THORLABS MCM3000 Series User manual

MCM3000 Series
3-Axis Controller
User Guide

MCM3000 Series
Copyright©June20,2023Thorlabs,Inc. A ll rights reserved.
Informationin t hisdocumentissubjecttochangewithoutnotice.Thesoftwaredescribed
in t his document is furnished under a license agreement or nondisclosure agreement.
The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of those
agreements.No partof t hispublicationmaybereproduced,storedina retrieval system,
or transmitted in any form or any means electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying and recording for any purpose other than the purchaser's personal use
withoutthe written permissionofThorlabs, Inc.
Thorlabs,Inc.
108 Powers Court, Suite 150
Sterling, VA 20166
703-651-170

MCM3000 Series
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions ...........................................1
Chapter 2 Safety.................................................................................2
Chapter 3 Description........................................................................3
3.1. Features at a Glance .....................................................3
Chapter 4 Getting Started .................................................................4
4.1. Unpacking and Inspection .............................................4
4.2. Setting Up the MCM3000 Series ....................................5
4.2.1. Minimum Computer Requirements............................................ 5
4.2.2. Preparation............................................................................... 5
Chapter 5 Software ............................................................................9
5.1. MCM3000 4.0 Software Installation ..............................9
5.2. Software Setup ...........................................................15
5.3. MCM3000 GUI (Graphical User Interface) ....................18
5.3.1. Display Area ............................................................................18
5.3.2. Menu .......................................................................................19
5.4. Firmware....................................................................20
Chapter 6 Maintaining the MCM3000 Series .................................22
6.1. Cleaning .....................................................................22
6.2. Troubleshooting..........................................................22
Chapter 7 Specifications.................................................................24
7.1. Controller Specifications..............................................24
7.2. Compatible Motor Specifications .................................25
Chapter 8 Mechanical Drawing.......................................................26
Chapter 9 Certificates and Compliance.........................................29
Chapter 10 Regulatory.......................................................................30
Chapter 11 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts.......................................32

MCM3000 Series Chapter 1: Warning Symbol Definitions
Page 1 TTN040330-D02
Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions
Below is a list of warning symbols you may encounter in this manual or on
your device.
Symbol Description
DirectCurrent
Alternating Current
Both Direct and Alternating Current
Earth Ground Terminal
Protective Conductor Terminal
Frame or Chassis Terminal
Equipotentiality
On (Supply)
Off (Supply)
In Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Out Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Caution: Risk of Electric Shock
Caution: Hot Surface
Caution: Risk of Danger
Caution: Laser Radiation
Caution: Spinning Blades May Cause Harm

MCM3000 Series Chapter 2: Safety
Rev E, June 27, 2023 Page 2
Chapter 2 Safety
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this user guide
will only apply when the unit is operated correctly.
Please read the following warnings and cautions carefully before operating the
device.
WARNING
DO NOT use this device for anything other than its intended use. If the device is
used in a manner not specified by Thorlabs, the protection provided by the
equipment may be impaired.
WARNING
DO NOT operate in wet, damp, or explosive environment.

MCM3000 Series Chapter 3: Description
Page 3 TTN040330-D02
Chapter 3 Description
The MCM3000 Series 3-Axis Stepper Motor Controller with Encoder feedback
consistsofa hand-operatedknob box and a separate controllerbox.Each side face
of the knob box includes a rotating knob and a push-button switch that are
dedicated to a single axis. The push-button switch enables and disables the axis.
The switch turns green when the axis is enabled. Disable the axis to preserve a
position or prevent accidental movements. A smaller knob on the top face adjusts
the amount of translation per rotation of the knob.
Since each MCM3000 Series Controller has three axes, you only need to pur-
chase enough controllers for each of the stages you intend to drive. For example,
a Cerna® microscope equipped with a ZFM2020 Motorized Focusing Module
(which has oneaxis) and a PLS-XYTranslationStage(two axes) would only require
one MCM3001 controller.
The MCM3001 is compatible with motorized Cerna components that have a travel
range of 1", such as our Motorized Focusing Modules and Translation Stages for
Rigid Stands.Forcomponentswith a 2"travel range,such as Thor- labs'Translating
Platforms, the MCM3002 controller should be used instead. The software allows
you to configure the controller to more than one type ofstage.
The following table shows the different stages compatible with the MCM3000
Series Controller:
Item Number
MCM3001
MCM3002
Compatible
Stages
Focusing Modules
ZFM2020 and
ZF M2030
Microscope B ody
T ransla t or
MM P -2 XY
Translation St ages
for Rigid St ands
PLS-X and P L S - XY
Translating P la tf orm
P M P -2 XY ( / M)
3.1. Features at a Glance
•Designed for Cerna Components with Motorized Travel: Objective
Focusing Module, Condenser Focusing Module, Translation Stages for
Rigid Stands, and Translating Platform
•Knobs Provide Hand-Operated Control for up to Three Axes
•Option to Disable Each Channel to Prevent Unintended
•Movements or to Retain a Position
•Adjust Translation Speed via Top-Located Knob

MCM3000 Series Chapter 4: Getting Started
Rev E, June 27, 2023 Page 4
Chapter 4 Getting Started
4.1. Unpacking and Inspection
Open the package, and carefully remove the MCM3000 Series and its accessor-
ies.The table lists the standard accessories shipped with the device.
Name
Quantity
MCM3001
MCM3002
3-Axis Knob Box
1
1
3-Axis Controller Box
1
1
Joystick Controller Cable (3m)
1
1
Hex Stand Off
-
12
M6 x 12 mm SHCS
2
2
1/4"-20 X 1/2" SHCS
2
2
24V 90W AC/DC Power Supply
1
1
Power Cord
1
1
USB Male A to Male B (RoHS Complaint)
1
1
Adapter Cable for 2" Cerna Stages
(Component Item # MCM3000-CAB1)
-
3
MCM3000 Software CD
1
1
Inspect the device and its accessories for any missing parts or damage. If there
is any problem, please contact our nearest office (see Thorlabs Worldwide
Contacts Chapter on Page 31 for details).

MCM3000 Series Chapter 4: Getting Started
Page 5 TTN040330-D02
4.2. Setting Up the MCM3000 Series
4.2.1. Minimum Computer Requirements
Operating System
Windows 7 or 10,64Bit
Driver
MCM3000
. in f
Other Software
VisualC++ Redistributable Package(2012) ,
Microsoft.NET 4.5.2or la
t er
4.2.2. Preparation
We recommend you mount the 3-Axis Controller Box on an optical table or
breadboard using the two included screws (M6 for metric, 1/4"-20x1/2" for imper-
ial). This prevents any damage to the Controller Box from an accidental fall.
1. Use the Joystick Controller cable to connectthe 3-Axis Controller Box to
the 3-Axis Knob Box.
Figure 1 Connecting the Controller Box to the Knob Box

MCM3000 Series Chapter 4: Getting Started
Rev E, June 27, 2023 Page 6
2. Use the USBcable to connectthe 3-Axis Controller Box to the computer.
Note: This step is optional.Connectthe USB port only if you wantto use
the software to control the position of the stages. The 3-Axis Knob Box
or the software can control the position of the stages.You can move the
stage manually even after connecting the USB port to the computer.
Figure 2 Connecting the Controller Box to the Computer
3. Connect one end of the power supply to the 3-Axis Controller Box and
the other end to a standard power outlet.
4. Connect the cables from the required stages to the 3-Axis Controller Box.

MCM3000 Series Chapter 4: Getting Started
Page 7 TTN040330-D02
The 3-Axis Controller can control up to three axes. For example, the
following diagram shows a MCM3001 controllerconnected to a PLS-XY
translation stage and a ZFM2030 focusing module.
Figure 3 Connecting the Controller Box to Different Stages
Note: The MCM3002 Controller is shipped with adapter cables to connect
the device to the stages (as shown in the diagram below).
Figure 4 Connecting the Adapter Cable

MCM3000 Series Chapter 4: Getting Started
Rev E, June 27, 2023 Page 8
5. Slide the power switch on the 3-Axis Controller Box to the On position.
Figure 5 Power Switch on the 3-Axis Controller Box
6. If you do not want to control the stages via USB, go to Step 8. To control
the stagesvia USB,install the required software/driveronyour computer
as described in the Software Chapter on page 9.
7. Open the MCM3000 software and configure the axes (see page 15) .
8. Adjustthe position of the required stage.
Use the software or the 3-Axis Knob Box to adjust the position of the
stage.
To adjustthe position using the software:
a. On the MCM3000 Control Window, enter the value for the
respective axis in the textboxcorresponding to X/Y/Z.Click Go.
b. Enter a value for the Slide Step Size in the textbox. By default,
this value is set to 0.01 mm. Select Coarse/Fine option to
determine the slider step type.
c. Use the mouse wheel or ± buttons to change the X/Y/Z
See Display Area on page 18 for details.
Press the Press the Control Knob Deactivation Button on the 3-Axis
Knob box to disable/enable the movement of the stage. The switch
preserves the position and prevents accidental movement.To adjustthe
speed of the axes on the 3-Axis Knob Box,turn the Speed Control knob
on the top face of the Knob Box.
Note: The Speed Control knob (on top of 3-Axis Knob Box) adjusts the
sensitivity of the 3-Axis Control knobs. The software is not affected by
adjustments made to the Speed Control knob.
See Mechanical Drawing Chapter on page 26.

MCM3000 Series Chapter 5: Software
Page 9 TTN040330-D02
Chapter 5 Software
5.1. MCM3000 4.0 Software Installation
The CD includes software for the driver, the SDK, and the application for con-
trolling the MCM3000.
1. Insert the MCM3000 Installation CD into the computer and open the 70-
0033-4.0 MCM3000 SDK v4.0 folder. Alternatively, download the
software from www.thorlabs.com.
2. Double click the installer (.exe) application to open the MCM3000 4.0
Setup window. Click Nextto continue.
Figure 6 Thorlabs MCM3000 4.0 Setup Window

MCM3000 Series Chapter 5: Software
Rev E, June 27, 2023 Page 10
3. In the Choose Components window, select SDK if you want the soft-
ware development kit files installed, then click Next.
Figure 7 Choose Components Window
4. In the Choose Install Location window, select the destination folder
and then click Install.
Figure 8 Thorlabs MCM3000 4.0 Setup Window

MCM3000 Series Chapter 5: Software
Page 11 TTN040330-D02
5. During installation, the Device Driver Installation Wizard will appear.
Click Next to begin installing the software drivers that some computer
devices need in order to work.
Figure 9 Device Driver Installation Wizard Window
6. If prompted by Windows Security, select Install.
Figure 10 Windows Security Prompt

MCM3000 Series Chapter 5: Software
Rev E, June 27, 2023 Page 12
7. Once drivers are installed, click Finish to continue.
Figure 11 Device Driver Installation Wizard
8. The installer will automatically search your computer for Microscoft Visual
C++ Redistributable (x64) –11.0.61030. It will download and install it if
it's not found on your computer.
Figure 12 Microsoft Visual C++ 2012 Redistributable Window

MCM3000 Series Chapter 5: Software
Page 13 TTN040330-D02
9. Click Finish to complete the installation.
Figure 13 Completing the Thorlabs MCM3000 4.0 Setup Window
10. MCM3000 software installation is now complete, and a new Windows
shortcut is added to the desktop.
Figure 14 MCM3000 Shortcut Icon
11. Check Device Manager -> Port(COM&LPT) on your compurer to verify
the COM port of the MCM3000 driver. Make sure the COM Port Number
is set to COM32.

MCM3000 Series Chapter 5: Software
Rev E, June 27, 2023 Page 14
To change the COM Port Number to COM32:
a. Right click on MCM3000 driver, and click on Properties to open
the MCM3000 Properties window.
Figure 15 Device Manager
b. On the Port Settings tab, click Advanced to open the Advanced
Settings window.
Figure 16 MCM3000 (COMx) Properties Window

MCM3000 Series Chapter 5: Software
Page 15 TTN040330-D02
c. Select COM32 from the frop-down menu next to COM Port
Number and click OK.
Figure 17 Advanced Settings Window
12. Slide the Power switch on the Controller Box to the Off position, and then
switch it on again.
The COM Port Number for MCM3000 must appear as COM32.
Note: The COM Port Number changes if you connect the USB cable to a
different USB port each time you connect to the computer. You must
assign COM32 as the COM Port Number for MCM3000.
5.2. Software Setup
The MCM3000 software can control up to three modules. Before opening the software,
verify that the unit is powered on. Look for green LED indicator lights on both the knob
box and controller box.
1. Double Click the MCM3000 shortcut on the desktop. The MCM3000 Com
Port Selection window appears:
Figure 18 MCM3000 Com Port Selection Window
2. Select COM32 from the drop-down menu and click OK.

MCM3000 Series Chapter 5: Software
Rev E, June 27, 2023 Page 16
The MCM3000 Control window appears. Before using the software to
control the stages, it is necessary to configure that axes for the
appropriate motor type. Verify that each stage is connected to the
appropriate port depending on the axis of motion it controls
The following table shows the axes that correspond to the Controller Box
Ports:
Axis
Controller Box Port
X
Stage1
Y
Stage2
Z
Stage3
3. In the MCM3000 Control window, click File -> Configure Axes to configure
the axes to the required stages.
The Configure Axes window appears:
Figure 19 Configure Axes Window
WARNING
Make sure to configure the correct Motor Type to each axis. Failure to do so
may result in damage to the stage due to overtravel.
4. In the Configure Axes window, select the Motor Type for each axis from
the drop-down menu.
5. Next, define the Minand Max values. These define the range of position
that can be commanded via the software interface. They will also
correcspond to the Min and Max values of the slider in the control window.
Note: The 3-axis Knob Box does not observe the limits defined in the
softwre, and instead allows users to adjust the stage position within the
full range of the configured stage's travel. When a stage has reached the
absolute limitofitstravel,the respective green LED on the Knob Box will
blink.

MCM3000 Series Chapter 5: Software
Page 17 TTN040330-D02
The Threshold value exists to prevent accidental commands that are
larger than intended. If a movement command exceeds the Threshold
value, it will prompt a warning message to appear asking to confirm the
large stage move.
The Invert checkbox will reverse the sliding axis orientation.
6. After entering all the parameters, click OK to confirm the se tt ing s.
They will be saved automatically and do notneed to be re-entered each
time the software is opened.