THORLABS MFC1 User manual

Motorized Microscope
Focus Controller
MFC1
User Guide

Copyright February 01, 2018 Thorlabs, Inc.. All rights reserved.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. The software described in this 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 part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a 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 without the written permission of Thorlabs, Inc..
Thorlabs, Inc.
108 Powers Court
Sterling, VA 20166
703-651-1700

Chapter 1 Warning Symbols and Definitions 1
Chapter 2 Safety 2
Chapter 3 Description 3
3.1. Features at a Glance 3
3.2. Front Panel Overview 4
3.3. Rear Panel Overview 4
Chapter 4 Getting Started 5
4.1. Unpacking and Inspection 5
4.2. Setting up MFC1 5
4.2.1. Minimum Computer Requirements 5
4.2.2. Preparation 5
Chapter 5 Software 8
5.1. Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package (2012) Installation 8
5.2. Microsoft .NET 4.5.2 Installation 8
5.3. Driver Installation 9
5.4. MFC1 GUI (Graphic User Interface) 11
5.5. Calibration 12
Chapter 6 Maintaining the MFC1 13
6.1. Cleaning 13
6.2. Troubleshooting 13
Chapter 7 Specifications 15
7.1. General Specifications 15
7.2. Stepper Motor Specifications 15
7.3. Calculating the Microscope Resolution 15
Chapter 8 Mechanical Drawing 16
Chapter 9 Certifications and Compliance 17
Chapter 10 Warranty 18
Chapter 11 Regulatory 19
Chapter 12 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts 20
Table of Contents
MFC1

Chapter 1 Warning Symbols and Definitions
Below is a list of warning symbols you may encounter in this manual or on your device.
Symbol Description
Direct Current
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
MFC1 Chapter 1: Warning Symbols and Definitions
Rev B,February 01, 2018 Page 1

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 the 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 the unit without the Front Tube. Exposure to moving parts may lead to
serious injury.
CAUTION
DONOT operate in a wet, damp, or explosive environment.
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MFC1 Chapter 2: Safety

Chapter 3 Description
The MFC1 (Motorized Microscope Focus Controller) is a compact module that enables motorized
control of the focusing mechanism built into commercial optical microscopes. The motor is capable
of adjusting the fine focus continuously across the microscope's entire adjustment range by
engaging the microscope's fine focus knob.
The MFC1 features a universal design that is compatible with most commercially available inverted
and upright microscopes. The base incorporates 1/4" (M6) slots, which can be used to mount the
unit onto an optical table. The four L-shaped clamps included help to secure the microscope and
keep the movement isolated to the focusing mechanism once the MFC1 is attached to the
microscope.
The MFC1 is computer controlled via the USB connection on the back of the controller. The unit
comes with a GUI software package to control the motor, either via text box entry or a slider
adjustment. In addition, a software development kit is included so that the focus control can be
integrated with custom imaging software.
3.1. Features at a Glance
● Encoded Stepper Motor Drive for Repeatable Positioning
● Adjustable Height
● Easy Installation
● Software Controlled
♦Stand Alone Software Included
♦Integrates with Our ThorImageLS Software for Multiphoton and Confocal Imaging Systems
Rev B, February 01, 2018 Page 3
MFC1 Chapter 3: Description

3.2. Front Panel Overview
3.3. Rear Panel Overview
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MFC1 Chapter 3: Description

Chapter 4 Getting Started
4.1. Unpacking and Inspection
Open the package, and carefully remove the MFC1 and its accessories. The table lists the standard
accessories shipped with the device.
Name Quantity
Motorized Focus Controller 1
MFC1 Software CD 1
USB Male A to Mini ROHS 1
MFC1 Grounding Cable 1
40 Watt 24 VDCAC/DC Adapter 1
Power Cord 1
M6 Socket Head Cap Screw 6
1/4-20x1/2" Socket Head Cap Screw 6
M6 Flat Washer 6
L-Shaped Clamp 4
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 20 for
details).
4.2. Setting up MFC1
4.2.1. Minimum Computer Requirements
Operating System Windows 7, 64-bit
Other Software .NET 4.5.2 or later, Visual C++ Redistributable Package (2012)
Driver TRINAMIC Stepper Device
4.2.2. Preparation
1. Use 3 mm hex key to loosen the Socket Head Cap Screws (3x) on the Gearhead Yoke.
2. Remove the Front Tube from the unit for easy alignment with the microscope's knob.
3. Use two Socket Head Cap Screws (M6 for metric / 1/4-20x1/2" for imperial) to mount the unit
on the optical table.
Note:Do not tighten the screws on the base plate until the final alignment.
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MFC1 Chapter 4: Getting Started

4. Adjust the controller's height to get the MFC1 Knob Cap relatively closer to the microscope
knob.
This helps to determine the X axis position of MFC1.
5. Tighten the screws (3x) on Gearhead Yoke to secure the MFC1.
6. Adjust the base plate to center MFC1 Knob Cap on the microscope knob.
7. Use a 5 mm hex key (metric table) or 3/16 hex key (imperial table) to secure the base plate
on the optical table.
8. Loosen the center screw on the Gearhead Yoke, and remove the MFC1.
9. Peel off the liner on the adhesive tape, and mount the Front Tube on the unit.
10. Slide the unit into the Gearhead Yoke , and press the unit onto the microscope knob.
Note: Make sure the adhesive tape on the MFC1 Knob Cap and the microscope knob are in
contact.
11. Tighten the center screw on the Gearhead Yoke.
12. Remove the M3 x 0.5 hex nut (1x) from the Earth Ground Terminal, and slide the ground
cable's terminal end on to the Earth Ground Terminal.
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MFC1 Chapter 4: Getting Started

Replace the hex nut onto the Earth Ground Terminal. Insert the ground cable's banana plug
into the optical table's threaded hole.
13. Connect one end of the power supply to the MFC1 and the other end to a standard power
outlet.
14. Connect the MFC1 to a computer via the supplied USB cable.
15. Install the device driver on your computer (see Software Chapter on Page 8).
16. After the installation is complete, calibrate the MFC1 (see Calibration section on page 12)
based on the µm per revolution on the fine focus knob of your microscope.
The MFC1 factory calibration is set for a microscope with 100 µm per revolution.
Rev B, February 01, 2018 Page 7
MFC1 Chapter 4: Getting Started

Chapter 5 Software
Verify if your computer has the Visual C++ Redistributable Package (2012), Microsoft .NET 4.5.2 or
later, and TRINAMIC Stepper Device driver. If the computer does not have the driver/software or the
version needs an upgrade, follow the installation procedure described in this section.
5.1. Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package (2012)
Installation
1. Insert the MFC1 Software CD into the computer, and open the Driver folder.
2. Double click the vcredist_x64 application to open the Microsoft Visual C++ Setup window.
3. Select I agree to the license terms and conditions, and click Install.
Setup Successful message appears on the Microsoft Visual C++ Setup window.
4. Click Close to exit the Microsoft Visual C++ Setup window.
Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package (2012) setup is complete.
5.2. Microsoft .NET 4.5.2 Installation
1. Insert the MFC1 Software CD into the computer, and open the Driver folder.
2. Double click the NDP452-KB2901954-Web application to open the User Account Control
window.
Click Yes on the User Account Control window. The .NET Framework 4.5.2 Setup window
appears.
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MFC1 Chapter 5: Software

3. Select I have read and accept the license terms, and click Install.
Installation Is Complete message appears on the .NET Framework 4.5.2 Setup window.
4. Click Finish to exit the Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5.2 window.
Microsoft .NET 4.5.2 software setup is complete.
5.3. Driver Installation
1. Insert the MFC1 Software CD into the computer, and save the Application and Driver folder
on your computer.
2. Navigate to Device Manager>Other Devices. Right click on Trinamic Stepper Device and
select Update Driver Software.
The Update Driver Software - Trinamic Stepper Device window appears.
Rev B, February 01, 2018 Page 9
MFC1 Chapter 5: Software

3. Select Browse my computer for driver software, and browse to the Driver folder. Click Next.
The Windows Security warning message appears.
4. Click Install this driver software anyway.
The Windows has successfully updated your driver software message appears. Click
Close. The TRINAMIC Stepper Device driver installation is complete.
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MFC1 Chapter 5: Software

5. Check Device Manager>Port (COM & LPT) on your computer to verify the COM port of
TRINAMIC Stepper Device driver. Make sure the COM Port number is set to COM21.
To change the COM Port Number to COM21:
a. Right click on TRINAMICStepper Device, and click on Properties to open the TRINAMIC Stepper Device -
Properties window.
b. On the Port Settings tab, click Advanced to open the Advanced Settings window.
c. Select COM21 from the drop-down menu next to COM Port Number, and click OK.
d. Click OK on the TRINAMICStepper Device - Properties window.
6. Power cycle the USB and the MFC1.
5.4. MFC1 GUI (Graphic User Interface)
The MFC1 GUI consists of a menu and control area.
●Menu: contains the File menu. Click File>Exit to exit from the Z Stepper Control
window.
●Control Area: moves the Z stage and sets the Z parameters.
♦Z Slider: use the mouse wheel or ± buttons to change the Z position. The application does
not allow any movement through the software if the current position of the Z stage is
outside the Z slider's limits. You must set a new zero value or set the Z stage within the
allowable range of movement.
♦Z: enter the Z axis value in the text box, and click Go. The motor moves according to the
incremental value set in the text box. This movement corresponds to an adjustment in the
microscope focus. Click Set Zero to reset the Z axis to zero. Click Stop to stop the motor.
♦Slider Step Size: set the step size of the slider in mm. Coarse/ Fine options determine the
slider step type.
Rev B, February 01, 2018 Page 11
MFC1 Chapter 5: Software

Note: If you operate the MFC1 through ThorImageLS, use the Invert function to reverse the slider
axis orientation for an inverted microscope. This option is not available with the standalone
software.
Note: The MFC1 software has a safety feature to prevent large, unintended movements of the
objective through the GUI. Accordingly, the software does not allow movement beyond the
hardware configured limits represented at the end of the Z slider. In addition, if you attempt to move
the Z position at a distance greater than the threshold value in the settings file of the Z device, a
message appears to request confirmation of the movement.
5.5. Calibration
Based on the µm per revolution on the fine focus knob of the microscope, you may need to adjust
the mmPerRot value in the ZStepperSettings.xml file.
1. Note the µm per revolution on the fine focus knob of your microscope.
2. Use the equation given below to find the new mmperRot value.
mmPerRot = Numb er of revolutions on the fine focus knob
Stepper Motor Gear Ratio
For a microscope with 100 µm per revolution,
100 µm
5.18
mmPerRot = = 0.019305 mm
3. Open the Application folder, right click on ZStepperSettings.xml and click Edit.
4. On the ZStepperSettings - Notepad window, change the mmPerRot value, and click Save.
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MFC1 Chapter 5: Software

Chapter 6 Maintaining the MFC1
The MFC1 is not water resistant.
The unit does not need regular maintenance. If you suspect a problem with the MFC1, please
contact our nearest office (see Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts Chapter on Page 20 for details) for
assistance from an applications engineer.
6.1. Cleaning
WARNING
Disconnect the power supply before cleaning the unit to prevent any injuries.
CAUTION
DONOTexpose the unit to spray, liquids, or solvents. This may damage the unit.
Use a damp lint-free cloth to clean the unit.
6.2. Troubleshooting
Problem Solution
● Power cycle the USB and the MFC1.
● Check Task Manager>Processes tab for a
running ZStepper_Control.exe process.
Select the .exe file and click End Process
to close the file. Restart the application.
● Check Device Manager>Port (COM &
LPT) on your computer. Make sure the
COM port for the TRINAMICStepper
Device is set to 21.
Offset on the microscope Fine Focus
Knob
Check the µm per revolution on the microscope. By
default, the software is calibrated for a microscope
with 100 µm per revolution on the focus knob. To
calibrate the software, see Calibration section on
page 12.
Rev B, February 01, 2018 Page 13
MFC1 Chapter 6: Maintaining the MFC1

Problem Solution
MFC1 not responding
● Power cycle the USB and the MFC1.
● Check the Z value. The software does not
allow a movement beyond the hardware
configure limits.
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MFC1 Chapter 6: Maintaining the MFC1

Chapter 7 Specifications
7.1. General Specifications
Specifications Value
Module Dimensions 165.3 mm x 115.6 mm x 123.7 mm
(6.51" x 4.55" x 4.87")
Weight 1.36 kg
Operating Voltage 40 Watt 24 VDC, 0~1.67 A
Max Motor Speed (controlled by
software) 160 rpm
Control USB, Software
7.2. Stepper Motor Specifications
Specifications Value
Motor Steps 200
Step Angle 1.8
Micro Stepping 16
Gear Ratio 5.18:1
Total Steps per Revolution 16576
Resolution ± 1 microstep
7.3. Calculating the Microscope Resolution
Total Steps per Revolution = Motor Steps × Controller Microsteps × Gear Ratio
= 200 x 16 x 5.18 = 16576
Theoretical Resolution = 1 Revolution of the Fine Focus Knob
Total Steps Per Revolution
For a standard microscope with 100 µm per revolution of the fine focus knob,
Theoretical Resolution = = 6.03 nm / microstep
100
16576
Rev B, February 01, 2018 Page 15
MFC1 Chapter 7: Specifications

Chapter 8 Mechanical Drawing
1/4" (M6) Clearance Slot
For Mounting To Base (2 Places)
M4 Cap Screw 3 mm Hex
For Adjusting Controller
Height (2 Places)
M4 Cap Screw 3 mm Hex
For Adjusting Controller Depth
5.55"
(140.9 mm)
6.14"
(156.1 mm)
Ø2.47"
(Ø62.7 mm)
7.87"
(200.0 mm)
4.55"
(115.6 mm) 2.68"
(68.1 mm)
4.87"
(123.7 mm)
4.00"
(101.6 mm)
3.41"
(86.5 mm)
0.25"
(6.4 mm)
Ø2.22" (Ø56.4 mm) Gearhead
Yoke
Removable Red Adhesive
Knob Cap
USB Port For
Software Control
Base Plate
Power Supply Input
Earth Ground Terminal
1.79" (45.4 mm) Min
3.49" (88.7 mm) Max
6.51"
(165.3 mm)
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MFC1 Chapter 8: Mechanical Drawing

Chapter 9 Certifications and Compliance
Rev B, February 01, 2018 Page 17
MFC1 Chapter 9: Certifications and Compliance