designed to be slightly larger than the coarse
knob, provided the setscrews have not been tightened and are compressing the sleeve.
6. While holding the adapter in place, tighten the set screws in sequence only enough to
secure the unit onto the coarse focus knob. The focus knob will have to be rotated to gain
access to all of the screws.
7. Check that the unit has been tightened sufficiently by taking hold of it and turning it. If
the adapter is correctly fitted it will stay attached to the coarse knob.

OPTISCAN III MANUAL
© Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd., UK
Version 1.7 March 2023
Page 9
8. Slide the focus motor into the adapter as far as it will go and while applying gentle pressure
to the motor, tighten the clamp screw. This will hold the motor in place. The rubber drive
bush on the end of the motor spindle should now be pressing against the end surface of
the fine focus control knob. This can be confirmed by manually rotating the exposed fine
focus knob on the opposite side of the microscope and feeling for the resistance caused
by the detent positions of the stepper motor as it rotates. This will not cause any damage
to the focus motor.
9. Confirm that the controller is switched off before connecting the 9 way D type plug on the
focus motor lead to the socket on the rear of the controller.

OPTISCAN III MANUAL
© Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd., UK
Version 1.7 March 2023
Page 10
SECTION 4: GETTING STARTED
Switch the OptiScan III controller unit on using the On/Off switch located on the front panel.
There are three LED’s on the bottom left of the front panel. The ‘status’ LED should be
illuminated to indicate correct operation. If this is not the case refer to section 7. The 'TX'
(transmit) LED will flash rapidly when data is being transmitted by the controller and 'RX'
(receive) LED flashes rapidly when receiving data from computer RS232.
The OptiScan III system can be controlled via RS232 serial port, USB connection or by using
the joystick. When the components are connected to the controller correctly, the system will
automatically configure itself which means that the system can be fully operated after power
on.
Control via RS232 will be considered further in Section 6.
4.1 USB Operation
Installing Prior Terminal for Windows
The USB driver software should install automatically on Windows and can be downloaded via
the Prior Website (www.prior.com) . Ensure the OptiScan III control unit is connected to the
computer via the attached USB cable and both are turned on. A screen should appear
indicating that the device driver has been installed correctly. Afterwards, open Prior Terminal
to check that it is in communication with the computer by giving the command ‘?’.
If nothing happens then try changing the coms port (using the box in the left hand corner of
Prior Terminal’ and again type ‘?’. If there are a large number of coms ports, or for any other
reason you don’t wish to use this method, open the control panel from the start menu, open
“system” or Right-click on My Computer and select Properties. Click on the Hardware tab.
Click Device Manager. Expand Ports (COM & LPT). You should see Prior Communication Port
-> COM device (COMn) listed, where n is the COM number assigned to the port.
More information on installing and using the software can be found in Appendix C.