THORLABS TC300 User Manual

TC300 Heater Temperature Controller Chapter 8: Command Line Operation
Page 24 CTN017856-D02
Chapter 8 Command Line Operation
8.1. Command Line Overview
The TC300 can be controlled by a command line through the USB or RS232 port, as a virtual COM device. This is
to enable operation through a terminal interface or for those who wish to write their own program to control the unit.
The command-line language is described below. Prior to running the command-line interface, the included drivers
should be installed, the unit should be powered on, and a USB cable should be connected between the TC300
controller and the host PC.
The terminal emulator should be configured as follows:
 Baud Rate: 115.2 kbps
 Data Bits: 8
 Parity: None
 Stop Bits: 1
 Flow Control: None
The basic structure of the interface is a keyword followed by either an equal sign (=) or a question mark (?).
The = or ? character determines if the string is a command or a query. All strings, commands, and queries must
be terminated by a carriage return (CR).
The command structure is as follows:
Keyword=argument(CR)
where “keyword” defines the function and “argument” is a numerical value followed by a carriage return (CR).
Notice that some commands might have more than one argument, separated by a space character.
The query structure is as follows:
Keyword?(CR)
where “keyword” defines the function and the question mark (?) indicates a query. The string is terminated with a
carriage return (CR).
There are a few exceptions to this which are noted below. The following table lists the commands and queries
available with this device as well as unique shortcut keys. The prompt symbol (>) appears after each command is
accepted by the controller indicating it is ready to receive the next command.
If the command is incorrect, the controller returns CMD_NOT_DEFINED; if the setting value is out of range, it returns
Data Out-Of-Range!
.
8.2. Command Lines Summary
No.
Command Syntax Description
1
Get ID IDN?
Returns the model number, hardware, and
firmware versions.
2
Get Device Status ST?
Returns device status, see Chapter 8.3.2 for
details.
3
Disable/Enable Channel 1 EN1=n
Set Channel 1 status (0=Disable;
1=Enable
)
.
4
Disable/Enable Channel 2 EN2=n
Set Channel 2 status (0=Disable;
1=Enable
)
.
5
Get CH1 Target Temperature TSET1?
Get the CH1 target temperature; returned
value is the actual temperature in °C.
6
Set CH1 Target Temperature TSET1=n
Set the CH1 target temperature to n/10 °C,
the range is defined by TMIN1 and TMAX1,
the settin
g
resolution of n is 1.

THORLABS TC300 Specifications

General

Brand	THORLABS
Model	TC300
Category	Temperature Controller
Language	English