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
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MFC1 Chapter 3: Description

3.2. Front Panel Overview
3.3. Rear Panel Overview
Page 4 TTN003537-D02
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