THORLABS HDR50 User manual

HA0393T
HDR50 and HDR50/M
Motorized 360°
Rotation Stage
User Guide
Original Instructions

Page 0 ETN046616-D02
HDR50 Motorized 360° Rotation Stage
Contents
Chapter 1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Description ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Accessories ....................................................................................................................... 1
Chapter 2 Safety ..................................................................................................................................... 2
2.1 Safety Information ............................................................................................................. 2
2.2 General Warnings and Cautions ...................................................................................... 2
Chapter 3 Operation ............................................................................................................................... 3
3.1 Using the HDR50 ............................................................................................................... 3
3.1.1 Background .............................................................................................................................. 3
3.2 Selecting the Stage Type ................................................................................................. 3
Chapter 4 Installation ............................................................................................................................. 6
4.1 Unpacking .......................................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Transportation ................................................................................................................... 6
4.3 Electrical Connections ..................................................................................................... 6
4.4 Attaching to a Work Surface ............................................................................................ 7
4.5 Attaching Components and Devices ............................................................................... 7
Chapter 5 Specification and Dimensions.............................................................................................. 8
Chapter 6 Regulatory ........................................................................................................................... 10
6.1 Declarations Of Conformity ........................................................................................... 10
6.1.1 For Customers in Europe .......................................................................................................10
6.1.2 For Customers In The USA .................................................................................................... 10
Chapter 7 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ........................................................................................... 11

Rev B Dec 2019 Page 1
Chapter 1 Overview
Chapter 1 Overview
1.1 Description
The HDR50 motorized rotation stage provides arc-second resolution when driven from a microstepping stepper motor
controller. The low profile design, measuring just 44 mm high, is made possible by the use of two compact precision bearings.
The rotating carriage of the stage provides continuous rotation of loads up to 50 kg and has a 50 mm clear aperture to allow
the passage of the optical path directly through the stage. The main body of the stage is made from lightweight aluminum and
can attach directly to an optical table, or be mounted at any orientation via the 10 mounting holes provided along four surfaces
of the device. A worm gear assembly is used to transfer the rotary motion of the stepper motor into rotary motion of the
carriage. There is a mechanical reduction in this gear assembly that provides one revolution of the carriage for every 66 turns
of the stepper motor.
An electrical limit switch has been fitted to allow the user to datum the stage but this limit switch is only active in the negative
direction. This means that the stage will run to infinity in the positive direction, but will not pass zero in the negative direction.
If a movement is programmed that takes the manipulator past its negative limit, the limit switch will trip and stop the motor. It
is then only possible to execute moves in the positive direction until the limit switch is no longer tripped.
The HDR50 is designed specifically to operate with the BSC20x benchtop stepper motor controllers or the MST602 modular
stepper motor control unit.
For further information on these controllers, please refer to the relevant manuals.
1.2 Accessories
Several mounting plates are available which allow the stage to be fixed to an optical table in either horizontal or vertical
configurations. The adapter plates allow device holders to be fitted to the rotating platform. The stage can also be mounted
onto one of our NST or TravelMax long travel stages.
NR360SP2 - Vertical Mounting Bracket: Allows the HDR50 rotation stage to be mounted in a vertical orientation.
NR360SP4 (/M) - Grooved Carriage Plate: This adapter plate provides an easy means to integrate all of the miscellaneous
accessories from our fiber launch systems product line. These accessories include optical mounts, tip-tilt mounts, as well as
fiber holders.
NR360SP5 - Mounting Plate: This mounting plate allows the HDR50 stage to be attached to a LNR50 TravelMax, or NRT
stage.
NR360SP8 - SM1 Adapter Plate: This mounting plate features an SM1 threaded through hole and allows 1" optics and our
SM1 product line to be mounted to the HDR50. It also provides compatibility with our 30 mm cage system.
NR360SP9(/M) - 1/4"-20 (M6) Threaded Adapter Plate: Features 17 1/4"-20 (M6) Mounting holes, providing numerous options
for attaching devices to the HDR50.
Please see the HDR50 stage web page at www.thorlabs.com for more details on the range of accessories available.

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HDR50 Motorized 360° Rotation Stage
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 and Cautions
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.
Warning
If this equipment is used in a manner not specified in the handbook, 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
absorbent tissue. Do not allow spilled fluid to enter the internal mechanism.
The equipment is for indoor use only.
Warning
To avoid injury never put any part of your body in the gap between the moving platform and a rigid structure.

Rev B Dec 2019 Page 3
Chapter 3 Operation
Chapter 3 Operation
3.1 Using the HDR50
3.1.1 Background
The hybrid stepper motor used in the actuator, with its rotor that consists of 50 individual magnetic teeth, is ideally suited for
micro-stepping applications. Aside from the obvious increase in resolution provided by increasing the steps per revolution from
200 to 409,600, micro-stepping also ensures smoother low speed motion by allowing the discrete 1.8º step size, which
produces vibrational noise, to be reduced to much smaller steps with inherently lower resultant vibrational noise.
The rotation stage utilizes a worm gear assembly which provides one complete rotation of the platform for every 66 turns of
the stepper motor. When used with the BSC20x series or MST602 controllers, the stepper motor provides 409,600 steps per
revolution resulting in 66 x 409,600 steps per revolution of the stage. This results in a 360/(66 x 409,600)° or 13.3 x 10-6
degrees of platform rotation per microstep.
The HDR50 stage is connected to the Stepper Motor Controller via a flying lead terminated in a D-type type connector. A 3m
extension cable (PAA613) is also supplied.
Manual control of the stage can be achieved by switching off the drive to the motors and turning the knob on the motor housing.
Please refer to the relevant controller manual.
3.2 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 applies automatically, suitable default parameter values on boot up of the
software.
Caution
Before the HDR50 is plugged in or unplugged, the relevant stepper motor controller must be switched off or the associated
drive channel disabled. Failure to do this may result in damage to the controller, the stage, or both.
Caution
The electrical limit switch does not operate when the motor is being turned by hand. Care must be taken to avoid fouling if the
drive is turned past the limit switch.

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HDR50 Motorized 360° Rotation Stage
Using Kinesis Software
1) Install the electronic hardware and connect the modules 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. 3.1 Stage Configuration Window
6) Select your actuator type (i.e. HDR50 or HDR50/M).
7) Click OK.
8) The server reads in the stage and controller information automatically.
Refer to the handbook for the associated controller for more information on driving the actuator/stage.
Caution
The host PC must be running Kinesis v1.14.16 or higher.
Note
In applications where continuous rotation is necessary for prolonged periods, it is possible that the position register inside
the controller could overflow. In this case, the stage will continue to operate, but the position readout is no longer accurate.
Homing the stage will restore the positional accuracy.

Rev B Dec 2019 Page 5
Chapter 3 Operation
Using APT Software
1) Install the electronic hardware and connect the modules 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) Shut down all applications using the APT server (e.g. APT User or your own custom application).
4) Run the APT Config utility - Start/All Programs/Thorlabs/APT Config/APT Config.
5) From the 'APT Configuration Utility' window, click the 'Stage' tab.
Fig. 3.2 APT Configuration Utility - Stage Tab
6) In the ‘Motor’ field, select the serial number of the stepper motor controller to be configured (this number can be found on
the rear panel of the controller unit).
7) In the ‘Stage’ field, select ‘HS NanoRotator’ from the list displayed.
8) Click the 'Add Stage Association' button.
9) A default configuration is set at the factory and stored in the non-volatile memory of the motor controller. The server reads
in the stage and controller information on start up. Refer to the handbook for the associated controller for more information
on driving the actuator/stage.
Caution
The host PC must be running APT v3.21.3 or higher.
Note
To ensure correct operation, it is important to select the correct stage and axis type as described previously. Selecting an
incompatible stage/axis type could result in reduced velocity and resolution. The HDR50 is a direct replacement for our
legacy NanoRotator stage and has identical operating parameters.
Note
In applications where continuous rotation is necessary for prolonged periods, it is possible that the position register inside
the controller could overflow. In this case, the stage will continue to operate, but the position readout is no longer accurate.
Homing the stage will restore the positional accuracy.

Page 6 ETN046616-D02
HDR50 Motorized 360° Rotation Stage
Chapter 4 Installation
4.1 Unpacking
4.2 Environmental Conditions
Location Indoor use only
Maximum altitude 2000 m
Temperature range 5 to 40°C (41 to 104°F)
Maximum Humidity Less than 80% RH (non-condensing) at 31°C
To ensure reliable operation the unit should not be exposed to corrosive agents or excessive moisture, heat or dust.
If the unit has been stored at a low temperature or in an environment of high humidity, it must be allowed to reach ambient
conditions before being powered up.
The unit must not be used in an explosive environment.
4.3 Transportation
4.4 Electrical Connections
Note.
* The limit switch ground is connected to the motor body.
** Pins 10 and 13 are connected inside the D-Type shell
Caution
Once removed from its packaging, the stage is easily damaged by mishandling. The unit should only be handled by its base,
not by the top platform or any attachments to the top platform.
Do not carry the stage by the drive actuator. Serious damage may occur if excessive force is applied to the drive.
Caution
This unit is design for operation within normal operating conditions. It is not recommended to use this equipment outside
the following limits.
Caution
When packing the unit for shipping, use the original packing. If this is not available, use a strong box and surround the stage
with at least 100 mm of shock absorbent material.
Pin Description
1* Limit Switch Ground *
2 Not Used
3 CW Limit Switch
4 Ph B -ve
5 Ph B +ve
6 Ph A -ve
7 Ph A +ve
8 and 9 Not Used
10** 5 V
11 and 12 Not Used
13** 5 V
14 Not Used
15 Earth
15
610
11 15

Rev B Dec 2019 Page 7
Chapter 4 Installation
4.5 Mounting to the Work Surface
The stage bolts directly to the work surface as shown below.
Fig. 4.1 Mounting the Stage to the Work Surface
4.6 Attaching Components and Devices
Caution
Users must ensure that components and devices fitted to the unit are properly secured to the moving platform.

Page 8 ETN046616-D02
HDR50 Motorized 360° Rotation Stage
Chapter 5 Specification and Dimensions
5.1 Specification
Parameter Value
General Specifications
Construction Aluminum Body and Platform Black Anodised
Travel 360° Continuous Rotation
Max Load Capacity (On-Rotation-Axis) 50 kg (110 lbs)
Drive Mechanism Worm Drive
Gear Ratio 66:1
Homing Sensor Hall Effect, Non-Contact
Motor Type 2 Phase Stepper
Stage Bidirectional Repeatability ±350 µrad
Stage Bidirectional Accuracy ±820 µrad
Minimum Incremental Motion 0.8 µrad
Homing Bidirectional Repeatability ±203 µrad
Axis Wobble 65 µrad
Maximum Speed 50°/ sec (If used with BSC201)
Maximum Acceleration 80°/ sec/sec (If used with BSC201)
Maximum Torque 6 N•m
Operating Temperature Range 5° to 40° C
Humidity range Less than 80% RH at 31° C
Recommended Controller BSC201
Weight 1.52 kg (3.34 lb)
Motor Specifications
Step Angle 1.8° (200 major steps per revolution)
Micro-stepping 2048 micro-steps per major step for a total of 409,600 per revolution
Rated Phase Current 0.85 A
Resistance / Phase 3.6 
Inductance / Phase 4.6 mH

Rev B Dec 2019 Page 9
Chapter 5 Specification and Dimensions
5.2 Dimensions
Fig. 5.1 HDR50(/M) Dimensions
SM2 THREAD (2.035 - 40)
0.27 in [6.9 mm] DEEP
ON ROTATING TABLE
8-32 [M4] 0.27 in [6.9 mm] DEEP
4 PLACES EQUALLY SPACED
2.27 in
57.8 mm
2.32in
59.0mm
1.48 in
37.5 mm
1.47 in
37.3 mm
0.16 in 4.0 mm X 0.18 in 4.5 mm
x 0.16 in [4.0 mm] DEEP DOWEL SLOT
TO LOCATE ACCESSORIES
0.3 in [7.5 mm] TO TAKE
1/4 in [M6] SOCKET CAP SCREWS
4 PLACES
0.16 in [4mm] x 0.16 in [4mm]
DEEP DOWEL HOLE
TO LOCATE ACCESSORIES
7.46 in
189.4 mm
0.97 in
25.0 mm
2.00 in
50.0 mm
1/4 "- 20 [M6]
0.14 in [3.5 mm] DEEP
4 PLACES
1.73 in
44.0 mm
1.52 in
38.7 mm
0.80 in
20.3 mm
0.97 in
24.6 mm
2.00 in
50.0 mm

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HDR50 Motorized 360° Rotation Stage
Chapter 6 Regulatory
6.1 Declarations Of Conformity
6.1.1 For Customers in Europe
6.1.2 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. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated
in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the company could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

Rev B Dec 2019 Page 11
Chapter 7 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts
Chapter 7 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts
Thorlabs verifies our compliance with the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directive of the European Community
and the corresponding national laws. Accordingly, all end users in the EC may return "end of life" Annex I category electrical and
electronic equipment sold after August 13, 2005 to Thorlabs, without incurring disposal charges. Eligible units are marked with the
crossed out "wheelie bin" logo (see right), were sold to and are currently owned by a company or institute within the EC, and are not
dissembled or contaminated. Contact Thorlabs for more information. 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.
For technical support or sales inquiries, please visit us at www.thorlabs.com/contact for our most up-to-
date contact information.
USA, Canada, and South America
Thorlabs, Inc.
sal[email protected]
[e-mail]
Europe
Thorlabs GmbH
[email protected]
France
Thorlabs SAS
[email protected]
Japan
Thorlabs Japan, Inc.
[email protected]
UK and Ireland
Thorlabs Ltd.
[email protected]
[e-mail]
Scandinavia
Thorlabs Sweden AB
[email protected]
Brazil
Thorlabs Vendas de Fotônicos Ltda.
[email protected]
China
Thorlabs China
[email protected]

www.thorlabs.com