THORLABS NR360S User manual

HA0040T
NR360S
Motorized 360° Rotation Stage
User Guide
Original Instructions

Page 0
NR360S Motorized 360° Rotation Stage
Contents
Chaper 1 Overview .....................................................................................................1
1.1 Description ..........................................................................................1
1.2 Accessories .........................................................................................2
Chaper 2 Safety ...........................................................................................................3
2.1 Safety Information ..............................................................................3
2.2 General Warnings and Cautions .......................................................3
Chaper 3 Operation .....................................................................................................4
3.1 Using the Nanorotator ........................................................................4
3.1.1 Background ............................................................................................. 4
3.2 Selecting the Stage Type ..................................................................4
Chaper 4 Installation ...................................................................................................8
4.1 Unpacking ...........................................................................................8
4.2 Transportation ....................................................................................8
4.3 Electrical Connections .......................................................................8
4.4 Attaching to a Work Surface ..............................................................9
4.5 Attaching Components and Devices ................................................9
4.6 Dimensions .......................................................................................10
4.6.1 Table Mounting Plate ............................................................................ 10
4.6.2 LNR or NRT Stage Mounting Plate ....................................................... 10
4.6.3 Vertical Mounting bracket ..................................................................... 11
4.6.4 Grooved Carriage Plate ........................................................................ 12
Chaper 5 Specification .............................................................................................13
Chaper 6 Regulatory .................................................................................................14
6.1 Declarations Of Conformity .............................................................14
6.1.1 For Customers in Europe ...................................................................... 14
6.1.2 For Customers In The USA .................................................................. 14
6.1.3 CE Certificate ........................................................................................ 15
Chaper 7 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts.................................................................16

Rev 11 Oct 2018 Page 1
Chapter 1 Overview
Chapter 1 Overview
1.1 Description
The NanoRotator NR series rotation stage provides arc-second resolution when
driven from a microstepping stepper motor controller. The low profile design,
measuring just 55mm high, is made possible by the use of two compact precision
bearings. The rotating carriage of the stage provides continuous rotation of load of up
to 50kg and has a 50mm 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 9 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 Nanorotator but
this limit switch is only active in the negative direction. This means that the
Nanorotator 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 be possible to
execute moves in the positive direction until the limit switch is no longer tripped.
The Nanorotator is designed specifically to operate with the BSCxxx benchtop
stepper motor controllers or the MST60x modular stepper motor control unit.
For further information on these controllers, please refer to the relevant manuals.

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NR360S Motorized 360° Rotation Stage
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.
NR360SP1 - Table Mounting Plate: This adapter plate is used to mount the NR360S
rotation stage to a large flat surface such as an optical table. The 10mm thickness
provides clearance for the stepper motor body which extends below the bottom
surface of the stage, and ensures that the stage sits flat on the mounting surface.
NR360SP2 - Vertical Mounting Bracket: Allows the NR360S rotation stage to be
mounted in a vertical orientation.
NR360SP4 - 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. Please see the Accessories tab on the main NR360S stage page for more
details on the range of accessories available.
NR360SP5 - Mounting Plate: This mounting plate allows the NR360S stage to be
attached to a LNR50 TravelMax, or NRT stage.
NR360SP8 - SM1 Apapter Plate: This mounting plate features an SM1 threaded
through hole and allows 1" optics and our SM1 product line to be mounted to the
NR360S.
NR360SP9 - 1/4"-20 and 8-32 Threaded Adapter Plate: Provides numerous options
for attaching devices to the NR360S: includes 17 1/4"-20 Mounting holes, and four 8-
32 fixing holes.
NR360SP9/M - M6 and M4 Threaded Adapter Plate: Provides numerous options for
attaching devices to the NR360S: includes 17 M6 Mounting holes, and four M4 fixing
holes.

Rev 11 Oct 2018 Page 3
Chapter 2 Safety
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 absorbant 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.

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NR360S Motorized 360° Rotation Stage
Chapter 3 Operation
3.1 Using the Nanorotator
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
APT™ Series stepper motor controller, 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 Nanorotator 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 Nanorotator can be achieved by switching off the drive to the
motors. Please refer to the relevent 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
The relevant stepper motor controller or channel must be switched off/disabled
before the Nanorotator is plugged in or unplugged. Failure to switch the controller
off may result in damage to either the controller, the Nanorotator, or both.
Caution
The electrical limit switch does not operate when the motor is being turned by hand.
Care must be taken to to avaid fouling if the drive is turned past the limit switch.

Rev 11 Oct 2018 Page 5
Chapter 3 Operation
Using the APT Software
1) Install the electronic hardware and connect the modules to the relevent axes of
the associated stages (see the handbooks supplied with the APT Controllers).
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. 3.1 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
Note
To ensure correct operation, it is important to select the correct stage type for your
controller. If using a BSC20x series controller, select the ‘HS NanoRotator’ option. If
using a legacy BSC0xx or BSC10x controller, choose an option without the ‘HS’ prefix.
Selecting an incompatible stage type could result in reduced velocity and resolution.

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NR360S Motorized 360° Rotation Stage
start up. See the handbook supplied with the stepper motor controller for further
information
Using Kinesis Software
1) Ensure that the device is connected to the PC and powered up.
2) Run the Kinesis software - Start/All Programs/Thorlabs/Kinesis/Kinesis.
3) On start-up, the 'Actuator/Startup Settings ' window is displayed This window
allows the correct actuator to be selected.
Fig. 3.2 Stage Configuration Window
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 11 Oct 2018 Page 7
Chapter 3 Operation
4) Select your actuator type (e.g. HS NR360S/M).
5) Click OK.
6) 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.

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NR360S Motorized 360° Rotation Stage
Chapter 4 Installation
4.1 Unpacking
4.2 Transportation
4.3 Electrical Connections
Note.
* The limit switch ground is connected to the motor body.
Caution
Once removed from its packaging, the NanoRotator 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 Nanorotator by the drive actuator. Serious damage may occur if
excessive force is applied to the drive.
Caution
When packingthe unit for shipping, use the original packing.If this is not available,
use a strong box and surround the NanoRotator with at least 100 mm of shock
absorbent material.
Pin Description
1 Limit Switch Ground *
2 Not Used
3CWLimitSwitch
4PhB-ve
5PhB+ve
6PhA-ve
7PhA+ve
8 to 14 Not Used
15 Earth
15
610
11 15

Rev 11 Oct 2018 Page 9
Chapter 4 Installation
4.4 Attaching to a Work Surface
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 NRT or LNR series long travel stages.
See Section 1.2.for a description of the mounting and adapter plates. Dimensions are
detailed in Section 4.6.
4.5 Attaching Components and Devices
Caution
To prevent excessive distortion, use nylon washers under the heads of the
securing screws.
Accessory Part Number
Table Mounting Plate (Imperial) NR360SP1
Table Mounting Plate (Metric) NR360SP1/M
Vertical Mounting Bracket (Imperial NR360SP2
Vertical Mounting Bracket (Metric) NR360SP2/M
Grooved Carriage Plate (Imperial NR360SP4
Grooved Carriage Plate (Metric) NR360SP4/M
Mounting Plate to NST or LNR (Imperial) NR360SP5
Mounting Plate (Metric) NR360SP5/M
SM1 Adapter Plate NR360SP8
Caution
Users must ensure that components and devices fitted to the unit are properly
secured to the moving platform

Page 10 11114-D01
NR360S Motorized 360° Rotation Stage
4.6 Dimensions
4.6.1 Table Mounting Plate
Fig. 4.1 Table mounting plate dimensions
4.6.2 LNR or NRT Stage Mounting Plate
Fig. 4.2 LNR/NRT Stage mounting plate
4 HOLES 8.0 (0.32) THROUGH
6.5 (0.26) 101.0 (3.98)
114.0 (4.49)
25.0 (0.98) 50.0 (1.97)
100.0 (3.94)
10.0 (0.39)
all dimensions in millimetres (inches)
A
A
50.50 (1.99)
101.0 (3.98)
114.0 (4.49)
100.0 (3.94)
50.0 (1.97)
50.00 (1.97)
10.0
SECTION 'A'-'A'
0.05
0.05 A
A
4 HOLES Ø7.50 (0.3) THROUGH AND
C/BORED TO Ø11.50 x7.0 (Ø0.45 x 0.28) DEEP
4 HOLES TAP M6 (1/4"-20 UNC) THROUGH
all dimensions in millimtres (inches)

Rev 11 Oct 2018 Page 11
Chapter 4 Installation
4.6.3 Vertical Mounting bracket
Fig. 4.3 Vertical mounting bracket
Ø68.0 (2.68) APERTURE
7 HOLES Ø7.00 (0.28) THROUGH
C/BORED Ø11.0 (0.43) X 6.5 (0.26) DEEP
IN TOP FACE
›
4 HOLES M6 (1/4"-20 UNC) THROUGH
27.0 (1.06) 39.5 (1.56) 52.0 (2.05) 64.5 (2.54) 77.0 (3.03)
25.0 (0.98) 25.0 (0.98)
92.0 (3.62)
50.5 (1.99)
112.0 (4.41)
85.75 (3.45)
143.0 (5.63)
50.5 (1.99)50.5 (1.99)
all dimensions in millimetres (inches)

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NR360S Motorized 360° Rotation Stage
4.6.4 Grooved Carriage Plate
Fig. 4.4 Grooved carriage plate
Other mounting and adpter plates are available, please see Chapter 6 and
www.thorlabs.com for more details.
PLATE 5.0 (0.2) THICK
14 HOLES M3 (6-32 UNC) THROUGH
›
GROOVE 3.0+0.05 WIDE X 1.70 DEEP
(0.12 +0.002 WIDE X 0.07 DEEP)
-0
-0
MOUNTING HOLES TO NANO ROTATOR
13.25 (0.52) 13.25 (0.52)
20.0 (0.79) 20.0 (0.79)
all dimensions in millimetres (inches)

Rev 11 Oct 2018 Page 13
Chapter 5 Specification
Chapter 5 Specification
* The speed and acceleration quoted above are only achievable with light loads.
When using heavy loads, the speed should be reduced accordingly.
Parameter Value
General Specifications
Construction Aluminum Body and Platform with Black Finish
Travel 360° Continuous Rotation
On Axis Load Capacity* 110 lbs (50 kg)
Drive Mechanism Worm Drive
Gear Ratio 66:1
Limit Switches Mechanical, Normally Open
Reference Signal Every 360°
Motor Type 2 Phase Stepper
Accuracy 5 arcmin (If used with BSC201)
Bidirectional Repeatability 10 arcsec
Speed Range* 50°/ sec (If used with BSC201)
Acceleration* 80°/ sec/sec (If used with BSC201)
Operating Temperature Range 5° to 40° C
Humidity range Less than 80% RH at 31° C
Recomended Controller BSC201
Weight (Actuator) 3.11 lbs (1.4 kg)
Motor Specifications
Step Angle 1.8° (50 poles & ±2 phases for 360°/200 steps)
Step Accuracy 5%
Rated Phase Current 1A
Resistance / Phase 3.6 Ω
Inductance / Phase 4.6mH
Holding Torque 23.1N.cm
Detent Torque 1.7N.cm

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NR360S Motorized 360° Rotation Stage
Chapter 6 Regulatory
6.1 Declarations Of Conformity
6.1.1 For Customers in Europe
See Section 6.2.
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 11 Oct 2018 Page 15
Chapter 6 Regulatory
6.2 CE Certificate

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NR360S Motorized 360° Rotation Stage
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]om
[email protected]
Europe
Thorlabs GmbH
[email protected]
France
Thorlabs SAS
[email protected]
Japan
Thorlabs Japan, Inc.
[email protected]
UK and Ireland
Thorlabs Ltd.
[email protected]
[email protected]
Scandinavia
Thorlabs Sweden AB
[email protected]
Brazil
Thorlabs Vendas de Fotônicos Ltda.
[email protected]
China
Thorlabs China
[email protected]

Rev 11 Oct 2018 Page 17
Chapter 7 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts

www.thorlabs.com