THORLABS MMR601 User manual

HA0117T
MMR601, MMR602
Modular Rack
User Guide
Original Instructions

Page 0
Contents
Chaper 1 Introduction .................................................................................................1
Chaper 2 Safety ...........................................................................................................2
2.1 Safety Information ..............................................................................2
2.2 General Warnings ...............................................................................2
Chaper 3 Overview ......................................................................................................3
3.1 Rack System Description ...................................................................3
3.1.1 Building Larger Scale Systems ............................................................... 3
3.1.2 Ease of Use ............................................................................................ 3
3.2 Kinesis Software Overview ................................................................4
3.2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 4
3.2.2 Kinesis Server ......................................................................................... 4
3.2.3 Software Upgrades ................................................................................. 6
3.3 Front Panel Controls ..........................................................................6
3.4 Rear Panel Controls ...........................................................................7
Chaper 4 Installation and Set Up ...............................................................................8
4.1 Installing Software ..............................................................................8
4.2 General Precautions ...........................................................................9
4.2.1 Siting ....................................................................................................... 9
4.2.2 Environmental Conditions ....................................................................... 9
4.3 Mechanical Installation ....................................................................10
4.3.1 Mounting ............................................................................................... 10
4.3.2 Blanking plates ..................................................................................... 10
4.3.3 Fitting a module .................................................................................... 10
4.3.4 Removing a module .............................................................................. 11
4.4 Electrical Installation ........................................................................12
4.4.1 Connecting the Rack and Controller ..................................................... 12
4.4.2 Connecting To The Supply ................................................................... 12
4.4.3 Bonding ................................................................................................. 12
4.4.4 Fuses .................................................................................................... 12
4.5 Selecting the Stage Type .................................................................13
Chaper 5 Preventive Maintenance ...........................................................................15
5.1 Safety Testing ...................................................................................15
5.2 Cleaning .............................................................................................15
Chaper 6 Specifications and Associated Products ...............................................16
6.1 Specifications ...................................................................................16
6.2 Associated Products ........................................................................16
Appendix A Using the APT Software ..........................................................17
Appendix B Regulatory ................................................................................22
Appendix C Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ................................................23

Rev F Mar 2019 Page 1
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 1 Introduction
Thorlabs has an extensive range of one-, two- and three-axis controllers for stepper
motor and piezo actuator control. Increasingly, production of optoelectronic
components requires fully automated or semiautomated control of a large number of
mechanical stages. In such applications, it is often more convenient to use a modular
system of controllers to drive a modular system.
The Thorlabs Modular Motion Control System has been developed to meet the
challenges of the modern optoelectronic production environment and provides
unsurpassed ease of installation, reconfiguration, flexibility and upgradability.
The modular rack system provides a highly functional 12 channel platform within the
‘footprint’ of a 4U high, 19” wide enclosure. With a unified power supply and a USB
communications interface, the rack system is easily incorporated into larger custom
applications. The MMR601 Rack is supplied without a cover, ready for installation into
a standard 19 in. frame. The MMR602 is supplied with a cover and rubber feet for
benchtop use.

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APT Modular Rack
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.
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.
Warning
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 F Mar 2019 Page 3
Chapter 3 Overview
Chapter 3 Overview
3.1 Rack System Description
3.1.1 Building Larger Scale Systems
The unrestricted configuration flexibility offered by the rack allows any combination of
the 2-channel stepper motor controller, piezoelectric driver and NanoTrak control
modules to be fitted for specific nanopositioning and alignment applications. For
example, a system configured to operate our MAX683 6-axis nanopositioning stage,
which has six stepper motors and six piezoelectric actuators with displacement
sensors, would require 12 channels of motion control. Using three stepper motor
modules, each with two channels, provides the motor control; using two piezoelectric
controller modules and one NanoTrak controller module would power all 6 of the
piezoelectric actuators while also taking advantage of the position sensors.
Additionally, the NanoTrak module provides the full range of features offered by a fully
operational auto-alignment system. All this functionality fits into the single chassis that
measures just 4U in height.
Please see the documentation supplied with the various module products for further
details.
3.1.2 Ease of Use
The rack system architecture, hardware and software has been skilfully engineered
to provide an efficient and effective solution to complex high channel count
applications.
The rack presents a clean, uncluttered front panel, with six rear mounting bays for the
plug-in modules. The backplane of the rack connects all modules and the control PC
via a standard USB bus. This arrangement greatly simplifies the cable management
issues that arise as the number of channels expands.
A flexible and energy efficient integral power supply powers all of the modules
allowing for an adaptable, “mix-and-match” choice of module type, location and
combination. These features greatly enhance ease-of-use, and provide an
unparalleled flexibility for future system upgrades or reconfigurations. Each module is
equipped with an on-board DSP embedded processor; as modules (channels of
operation) are added, processing power is also added, hence the system is able to
maintain maximum operating efficiency even when fully loaded.
Due to the inherent architecture of the system, additional racks can be added to the
USB bus as required, thus allowing multiple, fully automated 6-axis positioning
stages to be combined into a single unified motion control system.
The PC based software that is used to drive the system operates from the same
multithreaded server code and associated suite of high level user applications used
to drive our range of stand-alone bench top controllers. This makes it possible to offer
effortless code-porting and concurrent control of bench top and rack controllers.

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APT Modular Rack
The software is rigorously engineered using modern object oriented techniques,
ensuring programming environment independence and compatibility with a large
number of third party development tools.
All key high level commands, settings and
system parameters are exposed through a set of software functions. These exposed
functions allow the modular electronics system to be 'driven' from applications written
by the user without the need to understand or alter the core system software.
The following sections detail the operation of the rack using of the Kinesis software.
For details using the legacy APT software please see Appendix A.
3.2 Kinesis Software Overview
3.2.1 Introduction
The controllers fitted in the MMR601 rack share many of the benefits of the Thorlabs
range of motor, piezo and auto-alignment controllers. These include USB connectivity
(allowing multiple units to be used together on a single PC), fully featured Graphical
User Interface (GUI) panels, and extensive software function libraries for custom
application development.
The Kinesis software suite provides a flexible and powerful PC based control system
both for users of the equipment, and software programmers aiming to automate its
operation.
The User Interface allows full control of all settings and operating modes enabling
complete ‘out-of-box’ operation without the need to develop any further custom
software. It provides all of the necessary system software services such as generation
of GUI panels, communications handling for multiple USB units, and logging of all
system activity to assist in hardware trouble shooting. The Kinesis server is also used
by software developers to allow the creation of advanced automated positioning
applications very rapidly and with great ease.
3.2.2 Kinesis Server
Kinesis controls are re-usable compiled software components that supply both a
graphical user interface and a programmable interface. Many such Controls are
available for Windows applications development, providing a large range of re-usable
functionality. For example, there are Controls available that can be used to
manipulate image files, connect to the internet or simply provide user interface
components such as buttons and list boxes.
With the Kinesis system, .Net Controls are deployed to allow direct control over (and
also reflect the status of) the range of electronic controller units, including the BSC201
series controllers. Software applications that use .Net Controls are often referred to
as 'client applications'. A .Net Control is a language independent software
component. Consequently the controls can be incorporated into a wide range of
software development environments for use by client application developers.
Development environments supported include Visual Basic, Labview, Visual C++,
C++ Builder, HPVEE, Matlab, VB.NET, C#.NET
and, via VBA, Microsoft Office
applications such as Excel and Word.

Rev F Mar 2019 Page 5
Chapter 3 Overview
Consider the control supplied for the MST602 stepper motor control module.
This Control provides a complete user graphical instrument panel to allow the stage
to be manually operated, as well as a complete set of software functions (often called
methods) to allow all parameters to be set and motor operations to be automated by
a client application. The instrument panel reflects the current operating state of the
controller unit to which it is associated (e.g. such as motor position). Updates to the
panel take place automatically when a user (client) application is making software
calls into the same Control. For example, if a client application instructs the
associated stage to move, the progress of that move is reflected automatically by
changing position readouts on the graphical interface, without the need for further
programming intervention.
The Kinesis Controls collection provides a rich set of graphical user panels and
programmable interfaces allowing users and client application developers to interact
seamlessly with the Kinesis hardware. Each of the Kinesis controllers has an
associated .Net Control and these are described fully in the handbooks associated
with the controllers.
Fig. 3.1 System Architecture Diagram

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APT Modular Rack
Refer to the main Kinesis Software online help file, for a complete programmers guide
and reference material on using the Kinesis Controls collection. This is available
either by pressing the F1 key when running the Kinesis server, or via the Start menu,
Start\Programs\Thorlabs\Kinesis\Kinesis Help.
3.2.3 Software Upgrades
Thorlabs operate a policy of continuous product development and may issue software
upgrades as necessary.
3.3 Front Panel Controls
Fig. 3.2 Modular rack front panel
Power LED - Indicates that power is applied to the unit.
Channel Keys - Used to enable/disable channels of the modules fitted in Bays 1 to
6. The associated LED is lit when the channel is enabled. In the case of the motor
controllers, disabling the channel allows the motor actuator to be operated manually.
Disabling channels on piezo and NanoTrak controllers sends their respective HV
outputs to zero volts. See Fig. 3.2 for information on associating channel keys with
bay locations.
ModularRack
apt
APT Rack viewed from the rear
Bay 1 Bay 2
Bay 3 Bay 4
Bay 5 Bay 6
Bay 1
1 2
Bay 2
1 2
Bay 3
1 2
Bay 4
1 2
Bay 5
1 2
Bay 6
1 2
modular rack modular rack
aptapt
Power

Rev F Mar 2019 Page 7
Chapter 3 Overview
3.4 Rear Panel Controls
Fig. 3.3 Modular rack rear panel
Bonding Point - used to electrically bond one or more racks together (or with other
equipment) to eliminate circulating earth (ground) currents. Do not connect to the
main power supply ground.
USB - USB port for system communications with a host control PC.
USB
Fuse Rating
T10A H250V
Antisurge Ceramic
Power Input
1500 VA
85 - 264 V~
47 - 63 Hz
bonding point
EXT IN (-)
PIEZO IN USER I/O
DRIVE CHANNEL 1 DRIVE CHANNEL 2
PIEZO IN
EXT IN (+) HV OUT EXT IN (-)EXT IN (+)
EXT IN (-)
USER I/O
ANNEL 1 DRIVE CHANNEL 2
PIEZO IN
EXT IN (+) HV OUT EXT IN (-)EXT IN (+)
DRIVE CHANNEL 2
MOTOR I/O
L1
L2
Model No.
MST601
Model No.
MNA601
Model No.
MPZ601
USB port

Page 8 11060-D01
APT Modular Rack
Chapter 4 Installation and Set Up
4.1 Installing Software
DO NOT CONNECT THE STAGE TO YOUR PC YET
1) Download the software from www.thorlabs.com.
2) Locate the downloaded setup.exe file and move to a suitable file location.
3) Double-click the setup.exe file and follow the on-screen instructions.
Caution
If your PC becomes unresponsive (e.g due to an operating system problem,
entering a sleep state condition, or screen saver operation) for a prolonged
period, this may interrupt communication between the Software and the
hardware, and a communications error may be generated. To minimize the
possibility of this happening it is strongly recommended that any such modes
that result in prolonged unresponsiveness be disabled before the software is
run. Please consult your system administrator or contact Thorlabs technical
support for more details.
Caution
Some PCs may have been configured to restrict the users ability to load
software, and on these systems the software may not install/run. If you are in
any doubt about your rights to install/run software, please consult your system
administrator before attempting to install.
If you experience any problems when installing software, contact Thorlabs on
[phone] and ask for Technical Support.

Rev F Mar 2019 Page 9
Chapter 4 Installation and Set Up
4.2 General Precautions
4.2.1 Siting
The Modular Rack is designed to be used in a horizontal position..
4.2.2 Environmental Conditions
Location Indoor use only
Maximum altitude 2000 m
Temperature range 5oC to 40oC
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.
Caution
When lifting the unit, use both handles on the front panel. Do not lift the unit
using only one handle.
When siting the unit, it should be positioned so as not to impede the operation
of the rear panel power supply switch which is the main power disconnect.
To maintain cooling, ensure that proper airflow is maintained to the sides of the
unit, particularly if mounted in a 19” rack.
Warning
Operation outside the following environmental limits may adversely affect
operator safety.
Caution
The host PC controlling the unit must be protected against humidity and/or
liquid spillage.

Page 10 11060-D01
APT Modular Rack
4.3 Mechanical Installation
4.3.1 Mounting
The MMR601 Rack is supplied without a cover, ready for installation into a standard
19 in. frame. The MMR602 is supplied with a cover and rubber feet for benchtop use.
It is possible to convert a rack from frame mount to benchtop (or vice versa), please
contact the factory for details.
4.3.2 Blanking plates
4.3.3 Fitting a module
To fit a module into the rack, refer to Fig. 4.1 and proceed as follows;
1) Ensure the rack is the right way up, with the feet at the bottom.
2) Undo the securing screws in the module front panel such that the screws are held
in the panel by their threads.
3) Gently slide the module into the guide rails until it engages with the back plane
connector. If the module does not go in easily, check it lines up with the connector
and that the guide rails are positioned correctly. Firm pressure is required to seat
the module correctly.
4) Tighten the four securing screws on the module front panel.
Caution
When mounting the benchtop version, ensure adequate air flow is maintained;
do not obscure the ventilation holes on the left- and right-hand sides of the unit.
When mounting in a 19 in. frame, ensure there is sufficient air gap at the sides
of the enclosure.
Warning
Unoccupied module slots in the rack must always be covered by the purpose
made blanking plates provided. Do not operate the equipment with the blanking
plates removed.
Warning
Ensure that all power to the rack is disconnected before fitting or removing a
module.
Note
During item (3) ensure that the fins on the module are correctly located in the left
hand and right hand guide rails.

Rev F Mar 2019 Page 11
Chapter 4 Installation and Set Up
Fig. 4.1 Fitting a module into the rack
4.3.4 Removing a module
1) Switch off and disconnect all power.
2) Undo the securing screws in the module front panel such that the screws are held
in the panel by their threads.
3) Pull the module from its bay, ensuring an even pulling force on both handles to
prevent the module sticking in its rails.
Caution
During item (3), take care not to damage the spring bonding strip along the top
and bottom edges of the front panel.
HV OUT
EXT IN (-)
PIEZO INUSER I/O
DRIVE CHANNEL 1DRIVE CHANNEL 2
PIEZO IN
EXT IN
(+)
HV OUT
EXT IN (-)
EXT IN (+)
Model No.
MPZ601
HV OUT
EXT IN (-)
PIEZO INUSER I/O
DRIVE CHANNEL 1DRIVE CHANNEL 2
PIEZO IN
EXT IN (+)
HV OUT
EXT IN (-)
EXT IN (+)
Model No.
MPZ601
HV OUT
LV OUT
SIG IN
PIEZO INUSER I/O
DRIVE CHANNEL 1DRIVE CHANNEL 2
PIEZO IN
HV OUT
LV OUT
L1
L2
Model No.
MNA601
DRIVE CHANNEL 1DRIVE CHANNEL 2
USER I/OMOTOR I/O
L1
L2
Model No.
MST601
DRIVE CHANNEL 1DRIVE CHANNEL 2
USER I/OMOTOR I/O
L1
L2
Model No.
MST601
DRIVE CHANNEL 1DRIVE CHANNEL 2
USER I/OMOTOR I/O
L1
L2
Model No.
MST601
Modular Rack
apt
Power Input
800 VA
100 - 240 VAC
47 - 63 Hz

Page 12 11060-D01
APT Modular Rack
4.4 Electrical Installation
4.4.1 Connecting the Rack and Controller
The Control PC should be connected to the rack using a spare USB connector,
according to the PC manufacturers instruction manual.
Additional racks can be added as required, via spare USB sockets or a standard USB
hub.
4.4.2 Connecting To The Supply
4.4.3 Bonding
To eliminate circulating earth (ground) currents, units in the same system should be
bonded using the rear panel terminal.
4.4.4 Fuses
Two T 10A/250V a.c. antisurge ceramic fuses are located on the back panel, one for
the live feed and one for the neutral as follows:
When replacing fuses:
1) Switch off the power and disconnect the power cord before removing the fuse
cover.
2) Always replace broken fuses with a fuse of the same rating and type.
Warning
The unit must be connected only to an earthed fused supply of 110 to 230V.
Use only power supply cables supplied by Thorlabs, other cables may not be
rated to the same current. The unit is shipped with appropriate power cables for
use in the UK, Europe and the USA. When shipped to other territories the
appropriate power plug must be fitted by the user. Cable identification is as
follows:
Brown Live
Blue Neutral
Green/Yellow Earth/Ground
Warning
Do not connect this terminal to the power supply ground.
Fuse Rating Type Fused Line
F1 T 10A ceramic; antisurge; 20mm Live feed
F2 T 10A ceramic; antisurge; 20mm Neutral feed

Rev F Mar 2019 Page 13
Chapter 4 Installation and Set Up
4.5 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, a stage association can be made
which enables the Kinesis server to apply automatically, suitable default parameter
values on boot up of the software. With some Thorlabs stages, the controller will
recognise the stage at switch on, and no further action is required; for others, it is
necessary to tell the controller which stage is connected as follows.
1) Install the software as detailed in Section 4.1.
2) Install the electronic hardware and connect the modules to the relevent axes of
the associated stages (see Section 4.3.3. of this handbook, and also the
handbooks supplied with the control modules).
3) For each Stepper Motor Control module in your system, fit the interlock plug
(supplied) to the MOTOR CONTROL connector on the rear panel (see the
handbook supplied with the motor control module).
4) Connect the rack to the PC then switch ON.
5) Run the Kinesis software - Start/All Programs/Thorlabs/Kinesis/Kinesis.
6) The 'Actuator/Startup Settings ' window is displayed.
Fig. 4.2 Stage Configuration Window
Note
Even if a stage type and axis has been associated with the controller, it is still
possible to alter these parameters if required, (e.g. for a custom stage type not
selectable using the Kinesis software) - see Section 5.3.4.
Note
To use the increased resolution and velocity funcitionality offered by these
controllers, the stage types prefixed by ‘HS’ (e.g. HS NanoMax 300 X Axis) must be
selected. Failure to select the correct stage type will result in reduced velocity and
resolution.

Page 14 11060-D01
APT Modular Rack
7) Select your actuator type (e.g. HS NanoMax 300 X-Axis) from the list displayed.
8) Click OK.
9) The server reads in the stage and controller information automatically. See the
handbook supplied with the relevant control module for further information.
Note
To use the increased resolution and velocity funcitionality offered by these
controllers, the stage types prefixed by ‘HS’ (e.g. HS NanoMax 300) must be
selected. Selecting a stage/actuator type without the ‘HS’ prefix will result in reduced
velocity and resolution.

Rev F Mar 2019 Page 15
Chapter 5 Preventive Maintenance
Chapter 5 Preventive Maintenance
5.1 Safety Testing
PAT testing in accordance with local regulations, should be performed on a regular
basis, (typically annually for an instrument in daily use).
5.2 Cleaning
The fascia may be cleaned with a soft cloth, lightly dampened with water or a mild
detergent.
Warning
The equipment contains no user servicable parts. There is a risk of severe
electrical shock if the equipment is operated with the covers removed. Only
personnel authorized by Thorlabs Ltd and trained in the maintenance of this
equipment should remove its covers or attempt any repairs or adjustments.
Maintenance is limited to safety testing and cleaning as described in the
following sections.
Caution
The instrument contains a power supply filter. Insulation testing of the power
supply connector should be performed using a DC voltage.
Repeated application of ‘flash’ test may damaage the insulation.
Warning
Disconnect the power supply before cleaning the unit.
Never alow water to get inside the case.
Do not saturate the unit.
Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder or solvent, e.g. alcohol
or benzene.

Page 16 11060-D01
APT Modular Rack
Chapter 6 Specifications and Associated Products
6.1 Specifications
Power Supply
Voltage 100 to 240 VAC
Frequency 50-60 Hz
Power 800 VA
Fuse 10A
Dimensions (W x D x H) 480 x 448 x 183 mm (19.0 x 17.6 x 7.0 in.)
6.2 Associated Products
Description Part number
APT Modular Rack (no cover) MMR601
APT Modular Rack (with cover) MMR602
Piezoelectric Control Module MPZ601
Stepper Motor Control Module MST601
NanoTrak Autoalignment Module MNA601
Blanking plate

Rev F Mar 2019
Appendix A Using the APT Software
Page 17
Appendix A Using the APT Software
A.1 Introduction
A common requirement in many optoelectronic alignment and characterization
applications concerns the implementation of automated positioning sequences.
Typically, such positioning sequences require a series of descrete movements and
measurements to implement an overall solution
The mechanical stage options and drive electronics offered by Thorlabs are ideally
suited to performing all of these individual steps in a variety of different ways.
The key to the APT range of controllers (and associated mechanical products)
concerns the ease and speed with which complete automated alignment systems can
be engineered at the software level. All controllers in the APT range are equipped with
USB connectivity. The 'multi-drop' USB bus allows multiple APT units to be connected
to a single controller PC using simple USB hubs and cables.
The USB connection flexibility offered by the APT controllers is matched by the
associated product software. All APT controllers are shipped with a sophisticated
multithreaded ActiveX based software control suite. This suite comprises the main
ActiveX based APT Server with a number of utilities including APTUser and
APTConfig. APT Server is the main software 'engine' that runs on the host PC to
provide all necessary APT services such as generation of sophisticated graphical
instrument panels, multiple unit USB communications and multithreaded execution to
enhance system operation and prevent GUI deadlock. Rather than a single monolithic
entity, the APT Server is actually an interoperating collection of ActiveX Controls (or
simply Controls) together with associated support files and libraries. These ActiveX
Controls, developed using leading edge object oriented coding techniques, are the
key to the powerful, flexible and yet extremely easy to use APT control software.
A.1.1 APT Server (ActiveX Controls)
ActiveX Controls are re-usable compiled software components that supply both a
graphical user interface and a programmable interface. Many such Controls are
available for Windows applications development, providing a large range of re-usable
functionality. For example, there are Controls available that can be used to
manipulate image files, connect to the internet or simply provide user interface
components such as buttons and list boxes.
With the APT system, ActiveX Controls are deployed to allow direct control over (and
also reflect the status of ) the range of electronic controller units. Software
applications that use ActiveX Controls are often referred to as 'client applications'.
Based on ActiveX interfacing technology, an ActiveX Control is a language
independent software component. Consequently ActiveX Controls can be
incorporated into a wide range of software development environments for use by
client application developers. Development environments supported include Visual
Basic, Labview, Visual C++, C++ Builder, HPVEE, Matlab, VB.NET, C#.NET
and, via
VBA, Microsoft Office applications such as Excel and Word.

Page 18 11060-D01
APT Modular Rack
Consider the ActiveX Control supplied for the APT stepper controller module.
This Control provides a complete user graphical instrument panel to allow the motor
unit to be manually operated, as well as a complete set of software functions (often
called methods) to allow all parameters to be set and motor operations to be
automated by a client application. The instrument panel reflects the current operating
state of the controller unit to which it is associated (e.g. such as motor position).
Updates to the panel take place automatically when a user (client) application is
making software calls into the same Control. For example, if a client application
instructs the associated stepper motor Control to move a motor, the progress of that
move is reflected automatically by changing position readouts on the graphical
interface, without the need for further programming intervention.
The APT ActiveX Controls collection provides a rich set of graphical user panels and
programmable interfaces allowing users and client application developers to interact
seamlessly with the APT hardware. Each of the APT controller modules has an
associated ActiveX Control and these are described fully in system online help or the
handbooks associated with the controllers. In addition to the main ActiveX Server, a
number of other utilities are supplied with the APT system, most notably APTUser and
APTConfig. Note that these utilities themselves take advantage of and are built on top