THORLABS MCMK3 User manual

MCMK3 3-Axis USB HID
Joystick
User Guide

MCMK3 USB HID Joystick
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction ...............................................................................................................1
Chapter 2 Getting Started...........................................................................................................3
2.2.1 Minimum computer Requirements..................................................................................................................... 3
2.2.2 Setup ................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Chapter 3 Software.....................................................................................................................5
3.1.1 Installation........................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.1.2 Setup ................................................................................................................................................................... 6
3.1.3 Actions................................................................................................................................................................. 7
3.2.1 Installation......................................................................................................................................................... 11
3.2.2 Setup ................................................................................................................................................................. 11
3.2.3 User Interface.................................................................................................................................................... 12
3.2.4 Troubleshooting Guide...................................................................................................................................... 13
Chapter 4 USB HID In and Out Reports......................................................................................17
Chapter 5 Maintenance ............................................................................................................19
5.2.1 Problem/ Solution Table ................................................................................................................................... 19
Chapter 6 Specifications ...........................................................................................................21
Chapter 7 Mechanical Drawings................................................................................................22
Chapter 8 Certifications and Compliance...................................................................................23
Chapter 9 Warranty and RMA Information................................................................................24
Chapter 10 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts ...................................................................................25

MCMK3 USB HID Joystick Chapter 1: Introduction
Rev. A, February 3, 2023 Page 1
Chapter 1 Introduction
The MCMK3 3-Axis USB HID Joystick consists of a hand-operated knob box with an attached USB cable. Each of
the three side faces of the knob box include a Rotating Encoder Knob and a Push-button LED switch (with a green
LED). A smaller knob on the top face adjusts the velocity output of the bigger rotating knobs.
1.1 Device Overview
Figure 1 MCMK3 Joystick Elements
1.2 Safety Information
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.
Caution
DO NOT operate in a wet, damp, or explosive environment.
USB Cable
Rotating Encoder
Knob
Face 2
Enable/Disable
Switch
Face 1
Speed Control
Knob
Face 3

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Caution
The product has been tested and found to comply with the limits according to IEC 61326-1 for
using connection cables shorter than 3 meters (9.8 ft).
Note
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules and meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment Standard ICES-003 for digital apparatus.
Note
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant 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.

MCMK3 USB HID Joystick Chapter 2: Getting Started
Rev. A, February 3, 2023 Page 3
Chapter 2 Getting Started
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection
Open the package, and carefully remove the MCMK3 Joystick. Inspect the device for any missing parts or damage.
If there is any problem, please contact our nearest office (see Chapter 10, on Page 25 for details).
Figure 2 MCMK3 Packaging
2.2 Setting up the MCMK3 Joystick
2.2.1 Minimum Computer Requirements
Operating System
Windows 7 (or later)
Other Software
Microsoft .NET 4.8 or later
USB Version
USB 2.0
2.2.2 Setup
1. Plug the MCMK3 USB cable into the computer.
2. You should see the below popup message:
Figure 3 MCMK3 Device Setup Popup

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3. A few seconds after this message disappears, the below message will appear:
Figure 4 MCMK3 Device Ready Popup
4. The MCMK3 Joystick is now ready for use as a USB HID Device. See Chapter 4, on Page 17
for more information.

MCMK3 USB HID Joystick Chapter 3: Software
Rev. A, February 3, 2023 Page 5
Chapter 3 Software
Thorlabs offers two software tools for the MCMK3 Joystick. The first is the Thorlabs Joystick Firmware Update
Utility for firmware updates, and the second is the Thorlabs Joystick Test Utility for assessing the USB HID In and
Out report functionality of the MCMK3 Joystick. The latest versions of both of these, along with the firmware .hex
file, can be found on www.thorlabs.com.
3.1 Thorlabs Joystick Firmware Update Utility Installation and Update Procedure
The MCMK3 Joystick comes with the latest firmware version installed. Use the below processes to install the
firmware updater, and subsequently, to update the MCMK3 Joystick to the latest firmware version.
3.1.1 Installation
1. Navigate to the below Thorlabs software downloads page URL, where you can search for
the MCMK3 in the search tab.
https://www.thorlabs.com/software
After doing so, you will find a list of product specific documents available for download
for the MCMK3 Joystick.
2. On this page, navigate to the firmware update utility tab, and click on the download
button to begin downloading the utility installer, following the instructions that appear.
Make sure to note the location the installer is downloaded to.
3. Navigate to the location where the installer was downloaded, then right-click on the ZIP
file and extract all of the contents, noting the extraction directory.
4. Navigate to the extracted folder, and find and run the installer software, following the
instructions that appear, noting the location the software is installed to.
5. Locate and double-click on the application to run the Thorlabs Joystick Firmware Update
Utility.
If preferred, to access the application from another location, left-click on the file once,
and then right-click and select “Create shortcut”. Follow the instructions that appear, to
place the shortcut file in the desired location.

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3.1.2 Setup
1. Plug the MCMK3 Joystick into an open USB port on your computer.
2. Navigate to and double click on the Thorlabs Joystick Firmware Update Utility icon.
3. The below window should appear stating the Device Name (MCMK3), and the Serial
Number (found on the baseplate of the MCMK3 Joystick). If the MCMK3 Joystick does not
appear here, please click the refresh button, or try to plug it into a different USB port on
your computer.
Figure 5 “Select a Device” Firmware Update Utility Window
4. Highlight the MCMK3 Joystick plugged into your computer by clicking once on the row
containing the Serial Number, and then click the Next button.
5. The below window should appear. From here, you can choose to update the firmware on
the MCMK3 Joystick to the latest version available, or verify the firmware version that is
currently installed. These two actions are explained in the next section.
Figure 6 “Select an Action” Firmware Update Utility Windowb

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3.1.3 Actions
From the “Select an Action” Window you have the option to either update the firmware, or verify the firmware
installed on the MCMK3 Joystick. Both of these actions are explained in more detail below. First however, it is
important to download the most up to date firmware version for the MCMK3 Joystick from the website.
1. Download Firmware
a. Navigate to the below Thorlabs software downloads page URL, where you can search for
the MCMK3 in the search tab. After doing so you will find a list of product specific
documents available for download for the MCMK3 Joystick.
https://www.thorlabs.com/software
b. On this page, navigate to the firmware tab, and click on the download button to begin
downloading the firmware, following the instructions that appear. Make sure to note the
location the firmware is downloaded to.
2. Update Firmware
a. Select the Update Firmware option on the “Select an Action” Window and click the Next
Button.
Figure 7 Update Firmware Selected
b. Click the Browse button and navigate to the location the firmware was saved to, and
select the firmware file, then click the Next button.
Figure 8 Browse to and select Firmware to update to

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c. Click on the Install button, and wait for the progress bar to finish. A message will pop up
saying that the Update has been completed. Please power cycle the MCMK3 Joystick
before use, by unplugging and plugging in the USB cable.