Physik Instrumente C-863 Mercury User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

S
Sarah WilsonAug 13, 2025
What to do if the Physik Instrumente Controller shows "No controller found"?
- A
  Adrian JohnsAug 13, 2025
  When the PI host software starts and you receive a "No controller found" or “Could not connect...” error message, ensure that the COM port isn't in use by another program, the baud rate setting is correct (SW 5&6:ON for 9600 baud), the upper LED is green (if not, check the power), the firmware is current, a C-815.32 null-modem cable is used for RS-232, and only RS-232 or USB is connected, not both.
B
Belinda ParkAug 17, 2025
What to do if the Physik Instrumente Controller reports position but the motor doesn't move?
- K
  Kaitlyn JohnsonAug 17, 2025
  If the Physik Instrumente Controller communicates and reports position values, but the connected stage or motor isn't moving, ensure the motor brake is OFF. Verify that the limit-switch-polarity and stage-has-limit-switches axis parameters are properly set (Lx in native command set, SPA in GCS). Also, check that the hardware-interlock limit switch polarity is correctly set (DIP switch 7 OFF for active-high, for standard PI DC motor drives).
C
Cynthia HamiltonAug 20, 2025
Why does the Physik Instrumente C-863 Mercury axis start moving on its own?
- D
  Daniel FosterAug 20, 2025
  If the Physik Instrumente axis starts moving before you send any move commands, it could be due to several reasons: * The autostart macro might be active. If so, erase it. * A joystick might be connected but not calibrated. Refer to Section 4 on p. 27 for calibration details. * The joystick might be activated even though no joystick is connected. In this case, disable the joystick.

Physik Instrumente C-863 Mercury Specifications

General

Number of Axes	1
Interfaces	USB, RS-232
Operating Temperature	5 to 50 °C
Storage Temperature	-20 to 70 °C
Motor types	DC motor, Stepper motors
Positioning Resolution	0.1 µm

Summary

Introduction

1.2 Prescribed Use

Details the intended application and usage of the C-863 controller.

1.3 Safety Precautions

Outlines crucial safety guidelines and warnings for operating the C-863 controller.

1.6 Software Interfaces

Describes the various software interfaces available for controlling the C-863 controller.

Quick Start

2.2 Connecting Mercurys™ with the Host PC

Provides instructions on how to connect the C-863 controller to a host PC via RS-232 or USB.

2.3 Software Installation

Details the procedures for installing the necessary software, including USB drivers and PI software packages.

2.4 Starting Operation

Guides the user through the initial setup and startup procedures for the C-863 controller.

System Description

3.4 Cable Connections

3.8 DIP Switch Settings

Details the configuration options available through the DIP switches on the front panel.

3.9 Firmware Update

Provides instructions for updating the controller's firmware via the RS-232 interface.

Troubleshooting

Problem (3): No communication

Resolves issues related to establishing communication between the host software and the controller.

Physik Instrumente C-863 Mercury User Manual

Table of Contents