Motorized Filter Wheel Chapter 5: Software Control
Rev H, October 2, 2014 Page 10
Chapter 5 Software Control
Application Software Operation
5.1.
The FW102C(NEB) and FW212C(NEB) come with a CD-ROM that contains application software to control the
unit using USB 2.0, or RS232, from a PC. (See Thorlabs Motorized Filter Wheel Software Manual).
Minimum PC Requirements
The application program requires a minimum of a Pentium-class machine running Windows XP or newer.
Command Line Interface
5.2.
The FW102C can also be controlled by a command line language through the USB or RS232 ports. This is
offered to enable operation through a terminal interface or for those who may want to write their own program to
control the wheel. Prior to running the command line interface, the unit should be powered, and a USB or RS232
cable should be connected between the FW102C and the host. The terminal emulator should be configured as
follows:
Parameter Setting
Baud Rate
115.2 K Bits per Second
Data Bits
8
Parity
None
Stop Bits
1
Flow Control
None
If the connection is correct, you will see the following message after pushing the Enter key:
Command error CMD_NOT_DEFINED
This message will be followed immediately by the prompt:
>
The basic structure of the interface is a keyword followed by either an equals sign “=” or a question mark “?”. The
“=” or “?” will determine if the string is a command or a query. All strings (commands and queries) must be
terminated by a carriage return (CR) or pressing the ENTER key on the computer.
5.2.1. Command Structure
Keyword = argument (CR)
Here, keyword defines the function, and argument is a numerical value followed by a carriage return (CR).
5.2.2. Query Structure
Keyword? (CR)
Keyword defines the function, and the question mark (?) indicates a query. The string is terminated with a
carriage return (CR). Exceptions to this and unique shortcut keys are given in the table on page 11.
The prompt symbol “>” will appear on power-up and after a command is accepted by the FW102C and indicates
that the FW102C is ready to receive another command line.
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