The XY Joystick is spring loaded to return to a zero movement center when not in use. The speed at which the stage moves is linear function of the degree to which the joystick is pushed away from the center. The direction of deflection can be controlled by the settings of the DIP switches on the back panel of the box (see Back Panel Controls). Depressing the button on top of the joystick will toggle the speed range of the joystick. In the high-speed range, the stage will travel up to the maximum speed of the motors; in the low-speed range, the speed for maximum deflection is reduced to 5 – 10% of maximum speed. The speed settings for the joystick may be programmed and saved in firmware. See the JSSPD command.

The Command Encoder Knob is usually used to control the Z-axis stage. The relative speed of the knob can be set with the JSSPD command and saved in firmware. The command knob can be attached to any axis by using the JS command.

The Zero Button allows the user to set all three axes coordinates to zero. Upon pressing the button, the LCD will display the change. Pressing the button also cancels any and all serial-controlled movement commands. The zero button also acts as a HALT button to stop undesired motion. Pressing the zero button briefly will halt motion and zero the coordinates; pressing and holding down the zero button for more than 1 second will halt motion, but not alter the coordinate settings.

The Home Button sends the stage back to the zero coordinates.

The @ Button is programmed for special functions. On most controllers this button is used with the Multi-Point Save/Move feature (see Special Functions below).

The Clutch Enable Switch allows the user to disconnect the Z-Axis motor from the microscope’s fine focus knob by setting the switch to “Disengaged” (no dot on switch). When switching from “Disengaged” to “Engaged” (white dot on switch), the current position of the Z-Axis is locked in, canceling any previously given Move commands. When the drive is “Disengaged,” the feedback encoder still provides position information for the Z-axis LCD display. In some system configurations, the rocker switch is not used, or used for other special purposes.

The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen shows the current position coordinates of the axes with status information displayed to the right. A dim back illumination allows users to clearly view the screen even in a darkened room without causing light pollution. The LCD display has four display modes selected by DIP switches 1 & 2 on the back panel. The display modes have the following characteristics:

Mode 1 - SW 1 & 2 DOWN Normal Display with Controller Firmware Version Line Shown

4 Line version

2 line version

This display shows the stage position in millimeters with five digits of precision with the status indicators on the right side.

Mode 2 - SW 1 DOWN & SW 2 UP Normal Display with Status Line Shown

4 line version

2 line version

The status line at the bottom of the display indicates the command set (H high or L low), the XY encoder mode (R rotary or L linear), and the Z encoder mode (R rotary or L linear). The next two numbers show the next position to move to for ring buffer, and the number of positions stored, respectively, separated by a colon (:). Controllers with the Auto-Focus option display the focus value on this line as well. On the right side is a time clock. Some error codes are displayed in place of the clock for a few seconds after they occur.

Mode 3 - SW 1 & 2 UP Dual Display with Status Line Shown

4 line version

2 line version

In this mode, two sets of number are shown for each axis. The number on the left is the current position reported by the axis encoders. The number on the right is the target position that the controller is trying to achieve.

Mode 4 - SW 1 UP & 2 DOWN Dual Display with Firmware Version Line Shown

There are several status indicators that may appear on the right side of the axis line display (in display columns 19 or 20). The meaning of these indicators is listed in the table below.

The status indicators can help you understand how the controller is set up and working. The f, s, & W indicators tell you which axes are being controlled by the manual control devices as well as the speed range for the devices. Momentarily depressing the joystick button will switch the speed indicator from ‘s’ to ‘f’ or vise versa.

Should the stage be moved into either a hardware or software limit switch, the ‘U’ or ‘L’ indicators will appear. Further movement into the limit is prohibited.

When a commanded move is issued to an axis via a computer command, the ‘B’ indicator will appear until the axis reaches target to the accuracy specified by the PC error variable. Should the stage drift further from the current target by more than the E drift error variable, the motors will re-engage and the ‘M’ will appear as the right status indicator. The ‘M’ will disappear when the stage is again within the PC error variable of the target. When using manual input devices (joystick or knob), the ‘M’ will appear as the motors attempt to keep the XY stage and Z drive at the location specified by the input devices.

If excessive servo errors are encountered, the axis will be disabled and the ‘D’ will appear. This is a safety feature to limit motion under run-away conditions or in the event of a stage crash.

To use the USB port, you need to install the necessary drivers onto your computer, they are available for download from Silicon Labs' website. Please note that the Windows 10 Universal drivers do not work with ASI controllers; if you are running with Windows 10 OS, use the drivers for Windows 7/8/8.1.

After the drivers are installed, you can check the communication between your computer and the controller by using your computer’s Device Manager. Before you connect and power up your ASI controller, expand the “Ports (COM & LPT)” menu¹⁾ and note any communications ports listed. Connect the controller via the provided null modem cable. When you power up the connected controller, you should see a new communications port listed. (For example, if you see COM1 before powering up the controller, you will see COM1 and COM2 after powering it up.)

The USB drivers on your computer create a virtual serial port whenever the computer is connected to a powered-up controller. This virtual serial port operates like an RS-232 port as described below.

The two 9-pin RS-232 ports allow serial commands to talk to and through the MS 2000. The IN port attaches to the PC computer via a null modem RS 232 Serial Cable to allow serial commands to control and get information from the MS 2000. The null modem cable switches the RX and TX lines and terminates possible PC handshaking lines allowing for asynchronous communication without handshaking. The OUT port is controlled by a second UART on the microcontroller. As a default it is configured as a “pass though” so serial traffic sent to the controller from the PC is echoed directly on the OUT port. Special functions are supported that use this port for dedicated purposes (e.g. triggered encoder reporting).

The MS 2000 uses a 1A, 250V, fast blow, 5x20mm standard fuse.

The MS 2000 uses a 24V 1.25A universal input, switching DC power supply. The power supply is connected and disconnected from the circuits via the ON/OFF power switch.

This DB-25 connector is used to connect the MS 2000 to the X/Y stage via a four foot cable.

This DB-15 connector is used to connect the MS 2000 to the Z-Axis drive assembly via a four foot cable.

X ,Y & Z linear encoder connectors are located on the back panel. Heidenhain encoders utilize labeled DB-15F connectors. If the encoders are cross connected, the affected axes will behave erratically.

Two BNC connectors are provided, labeled IN and OUT. The connectors are wired to the internal board connector SV1. The IN connector is usually wired to IN0, the buffered TTL input channel. On piezo Z-axis (PZ_* Firmware) systems, the OUT connector is connected to the analog DAC output that is used for control of the piezo system with a 0-10v analog signal (3mA max). On non-piezo systems, the OUT connector is usually wired to OUT0, the buffered TTL output channel, and provides a 0 or 5v digital output.

The reset button causes a hardware-level reboot of the microprocessor, which re-initializes the MS 2000 system.

The DIP Switches allow the user to modify the configuration of the MS 2000’s input and output devices. Switches 1 2 select the LCD screen options. Switches 4 and 5 set up the serial baud rate for the RS-232 and USB interfaces. Switches 3 & 6 select between linear and rotary encoders for the XY and Z axes, respectively. Switches 7 8 adjust the deflection of the joystick. The controller must be reset for most new DIP switch settings to take effect.

Several special features have been incorporated into the stage control firmware beginning with version 6.0a. Several of these functions are standard on every controller, others are only supported with special hardware modifications or options; each are discussed in turn.

Beginning with firmware version 8.0, a set of configuration flags are read upon startup which determines the axis profiles for standard build firmware. These flags determine whether linear or rotary encoders are to be used, and the type of motor / lead screw combination used for the various axes. The configuration flags may be changed using the “CCA X” commands or by switching the encoder DIP switches. When a configuration flag is changed for an axis, new default parameter settings are used for that axis. On most controllers the “CCA X?” commands will show the existing configuration and show the other configurations available in the firmware.

Users often request special features for their systems. Often there are special firmware modules that are included to provide custom functionality. The BUILD X (BU X) command lists the firmware's basic build information and all of the special firmware modules that are included in the controller. The following list describes some of these modules that may be present in your controller.

For a more comprehensive list see the Modules page.

† These modules are often included in standard builds. If you see something you want but don’t have, contact ASI.

Beginning with firmware version 8.1, powering down the MS 2000 controller will automatically cause the current positions to be saved to non-volatile memory so they can be restored upon startup. The shutdown procedure watches for power failure and immediately turns off the motor drivers before saving the position coordinates. Any power interruption will shut down operation. The user can always reset the stage coordinate origin using the ZERO button, however the actual position of the preset firmware limits remain unchanged with this operation. To reset the controller with default firmware limits and with zero stage coordinates, press the RESET button on the back of the controller. With the RESET operation, the current stage position will be lost. Upon loss of power, the controller will send the character ‘O’ out the serial port. After successfully saving positions, the controller will send the character ‘K’.

The MS 2000 controller allows the user to customize various parameter settings and then save the settings to non-volatile memory to be used on subsequent power-ups. The controller is shipped with general purpose default setting suitable for most users. The user can always return to the default settings unsuitable parameters are saved. See the SAVESET command in the Programming section of the manual.

The behavior of the stage and controller at the completion of a move can be controlled with several programmable parameters. The best method can depend upon the particular application, the thermal and vibration environment, whether linear encoders are used, speed required, etc. The various options are set using the MAINTAIN [MA] command codes for each axis. The Finish Error and Drift Error tolerances are set with the PCROS and ERROR commands respectively. The WAIT command can be used to enter a PAUSE state or control the motor drivers following a move. The table below shows how the various command options can be used.

ε is the final position error

Leaving the servos on can improve the positioning, especially on some linear encoded stages, and especially when a second axis remains in motion after one axis has finished moving. Turning the drivers off and using error threshold hysteresis means that most of the time there is no power applied to the motors so they cannot move. This is also the most power efficient mode.

Often there is a need to mark several positions to later revisit. The MS 2000 controller has a ring-buffer with up to 50 locations that the user can load with position information and then visit sequentially. The current stage position can be saved to the buffer by depressing the button on top of the joystick and holding it for longer than one second. (A short tap of the button toggles the joystick speed) You can move to the next position of interest and again save the position in the buffer by holding down the joystick button. Continue this procedure to save all positions of interest.

Save locations can be revisited by pressing the @ button briefly. Each press of the @ button advances to the next position. When you reach the last position, the next press of the @ button will take you back to the first position. Holding the HOME button down for longer than one second will clear all the stored positions in the ring buffer.

The ring buffer may be preloaded with values via the serial command LOAD. Serial commands can also be used to advance to the next position as well as to control which axes will be affected by the move commands. See LOAD, RBMODE, and TTL commands in the Programming section of this manual. Contact ASI for details.

The MS 2000 controller now uses a full closed loop trajectory driven algorithm for all commanded moves. This means that the move velocity is controlled as part of the digital feedback loop. Many users need to have high precision slow speed control. The MS 2000 now provides the smoothest control possible in a motorized stage. To achieve this unsurpassed control, we have had to impose some small restrictions in terms of the acceptable velocity values. The controller has a minimum controlled speed of one encoder count per 64 servo cycles. The table below shows the slowest controlled speed for various stage configurations:

The controlled stage speed must be an integer-multiple of the minimum speed. For example, an XYZ stage with 6.35 mm pitch lead-screw could be programmed to move 0.46 m/s, 0.92 m/s, 1.38 m/s, etc., but not values between the integer-multiple of the slowest speed. Be aware that at the very slowest speeds, the condition and cleanliness of the stage, and the calibration of the analog stage driver circuitry can have a dramatic effect on the smoothness of operation. Please request tech note TN120 Slow Speed Considerations for further information.

Buffered TTL input (IN0) and output (OUT0) are available on internal connector SV1 pins 1 & 2 respectively. These lines may be connected to the IN and OUT BNC connectors on the MS 2000 back panel. The TTL command allows the user to select which functions are active for the IN0 and OUT0 lines. Various functions supported by the TTL command include:

• Triggered moves or Z-stack acquisitions
• Triggered asynchronous serial stage position reporting
• Output pulses upon move completion
• Output gated during constant speed motion.

The TTL input functions require the IN0_INT firmware module. The output functions are available in all builds.

Systems the with SCAN_MODULE firmware addition have some special commands that make raster scanning very easy and well controlled. With the SCAN, SCANR, and SCANV commands, you can define a raster area and the number of raster lines. The stage will scan each line at constant speed, followed by rapid retrace. Hardware line sync signals available on SV1 pin 7 for the X or Y axis, as selected by internal jumper JP1 (1&2 X-axis; 2&3 Y-axis). With the ENC_INT firmware module encoder transitions can be counted to provide a “pixel” clock for an external recording device.

The TTL_REPORT_INT firmware module allow for external TTL synchronized position reporting. The position reports are sent to the auxiliary serial port on the MS 2000 WK in a binary format so that rapid, low jitter position reporting is possible for real-time positioning tasks. Contact ASI for details.

ASI’s PhotoTrack system uses the TRACKING firmware module along with hardware available from ASI that allows the stage to latch on and track spots of fluorescent illumination from labeled organisms. A quadrant PMT is used to provide sensitive and rapid position feed back information from the illuminated target. Contact ASI for details.

Motor-driver current-limits prevent the motors from fully powering into hard stops. In addition, the MS 2000 controller is constantly monitoring the positions of the motors under its control. Situations that may result in run-away conditions (such as reversed polarity motors or encoders), or situations where the motor is not able to follow the desired move trajectory (e.g., when mechanical interference limits the motion), cause the controller to detect an error condition. The motors are immediately turned off and the offending axis is disabled. If this happens, a ‘D’ character is displayed as the status indicator on the LCD display. The user should correct the problem and then reset the controller to regain control of the disabled axis.

Controllers using firmware Version 6.0 and newer utilize a motor driver circuit where all analog circuit alignment is done either automatically in firmware, or via serial commands. The user need not open the case to adjust the drive-circuit feedback and zeroing levels.

The firmware also keeps track of any internal error conditions that may arise during operation and saves the last 255 error codes in a buffer that may be read out for diagnostic purposes (see the serial DUMP command). The controller also has a built in “move buffer” that holds move dynamic information for up to 200 servo cycles. The user may utilize this buffer to attempt advanced tuning of the controller for special applications or extremely fast or slow moves. Please see the section MS 2000 Optimal Alignment Procedures for a full discussion of these issues.

The MS 2000 controller supports clocked rotational devices, such as motorized objective nosepiece turrets, filter cube turrets, and filter wheels. These devices move to discrete clocked positions. Manual control is usually via the @ button to advance to the next position. The serial MOVE command is used to move the devices to a specific integer-value clocked position. The current position is reported using the WHERE command.

The controller keeps track of several sets of flags, parameters and other saved configuration variables. It is important to understand how changing some of these parameters affect the other sets. The parameter sets are discussed below, starting with the most permanent settings and continuing to the least permanent settings.

The motor driver alignment parameters are set with the AA and AZ commands. These commands set nonvolatile digital potentiometers located in the driver circuitry. These settings are independent of the other parameters settings and are immediately saved on the digital pots themselves.

The configuration flags are set with the “CCA X=n” command, and by the position of DIP Switches #3 and #6 (the DIP switches change between linear and rotary mode for the XY stage and Z-axis drive respectively). The configuration flags allow the loaded firmware to work with a variety of specific hardware configurations. Specific lead screw pitch, linear encoder resolution, encoder type, and piezo Z-axis range are some examples of the configurations settings that can be changed. (See the CCA command for details). The configuration flags are usually only changed when the controller is first set up for a particular set of hardware, when new firmware is loaded using the ASI Updater, or when changing between linear and rotary encoder for the stage. When a configuration flag is changed, it is immediately saved in nonvolatile memory; the controller must be restarted for the new configuration to be implemented.

There are many operating parameters that can be changed in the controller. These include such things as error tolerances (E and PC commands), speed and acceleration times (S and AC commands), servo parameters settings (KP, KI, and KD commands), and many others. All of these operating parameters have Factory Default settings that have been determined to be appropriate for most typical situations. A user may find that a change to some parameter value will improve the performance of the system for their application. When parameter values are changed using a serial command, the new parameter immediately becomes active in the controller. Third party software vendors can change parameter settings “on the fly” using their software and the changes will remain active as long as the controller remains powered on and not RESET. Parameter changes can be made persistent using the “SS Z” command, which saves all parameter settings to nonvolatile flash memory. Users wishing to make a one-time permanent change to a parameter setting can use a terminal program to communicate with the controller, make the parameter change, and then make the change persistent with the “SS Z” command. The new parameters will be used on subsequent power down/up or controller RESET. The user can restore the Factory Default parameter settings any time using the serial command “SS X”.

The controller watches the power line voltage so that it can detect when the controller is being turned off. There is sufficient stored charge in the controller’s power supply to allow the controller to save the stage position and a few other variables as power is being shut down. The variables that are saved are the Stage Axis positions, the programmable Upper and Lower limit locations, and the Home location all expressed in the current coordinated reference system. When power is restored, the controller loads the saved information into its working memory and clears the data from the Saved Position nonvolatile memory locations to ready those storage locations for when power is again shut off.

Successful shutdown is indicated by “OK” broadcast on the serial port upon power-off.

Special user requirements often require custom external wiring. The MS 2000 WK controller has an internal board connector with several I/O lines that are often wired to the external BNC connectors for user connections. There may be occasions where the functions required are not wired to external connectors. The table below shows the connector wiring and the firmware modules that are required to take advantage of the I/O functions. The BU X command will list which modules are present in the loaded firmware. On most controllers the IN BNC is connected to TTL IN0.

The TTL input (IN0) and output (OUT0) ports allow voltages in the range of 0v to 5v as an input, where any voltage below 0.95v(+-0.3v) is a LOGIC LOW signal. Any signal above 1.6v(+-0.3v) is considered a LOGIC HIGH state. Any signals in between 0.95 to 1.6v will maintain the same logic state that was registered from the last known state (Schmitt Triggered inputs). TTL_IN0 (Pin 1) is connected to one of the inputs of a 74AC14 and also a 10KOhm resistor to ground. (10K pull-down). Damage may occur if input voltage exceeds +5.5v. Damage may also occur if input voltage is below -0.5v. TTL_OUT (Pin 2) is connected directly to one output of a 74AC14 Schmitt Trigger inverter with CMOS outputs (Voltages typically 0-0.1v LOW, and 4.9-4.99v HIGH).

More information about TTL functionality can be found on the TTL command page.

Internal Jumper JP1 selects the encoder flag signal that is used for the SYNC flip-flop. JP1 1-2 selects the X-axis; JP1 2-3 selects the Y-axis.

Internal Jumper JP2 selects the encoder signals that are counted during scanning. JP2 1-2 selects the X-axis; JP2 2-3 selects the Y-axis.

Please contact ASI if you need assistance configuring the controller for special functions.

External Modular Power Supply

100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 0.8 A Standard Supply (1.5 A High-Current Supply Option)

+24 VDC, 1.25 A Standard Supply (2.5 A High-Current Supply Option)

1 Amp, Standard Supply 2 Amp, High-Current Supply

Indoor use only