THORLABS FW103 Series User manual

HA0179T
FW103 Series
Motorized Filter Wheel
User Guide
Original Instructions

Page 0 16403-D01
FW103 Motorized Filter Wheel
Contents
Chaper 1 Overview ................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................ 1
Chaper 2 Safety .......................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Safety Information ............................................................................. 2
2.2 General Warnings .............................................................................. 2
Chaper 3 Installation .................................................................................................. 3
3.1 Unpacking ........................................................................................... 3
3.2 Mounting ............................................................................................. 3
3.2.1 General ................................................................................................... 3
3.3 Connecting The Motor Driver ........................................................... 4
3.4 Fitting the Filters ................................................................................ 5
3.5 Transportation .................................................................................... 6
Chaper 4 Operation .................................................................................................... 7
4.1 General ................................................................................................ 7
4.2 Selecting the Stage Type ................................................................. 8
4.2.1 Using Kinesis Software ........................................................................... 8
4.2.2 Using the APT Software ........................................................................ 10
4.2.3 Parameters ........................................................................................... 11
Appendices
Appendix A Specifications .......................................................................... 12
Appendix B Motor Pin Out Details .............................................................. 13
Appendix C Regulatory ................................................................................ 14
Appendix D Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ................................................ 16

Rev L Jun 2021Page 1
Chapter 1 Overview
Chapter 1 Overview
1.1 Introduction
This motorized fast-change filter wheel has been designed for applications that
require sequential observations with different filters inserted in the optical path, such
as multi-wavelength fluorescence imaging.
Access for the fitting of filters can be gained through a removable cover without
needing to unmount the filter wheel from the optomechanical setup within which it sits.
Choice of electronic controller for the FW103 depends on the required speed of
operation. The FW103H kit includes the FW103 filter wheel and our BSC201 single-
channel controller, for applications requiring high-speed switching (<50ms) between
adjacent filters.
Where slower speed filter switching is desired (~250ms), the filter wheel can be driven
by our KST101 K-cube stepper motor controller. The KST101 controller offers two
power supply options each sold separately: KPS101 when using a single KST101 K-
Cube and the KCHxxx hubs for up to 6 K-Cubes.
Fig. 1.1 FW103 Filter Wheel

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FW103 Motorized Filter Wheel
Chapter 2 Safety
2.1 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.
2.2 General Warnings
Warning: Risk of Electrical Shock
Given when there is a risk of injury from electrical shock.
Warning
Given when there is a risk of injury to users.
Caution
Given when there is a risk of damage to the product.
Note
Clarification of an instruction or additional information.
Warnings
If this equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the
protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. In particular, excessive
moisture may impair operation.
Spillage of fluid, such as sample solutions, should be avoided. If spillage does
occur, clean up immediately using absorbant tissue. Do not allow spilled fluid to
enter the internal mechanism.

Rev L Jun 2021Page 3
Chapter 3 Installation
Chapter 3 Installation
3.1 Unpacking.
3.2 Mounting
3.2.1 General
The mechanical interfacing of the wheel accepts SM1 lens tubes and 30mm cage
systems for both input and output ports of the filter wheel housing as shown in Fig.
3.1 below.
Fig. 3.1 Typical Arrangements
The housing contains four #8-32 (M4) tapped holes to allow post mounting of the
wheel.
Fig. 3.2 Post Mounting
Note
Retain the packing in which the unit was shipped, for use in future transportation.
Caution
Once removed from its packaging, the filter wheel is easily damaged by
mishandling. Handle with care.

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FW103 Motorized Filter Wheel
3.3 Connecting The Motor Driver
The FW103 wheel is supplied with 600mm (2 ft) of cable and is terminated in a 15 pin
D-Type connector. The FW103H (/M) is shipped with a 3m (9 ft) extension cable for
use with the BSC20x series controllers.
Fig. 3.3 BSC201 rear panel
If using the KST101 K-Cube driver unit - see Fig. 3.4 below, an extension cable is not
required and the driver should be connected directly to the filter wheel.
Fig. 3.4 KST101 rear panel
Caution
It is recommended that the FW103 filter wheel is driven by either the Thorlabs
KST101 K-Cube stepper motor driver or the BSC201 benchtop stepper motor
controller. If the wheel is being driven by any other driver or controller, consult
Section B.1. for motor pin out details and Appendix B for details of the motor
specification.
!
CONTROL IO MOTOR DRIVE
USB HANDSET IN INTERCONNECT CH ID
FUSES F1 and F2
T3.15A
ANTISURGE CERAMIC
85 - 264 VAC
47 - 63Hz 150VA

Rev L Jun 2021Page 5
Chapter 3 Installation
3.4 Fitting the Filters
Up to six Ø1.0" (25mm) filters (up to 6.35 mm thick) can be fitted onto the wheel.
Thinner filters may need shorter bolts.
1) Remove the six screws securing the cover, then remove the cover.
Fig. 3.5 Filter Cover and Securing Screws
2) Each filter sits in a recess which ensures correct positioning. Fit the filter into its
recess as shown in Fig. 3.6 below, ensuring that the open end of the filter housing
is towards the base plate, and the filter is uppermost .
Fig. 3.6 Filter Fitted in its Recess
Caution
The filters can be damaged or impaired by dirt and grease. During the following
procedure, handle the filters only by the housing and avoid touching the filter
surface. Wear lint free gloves.

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FW103 Motorized Filter Wheel
3) Fit the retaining ring (supplied) over the filter and secure using screws as follows:
•Standard filters, 6.0 mm to 6.35 mm thick: M2 x 8 (supplied);
•Thinner filters: use correspondingly shorter screws (e.g. M2 x 6 for 4 mm
thickness).
Note: if using filters thinner than 2.0 mm, the use of optic spacers are
recommended (e.g. Thorlabs part SM1S01 or SM1S3M) to ensure secure fitting
within the filter recesses.
Fig. 3.7 Filter Retaining Ring and Screws
4) Refit the cover.
3.5 Transportation
Caution
Use only screws of the length specified above. Using longer screws will foul
the rotation of the wheel. Do not allow attachment screws to protrude
through the wheel.
Caution
When packing the unit for shipping, use the original packing. If this is not
available, use a strong box and surround the unit with at least 100 mm of shock
absorbent material.

Rev L Jun 2021Page 7
Chapter 4 Operation
Chapter 4 Operation
4.1 General
The filter wheels 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) Connect the stage to the DC motor driver - see Section 3.3.
2) Run the software and associate the controller serial number, stage type and
channel number – see Section 4.2.
3) Move the stage to its home position, to establish a zero datum - see the handbook
supplied with the controller unit.
Caution
It is recommended that the FW103 filter wheel is driven by either the Thorlabs
KST101 K-Cube stepper motor driver or the BSC201 benchtop stepper motor
controller. If the wheel is being driven by any other driver or controller, consult
Section B.1. for motor pin out details and Appendix B for details of the motor
specification.
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.
Note
For large moves (i.e. greater than 60°) the velocity may need to be reduced in order
to avoid stalling the motor.
Errors can accumulate if the wheel is jogged repeatedly. To avoid such errors when
large moves are required, click on the position display in the GUI panel and enter in
the pop up window the number of degrees to move.

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FW103 Motorized Filter Wheel
4.2 Selecting the Stage Type
To ensure that a particular stage is driven properly by the system, a number of parameters
must first be set. These parameters relate to the physical characteristics of the stage being
driven (e.g. min and max positions, leadscrew pitch, homing direction etc.).
To assist in setting these parameters correctly, it is possible to associate a specific stage
type and axis with the motor controller channel. Once this association has been made, the
server automatically applies suitable default parameter values on boot up of the software.
4.2.1 Using Kinesis Software
1) Install the electronic hardware and connect the controllers to the relevant axes of
the associated stages (see the handbooks for the associated controller).
2) For each Stepper Motor Controller in your system, fit the interlock plug (supplied)
to the MOTOR CONTROL connector on the rear panel.
3) Ensure that the device is connected to the PC and powered up.
4) Run the Kinesis software - Start/All Programs/Thorlabs/Kinesis/Kinesis.
5) On start-up, the 'Actuator/Startup Settings' window is displayed. This window
allows the correct actuator to be selected.
Fig. 4.1 Select Actuator Settings Window - 1
Note
To ensure correct operation, it is important to select the correct stage and axis type
as described above. If using a BSC20x series controller, proceed as follows. If using a
KST101 controller, select the stage type via the settings menu on the hardware unit, see
the handbook for the KST101 for more details.
Selecting an incompatible stage/axis type could result in reduced velocity and/or
resolution.