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
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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.

OPTISCAN III MANUAL
© Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd., UK
Version 1.7 March 2023
Page 11
4.2 Using Joysticks (CS152DP and CS200XY and CS200Z)
CS152DP Joystick
The joystick unit provided as part of the OptiScan III system is a 3 axis joystick (CS152DP) used
to control the motorized stage and the focus motor.
The joysticks feature an X, Y joystick, two sliding tensioners and two ‘Hot Keys’. Ensure the
sliding tensioners are fully home and latched to hold the joystick vertically in the ‘off’
position. In this position there is no power to the stage motors and the stage does not move.
Deflecting the joystick left or right from the central position will cause the stage to move left
or right in the X axis. Deflecting the joystick backwards or forwards from the central position
will cause the stage to move backwards or forwards in the Y axis. Deflecting the joystick
diagonally will cause the stage to vector in 2 axes providing a corresponding diagonal
movement.
The joystick provides proportional control. The further the joystick is deflected from the
central position, the faster the stage will move. Deflecting the unit to its extreme limit
provides the fastest stage movement.
The ‘Hot Key’ to the left of the joystick can be used to quickly adjust the maximum speed of
the stage. This affects both X and Y axes equally. The key to the right of the joystick provides
an identical function for the focus motor.
Pressing these buttons once reduces the speed to 50% of maximum. Pressing a second time
reduces the speed to 25% of maximum and a third press of the button returns to 100% of
maximum speed. This cycle can be repeated by continuing to press the buttons.
The action of the ‘Hot Keys’ can be reprogrammed using RS232 commands (See Section 5.10)
The CS152DP provides a digipot control mounted to the side of the joystick unit. This device
controls the focus motor on a 3 axis system. It is not proportional, but is designed to closely
match the normal response of the fine focus knob on a microscope.
CS152DP joystick – 3axis, controls stages
and focus

OPTISCAN III MANUAL
© Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd., UK
Version 1.7 March 2023
Page 12
CS200XY joystick and CS200Z focus
The joystick unit provided as part of the Optiscan III system is the CS200XY joystick and the CS200Z focus
are used to control the Optiscan stage and the focus motor.
For CS200XY joystick plug the cable in the din connector labelled joystick on Optiscan III
controller and plug the other side of the cable onto the CS200XY. If you have CS200Z focus
connect one side of the cable onto CS200XY joystick din connectors and the other side onto
CS200Z focus din connector (as shown in the picture above).
The XY joystick provides proportional control. The further the joystick is deflected from the
central position, the faster the stage will move. Deflecting the unit to its extreme limit
provides the fastest stage movement.
The ‘Hot Key’ on the side of the joystick can be used to quickly adjust the maximum speed of
the stage. For CS200XY joystick it affects both X and Y axes equally, for CS200Z it affects Z
axis. Pressing these buttons reduces the speed to 50% of maximum. Pressing a second time
reduces the speed to 25% of maximum and a third press of the button returns to 100% of
maximum speed. This cycle can be repeated by continuing to press the buttons.
The action of the ‘Hot Keys’ can be reprogrammed using RS232 commands (See Section 5.10)
Connect to
PS3
Controller

OPTISCAN III MANUAL
© Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd., UK
Version 1.7 March 2023
Page 13
SECTION 5: ADVANCED OPERATION
5.1 RS232 Command Set
The OptiScan III controller can accept commands from either serial port, or USB port (with
appropriate divers installed on PC). The ports (RS232-1 & RS232-2) default to a baud rate of
9600, this can be increased if desired (see BAUD below). The ports can have different BAUD
speeds and different compatibility mode (See COMP Command).
Commands are terminated with a Carriage Return code <CR> (the ‘ENTER key of the pc
keyboard’).
One or more of the following delimiters separates commands from arguments.
COMMA SPACE TAB
SEMICOLON COLON
To go to position (x=100 and y=200) the user could enter any of the following:
G,100,200<CR>
G 100 200<CR>
G 100 200<CR>
G, 100, 200<CR>
G,,100,200<CR>
There are two modes of operation these are Standard, and Compatibility. The main
differences between these two modes are as follows:
In Standard mode the controller immediately returns R after any movement command (the
user has to query the controller with the $ command to determine if the stage has stopped
moving), unlike Compatibility mode where the R is only returned after a movement has been
completed.
In Standard mode movement commands can be stacked. This is not the case in Compatibility
mode. The Macro and Soak commands are only available in standard mode.
Standard mode is the recommended mode for new software development and offers more
features.
Compatibility mode is supported for existing customers who do not wish to re-write their
existing application code.
All communication is non-blocking so commands can always be sent although some will not be
performed immediately or indeed at all.
In Standard Mode up to 100 movement commands can be queued. This assumes that each
Command calls on 1 resource only. Each axis is defined as 1 resource apart from the stage
which is a single resource even though it constitutes 2 axes. Thus stage and focus,are both a
single resource. Commands such as G,x,y,z must be treated as 2 commands since it uses 2
resources.
The stage defaults to moving 1 micron per supplied number. This means a move of 1000,0
would move the stage by 1mm in X.
The STAGE, and FOCUS command responses are terminated with the word END. This will
enable extra information about the OptiScan III to be added in the future and still be readable
by the Application Software.
It is recommended to treat the stage and focus as separate entities. This makes the use of PS,

OPTISCAN III MANUAL
© Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd., UK
Version 1.7 March 2023
Page 14
and PZ preferred over P for position on the fly. This will usually be better at the application
level so each resource can be treated as a class.
5.2 Macro and Soak
MACRO - a set of commands can be entered and started in a block by the use of the MACRO
command.
A macro list can be sent by the application software. It enables consecutive actions to be
taken without any communication delay between them.
5.3 Soak Command
Soak - this is an extension to the MACRO command enabling the testing of a controller without
tying up a PC. The soak routine continually performs the instructions entered in a loop
reporting (along the RS232 port) the number of times round the loop on each pass. To stop
the soak test, switch controller off and back on again and the unit will complete the current
pass and then stop.
Note MACRO and SOAK can only be used in Standard Mode
5.4 Differences between the OptiScan III and OptiScan II
Several hardware and software changes have been made between the two generations of the
OptiScan controller. These software changes now allow the OptiScan III and ProScan III to use
the same command structure.
•Filter wheel and shutter capability removed.
•The focus motor connection has been changed from 9 pin to 15 pin.
•The default SAZ setting changed from 4 – 40. Focus motor will drive at a similar speed in the
OptiScan and ProScan.
•USB drivers are now compatible with Windows 7.
•Default Y axis movement direction reversed.
•Sending the ‘I’ or ‘K’ command while operating in COMP,1 mode now requires a carriage
return.
•‘VZ’ command now uses microns rather than microsteps.
Command
Arguments
Response
Description
VZ Z R
Sets the focus motor into constant speed of z
microns/second
•‘CURRENT’ command added. See below.
Command
Arguments
Response
Description
CURRENT a,r,s,t 0
Sets the drive current parameters for the given axis a.
Where a = 1,2 or 3 for X Y or Z axis.
R= running current in milliamps (1-1500) S= standby
current in milliamps (1-1500)
T = time to switch to standby current after axis has
become stationary (1-1200 ms)
Only use after receiving advice from Prior as setting
currents higher than that specified for the motor may
cause overheating and possibly failure.
CURRENT A 0
Returns the drive current parameters for the given axis
a. Where a=1,2 or 3 for X, Y or Z axis.
E.g. “CURRENT,1 “ returns 1000, 500, 500.

OPTISCAN III MANUAL
© Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd., UK
Version 1.7 March 2023
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5.5 General Commands
Command
Argument
Response
Description
$
[a]
decimal
number
Reports status as a decimal number and gives motion
status of
any axis of the controller. After binary conversion the
convention is as follows:
Z = D02
Y = D01
X = D00
OptiScan III treats stage (X and Y axis) as a single
resource and as such a move in Y or X will only return 3.
(X and Y are kept separate for compatibility with
ProScan. If only Z was moving 4 would be returned.
Optional parameters "$, a" where a is the axis or
resource.
X - X Axis
Y - Y axis
S - X and Y axis
Z-Z axis
When the optional parameter is used the binary word is
just for the axis requested. Stage is for x,y axis.
?
None
Text string
Reports information about the peripherals currently
connected
to the controller. E.g. DRIVE CHIPS 00111 means drive
chops XYZ are fitted. The information end is always a
line saying END. This allows for the addition of extra
fields of information without effecting application
software. Users should always read lines in until the END
is seen. A typical response is shown below:
OPTISCAN INFORMATION
DRIVE CHIPS 000111
JOYSTICK NOT FITTED
STAGE = NONE
FOCUS = NORMAL
FILTER_1 = NONE
FILTER_2 = NONE
SHUTTERS = 000
LED = 0000
TRIGGER = NONE
INTERPOLATOR = NONE
HARDWARE REV B
END

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Version 1.7 March 2023
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Command
Argument
Response
Description
b 96, 19, 38,
15 -
Set the baud rate of the port issuing the command to the
value
specified by b. As a protection measure if no command is
send to the port whilst the controller is switched on, the
baud rate will revert to 9600 after switching off and back
on again.
Allowable values for baud are 9600 (b=96) 19200 (b=19),
38400 (b=38) or 115200 (b=15).
WARNING: If Baud rate of the OptiScan III is changed it
is important for Application software to check
communication with OptiScan III by scanning Baud rate
on initialisation. This will avoid a permanent
communications failure should the PC Port and
OptiScan III port be set at different bauds.
COMP
None
m
Report the Command protocol:
Compatibility (1)
Standard (0)
COMP m 0
Sets the controller compatibility mode for users who want
to
wait for 'R' at the end of the move. Compatibility is on if
m=1 and off if m=0 . Settng COMP,1 will result in less
flexibility, for example SOAK cannot be used and
commands are lost when joystick is active. Compatibility
mode is offered for users who wish commands to be
compatible with H127/H128 Prior Controllers.
Recommendation for new users is to use COMP,0 mode.
DATE None Text string
Reports instrument name, version number and compile
time.
Note that the system description refers to the presence or
absence of internal drivers not which peripherals are
connected. E.g. ES10XYZ2 is capable of driving but not de
facto connected to an XY stage and a focus motor.
A typical response is shown below.
Prior Scientific Instruments OptiScan ES11XYZ controller
Version 0.5 compiled Apr 2 2015 12:08:01
Application can parse input string for ES10 or ES11 strings
to determine what generation controller is fitted.
ERROR
h
0
Sets the reporting of error to readable text is h =1
otherwise error codes are returned.

OPTISCAN III MANUAL
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Version 1.7 March 2023
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Command
Argument
Response
Description
I
None
R
Stops movement in a controlled manner. The command
queue is also emptied.
K
None
R
Stops movement with no regard for position (not
recommended). The command queue is also emptied.
LMT None Nm
Reports whether any limit switch is currently active. A
limit switch is active if the switch is in contact with the
axis hardware.
Nm is a two digit Hex number (one Byte) which when
converted to binary is as follows:-
eg 05 means stage is in contact with +X and +Y limit
switches, 0A indicates contact with both -X and –Y
limits. 00 means all axes are not in contact with any
limit switch. (Note that the controller knows whether
the limit switch is normally low or normally high and
corrects accordingly.
This does not return the hardware signal level of the
limit switch (see STAGE command).
MACRO
None
0
Toggles the macro entering mode. Only available in
standard mode.
SERIAL
None
Nnnn
Reports the unit's serial number nnnn - if the serial
number has not been set "0" is returned.
SOAK
None
0
Used to soak test the controller and auxiliaries. Only
available in standard mode.
VERSION
None
Ddd
Reports the units version number as a 3 figure number.
E.g. 041 IS Version 0.41
WAIT
t
0
Inserts a wait of t milliseconds in a macro/soak routine.
D07 D06 D05 D04 D03 D02 D0 D00
N/A N/A - Z +Z - Y +Y - X +X

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Version 1.7 March 2023
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5.6 Stage commands
Command
Arguments
Response
Description
B
None
Response
Moves back by one step as defined by the'X' comment below
B
y
Response
Moves back by y steps
F
None
R
Moves forward by one step as defined by the 'X' command
below
BLSH
s,b
0
Sets the stage backlash value for stage move commands
sent via
the serial port (not joystick moves) to b. s = 1 enables
backlash s
= 0 disables backlash. B is a number of microsteps of the
motor. There are 100,000microsteps per revolution of the
motor on a
standard OptiScan system.
BLSH
s
0
Enables / Disables the Stage (XY) backlash. S = 1 enables
backlash
s=0 disables backlash.
BLSH
None
s,b
Reports back s and b values for stage moves sent via the
serial
port (see above). In COMP 1 mode only s returned.
BLSJ
s,b
0
Sets the stage backlash value for joystick moves to b in
microsteps. s = 1 enables backlash s = 0 disables backlash.
BLSJ
s
0
Enables / Disables the stage backlash for joystick moves.
S = 1 enables backlash
s = 0 disables backlash.
BLSJ
None
s,b
Reports back s and b for Stage (see above). In COMP 1 mode
only s returned
J
None
0
Turns ON the joystick (stage and z axes). This command is
acted on immediately.
JXD
c
0
Sets the direction of X axis under joystick control.
c = 1 Joystick right, moves stage mechanically right
c = -1 Joystick right, moves stage mechanically left.
JXD
None
c
Reads c.
JYD
d
0
Sets the direction of Y axis under joystick control
c = 1 Joystick forward, moves stage mechanically forward.
c = -1 Joystick forward, moves stage mechanically back.
JYD
None
d
Reads d.
L
None
R
Moves Left by u steps as defined by the ‘X’ command.
L
x
R
Move left by x steps
M
None
R
Moves stage and focus to zero (0,0,0)
O
s
0
Sets the speed of the stage under joystick control. S is
percentage
in range 1 to 100.
SMS
None
m
Reports the current Stage (x,y) maximum speed setting m
=
None
n
Reports whether any limit switch has been hit since the last
call of
this command. N is a decimal number which when
converted to binary is as follows:
D05 D0$ D03 D02 D01 D00
-Z +Z -Y +Y -X +X
Reading this status clears it.

OPTISCAN III MANUAL
© Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd., UK
Version 1.7 March 2023
Page 19
STAGE
None
Test String
Prints information about the currently connected stage.
There are
250 microsteps per full step. The information end
is always a line saying END. This allows for the addition of
extra fields of information without effecting application
software. Users should always read lines in until the END is
seen.
STAGE=ES110/1
TYPE = 12
X = 102 MM Y=53MM
MICROSTEPS/MICRON=100
END

OPTISCAN III MANUAL
© Prior Scientific Instruments Ltd., UK
Version 1.7 March 2023
Page 20
Command
Argument
Response
Description
O
None
s
Reports value of O allowing for joystick speed buttons
effect (if the button speed is 1/2 and O is set to 50 the
returned value will be 25).
P
None
x,y,z
Reports position of x,y and z axis
P
x,y,z
0
Sets absolute position for x,y and z axis. No axis can be
moving for this command to work
PS
None
x,y
Reports position of Stage only (x, and y)
PS
x,y
0
Sets Absolute position of x and y axis. This command will
only work is no axis is moving.
PX
None
x
Reports position of X only.
Px
x
0
Sets Absolute position of x axis. No axis can be moving for
this command to work.
PY
None
y
Reports position of Y only.
PY
Y
0
Sets absolute position of y axis. This command will only
work is no axis is moving.
R
None
R
Moves right by one step as defined by 'X' command.
R
x
R
Move Right by x steps
SAS
a
0
Set the current stage (x,y) acceleration to a. Range is 4 to
100.
SAS
none
a
Reports the current Stage(x,y) acceleration setting a.
SMS
m
0
Sets the current stage (x,y) maximum speed to m. Range is
1 to 100.
X
None
u,v
Reports the current ste size in x and y for the stage, used
in conjunction with L,R,FB
X
u,v
0
Sets the current step size for the stage, used in
conjunction with L,R,F,B.
SIS none R
Set Index of Stage. The stage will move to hardware limits,
stop and set absolute position to 0,0. Used only when the
mechanical position of the stage bears no relationship to
the controller position; i.e. If the stage has been
mechanically moved during power off.
THIS COMMAND MUST BE DONE ONCE AT INITIAL
CONNECTION OF STAGE TO CONTROLLER IN ORDER TO
ESTABLISH A UNIQUE REFERENCE POSITION WHICH IS
PERMANENTLY REMEMBERED BY THE CONTROLLER
RIS
none
R
Restore Index of Stage. Used to restore accurate
mechanical
position by seeking hardware limits and returning back to
controller position. This is used to to re-establish
mechanical
accuracy by referencing back to the limits.
VS x,y R
Move the stage at constant velocity in X,Y as specified by
parameters. Units are in microns/s.
VS,0,0 will bring the stage to rest. This can be used to
simulate a joystick operation from your application.
GR
x, y[ ,z]
R
(Go Relative) Moves by the amount specified by x, y, z. Z is
optional.
G
x, y[, z]
R
Go to the absolute position x, y, z. Z is optional.