Gentec-E Maestro User Manual

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 1

WARRANTY

The Gentec-EO MAESTRO Single Channel Laser Power, Energy and Power/Energy Meter carries a one­year warranty (from date of shipment) against material and/or workmanship defects, when used under
normal operating conditions. The warranty does not cover damages related to battery leakage or misuse.

Gentec-EO Inc. will repair or replace, at Gentec-EO Inc.’s option, any MAESTRO that proves to be
defective during the warranty period, except in the case of product misuse.

Any attempt by an unauthorized person to alter or repair the product voids the warranty.
The manufacturer is not liable for consequential damages of any kind.
Customers must fill in and mail the warranty card in order to activate the warranty.
In case of malfunction, contact your local Gentec-EO distributor or nearest Gentec-EO Inc. office to obtain

a return authorization number. The material should be returned to:

Gentec Electro-Optics, Inc.

445, St-Jean-Baptiste, Suite 160

Québec, QC

Canada G2E 5N7

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

e-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.gentec-eo.com

CLAIMS

To obtain warranty service, contact your nearest Gentec-EO agent or send the product, with a description
of the problem, and prepaid transportation and insurance, to the nearest Gentec-EO agent. Gentec-EO
Inc. assumes no risk for damage during transit. Gentec-EO Inc. will, at its option, repair or replace the
defective product free of charge or refund your purchase price. However, if Gentec-EO Inc. determines
that the failure is caused by misuse, alterations, accident or abnormal conditions of operation or handling,
you will be billed for the repair and the repaired product will be returned to you, transportation prepaid.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 2

Refer to the manual for specific Warning or Caution information to avoid any
damage to the product.

DC, Direct Current

SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not use the MAESTRO if the device or the detector looks damaged, or if you suspect that the
MAESTRO is not operating properly.

Appropriate installation must be done for water-cooled and fan-cooled detectors. Refer to the specific
instructions for more information. Wait a few minutes before handling the detectors after power is
applied. Surfaces of the detectors get very hot and there is a risk of injury if they are not allowed to cool
down.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital

device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, try
to correct the interference by taking one or more of the following steps:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the distance between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment to an outlet that is on a different circuit than the receiver.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved in writing by Gentec-EO Inc. may

void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

SYMBOLS

The following international symbols are used in this manual:

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 THE MAESTRO SINGLE CHANNEL LASER POWER/ENERGY METER ........................................... 6

1.1 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................. 6

1.2 SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................... 7

1.3 FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................................. 9

1.4 TOP PANEL DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................ 10

2 GETTING STARTED ........................................................................................................................... 13

2.1 HOW TO ACCESS THE DIFFERENT MENUS OF THE MAESTRO’S USER INTERFACE ............................... 14

2.2 QUICK POWER AND ENERGY MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE .................................................................. 16

2.3 DESCRIPTION OF THE MAESTRO NAVIGATION MENU ....................................................................... 19

2.4 HOME ............................................................................................................................................. 20

2.4.1 Set Device ............................................................................................................................. 20

2.4.1.1 Date & Time (Not available on this version, check our web site for new versions) ........................... 21

2.4.1.2 Number of Digits ............................................................................................................................... 21

2.4.1.3 Serial Commands ............................................................................................................................. 22

2.4.1.4 Ethernet ............................................................................................................................................ 23

2.4.1.5 Languages........................................................................................................................................ 24

2.4.2 Set Measure .......................................................................................................................... 25

2.4.2.1 Wavelength ...................................................................................................................................... 26

2.4.2.2 Range ............................................................................................................................................... 28

2.4.2.3 Measure Mode ................................................................................................................................. 29

2.4.2.4 Corrections ....................................................................................................................................... 32

2.4.2.5 Trigger Level .................................................................................................................................... 33

2.4.3 Display ................................................................................................................................... 34

2.4.3.1 Display Parameters menu bar ................................ .......................................................................... 35

2.4.3.2 Real time display .............................................................................................................................. 38

2.4.3.3 Scope display ................................................................................................................................... 38

2.4.3.4 Needle display .................................................................................................................................. 40

2.4.3.5 Averaging display ............................................................................................................................. 40

2.4.3.6 Statistics display ............................................................................................................................... 42

2.4.4 Acquisition ............................................................................................................................. 45

2.4.5 Startup Config........................................................................................................................ 48

2.4.6 About ..................................................................................................................................... 49

2.5 SEARCH ....................................................................................................................................... 50

2.6 INFO ............................................................................................................................................. 51

2.7 MANAGE USB .............................................................................................................................. 52

2.8 BACK TO MEASURE BUTTON .................................................................................................... 52

3 SERIAL COMMUNICATION INTERFACE .......................................................................................... 53

3.1 USB SERIAL COMMUNICATION ........................................................................................................ 53

3.1.1 Installation ............................................................................................................................. 53

3.1.1.1 Installation for Windows™: ............................................................................................................... 53

3.1.2 Setting up Communication to the MAESTRO ....................................................................... 53

3.1.2.1 Verify COM Port ............................................................................................................................... 53

3.1.2.2 Connect to the MAESTRO ............................................................................................................... 53

3.1.2.3 To echo commands .......................................................................................................................... 54

3.1.2.4 Test the connection .......................................................................................................................... 54

3.1.2.5 HyperTerminal settings shortcut ....................................................................................................... 54

3.2 ETHERNET COMMUNICATION ........................................................................................................... 55

3.3 PC-MAESTRO USER-FRIENDLY SERIAL DATA ACQUISITION SOFTWARE ............................................. 56

3.4 TRADITIONAL COMMUNICATION SETTINGS ........................................................................................ 57

3.4.1 Serial Command format ........................................................................................................ 57

3.4.1.1 Serial Protocol Rules: ....................................................................................................................... 57

3.4.1.2 Text mode rules: ............................................................................................................................... 57

3.4.2 MAESTRO Binary Mode Description .................................................................................... 58

3.4.2.1 Description ....................................................................................................................................... 58

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 4

3.4.2.2 Codification....................................................................................................................................... 58

3.4.3 Serial Command Directory .................................................................................................... 59

3.4.3.1 Serial commands ................................................................ .............................................................. 61

3.4.3.2 Error Messages ................................................................................................................................ 76

3.4.4 Legacy monitor serial commands.......................................................................................... 77

3.4.4.1 Emulated SOLO2 Serial commands ................................................................................................. 77

3.4.4.2 Error Messages for SOLO2 Serial mode .......................................................................................... 88

4 MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................................................... 89

4.1 USB INSTALLATION FOR THE MAESTRO ......................................................................................... 89

4.2 FREE SOFTWARE UPGRADE ............................................................................................................ 89

4.3 BATTERY CHARGING ....................................................................................................................... 89

4.4 TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................................................................ 89

5 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY .................................................................................................... 90

6 APPENDIX A ....................................................................................................................................... 91

6.1 QED/12/25/50/65/95 ..................................................................................................................... 91

7 APPENDIX B ....................................................................................................................................... 93

7.1 RECYCLING AND SEPARATION PROCEDURE. ...................................................................................... 93

7.2 SEPARATION: .................................................................................................................................. 93

7.3 DISMANTLING PROCEDURE: ............................................................................................................. 93

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 5

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

FIG. 1-1 MAESTRO FRONT PANEL ................................................................................................................. 9

FIG. 1-2 MAESTRO TOP PANEL ................................................................................................................... 10

FIG. 1-3 TYPICAL PULSE SHAPE OF A PYROELECTRIC DETECTOR ...................................................................... 12

FIG. 2-1 MAESTRO START UP WINDOW ........................................................................................................ 13

FIG. 2-2 HIERARCHY OF THE MAESTRO’S USER INTERFACE STRUCTURE ........................................................ 14

FIG. 2-3 PARAMETERS MENU TO SET THE DETECTOR’S ZERO LEVEL ................................................................. 17

FIG. 2-4 THE NAVIGATION MENU BAR .............................................................................................................. 19

FIG. 2-5 THE HOME MENU WINDOW............................................................................................................... 20

FIG. 2-6 THE SET DEVICE MENU WINDOW ....................................................................................................... 21

FIG. 2-7 THE NUMBER OF DIGITS MENU WINDOW ............................................................................................. 22

FIG. 2-8 SERIAL COMMANDS MENU WINDOW ................................................................................................... 23

FIG. 2-9 ETHERNET CONFIGURATION MENU WINDOW ....................................................................................... 24

FIG. 2-10 LANGUAGE CONFIGURATION MENU WINDOW .................................................................................... 25

FIG. 2-11 THE SET MEASURE MENU WINDOW.................................................................................................. 26

FIG. 2-12 THE WAVELENGTH MENU WINDOWS ................................................................................................ 27

FIG. 2-13 POPUP WINDOW TO ENTER A USER DEFINED WAVELENGTH ............................................................... 28

FIG. 2-14 THE RANGE SELECTION MENU WINDOW ........................................................................................... 29

FIG. 2-15 THE MEASURE MODE SELECTION MENU WINDOW FOR A THERMOPILE DETECTOR HEAD ....................... 30

FIG. 2-16 SETTING CORRECTION MENU .......................................................................................................... 32

FIG. 2-17 TRIGGER LEVEL WINDOW ................................................................................................................ 33

FIG. 2-18 DISPLAY MENU WINDOW .................................................................................................................. 35

FIG. 2-19 THE DISPLAY PARAMETERS MENU BAR ............................................................................................ 35

FIG. 2-20 REAL TIME DISPLAY ........................................................................................................................ 38

FIG. 2-21 SCOPE TIME DISPLAY ...................................................................................................................... 39

FIG. 2-22 DIGITAL NEEDLE DISPLAY ................................................................................................................ 40

FIG. 2-23 AVERAGING DISPLAY....................................................................................................................... 41

FIG. 2-24 STATISTICS DISPLAY ....................................................................................................................... 42

FIG. 2-25 STATISTICS SETTINGS POPUP WINDOW ............................................................................................ 43

FIG. 2-26 STATISTICS DURATION SETTINGS POPUP WINDOW ............................................................................ 44

FIG. 2-27 DATA SAMPLING PARAMETERS WINDOW MENU. ................................................................................. 46

FIG. 2-28 STARTUP CONFIG MENU WINDOW .................................................................................................... 48

FIG. 2-29 ABOUT WINDOW. ............................................................................................................................ 49

FIG. 2-30 SEARCH WINDOW. .......................................................................................................................... 50

FIG. 2-31 INFORMATION MENU WINDOW .......................................................................................................... 51

FIG. 2-32 MANAGE USB MENU WINDOW ......................................................................................................... 52

FIG. 3-1 MAESTRO ETHERNET COMMUNICATION EXAMPLE APPLICATION ....................................................... 56

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 6

1 THE MAESTRO SINGLE CHANNEL LASER POWER/ENERGY METER

1.1 Introduction

To obtain the full performance from the MAESTRO, we recommend that you read this manual carefully.
The MAESTRO is a microprocessor-based power and energy meter that uses the latest technology to

provide a multitude of options in a user-friendly environment. It is intuitively accessible using a touch
screen. It is a complete power and energy meter. The MAESTRO provides a statistical analysis of your
measurements. It allows you to store data on an external USB key. Moreover, the MAESTRO can be
updated by connecting a USB key with the new file available on our web site in the download section.

The MAESTRO has enhanced network capabilities that take further advantage of the USB port for data
acquisition and remote control. In addition to the external USB key, it can also transfer data files to a PC
for more sophisticated data analysis. Furthermore, the MAESTRO responds to commands through the
PC interface using the USB port. To transform your PC screen into a virtual MAESTRO, look for the
easy-to-use communications software on our website.

There is no need to enter the head specifications when connecting the new Gentec-EO power or energy
detector heads, for heads version 5 and above. The MAESTRO is already internally set to accept the
latest Gentec-EO wattmeter and joulemeter heads with a DB-15 connector. The MAESTRO supports
both fast and slow heads with a rise time from 5 s to 10 s.

The MAESTRO can reread heads in hot plug situation. Before inserting a new head, wait for the
MAESTRO to stop displaying numbers. Once the head has been detected, the monitor will wait 2
seconds to ensure that the head is properly inserted. If you do not respect these conditions and the head
is not read correctly, reboot the MAESTRO.

Unpacking

Each Gentec-EO MAESTRO is thoroughly tested and calibrated prior to shipment.
Visually inspect every MAESTRO unit after removing it from the shipping containers. If you see any

damage, retain all packaging materials and shipping receipts. Any damage claim should be made
promptly to the transportation company. Notify the nearest Gentec-EO representative concerning the
claim, so that any repair or replacement can be arranged as soon as possible.

Easy software upgrade

Keep in touch with the latest improvements to our user-friendly software by going to our website at

www.gentec-eo.com. Download the latest software version anytime and install it on the MAESTRO with

the USB key. You will find all the necessary information on downloading and upgrading in section 4.2.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 7

Power meter specifications

Power Range

4 pW to 30 kW

Power Scales
(photo diode head)

300pW, 1nW, 3nW, 10nW, 30nW, 100nW, 300nW, 1µW, 3µW, 10µW,

30µW, 100µW, 300µW, 1mW, 3mW, 10mW, 30mW, 100mW, 300mW,

1W, 3W

Power Scales
(thermal head)

16 scales: 300uW, 1mW, 3mW, 10mW, 30mW, 100mW, 300mW, 1W,

3W, 10W, 30W, 100W, 300W, 1kW, 3kW, 10kW, 30kW

Pyroelectric in power
mode range (UM-B)

100µW, 300µW, 1mW, 3mW, 10mW, 30mW, 100mW, 300mW

Resolution (digital)

Current scale/8192

Monitor Accuracy

±0.25 % 5 µV best scale1

Response Time
(accelerated)2

Head dependant (~1 sec)

Statistics

Current value, Max, Min, Average, Std Dev., RMS stability, PTP stability,

Time

Data Storage

Continuous on USB stick

Energy meter specifications

Energy Range

2fJ to 30kJ

Energy Scales

[2]

(photo diode head)

300fJ, 1 pJ, 3 pJ, 10 pJ, 30 pJ, 300pJ, 1 nJ, 3 nJ, 10 nJ, 30 nJ, 100nJ,

300nJ, 1 uJ, 3 uJ,10uJ, 30uJ, 100µJ, 300µJ, 1mJ, 3mJ, 10mJ, 30mJ

Energy Scales

[2]

(thermal head)

3mJ, 10mJ, 30mJ, 100mJ, 300mJ, 1J, 3J, 10J, 30J, 100J, 300J, 1kJ, 3kJ,

10kJ, 30kJ

Resolution (digital)

Current scale/8192

1

2

1.2 Specifications

The following specifications are based on a one-year calibration cycle, an operating temperature of 18 to
28ºC (64 to 82ºF) and a relative humidity not exceeding 80%.

Table 1-1 List of Specifications

The 5µV offset can introduce an error into low power measurements with low sensitivity detectors. It is
essential to use the Zero Offset to rezero the Maestro before making a measurement in these conditions.
It is always good practice to use the Zero Offset. See section 2.2.

Varies with detector head.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 8

Accuracy3

1.0 %50 µV < 6 kHz

2%50 µV 6kHz to 10 kHz

Default Trigger Level

2 %

SOFTWARE
TRIGGER LEVEL

0.1% to 99.9%, 0.1% resolution

Repetition
Frequency4

2 kHz for data acquisition in the real time full screen display, no missing

point

1.3 kHz for data acquisition in real time with time stamp, no missing point
2 kHz in statistics mode, no missing point

From 2 kHz to 10kHz the MAESTRO will send the latest energy pulse

every 500us. (corresponding to a subsampling at 2 kHz).

Frequency
Measurement

Accurate frequency measurement up to 14kHz

0-1000 Hz: 0.1% accuracy

1000-2000 Hz: 0.5%

2000-14000 Hz: 1%

Statistics

Current value, Max, Min, Average, Std Dev., RMS stability, PTP stability,

Time, Pulse #, Repetition Rate, Avg Power.

Data Storage

Continuous on USB stick

General Specifications

Digital Display

112.9 x 84.7mm RGB color LCD with touchscreen, 640 x 480 Pixels

Display Rate

3 Hz numeric display

15 Hz bar graph & needle display

Scope

500 divisions

Data Displays

Real time, Scope, Averaging, Statistics, Digital tuning needle

User input correction
factors

1 multipliers and 1 offsets (7 digits floating point)

Analog Output

0 – 1 volt, full scale, ± .5%

Internet Upgrades

USB STICK

PC Serial Commands

USB & Ethernet5

& RS-232

No missing point
throughput serial

300 Hz

3

4

5

Including linearity, detector dependant.
In a full size statistic’s windows, no scope display and no serial communication.
USB cable included. RS-232 cable must be purchased separately.

6

Backlight at 50% in real time display. The scope and averaging displays decrease the autonomy by

20%.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 9

frequency

Dimensions (without
stand)

216 mm(W) x 122 mm (H) x 45.7 mm (D)

Weight (with stand)

0.670 kg

Battery Pack

4 rechargeable 1.2 V Ni-MH AA

Battery life

6.5 hours6

Battery charge time

4 hours

Universal External

Power Supply

Input: 100/240 VAC 50-60 Hz, Output 9 VDC 1.66 A.

2

1

1.3 Front Panel Description

1- I/O control key.

Fig. 1-1 MAESTRO Front Panel

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 10

CAUTION

Permanent damage may occur to the optical meter if an external
power supply other than the Gentec-EO P/N 200960A is used.
Please call Gentec-EO or your local distributor if extra power
supplies are needed.

6 5 4 3 2

1

Pressing the I/O key quickly when the MAESTRO is OFF turns the MAESTRO ON (do
not hold the I/O key). To turn the MAESTRO off, press the I/O key. To prevent battery
leakage and to increase battery life, we recommend switching the MAESTRO off when
not in use.

2- LCD SCREEN

Dimensions: 112.9 x 84.7mm RGB color Touchscreen LCD, 640 x 480 Pixels.
To access any of the options or menus, simply touch the appropriate icon or button on the

screen.

1.4 Top Panel Description

Fig. 1-2 MAESTRO Top Panel

1- USB PORT FOR USB KEY

This interface allows the user to insert a USB key for an easy and quick data transfer
without having to connect the monitor to a PC. If your key is not recognized, try using a
new one. Old and slow USB keys are not supported.

2- ETHERNET PORT

This interface allows remote control and data transfers between the MAESTRO and a
computer that has an ETHERNET communication port.

3- EXTERNAL POWER SUPPLY INPUT JACK:

Input voltage required: 9 VDC/1.66A. If input voltage is between 15 and 25 volts, the
monitor will switch to USB power or battery power. If the input power is above 26 volts,

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 11

selected Range ofMax  outputVPower

selected Range ofMax  outputVEnergy

either the internal fuse will blow or the monitor may be damaged, depending on the
voltage level and the waveform.

4- USB INTERFACE CONNECTOR:

This interface allows remote control and data transfers between the MAESTRO and a
computer that has a USB communication port.

5- SERIAL INTERFACE CONNECTOR (RS-232, Analog out, Ext trigger):

RS-232:

The RS-232 interface allows remote control and data transfers between the
MAESTRO and a computer, a terminal, or any device that has a serial
communication port. To use the RS-232 port, you must have a special cable
(part number 201860).

Analog out:

It allows monitoring the laser average power or energy by using external
equipment such as a chart recorder, a computer with an analog interface, a
voltmeter, etc. To use the analog output port, you must have a special cable
(part number 201958).

For power measurements: the output signal represents the amplified and
anticipated power detector response.

For energy measurements: the output signal is a DC voltage representing the
pulse energy value.

The 1 V value corresponds to the full scale reading of the selected range. It
provides the best signal-to-noise ratio. The measured power or energy is then
related to the output voltage and to the selected range according to the following
equations:

For example:

1.00 V corresponds to 10 Watt on the 10 W range

0.25 V corresponds to 2.5 Watt on the 10 W range

0.10 V corresponds to 30 mW on the 300 mW range

Specifications:
Maximum output voltage: 1 V
Output impedance: 2 k

External trigger:

To use the external trigger, you must use a special cable (part number 201956).
The External trigger is TTL compatible. The maximum voltage is 25 volts, the
trigger needs a positive voltage, the minimum width is 1 s. The monitor detects
the trigger on the rising side of the external trigger signal. To measure accurately,
the trigger must be just before the laser pulse, or just after. For example:

A QE12SP-S-MT has a 20 s rise time
The External trigger must be 4 s before or 19 s after the laser pulse.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 12

Fig. 1-3 Typical pulse shape of a pyroelectric detector

Connector type: cable sold separately

6- PROBE INPUT JACK:

The MAESTRO uses a DB-15 female connector to mate with the detector heads (probes).
The MAESTRO works with all the latest Gentec-EO detectors except the specialty high

rep rate detectors. It automatically recognizes every power detector head, which ensures
accurate auto-calibration. More importantly, it can take advantage of our Personal
wavelength correction™. It reads the memory in the Smart Interface connector (version 5
and higher) to provide a wavelength correction that is based on spectral data measured
from that specific detector.

The MAESTRO may not recognize some of the old heads EEPROM versions. An error

message “Detector not supported!” will appear in a popup window. Please contact a

Gentec-EO representative to resolve this issue. If no message is displayed, either the
head is not supported or it is broken.

Energy detector heads prior to version 4 have a BNC connector. The user must use a
universal BNC/DB-15 adaptor to connect an energy detector head to the MAESTRO. This
adaptor is compatible with all the Gentec-EO pyroelectric joulemeters except the EPD.

Power detectors of version V5 and higher and Energy detectors of version V6 and
higher are equipped with an “intelligent” DB-15 male connector that mates directly to the

DB-15 female connector. They do not require an adaptor.

WARNING: This DB-15 connector, though similar to that of the former TPM-310 and TPM-330

monitors, is incompatible with the power detector heads of PS-310 Series Version 1
and PS-330 Series Version 1. These heads used a different technology and do not
have the same pin-out configuration.

Any attempt to modify connectors of the early version heads to mate with the MAESTRO
can result in damage to the monitor.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 13

1 2 3

4

2 GETTING STARTED

This section contains important information concerning the installation and operation of the
MAESTRO.

The MAESTRO is delivered ready to use. Just insert a detector head in the Probe Input Jack (#6 in
Figure 1-2) and press the I/O key. The following window will appear on the monitor (Figure 2-1). It is
separated into four different areas.

Fig. 2-1 MAESTRO Start up window

1- REAL TIME DISPLAY (in dual mode)

The Real Time display shows the current measured value by the detector head (refer to
section 2.4.3.2).

2- DISPLAY PARAMETERS MENU

The Display Parameters menu gives you quick access to the MAESTRO’s main settings
(refer to section 2.4.3.1).

3- SCOPE DISPLAY (in dual mode)

The Scope display gives a quick look at the laser beam’s long-term stability and trend as
a function of time. This display can be easily changed using the display parameters menu
(refer to section 2.4.3.3).

4- NAVIGATION MENU (main menu)

The Navigation menu allows you to navigate through the different menu windows to set

the MAESTRO’s options to your specific needs (refer to section 2.3).

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 14

2.1 How to access the different menus of the MAESTRO’s user interface

The powerful CPU of the MAESTRO, combined with the Windows CE operating system, provides an
easy and intuitive access to all of its functions. The user controls the intuitive interface using the touch
screen. To access any option or functionality, simply touch the appropriate icon or button on the touch
screen. To help you navigate through the different menus, the following figure represents the

MAESTRO’s user interface hierarchy. Each menu and submenu is represented by its icon and

referenced to its corresponding detailed section. (Some functions may not be available in your software
version, check our web site for new release),

Fig. 2-2 Hierarchy of the MAESTRO’s user interface structure

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 15

Icon

Name

Type

Description

Cancel

Button

Closes current window without saving
changes.

OK

Button

Saves changes and closes current
window.

Warning

Icon

Identifies a warning window.

Hint

Icon

Identifies a useful hint.

Full Screen

Button

Switches to the single, full screen
display mode.

Minimize

Button

Switches to the dual screen display
mode.

Settings

Button

Allows the user to change the display
settings.

Play

Button

Starts computing the statistics.

Refresh

Button

Refreshes the data in the display
(used for Scope, Averaging and
Histogram).

Stop

Button

Stops computing the statistics.
Check Box (empty)

Check Box

Deactivates the option.

Check Box (full)

Check Box

Activates the option.

Edit

Button

Allows user to edit the field.

Delete

Button

Erases the field.

A set of different buttons and icons allows you to interact with the MAESTRO’s user interface. The
following table describes the different buttons and icons present in the MAESTRO.

Table 2-1 List of Specifications

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 16

Add

Button

Automatically adds a file name.
Pressing the Add button again
increments the name.

Next Page

Button

Displays the next page in the menu.

Previous Page

Button

Displays the previous page in the
menu.

Scroll up
(Not available)

Button

Displays the upper part of the page.

Scroll down
(Not available)

Button

Displays the lower part of the page.

2.2 Quick power and energy measurement procedure

This section applies to all MAESTRO versions. It will show you the fastest way of making a laser power
and energy measurement with the MAESTRO and a Gentec-EO power or energy detector.

The monitor automatically recognizes all the Gentec-EO power heads and energy heads of version 4 or
higher. All customized technical data required for optimum operation of the detector will be automatically
downloaded from the EEPROM in the DB-15 connector. These data include all the necessary head
parameters such as sensitivity, model, serial number, version, wavelength correction factors, time
response and others. The MAESTRO doesn’t support energy detectors before version 4.

Quick power and energy measurement procedure:

1- Install the power or energy detector head on its optical stand.
2- First, slide the connector latch to the right to unlock the connector.
3- Turn the MAESTRO off and connect a compatible power or energy detector head to the

MAESTRO using the PROBE INPUT JACK (see Fig. 1-2). The Maestro allows hot-swapping

between heads.
4- Slide the latch to the left to lock the connector into place.
5- Switch the MAESTRO ON using the I/O key.
6- Power heads will default the MAESTRO to power measurement; energy heads will default the

MAESTRO to energy measurement. The display will default to a dual display in real time and

scope (Fig 2-1) in auto range mode.
7- Remove the head’s protective cover and start the laser.

Put the detector head into the laser beam path. Leave it there for a few minutes, until the

detector has reached an equilibrium temperature. The entire laser beam must be within the

sensor aperture. Do not exceed maximum specified densities, energies or powers. For the

most accurate measurement, spread the beam across 60% to 80% of the sensor area.

Attention: Power heads can be used with both CW and pulsed lasers.

- Energy heads can only be used with pulsed lasers.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 17

Adjusting the zero (step 8a for power heads and 8b for photodiode heads)
8- The power read by the MAESTRO when no laser beam is incident on the detector may not be

exactly zero. For power measures, this is because the detector is not thermally stabilized OR

there was a heat source in the field of view of the detector when you turned on the MAESTRO.

As for photodiode measures, zeroing will remove the detector’s offset.

a. Block off laser radiation to the detector. To reset the zero, wait until the reading

has stabilized and touch Zero in the parameters menu. Two options will appear
(On or Off), select On. You are now ready to take an accurate measurement. To
turn the Zero Offset off, select Off.

Fig. 2-3 Parameters menu to set the detector’s zero level

b. If you have connected a photodiode to the MAESTRO, you must cover the diode

and the zero has to be done for all scales. You will not have to do this manually
for each scale as this is automatically done when you turn “on” the zero. In some
software versions, a message appears requesting you to put the black cover over
your photodiode. Touch the OK button after you have done so. The MAESTRO
passes through all the scales to determine the zero diode for each scale. The

message “Diode Zero Done” appears when the MAESTRO has determined the

zero diode.

Notes:

• Refer to specific power detector documentation for complete installation and operating
instructions.

• Power detectors are thermal sensors and are thus sensitive to temperature variations.

For high-precision measurements, it is recommended to:

• Allow the power detector temperature to stabilize before zeroing the MAESTRO.

• Touch only the stand when handling the power detector. Do not touch the detector head.

• Do not zero adjust the energy detectors, such as the QE series.

 Avoid forced airflow or drafts around the detector.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 18

9- Apply the laser beam to the detector head.
10- The laser beam average power or energy can be displayed in four ways for your convenience:

a. Digitally for real time measurements;
b. On a scope graph to evaluate the laser’s variations in time;
c. On a digitally produced analog display using a needle for easy visualization of the

laser beam power variation during laser fine-tuning;
d. Averaged over a certain number of measurements;
e. Complete statistical results over a certain period of time.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 19

Option

Icon

Description

HOME

Allows you to manage the MAESTRO’s and the detector head’s
settings. You will have access to:

 Device settings
 Measurement settings
 Display settings
 Acquisition settings
 Information about the MAESTRO device

SEARCH

This option allows the user to easily access, in alphabetical order,
some of the available functions on the MAESTRO.

INFO

Displays the MAESTRO’s and the connected detector head’s

information and settings

MANAGE USB

Allows you to manage the USB key. It displays the files currently on
the USB key and lets you rename or delete a file.

BACK TO
MEASURE

Returns to the measurement window.

2.3 Description of the MAESTRO navigation menu

This section describes the first group of menus essential to the MAESTRO’s operation. Refer to Figure
2-2 for a schematic view of the menu structure.

The navigation menu bar provides access, at any time, to the five main options by touching the
appropriate icon.

Fig. 2-4 The navigation menu bar

Table 2-2 List of Navigation menu bar options

By touching an icon in the navigation menu, the MAESTRO will display the appropriate menu window,
allowing you to set or select the desired settings or options.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 20

2.4 Home

The Home menu allows you to access and change any settings for the MAESTRO and the connected
detector head. You can choose between 5 options:

 Set Device controls the MAESTRO’s basic parameters;
 Set Measure controls the data measured by the detector head;
 Display controls the display mode of the data measured by the detector head.
 Acquisition controls the acquisition parameters to save the measured data on the USB key.
 Startup Config configures the measurement settings at startup.
 About displays all the information relative to the current MAESTRO monitor.

2.4.1 Set Device

The Set Device lets you set and save the MAESTRO with customized parameters. You can set the time
and date of the device (not yet available), set the displayed significant digit, set the serial commands,
configure the Ethernet, and set the language (English, French, German, or Japanese). To exit the device

settings window touch the exit button or select any other option from the navigation bar at the
bottom of the window.

Fig. 2-5 The HOME menu window

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 21

Fig. 2-6 The Set Device menu window

2.4.1.1 Date & Time (Not available on this version, check our web site for new versions)

The Date & Time button adjusts the time and date of the monitor's internal clock. This information is used
to timestamp files when you are logging data.

2.4.1.2 Number of Digits

To set the significant figures of the numerically displayed value, touch the Number of Digits button. You
will be able to choose the precision of 3, 4, or 5 digits. You can also choose the default settings, which
will let the device choose the best resolution to fit the scale. Absolute accuracy depends on the head.

When the number of digits is set, touch the OK button to save the changes or touch the cancel
button to ignore the changes.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 22

Power V Range

output

 

Fig. 2-7 The Number of digits menu window

2.4.1.3 Serial Commands

The Serial Commands Menu allows you to configure the serial communication and input/output port
settings. Refer to section 3.4.3 for the complete serial commands directory. All the settings in this menu
are automatically saved, which means that at each reboot, the last changed settings will be loaded.

In order to ease the integration of the MAESTRO with setups using our legacy monitors, select SOLO2
Serial Compatibility. Note that only the ASCII commands are available. This feature is only available
when using the USB port for serial communication. Refer to section 3.4.4 for more information about the
available SOLO2 commands.

For fast data acquisition in energy mode, select Serial Binary Measurement. Refer to section 3.4.2 for
more information on how to use the MAESTRO’s serial binary measurement mode.

The serial communication can be done via USB port or RS-232 port. To use the RS-232 port, you must
use the special cable (part number 201860). Before using the serial communication after it was changed,
you must reboot the MAESTRO.

To use the analog output using the special cable (part number 201958), select Analog Output. The
MAESTRO will not need to be rebooted. This output allows the monitoring of the laser’s average power or
energy with external equipment such as a chart recorder, a computer with an analog interface, a
voltmeter, etc. In the case of a power measurement, the output signal represents the amplified and
anticipated power detector response. In the case of an energy measurement, the output signal is a DC
voltage representing the pulse energy value. In order to improve the signal to noise ratio, the 1 volt value
corresponds to the full scale reading of the selected range. The measured power or energy is then
related to the output voltage and to the selected range according to the following equations:

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 23

Energy V Range

output

 

For example, an output of 0.4 volts on the 30 W scale corresponds to 12 watts of laser power. If on the
10 W scale, then 0.4 volts is equivalent to 4 watts.

Fig. 2-8 Serial Commands menu window

2.4.1.4 Ethernet

The MAESTRO allows the user to remotely control and acquire data. To configure the Ethernet settings,
touch the Ethernet button.

By default, the Ethernet capability is disabled, check the box to enable it. Note that enabling the Ethernet
port may increase the noise of the device if used without an Ethernet cable. You must always reboot the
MAESTRO after changing the Ethernet settings.

The Maestro runs TCP server applications. It can assign static or dynamic IP addresses. It is
recommended to use a dynamic IP address for most applications in order to prevent problems on your
network. When using a static IP address, please make sure you enter valid and available IP address.
Always ask your IT specialist for an available IP address. This will prevent conflicts and problems on
your network. If you are not sure which IP address to use, please use the dynamic IP address type, which
will automatically assign an available address.

Before booting the MAESTRO, connect it to a network cable. Boot the MAESTRO and access the
Ethernet Configuration Menu via Home / Set Device. Enable the Ethernet capability. You can choose to
specify a static IP address and enter your own IP address, or you can choose a dynamic IP address and
the server will automatically assign an IP address to the MAESTRO. If needed, you can change the port

number. When you are done with the setup, simply touch the OK button and reboot the MAESTRO.
If the address type was set to dynamic, access the Ethernet Config menu to retrieve the assigned IP
address.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 24

The device can now be accessed with a simple TCP client application, such as HyperTerminal. Only
native MAESTRO commands are supported with the Ethernet communication. Please make sure that the
SOLO2 Serial Compatibility is unchecked in the Serial commands menu (refer to section 2.4.1.3). Please
refer to section 3.2 for installation instruction on the PC.

Fig. 2-9 Ethernet Configuration menu window

2.4.1.5 Languages

The Maestro allows the user to choose between an English, French, German, or Japanese display.
Chinese will also be available in the future. Check Gentec-EO’s website for updates.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 25

Fig. 2-10 Language Configuration menu window

2.4.2 Set Measure

Options in the Set Measure menu define user-adjustable measured data parameters. The Wavelength
can be changed in order to set it to the wavelength at which the detector is used. The power or energy
Range allows you to adjust the scale in order to obtain the best possible resolution. Correction factors
that will affect the reading can be easily programmed. They can be used for a beam sampler, attenuator,
or other optics that require you to multiply and/or add offsets to the detector reading. Trigger Level and
Measure Mode are also found in the Set Measure menu.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 26

Fig. 2-11 The Set Measure menu window

2.4.2.1 Wavelength

The Wavelength menu is used to select the proper wavelength at which the detector is used. It applies a
correction to adjust for the variation in responsivity at different wavelengths. Pre-programmed
wavelength correction factors dedicated to each detector head are available and automatically loaded
from the detector EEPROM, for version 5 and higher detector heads. When a new detector is plugged in,
the calibration wavelength is the default selection.

To change the wavelength, select the appropriate wavelength from the Wavelength menu. For
photodiodes, left and right arrows will allow you to access all the available wavelengths. Once the

wavelength is set, touch the OK button to save the changes or touch the cancel button to
ignore the changes.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 27

Fig. 2-12 The Wavelength menu windows

The MAESTRO automatically recognizes the latest energy and power detector for accurate auto­calibration. More importantly, it takes advantage of our Personal wavelength correction™: it reads the
memory in the Smart Interface connector to provide a wavelength correction based on spectral data
measured from that specific detector. Your measurements across the band have never been this precise
or easy.

You can also adjust for a wavelength other than the preset wavelength. The MAESTRO will use the pre­programmed data in the detector’s EEPROM. When working at such a wavelength, it will not be available

in the Wavelength menu; you must manually enter the desired wavelength by touching the edit
button. A popup window menu will appear prompting you to enter the wavelength. When the wavelength

is set, touch the OK button to save the changes, or touch the cancel button to ignore the
changes. The MAESTRO only allows you to choose values that fall within the detector’s range. If you
enter an invalid value, a menu pops up to signal the error and the MAESTRO automatically selects the
default value, which is the wavelength used for calibration at Gentec-EO during manufacturing or
subsequent service.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 28

Fig. 2-13 Popup window to enter a user defined wavelength

Once you have entered a new wavelength in the MAESTRO, you can save your settings (refer to section

2.4.5).

2.4.2.2 Range

The Range menu window is used to select the signal level read by a detector head. When a new head is
plugged in, the auto mode is the default option. In this condition, the MAESTRO automatically selects the
best range for the value being measured. You can also choose a fixed scale according to the specific

connected detector head. The MAESTRO only shows range values that fall within the detector head’s

range. You can only choose from these available ranges

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 29

Fig. 2-14 The Range selection menu window

To change the range, simply touch a range value from the appropriate range. When the range is set,
touch the OK button to save the changes, or touch the cancel button to ignore the changes.
When in a manually selected range, you should always use the next higher range to the measured value,

for maximum precision.
Special care must be taken in the case of widely varying pulse energy to ensure that every pulse is

detected. Contrary to the case of a power measurement where the auto mode adjusts continuously to the
measured value, the auto mode in energy mode bases its range selection on the energy of the previous
pulse. A pulse with energy less than 2% of the current scale will not be detected. Always set the scale to
the best one available. To be sure to measure lower energies, set the scale manually to the lowest level
and set the autoscale, the MAESTRO will autoscale to the best scale. In this case, the pulses that
saturated the scale while the autoscale was searching for the best scale will be invalid.

2.4.2.3 Measure Mode

Depending on the type of detector head connected on the MAESTRO, you can choose different measure
modes. The following figure shows an example of the measure mode menu window when a thermopile

detector head is connected to the MAESTRO. Once the measure mode is set, touch the OK button
to save changes, or touch the cancel button to ignore the changes.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 30

7

Delay

Rep. Rate













1

Fig. 2-15 The Measure mode selection menu window for a thermopile detector head

Depending on the type of detector head connected to the MAESTRO, you will have different choices for
the measure modes.

For thermopiles, you have the following measure modes:

 Power in Watts (default);
 Single Shot Energy in Joules7: (Energy mode/ calorimeter mode);
 Moving Average in Watts.

This function allows you to measure the energy contained in a laser pulse with a Gentec-EO power

detector head. This mode of operation gives access to the same options as in the case of an energy

pyroelectric joulemeter. The only restriction is that the time delay between
pulses,
user manual for the specific power detector you are using.)

You must select the range manually because the autoscale is deactivated when you select Energy
Mode.
Keep in mind that the power detectors are optimized to sustain high average power, not high peak
energy. Always keep the energy density below the maximum energy density quoted in the manual for
that specific detector.
The energy mode is always available for power detectors with a typical sensitivity value. A precision of
±3% in the pulse energy measurement can be achieved if the power detector head is specifically
calibrated in energy mode. Please contact your local Gentec-EO distributor or nearest Gentec-EO office
for more information on obtaining a pulse energy measurement calibration.

, must be compatible with the detector specification. (Please refer to the

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 31

For photo detectors, you have the following measure modes:

 Power in Watts (default);
 Moving Average in Watts;
 Power in dBm (dBm = Log [power in Watts/0.001W]).

For Pyroelectrics

 Energy in Joules (default);
 Average Power in Watts.
 Energy Dose in Joules(Not available on this version, check our website for new versions);
 Moving Average in Joules (Not available on this version, check our website for new versions).

When selecting the Moving Average option for thermopiles or photo detectors, or the Average Power
option for the pyroelectrics, a popup window will appear to select the averaging period. This will
automatically turn on the statistics in continuous mode. Please do not turn off the statistics nor change to
non-continuous mode to continue using the Moving Average, or the Average Power options. Also note
that if an acquisition is done while the MAESTRO is in one of these modes, the saved data will also be in
the same format.

The Moving Average is available for those head types:

 Thermopile
 Photodiode
 Pyroelectrics head that work in average power (radiometer)

The Average Power is available for those head types:

 Pyroelectrics
 Photodiode configured in Energy mode.

Uncheck Anticipation to deactivate the power meter acceleration software that provides accelerated
response. By using advanced algorithms and known properties of the detector, this software allows the
MAESTRO to provide a very accurate power measurement a few seconds faster than the natural
response of a thermopile power detector. It accelerates the natural response by a factor of 5 to 10.
Turning off the anticipation will result in a slower response but will reduce the noise level and provide a
more stable measured value in a noisy environment.

Version 7 energy heads have been calibrated with and without the attenuator at a chosen wavelength.
When enabling the attenuator, only the wavelength at which it has been calibrated will be available in the
wavelength menu. Similarly photodiodes have been calibrated with and without the attenuator at

chosen wavelengths. When enabling the attenuator and touching the OK button , the MAESTRO

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 32

will prompt the wavelength menu because the available wavelengths with and without the attenuator are
different.

A checkmark shows when the anticipation or attenuator is activated. It is a toggle switch - select it to
change between on and off. For the anticipation, the default is on and for the attenuator, the default is off.
However, these defaults can be changed in the startup config menu (refer to section 2.4.5).

2.4.2.4 Corrections

The user can apply a multiplier and an offset value to the detector reading. Correction factors are most
useful when sampling a percentage of a powerful laser beam or correcting for absorption along an optical
chain. The menu displays the values of the correction factors that are being applied to the
measurements.

The default value for the multipliers is 1, and the default for the offset is 0. To activate the correction
factors, touch Corrections in the Measurement Settings menu and then select Multiplier or Offset by

touching the appropriate check box. To change the multiplier or the offset’s value, touch the edit
button. A dialog box opens where you can enter the correction value. This number will be multiplied with,
or added to the actual measured value, to calculate the corrected value. Once the correction values are

set, touch the OK button to save the changes or the cancel button to ignore the changes.
The MAESTRO will then display the corrected value.

For example, if you are measuring the laser beam passing through the 99.9% back reflector of a laser
(giving 1/1000th of the real value), choose Multiplier and enter 1000 in the dialog box. The MAESTRO
will display the laser’s power rather than the measured 0.1% sample on the main display.

Fig. 2-16 Setting Correction menu

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 33

It is essential to make sure that the actual measured value also complies with the power and energy limits
of the detector head. The auto range option is the default selection. You can select a specific range but
it must always be based on the actual physical measured values and not on the corrected value. Of
course, the displayed values and the display scale selection are then calculated to take into account the
correction factors.

Note that the Statistics are computed for the corrected values only.
To disable the correction factor, touch the check box corresponding to the correction factor (multiplier or

offset) in the Corrections menu window.

2.4.2.5 Trigger Level

The trigger level only functions if an energy detector head is connected or if a power detector head is
used in Pulse Energy (Calorimeter) mode. This option allows you to change the Trigger Level from 2%
of the full-scale default value. This proves to be especially useful in noisy environments. Acceptable
values range from 0.1% to 99.9% with 0.1% steps. Caution should be taken when choosing a lower
trigger level than the 2% default value in a high noise environment.

To change the trigger level value, access the menu window by selecting Trigger Level from the Set
Measure menu. Touch the edit button and enter the desired number in percentage. Once the trigger

level is set, touch the OK button to save the changes or the cancel button to ignore the
changes. The MAESTRO will not detect pulses with a value under the trigger level. Be careful to select a
scale that is close to the measured value, if the trigger level is high. To reset the default value to 2.0%,
simply touch the Default button.

Caution! If you select a high value trigger level, the MAESTRO may not be able to detect all the values
of widely varying energy levels in auto range mode. The auto range function uses the energy level of
the last pulse to set the scale level. Therefore, it will not detect the next pulses if they are lower than the

Fig. 2-17 Trigger Level window

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 34

trigger level. As a result, the auto range may become caught on a high scale value. To avoid this
problem, select a lower value for the trigger level, change the scale manually, or reset the auto range
mode by reselecting auto in the Range menu (section 2.4.2.2).

Erratic triggering?

In electrically noisy environments, it is possible that the MAESTRO will inadvertently trigger on
the noise. If this is the case, increase the trigger level to 3% or higher if necessary.

It is always good practice to reduce electrical noise generation or shield the detector and
monitor when measuring very low pulse energies.

You can also set the MAESTRO to be triggered externally, via the RS-232 port using a special cable (part
number 201956). Just touch the External Trigger check box.

2.4.3 Display

The various displays offered by the MAESTRO allow you to quickly view measurements in several
different ways. You will appreciate the easy-to-view high resolution, color graphic in dual or full-screen
mode on the 112.9 x 84.7 mm LCD display. You can choose five different display modes:

 Real Time
 Scope
 Needle
 Averaging
 Histogram (Not available on this version, check our website for new versions).
 Statistics

This allows you to select the best way to display measurements according to your specific needs. You
can switch from one option to another without interfering with the measurements.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 35

Fig. 2-18 Display menu window

The MAESTRO allows you to have a single full-screen display or a dual-screen display. To select the
desired display touch the appropriate button. If you choose dual display, one of the displays must be Real
Time. Select Real Time, then select any other display mode by touching it. To return to single display
mode, simply touch the unwanted display mode to cancel it. Once the selection is made, touch the OK

button or the cancel button to ignore the changes.
The MAESTRO’s default mode is dual Real Time and Scope display (Figure 2-1).

2.4.3.1 Display Parameters menu bar
The full-screen display fills the entire window, hiding the navigation menu bar. The Display Parameters

menu bar is at the bottom of the window to allow you to quickly view and access different settings. To

retrieve the navigation menu bar, switch to the dual screen display mode by touching the Minimize

button. In the dual-screen display mode, the Display Parameters menu bar is located under the Real

Time display (see figure 2-1).

Fig. 2-19 The Display Parameters menu bar

The current display settings are easily changed by touching the desired parameter in this menu. Touch
anywhere on the screen to deselect the setting.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 36

Option

Icon

Description

Wavelength
()

Sets and displays the source’s

wavelength.
If the desired wavelength is not on
display, touch More…, which will take
you to the Wavelength menu window
(refer to section 2.4.2.1). The wavelength
value tells you what NIST-based
calibration factor is active. You can find
the factors on the Calibration and the

Personal wavelength correction™

certificates that are shipped with your
detector.

Range

Sets and displays the detector’s range.
Touch Auto to be in auto range mode, +
to increase the range, and – to decrease
the range.
Touch More… to go to the Range menu
window (refer to section 2.4.2.2).

Mode

Sets and displays the Measure Mode
depending on the connected detector
head. Quickly access all the detector
head’s available measure modes using
this button. For more information, refer to
section 2.4.2.3.

Zero

Resets the zero reading level. It does
this by subtracting the power reading on
the display as soon as the On button is
touched. Subsequent measurements will
be relative to this zero power level. The
main purpose of this option is to remove
reading offset caused by thermal noise in
the environment. Thermal noise is
caused by a detector that has not been
thermally stabilized OR there was a heat
source in the field of view of the detector
when the MAESTRO was turned on (for
example, the hand or body of the user).
Use this function once your power meter
has achieved thermal equilibrium to
ensure accurate measurements.
For instructions on the proper way to

adjust your detector’s offset to zero see

step 8 in Section 2.2 Quick power and
energy measurement procedure.

In Energy mode the zero clears the
current value.

Table 2-3 List of Display Parameters menu bar options

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 37

Display

Sets and displays the monitor’s display

mode. You can choose between the
following displays:

 Real Time
 Scope
 Needle
 Averaging
 Histogram (Not available on this

version)

 Statistics
In the dual-screen mode, it corresponds
to the bottom display. For more
information, refer to section 2.4.3.

DATA
Acquisition

Lets you start, stop, and configure the
data acquisition on a connected USB key
at any time. Touch Start to start the
acquisition on the USB key and touch
Stop to stop before the end of the total
duration of the acquisition. Touch
Configure to access the Acquisition
menu window (refer to section 2.4.4),
which will allow you to set the acquisition
parameters.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 38

2.4.3.2 Real time display

The Power or Energy digital display is presented in giant format for easy reading in all conditions.
Directly below it, as wide as the screen, is the Bar graph display, which presents the measurement in
analog format; very useful for rapidly varying values.

Fig. 2-20 Real time display

With a MAESTRO, you can also choose between the high resolution mode for the most significant digits
available or the standard resolution, to filter out unimportant fluctuations in measurement. You can adjust
the number of digits in the Set Device menu window accessible through the HOME menu
(section2.4.1.2).

2.4.3.3 Scope display

The Scope display gives a quick look at the laser beam’s long-term stability and trend as a function of
time. The current data is also displayed at the top of the graphic display.

To refresh the scope touch the refresh button . The graphic will be erased before new data is
displayed. This is useful when an out of range value has been measured.

Touch the Settings button to access the Scope settings. This will allow you to change the X-Axis
scale, the Y-Axis scale (not available), and to display the statistics. Just touch the edit button to

change the X-Axis and Y-Axis scale (not available). For the X-Axis value, enter the desired display time
period. In case you enter an incorrect value, an error popup menu will prompt you to change it to a valid

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 39

value. To view the maximum, minimum, and average values of the measured data (in wattmeter mode
only), touch the Display Stats check box.

Fig. 2-21 Scope time display

Display Stats. When using the single full-screen mode, this will display the maximum, minimum, and

average values of the measured data values in the upper left corner.(available only in wattmeter mode on
this version, check our web site for new versions). The graphic yellow line will correspond to the
maximum value, the green line to the average value, and the red line to the minimum value. When the

scope parameters are set, touch the OK button to save the changes or touch the cancel button

to ignore the changes.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 40

2.4.3.4 Needle display

When you select the Needle, a graphical interface shows a real-time digital needle. The deflection of the
digital needle is proportional to the real-time measurement. The 0 is on the left-hand side of the needle,
whereas the range’s maximum value is on the right-hand side of the needle.. The numerical value of the
real-time measurement is also displayed above the digital needle. The 15 Hz refresh rate makes it an
excellent tool for laser tuning and alignment.

Fig. 2-22 Digital needle display

2.4.3.5 Averaging display

The averaging display is a bar graph that presents the statistics of a set of measures as a function of
time. The MAESTRO measures a series of data during a user-defined period of time. Each bar
represents the maximum, average, and minimum values of the measured data. The top of the white bar
represents the minimum value while the top of the blue bar represents the maximum value. The yellow
line represents the average value for each set of bars. This allows you to quickly evaluate the trends of
the average, maximum, and minimum values in time. You can change the sampling period by touching

the Settings button . Just touch the edit button to change the period, in seconds. If you enter
an incorrect value, an error popup window will prompt you to change it to a valid value between 1 and 120

seconds. When the averaging period is set, touch the OK button to save the changes or touch the
cancel button to ignore the changes. Statistics always run in the background in this mode. This

mode is a real time average of a group of data defined in the data sampling setting.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 41

Fig. 2-23 Averaging display

For Power Detectors:

In the Averaging display mode, the power measurement is the average value defined in the
averaging settings. For optimum averaging, when measuring the average power of a pulsing
laser, it is preferable to use a sample period that is a multiple of your laser repetition rate. For
instance, if you are running at 1 Hz, use an average period of 1, 2, 3 etc… seconds. If it is at 1.5

Hz, use 3, 6, 9 etc… seconds, as the sample period. Take note that if one data point is out of the

current scale, the resulting period average will be OUT. You should set the scale higher than
your maximum unfiltered measurement to avoid this situation.

For Energy Detectors and Power Detectors in Energy Mode:

In the Averaging display mode, the Energy measurement is the average value defined in the
averaging settings.

To refresh the graphic, touch the refresh button . The bars will be erased before new data is
displayed. This is useful when an out of range value has been measured.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 42

2.4.3.6 Statistics display

In the Statistics mode, the MAESTRO displays a complete statistical analysis of power or energy
measurements. Touch the PLAY button to start or restart the data sampling and statistical
calculations. Touch the Stop button to stop the data sampling and statistics before you reach the

end of the selected sampling time. The last statistical values calculated remain on screen so you can
view them later, even if you switch display modes and return to the Statistics display. The data sampling
and statistical calculations continue with this window closed or opened, and no matter what display you
select.

Fig. 2-24 Statistics display

The values in this display provide an additional digit of resolution to allow you to benefit from the
improved precision of large samples. You must understand your sample size well enough to know if this
additional digit is significant.

The MAESTRO uses default sample parameters unless you set them yourself. Touch the Settings
button to access the Statistics Settings to set up the data sampling parameters for calculating the

statistics. Use the defaults or select your own duration sample period to do the statistics.
You can also decide to save only the statistics instead of the entire acquisition or the entire acquisition

followed by the statistics at the end of the file. To do so, check the Save to File option and configure the
output filename (refer to section 2.4.4 Acquisition). If you want to save only the statistics, press the Start
button in the Statistics mode. If you also want to save the entire acquisition and the statistics, touch the
DATA ACQUISITION button on the Display Parameters menu bar and then touch Start (refer to section

2.4.4). In this case, note that the sample rate will only affect the acquisition as the sample rate for the

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 43

8

statistics is fixed8. Furthermore, if the acquisition is stopped before the end of the acquisition duration, the
statistics will not be saved to the output file.

Fig. 2-25 Statistics settings popup window

You can set the MAESTRO either to calculate the statistics for a single sample and stop, or to repeat
continuously. Take data for a few seconds or a few days. You have the flexibility to handle any
application, from analyzing a single short pulse with high resolution to sampling performance over a
period of months.

You can choose to compute the statistical analysis continuously, which is the default option, or to
compute it only during a specific time interval. Touch the edit button for the duration in the statistics

settings popup window to display the statistics duration settings popup window. To change the total
duration of the acquisition, touch the edit button under each time value. Touch the OK button to
save the changes or touch the cancel button to ignore the changes. The format of the duration is

dd:hh:mm:ss, which correspond to days, followed by hours, minutes and seconds. When the total
duration is set, touch the OK button to save the changes or touch the cancel button to ignore

the changes.
The MAESTRO automatically clears and recalculates the statistics at the end of each sample period

unless you manually stop it.

The sample rate for the statistics is fixed at 12.302 Hz for power detectors and 1 pulse per pulse for

energy detectors.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 44

Statistical Parameters

Power

Energy

Definition

Current value





Value of the most recent measurement

Average value





Average from the start of values in the sample, E

avg

or P

avg

Maximum value





Highest value in the sample period, E

max

or P

max

Minimum value





Lowest value in the sample period, E

min

or P

min

RMS stability





Root mean square stability represents the standard deviation
as a percentage of the average.

100

avgE

STD

RMS

,

100

avgP

STD

RMS

PTP Stability





Shows the spread between the highest and lowest point in the
sample as a percent.

100

minmax







avg

E

EE

PTP

,

100

minmax







avg

P

PP

PTP

Fig. 2-26 Statistics duration settings popup window

The statistical parameters that are calculated are listed in Table 2.4.

Table 2.4. Statistical Parameters

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 45

STD Deviation
(only available for the

single full-screen mode)





A measure of the spread of the data around the average.

 

1

1

2











n

EE

STD

n

i

avgi

,

 

1

1

2











n

PP

STD

n

i

avgi

Repetition Rate
(only available for the

single full-screen mode)



Frequency of pulses coming from the laser, PRR

Average Power
(only available for the

single full-screen mode)



Power calculated from the pulse energies and repetition rate.

PRREP avgavg 

Sample Rate

Controls how fast you collect data.

Eg. 10 points/second or 50% of the pulses

Total Duration

Controls how long the MAESTRO will
acquire data and/or do statistics.

Eg. 1 period, 5 hours or 1000 pulses

2.4.4 Acquisition

The MAESTRO allows you to easily acquire data and save it on a USB key for post analysis and
processing. If you did not connect a USB key to the MAESTRO, the monitor will prompt an error
message and the acquisition option will not be available.

You have complete control over the data sampling. The key points to remember whether using a
joulemeter or wattmeter are:

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 46

PARAMETER

Choices

Description

Default

Sample Rate

Power only

Integers
pts/Second

pts/Minute
pts/Hour
pts/Day

Current setting is 10 samples per seconds.
Sets the time between each sample. Specify the

number of points per unit of time. [for example,
for 1 second between samples, set to 60 points
per minute].
Next, you must set the time period for the
number of points entered.
Maximum is 10 points/second,
Minimum is 1 point/day.
Time between samples = 1/(sample rate).

10 per sec

Sample Rate

Energy only

Integers
1/x pulses

Sets the fraction (1/x pulses) of the incoming
pulses sampled for the statistics calculations and
data recording.

1/1 pulses of the
incoming pulses

Duration

Time format

The time period for which samples are reported
(to the display and output). The format of the

1 minute

Fig. 2-27 Data sampling parameters window menu.

The different available options are presented in Table 2.5. To edit one of the data sampling parameters,
touch the edit button. Touch the OK button to save the changes or touch the cancel button

to ignore the changes.

Table 2.5 Data Acquisition Parameters

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 47

Power only
dd:hh:mm:ss
00:00:00:00

duration is dd: hh:mm:ss, which correspond to
days, followed by hours, minutes and seconds.

The MAESTRO automatically clears and
recalculates the statistics at the end of each
sample period unless you manually stop it.

Duration
Energy only

Integers
Number of

pulses

Number of pulses for which samples are reported
(to the display and output).

The MAESTRO automatically clears and
recalculates the statistics at the end of each
sample period unless you manually stop it.

10000 pulses

File name

Alphanumeric
characters

Output file
name

Use the displayed keyboard to enter the new
output file name with an extension (.csv, .txt or
.dat). Note that you must enter a file name to be
able to start an acquisition.

Use the Add button to increment the file
name. If no name was entered, the Add button
automatically adds a file name.

noname_0001.txt

Time Stamp

Yes
No

To have a time stamp appear with the data,
touch the associated check box.

Selecting the check box writes a time stamp with
each data point. This is a relative time stamp that
always begins with zero.

Note that, with the time stamp, the maximum
sampling rate without missing points is 1.3 kHz
instead of 2 kHz without time stamp.

No

To start the acquisition you must return to the display window in dual or single mode. Touch the DATA
ACQUISITION button on the Display Parameters menu bar and then touch Start (refer to section

2.4.3.1). The MAESTRO begins storing data according to your Data Sampling settings. The Stop
command stops the data recording before the end of the acquisition total duration. Even if the acquisition
is stopped, the MAESTRO will continue to provide measurements to the display. If you want to be able to
open the file in Excel use .csv in your file name extension.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 48

2.4.5 Startup Config

The MAESTRO can be configured to store and load certain settings for a specific measurement head in
the Startup Config Menu. By default, the MAESTRO will always remember the last saved settings and
load them at startup (Autosave).

To load factory settings at startup, select Use factory settings. Note that selecting this option will not
change the current configuration, but will only load the factory settings at the next reboot.

It is also possible to save a specific configuration. To do so, change all the desired settings and return to
the Startup Config Menu. Touch the Apply button. The Use current configuration check box will be
selected and the MAESTRO’s current configure will be saved. Even if the settings are changed after this
operation, these changes will not be saved and at startup the MAESTRO will be configured in the same
manner as when the Apply button was touched.

These are the saved parameters:

 Range;
 Anticipation (on or off);
 Attenuation (on or off);
 Wavelength;
 Multiplier and Offset;
 Trigger level;
 Acquisition sample rate;
 Acquisition and statistics duration
 Acquisition time stamp (on or off);
 Save statistics to file (on or off).
 Measure Mode (Power, Single Shot Energy, dBm, Energy)
 Display (Scope, Needle, Statistics)

Fig. 2-28 Startup Config menu window

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 49

If another head is connected, it will not be able to retrieve these saved parameters since they are head
specific: these parameters can be loaded only if the same type of head is connected to the MAESTRO.

The following settings are always saved automatically on the MAESTRO, regardless of the head that is
connected:

 Serial Commands settings
 Ethernet Configuration
 Language

2.4.6 About

The About button in the Home menu displays any help and service information available for this version
of the MAESTRO firmware. You can find all the information about the monitor and the connected
detector head such as:

 The monitor’s model name (MAESTRO);
 The monitor’s firmware version;
 The monitor’s last update;
 The connected detector head’s model name;
 The connected detector head’s serial number.

You can also find all the information concerning Gentec-EO for service support. If you should need help
or additional information on the MAESTRO or any Gentec-EO products, do not hesitate to contact us. We
will be glad to help you.

Fig. 2-29 About window.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 50

2.5 SEARCH

The SEARCH option allows you to quickly look up and find the most common of the MAESTRO’s
functions. The functions are displayed in alphabetical order. Just touch one of the displayed functions to
directly access the corresponding menu window. To exit the SEARCH window, just touch the cancel

button .

Fig. 2-30 Search window.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 51

2.6 INFO

The Information menu window displays the information about the detector head connected to the
MAESTRO and the current measurement settings. In a quick glance you will be able to see the following
information:

 Information about the connector detector head:

o The detector’s Name;
o The detector’s Serial Number;
o The detector’s minimum and maximum Range.

 Information about the measurement settings (refer to section 2.4.2):

o Correction factors (multiplier and offset);
o Wavelength;
o Measure mode;
o Trigger Level.

Fig. 2-31 Information menu window

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 52

2.7 MANAGE USB

The MANAGE USB is a file manager, which lets you work with the file system on the connected USB key.
You can easily view the folders and files already on the USB key in an intuitive hierarchy. You can also,
rename a file and delete a file. This allows you to have full control over the USB key for easy acquisition.

Fig. 2-32 Manage USB menu window

You can scroll up and down the list by sliding your finger on the right hand side of the screen. You can
also collapse the USB key’s tree structure by touching the small square next to “\Hard Disk”. By doing so,
you will have access to different folders on your USB key.

2.8 BACK TO MEASURE BUTTON

The “Back to Measure” button allows the user to easily return to the current measurement window. It will
return to the user’s last selected display option. For instance, if the user was in Needle display, touching
the “Back to Measure” button will return to the Needle display.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 53

3 SERIAL COMMUNICATION INTERFACE

3.1 USB Serial Communication

3.1.1 Installation

Connect the MAESTRO USB port, located on the front panel of the instrument (see Figure 1-2), to the
host device serial connector using the proper cable. The MAESTRO comes with a standard USB cable.

3.1.1.1 Installation for Windows™:

Plug the MAESTRO into a USB port on the PC. If the PC supports USB 1.1, Windows will detect the new
device and prompt you for the software drivers. A Found New Hardware – USB Device window will open
and, after several seconds to a minute, the Found New Hardware Wizard will appear.

Insert the USB drivers CD-ROM if not done already.
For Windows XP, Vista or 7: Cancel the wizard and execute the Auto installer “USB driver installer-r2” in

the USB Driver folder from the CD-ROM.
At the end of this process, a new serial COM port will be added to the list of communication ports. It may

be used as any other serial port. See the Installation PDF to verify or change the COM port assignment.
You will need to know the COM port number to set up the serial connection to the MAESTRO.

3.1.2 Setting up Communication to the MAESTRO

3.1.2.1 Verify COM Port

To verify the USB installation and find the COM port number, click:

Start → Settings → Control Panel → System → Device Manager
Scroll down to Ports (COM & LPT) and double click that line. One of the options should be
USB-to-Serial Port (COM#)

Note the COM port number. You need it for the next step.

3.1.2.2 Connect to the MAESTRO

You may use any serial communications software that you are familiar with. Our instructions are for
HyperTerminal because it is widely available on PCs with Windows. Select:

Start → Programs → Accessories → Communications → HyperTerminal

To save communication settings, enter a name for the connection. In the drop down menu for “Connect
using” select the COM port that the USB driver was installed on (Section 3.1.2.1). Select OK.

Input the following settings into the communications parameter window that appears next.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 54

Bits per second

115,200

Data bits

8

Parity

None

Stop bits

1

Flow control

None

Click OK to begin entering serial commands in the HyperTerminal window.

3.1.2.3 To echo commands

The commands you type will not appear in the HyperTerminal window, unless you setup the
HyperTerminal to do so. Only the response from the MAESTRO will be displayed. If you prefer to see
the commands you are typing, on the HyperTerminal window click the File menu and execute the
following sequence:

File → Properties → Settings (tab) → ASCII setup → select “Echo typed characters locally” → OK

3.1.2.4 Test the connection

In the HyperTerminal window, type *VER. If the response you receive tells you the version of your
MAESTRO, you are successfully connected and ready for serial command action.

3.1.2.5 HyperTerminal settings shortcut

When you end the session, HyperTerminal asks if you want to save your settings. To avoid inputting the
communication parameters again in the future, save by clicking Yes. The next time you execute the
string of commands, the name of your session will appear after HyperTerminal. Clicking on the session
name will open the connection using the saved settings. To avoid re-entering the string of commands,
put a shortcut to this file on your desktop:

Search for the file name. Select the file. Right click and select Shortcut in the drop down menu.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 55

3.2 Ethernet Communication

The MAESTRO Ethernet communication is based on Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). Through a
well configured channel, the user will be able to send commands and receive a response from the device.

Gentec-EO provides an application to help users communicate with the MAESTRO via Ethernet
communication. You can download the MAESTRO Ethernet Communication Example application in the
Gentec-EO software download section or in the Gentec-EO Labview driver download section.

You must enter the right configuration:

1. Plug the MAESTRO to a network cable;

2. Boot the MAESTRO;

3. Open the MAESTRO Ethernet Configuration menu (HOME | SET DEVICE | ETHERNET)

4. Check “Enable Ethernet Capability”;

5. Choose your IP address type (Static or Dynamic);

6. If the address type is static, enter a valid and available IP address. Always make sure the IP
address is available to avoid any conflicts in your network. Always ask your IT specialist for an
available IP address or use the ping command followed by the desired IP address in the
Windows’ cmd application to make sure the address is available;

7. Change the communication port if necessary;

8. Touch the OK button

9. Reboot the device;

10. Open the MAESTRO Ethernet Communication Example application on your PC;

11. Enter the MAESTRO’s IP address and port number. If the address type is dynamic, return to the
Ethernet Configuration page to retrieve the assigned address;

12. Click on the Connect button in the MAESTRO Ethernet Communication Example application;

13. A popup will ask if you want to start a continuous reading. If you choose yes, the command *CAU
will be automatically sent to the MAESTRO and the you will start to receive data from the device;

14. You can send other commands to the MAESTRO using the Command edit box and the Send
button. Note that only native MAESTRO serial commands are valid with Ethernet communication.
Please make sure the SOLO2 Serial Compatibility check box is disabled in the Serial
Commands menu.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 56

Fig. 3-1 MAESTRO Ethernet Communication Example application

3.3 PC-MAESTRO user-friendly serial data acquisition software

User-friendly communication software specially made for the MAESTRO is available for free through our
website (www.gentec-eo.com). This software basically transforms your PC screen into a large
MAESTRO screen enabling you to control and see your information from a distance, while saving data.
LabView™ drivers are also available to let you customize MAESTRO applications on your PC.

You can download the PC-MAESTRO program. Access our website and go to the Downloads section.
Click on the file name and download it to your PC. The specific actions necessary vary by browser and
browser settings. After it is transferred, open the file on your PC and follow the instructions to
decompress and install it.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 57

The user manual is integrated in the PC-MAESTRO’s interface. The Context Help window displays basic
information about the PC-MAESTRO’s functionalities when you move the cursor over each object and
button. You can display the Context Help window by selecting Help/Show Context Help in the menu bar
or by pressing the <Ctrl-H> keys.

If you try to install the same PC-MAESTRO version twice on your computer, you will have the following
warning:

Installation Summary:
No software will be installed or removed.

In such a case, please press enter and continue using the installed version of PC-MAESTRO.
When disconnecting a head on the MAESTRO while using PC-MAESTRO, the PC-MAESTRO might not

see the disconnection and might continue to try to read data. In such a case, please close and restart the
application.

3.4 Traditional Communication Settings

The traditional serial communication interface also allows you to operate the MAESTRO from a remote
location. We recommend using the specific serial data acquisition software PCMAESTRO, if no
automated acquisition is involved because it is much easier to use. In the case of automated
measurement controlled by other software, use the following commands to control the MAESTRO. They
are divided into two groups:

 The control commands allow you to change the MAESTRO’s settings without using the

MAESTRO’s touch screen. Remote control commands do not yield any data, they only confirm that

the command has been executed.

 The acquisition commands are used to obtain information on the current status of the MAESTRO.

They do not change the MAESTRO’s settings, they return the requested information.

3.4.1 Serial Command format

3.4.1.1 Serial Protocol Rules:

Commands are sent as text strings. The response will either be data or an empty string.

3.4.1.2 Text mode rules:

All text commands must begin with a trig character (*). You do not need to end with a line-feed, a
carriage-return, or both. Parameters must NOT be separated by any spaces. Characters do not have to
be capitals, mixed upper and lower case is ok. Replies to all text mode commands are also in text mode,
and end with a carriage-return and line-feed.

In case of an error, the reply string is in the following format:
Error X: reason [enter]

X is the error code, and reason is an explanation. See Error Codes at the end of this section.
Because all Text Mode replies end with a carriage return <CR> or line-feed <LF> (or both), a text reply

contains tabulations when many elements need to be separated in the string. This is useful when
exporting data to a spreadsheet.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 58

O Y X X X X X

X

O X X X X X X

X

3.4.2 MAESTRO Binary Mode Description

3.4.2.1 Description

The MAESTRO has two Communication Modes: the Binary Mode for FAST data acquisition and the
ASCII mode. The resolution is 14 bits for both cases.

Only the joulemeters support the binary mode. Thermopiles in energy mode, thermal heads in standard
mode and photodiodes are coded in ASCII. To select the binary mode select Home/Set Device/Serial
Commands/ Serial Binary Measurement. If you wish the MAESTRO to remember this setting, touch the
Set as Default button.

The value in binary mode is coded in two bytes.
Binary Joulemeter MODE
Byte #1

Byte #2

B = The sign.
Y = The MSB for the Wattmeter Mode.
X = Bits of the Codification.
FOR ALL MODES

O = Order

0 = First byte (MSB)
1 = Second Byte

3.4.2.2 Codification

Measurement in Joule = Current Scale *Value in Decimal/16382

Example 1:

For 151 mJ on the 300 mJ scale on Channel 1
The MAESTRO will send you: 40B6 HEX VALUE, where:

10 = 0 1000000

The first second bit (0) is the order of the MSB
1000000 is the MSB of the codification

9B =10110110

The first bit (1) is for the order so this is the LSB of the codification

The Total Codification is 10000000110110, which is 8246 in decimal (8246/16382 * 300mW =

151.007 mW)
The codification 11111111111111 = No connector

The codification 11111111111110 = OUT detected

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 59

Command name

Command

Description

DISPLAY COMMANDS

Set Range

SCS

Manually set range.

Set Range Up

SSU

Change scale to the next higher range.

Set Range Down

SSD

Change scale to the next lower range.

Get Current Range Index

GCR

Returns scale index between 0 to 41

Get Autoscale

GAS

Returns autoscale status

Display Valid Scale

DVS

Displays the valid ranges for the connected detector head.

Set trigger level

STL

Set the internal trigger level when measuring pulse energy.

Get Trigger Level

GTL

Returns trigger level value

Get Mode Display

GMD

Returns the current display mode on MAESTRO

MEASUREMENT COMMANDS

MEASUREMENT DATA ACQUISITION

Query Current Value

CVU

Get the value currently displayed on the screen.

Download points

CAU

Send the values in ASCII to the serial port with the data sampling
setting.

Stop the CAU Command

CSU

Stop the CAU Command.

Query New Value Ready

NVU

Determine if new reading is available.

Set the autoscale

SAS

Set the autoscale.

Get the laser rep rate frequency

GRR

Send the value in ASCII to the serial port.

Set the joulemeter binary mode

SS1

Set the joulemeter binary mode or ASCII mode

Get Binary Joulemeter Mode

GBM

Returns binary joulemeter mode or ASCII mode

Set Analog Output

ANO

Enables or disables analog output

MEASUREMENT SETUP

Set Personal Wavelength Correction

PWC

Specify the wavelength.

Get Wavelength

GWL

Returns wavelength in nm

MEASUREMENT CONTROL

Set Anticipation

ANT

Turn anticipation on or off.

Get Anticipation status

GAN

Returns the anticipation status

Set Zero Offset

SOU

Zero the reading.

Clear Zero Offset

COU

Undo the zeroing of the reading.

Get Zero Offset

GZO

Returns zero offset status

Set diode Zero Offset

SDZ

Zero the reading for all scale’s for the photodiode.

Set User Multiplier

MUL

Set the value of the multiplier’s correction value.

Get User Multiplier

GUM

Returns the current multiplier’s correction value

Set User Offset

OFF

Set the value of the Offset correction value.

Get User Offset

GUO

Returns the current offset correction value

SET Single shot Energy mode

SSE

Set the Energy mode for the calorimeter mode.

Set attenuator

ATT

Set the attenuator.

Get Attenuator

GAT

Returns the attenuator status

INSTRUMENT AND DETECTOR INFORMATION COMMANDS

Query version

VER

Get firmware version of the monitor.

Query Status

STS

Retrieve detector information and monitor settings.

Query Extended Status

ST2

Returns extended status

3.4.3 Serial Command Directory

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 60

The serial commands format is as such:

*MUL+ 8 character numeral value Ex: « *MUL1.000000 » or « *MUL-1.34e-3 » or «*MUL0.000543 »

*OFF + 8 character numeral value like above

*STL+4 character numeral value like « *STL10.2 » or « *STL0.22 »

*SSE1 / *SSE0 : Single Shoot Energy ON or OFF

*ATT1 / *ATT0: Attenuator ON / OFF (When available)

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 61

Command

Parameters

Return

SCS

Range index

Range index

Range

00

1 picowatt or picojoule

01

3 picowatts or picojoules

02

10 picowatts or picojoules

03

30 picowatts or picojoules

04

100 picowatts or picojoules

05

300 picowatts or picojoules

06

1 nanowatt or nanojoule

07

3 nanowatts or nanojoules

08

10 nanowatts or nanojoules

09

30 nanowatts or nanojoules

10

100 nanowatts or nanojoules

11

300 nanowatts or nanojoules

12

1 microwatt or microjoule

13

3 microwatts or microjoules

14

10 microwatts or microjoules

3.4.3.1 Serial commands

SERIAL COMMAND FORMAT

All text commands must begin with a trig character (*) and DO NOT end with a line-feed or a
carriage-return. All parameters must NOT have a space between the command and the list of
parameters, nor between the parameters themselves. The characters do not have to be capitals
and mixed case is ok. Replies to all text mode commands are also in text mode, and do not end
with a carriage-return and line-feed.

DISPLAY COMMANDS

Set Range

This command is used to force the display of the current data into a specific range. The lower
range is always zero, the higher ranges can be found in the table below. The Auto range mode
applies the best range for the current values in real time. The parameter must be one of the
identifiers in the table below and have 2 digits.

Range Identifiers:

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 62

15

30 microwatts or microjoules

16

100 microwatts or microjoules

17

300 microwatts or microjoules

18

1 milliwatt or millijoule

19

3 milliwatts or millijoules

20

10 milliwatts or millijoules

21

30 milliwatts or millijoules

22

100 milliwatts or millijoules

23

300 milliwatts or millijoules

24

1 Watt or Joule

25

3 watts or joules

26

10 watts or joules

27

30 watts or joules

28

100 watts or joules

29

300 watts or joules

30

1 kilowatt or kilojoule

31

3 kilowatts or kilojoules

32

10 kilowatts or kilojoules

33

30 kilowatts or kilojoules

34

100 kilowatts or kilojoules

35

300 kilowatts or kilojoules

36

1 megawatt or megajoule

37

3 megawatts or megajoules

38

10 megawatts or megajoules

39

30 megawatts or megajoules

40

100 megawatts or megajoules

41

300 megawatts or megajoules

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Command:

*SCS08

Default: Auto range.

The following example sets the range to 3 nanowatts or nanojoules.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 63

Text Command

Parameters

Return

GCR

None

Index from 0 to 41

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Command:

*GCR

Range : 10 \r\n

Command

Parameters

Return

SSU

None

Command

Parameters

Return

SSD

None

Command

Parameters

Return

SAS

0 = off
1 = on

Text Command

Parameters

Return

GAS

None

1: On
0: Off

Get Current Range Index

This command returns the range index between 0 and 41. Please refer to Set Range command
(SCS) details for the complete range index table.

Set Range Up

This command is used to force the display of the current data into a higher range

Set Range Down

This command is used to force the display of the current data into a lower range.

Set Autoscale

This command is used to force the display into autoscale.

Get Autoscale

This command returns whether or not the autoscale option is activated.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 64

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Command:

*GAS

AutoScale : 1 \r\n

Command

Parameters

Return

DVS

None

The valid scale index.

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Command:

*DVS

[22] : 100.0 m <CR> <LF>
[23] : 300 m <CR> <LF>
[24] : 1.000 <CR> <LF>
[25] : 3.00 <CR> <LF>
[26] : 10.00 <CR> <LF>
[27] : 30.0 <CR> <LF>

Text Command

Parameters

Return

STL

Trigger Level (in percentage) must
be 4 numeral values

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Text Command:

*STL15.4 (15.4%)
*STL0.20 (.2%)

Display Valid Range

This command is used to display all of the valid ranges the connected head supports. The
ranges are displayed in scale index. Please refer to the Set Range section for the table
correspondence.

The following example is for a UP19K connected to the MAESTRO, which can have the following
ranges:

 100 mW;
 300 mW;
 1 W;
 3 W;
 10 W;
 30 W.

Set Trigger Level

This command sets the internal trigger level when using the device in energy reading mode.

Default: 2%

The value should be set between 0.1 and 99.9.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 65

Text Command

Parameters

Return

GTL

None

Returns the trigger level
in %.

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Command:

*GTL

Trigger Level : 2.0 \r\n

Text Command

Parameters

Return

GMD

None

POWER = 0
ENERGY = 1
SSE = 2
DBM = 6
NO_DETECTOR = 7

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Command:

*GMD

Mode : 0 \r\n

Text Command

Parameters

Return

CVU

None

Current value

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Command:

*CVU

0.012 <CR> <LF>

Get Trigger Level

This command returns the trigger level in %. The value is between 0.1% and 99.9%.

Get Mode Display

This command returns the MAESTRO’s power mode. Depeding on the head, it can be power
mode in W, power mode in dBm (DBM), energy mode in J, Single Shot Energy mode in J (SSE),
or simply no detector is connected to the MAESTRO.

MEASUREMENT COMMANDS -- DATA ACQUISITION

Query Current Value

This command is used to query the value that is currently being displayed on the device’s screen.
The value is displayed in watts or in joules.

For example, a 12 milliwatts reading would be displayed like this:

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 66

Text Command

Parameters

Return

CAU

None

Data in ASCII

Text Command

Parameters

Return

CSU

None

Text Command

Parameters

Return

NVU

Available/ Not Available <CR> <LF>
1/0

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Text Command:

*NVU <enter>

New Data Not Available <CR> <LF>

Text Command

Parameters

Return

GRR

None

Data in ASCII

Continuous transmission of data

This command is used to send data to the serial port according to the data sampling setting. The
maximum transfer speed is 200Hz.

Stop the CAU Command

This command is used to stop the real time transfer enabled by the CAU Command.

Query New Value Ready

This command is used to check whether a new value is available from the device. Though
optional, its use is recommended when used with single pulse operations.

Note that the Query Current Value and Query Statistic Data commands will return the current
values from the device even if they have not been updated since the last query.

Get the Laser frequency

This command is used to get the laser frequency.

Set the joulemeter binary mode

This command is used to set the monitor in binary or ASCII mode. Refer to section 3.4.2 for the
MAESTRO binary mode description.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 67

Command

Parameters

Return

SS1

0= ASCII
1= Binary

Text Command

Parameters

Return

GBM

None

1: On
0: Off

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Command:

*GBM

Binary Joulemeter Mode : 0 \r\n

Text Command

Parameters

Return

ANO

1 to Enable, 0 to Disable

Text Command

Parameters

Return

PWC

Wavelength

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Command:

*PWC01550

Get Binary Joulemeter Mode

This command returns whether or not the binary joulemeter mode is activated for serial
communication. Refer to section 3.4.2 for the MAESTRO binary mode description.

Set Analog Output

This command is used to enable or disable the output of the current value on the analog port of
the device.

MEASUREMENT COMMANDS -- SETUP

Set Personal Wavelength Correction

This command is used to specify the wavelength in nm being used on the detector. The
EEPROM in the detector contains measured spectral data for a wide range of wavelengths. If the
wavelength input by the user is different from the predefined list of wavelengths on the device, a
custom value is interpolated. Specifying zero as a wavelength or providing an out-of-bound value
as a parameter restores the default settings. A valid value is set between the lowest and highest
wavelengths supported by the device, and it should not be a floating point value. The input
parameter must have 5 digits. If the desired wavelength does not have 5 digits you must enter a
zero-padded number. For example 514nm, you must enter 00514.

Default: Calibration wavelength, (typically 1064 nm)

The following example sets the wavelength to 1550 nm.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 68

Text Command

Parameters

Return

GWL

None

Returns the wavelength
value in nm

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Command:

*GWL

PWC : 1064 \r\n

Text Command

Parameters

Return

ANT

1 to turn On, 0 to turn Off

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Command:

*ANT1

Text Command

Parameters

Return

GAN

None

1: On
0: Off

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Command:

*GAN

Anticipation : 0 \r\n

Get Personal Wavelength

This command returns the wavelength in nm being used on the detector.

MEASUREMENT COMMANDS -- CONTROL

Set Anticipation

This command is used to enable or disable the anticipation processing when the device is
reading from a wattmeter. The anticipation is a software-reading acceleration algorithm that
provides faster readings using the detector’s calibration.

Default: On
The following example sets the anticipation.

Get Anticipation Status

This command returns the anticipation status. If the anticipation is not available, it will always be
at “off”.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 69

Text Command

Parameters

Return

SOU

None

Text Command

Parameters

Return

COU

None

Text Command

Parameters

Return

SDZ

None

DONE

Text Command

Parameters

Return

MUL

8 characters numeral value

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Text Command:

*MUL3300000
Or
*MUL3.3000e3

Text Command

Parameters

Return

GUM

None

Current multiplier value

Zero Offset

This command subtracts the current value from all future measurements the moment the
command is issued to set a new zero point.

Clear Zero Offset

This command undoes the Zero Offset command to set the zero point at zero.

Set diode zero.

This command subtracts the current value for all available scales from all future measurements
the moment the command is issued to set a new zero point for a photodiode only.

Set User Multipliers

This command is used to set the value of the multipliers. The default value is 1.

The following example sets multiplier = 33

Get User Multiplier

This command returns the MAESTRO’s correction multiplier value.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 70

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Command:

*GUM

User Multiplier : 1 \r\n

Text Command

Parameters

Return

OFF

8 characters numeral value

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Text Command:

*OFF0.001500
OR
*OFF1.500e-3

Text Command

Parameters

Return

GUO

None

Current offset value

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Command:

*GUO

User Offset : 0 \r\n

Text Command

Parameters

Return

GZO

None

1: On
0: Off

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Command:

*GZO

Zero : 0 \r\n

Set User Offset

This command is used to set the value of the offset.

Default: 0

The following example sets offset to 1.5 milli.

The other option available is the Zero-offset. The Zero-offset operation is done first, before those
of the Multipliers and Offsets

Get User Offset

This command returns the MAESTRO’s correction offset value.

Get Zero Offset

This command returns whether the zero offset has been activated or not.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 71

Text Command

Parameters

Return

>SSE

1 to turn On, 0 to turn Off

Text Command

Parameters

Return

ATT

1 to turn On, 0 to turn Off

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Text Command:

*ATT1

Text Command

Parameters

Return

GAT

None

1: On
0: Off

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Command:

*GAT

Attenuator : 0 \r\n

Set Energy Mode

This command is used to toggle Energy mode when using a wattmeter.

Default: Off

Set Attenuator

This command is used to adjust the processing of the monitor with the readings of the head,
depending on whether the head is using an external attenuator or not.

The following example sets ATT On, this means that the attenuator in on the detector

Default: Off

Get Attenuator

This command returns the attenuator status. If the attenuator is not available, it will be always off.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 72

Text Command

Parameters

Return

VER

None

Version number and device type.

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Command:

*VER

MAESTRO Version 1.00.18 <CR> <LF>

Text Command

Parameters

Return

STS

None

A hexadecimal structure
described in the table below.

Hexadecimal structure

Converted

Definition

Valid

Address

Value

Value

:0

0000

0003

3

Reserved

:0

0001

0000

0

Reserved

:0

0002

0003

3

Reserved

:0

0003

0000

0

Reserved

INSTRUMENT AND DETECTOR INFORMATION COMMANDS

Query Version

This command is used to query the device to get information about the firmware version and the
device type.

Query Status

This command is used to query the device to get information about the following characteristics:

 Measure Mode (not yet available);
 Maximum, minimum and current scale;
 Maximum, minimum and current wavelength with and without attenuation;
 Attenuator availability and status;
 Detector’s head model;
 Detector’s serial number.

The first byte represents the validity of the structure: 0 represents a valid line while 1 is the end of the
structure. The next 4 bytes represent the address line and the last 4 bytes are the actual value. The
values are written on 32 bits, which means that all the values are written on two lines. The first line
represents the LSB and the second line represents the MSB.

The following table shows the output when a XLP12-3S-H2-D0 serial number 199672 is connected to the
MAESTRO.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 73

:0

0004

0000

0

Measure Mode LSB (not yet available)

:0

0005

0000

0

Measure Mode MSB (not yet available)

:0

0006

0015

21

Current scale LSB (refer to scale index *SCS)

:0

0007

0000

0

Current scale MSB (refer to scale index *SCS)

:0

0008

0019

25

Maximum scale LSB (refer to scale index *SCS)

:0

0009

0000

0

Maximum scale MSB (refer to scale index *SCS)

:0

000A

0011

17

Minimum scale LSB (refer to scale index *SCS)

:0

000B

0000

0

Minimum scale MSB (refer to scale index *SCS)

:0

000C

0428

1064

Current wavelength LSB (nm)

:0

000D

0000

0

Current wavelength MSB (nm)

:0

000E

2968

10600

Maximum wavelength LSB (nm)

:0

000F

0000

0

Maximum wavelength MSB (nm)

:0

0010

00C1

193

Minimum wavelength LSB (nm)

:0

0011

0000

0

Minimum wavelength MSB (nm)

:0

0012

0001

1

Is Attenuator available LSB (1= yes 0 = no)

:0

0013

0000

0

Is Attenuator available MSB (1= yes 0 = no)

:0

0014

0000

0

Is Attenuator on LSB (1= yes 0 = no)

:0

0015

0000

0

Is Attenuator on MSB (1= yes 0 = no)

:0

0016

2968

10600

Maximum wavelength with attenuation LSB (nm)

:0

0017

0000

0

Maximum wavelength with attenuation MSB (nm)

:0

0018

00C1

193

Minimum wavelength with attenuation LSB (nm)

:0

0019

0000

0

Minimum wavelength with attenuation MSB (nm)

:0

001A

4C

58 X L

Detector name (You must convert the hexadecimal

:0

001B

31

50 P 1

values in ASCII characters)

:0

001C

2D

32 2 - :0

001D

53

33 3 S

:0

001E

48

2D - H

:0

001F

2D

32 2 - :0

0020

30

44 D 0 :0

0021

00

00

0000 = Null termination character

:0

0022

00

00

The rest of the characters aren’t valid until line 002A

:0

0023

00

00

:0

0024

1F

00

:0

0025

40

03 @

:0

0026

00

1A :0

0027

00

00 :0

0028

E1

20 á

:0

0029

00

3A : :0

002A

39

31 1 9

Detector serial number (You must convert the

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 74

:0

002B

36

39 9 6

hexadecimal values in ASCII characters)

:0

002C

32

37 7 2

:0

002D

00

00

0000 = Null termination character

:1

0000

00

00

End of structure

Text Command

Parameters

Return

ST2

None

A hexadecimal structure
described in the table below.

Hexadecimal structure

Converted

Definition

Valid

Address

Value

Value

:0

0000 3 3

Reserved

:0

0001 0 0

Reserved

:0

0002 3 3

Reserved

:0

0003 0 0

Reserved

:0

0004 0 0

Measure Mode LSB

:0

0005 0 0

Measure Mode MSB

:0

0006

11

17

Current scale LSB (refer to scale index *SCS)

Query Extended Status

This command is used to query the device to get information about the following characteristics:

 Measure Mode
 Maximum, minimum and current scale;
 Maximum, minimum and current wavelength with and without attenuation;
 Attenuator availability and status;
 Detector’s head model;
 Detector’s serial number.
 Trigger level (0.001 to 0.999)
 Autoscale mode
 Anticipation mode
 Zero offset mode
 User correction multiplier
 User correction offset

The first byte represents the validity of the structure: 0 represents a valid line while 1 is the end of the
structure. The next 4 bytes represent the address line and the last 4 bytes are the actual value. The
values are written on 32 bits, which means that all the values are written on two lines. The first line
represents the LSB and the second line represents the MSB.

The following table shows the output when a XLP12-3S-H2-D0 serial number 199672 is connected to the
MAESTRO.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 75

:0

7 0 0

Current scale MSB (refer to scale index *SCS)

:0

0008

19

25

Maximum scale LSB (refer to scale index *SCS)

:0

0009 0 0

Maximum scale MSB (refer to scale index *SCS)

:0

000A

11

17

Minimum scale LSB (refer to scale index *SCS)

:0

000B 0 0

Minimum scale MSB (refer to scale index *SCS)

:0

000C

428

1064

Current wavelength LSB (nm)

:0

000D 0 0

Current wavelength MSB (nm)

:0

000E

2968

10600

Maximum wavelength LSB (nm)

:0

000F 0 0

Maximum wavelength MSB (nm)

:0

0010

00C1

193

Minimum wavelength LSB (nm)

:0

0011 0 0

Minimum wavelength MSB (nm)

:0

0012 1 1

Is Attenuator available LSB (1= yes 0 = no)

:0

0013 0 0

Is Attenuator available MSB (1= yes 0 = no)

:0

0014 0 0

Is Attenuator on LSB (1= yes 0 = no)

:0

0015 0 0

Is Attenuator on MSB (1= yes 0 = no)

:0

0016

2968

10600

Maximum wavelength with attenuation LSB (nm)

:0

0017 0 0

Maximum wavelength with attenuation MSB (nm)

:0

0018

00C1

193

Minimum wavelength with attenuation LSB (nm)

:0

0019 0 0

Minimum wavelength with attenuation MSB (nm)

:0

001A

4C

58

X

L

Detector name (You must convert the hexadecimal

:0

001B

31

50

P

1

values in ASCII characters)

:0

001C

2D

32

2

-

:0

001D

53

33

3

S :0

001E

48

2D

-

H :0

001F

2D

32

2

- :0

0020

30

44

D

0

:0

0021

0

0

0000 = Null termination character

:0

0022

0

0

The rest of the characters aren’t valid until line 002A

:0

0023

0

0

:0

0024

1F

0

:0

0025

40

3

@ :0

0026

0

1A

:0

0027

0

0

:0

0028

E1

20

á

:0

0029

0

3A

:

:0

002A

39

31

1

9

Detector serial number (You must convert the

:0

002B

36

39

9

6

hexadecimal values in ASCII characters)

:0

002C

32

37

7

2 :0

002D

0

0

0000 = Null termination character

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 76

:0

002E

D70A

0.0200

Trigger Level LSB (between 0.001 and 0.999)

:0

002F

3CA3

Trigger Level MSB (between 0.001 and 0.999)

:0

0030

0001

1

Is autoscale mode on? LSB

:0

0031

0000

0

Is autoscale mode on? MSB

:0

0032

0000

0

Is anticipation on? LSB

:0

0033

0000

0

Is anticipation on? MSB

:0

0034

0000

0

Is zero offset on? LSB

:0

0035

0000

0

Is zero offset on? MSB

:0

0036

0000

1.0000

Correction Multiplier LSB

:0

0037

3F80

Correction Multiplier MSB

:0

0038

0000

0.0000

Correction Offset LSB

:0

0039

0000

Correction Offset MSB

:1

0000

0000

0

End of structure

#

Error

Comment

1

Command not found

Command is invalid.

3.4.3.2 Error Messages

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 77

3.4.4 Legacy monitor serial commands

The MAESTRO has the ability to emulate the Serial Commands of our legacy monitors, Set the
MAESTRO In home/Set device/Serial Commands/ to SOLO2 Serial Compatibility (refer to section

2.4.1.3). You can make it the default setting when the MAESTRO boots up in the same window.

Supported Legacy Monitor:

 SOLO2, The SOLO2 binary commands’ are not supported.

3.4.4.1 Emulated SOLO2 Serial commands

SOLO2 SERIAL COMMAND FORMAT

All text commands must begin with a trig character (*) and must end with a line-feed or a
carriage-return. All parameters must be separated by one or many spaces. The characters

do not have to be capitals and mixed case is ok. Replies to all text mode commands are also in
text mode, and end with a carriage-return and line-feed.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 78

DISPLAY COMMANDS

Command name

Command

Description

Set Scale

SSA

Manually set scale.

Set High Resolution Display

SHL

Change to high resolution display

Set dBm display

DBU

Change the on-screen display to dBm

MEASUREMENT COMMANDS

MEASUREMENT DATA ACQUISITION

Command name

Command

Description

Query Current Value

CVU

Get the value currently displayed on the screen.

Query Statistic Data

VSU

Read statistics data.

Set Logging Start /Stop

LOG

Start storing data in monitor (PCMCIA card or EEPROM).

Download points

CAU

Send the values in ASCII to the serial port with the data
sampling setting.

Stop the CAU Command

CSU

Stop the CAU Command

Set Analog output

ANO

Enable or disable analog output

MEASUREMENT SETUP

Command name

Command

Description

Set Personal Wavelength Correction

SWA

Specify the wavelength.

Set Multipliers

SMU

Set the value of the multipliers.

Set Offsets

SOU

Set the value of the offsets.

Set Trigger Level

TLA

Set the internal trigger level when measuring pulse energy.

MEASUREMENT CONTROL

Command name

Command

Description

Enable Statistics

ESU

Start, stop or reset the statistic calculations.

Set Energy Mode

SCA

Turn energy mode on or off.

Set Anticipation

EAA

Turn power measurement anticipation on or off.

Set Zero Offset

EOA

Zero the reading to remove noise.

INSTRUMENT AND DETECTOR INFORMATION COMMANDS

Command name

Command

Description

Query version

VER

Get firmware version of the monitor.

Query Head Name

HEA

Get model name of the detector head.

Query Battery Power

BAT

Get state of remaining battery power.

INSTRUMENT CONTROL COMMANDS

Command name

Command

Description

Set Backlight

BKL

Turn the display backlight on or off.

COMMUNICATIONS COMMANDS

Command name

Command

Description

Test Communication

KPA

Test communication between monitor and PC.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 79

Text Command

Parameters

Return

SSA

Scale identifier or index

ACK

Text Mode

Scale

Auto

optimum

1p

1 picowatt or picojoule

3p

3 picowatts or picojoules

10p

10 picowatts or picojoules

30p

30 picowatts or picojoules

100p

100 picowatts or picojoules

300p

300 picowatts or picojoules

1n

1 nanowatt or nanojoule

3n

3 nanowatts or nanojoules

10n

10 nanowatts or nanojoules

30n

30 nanowatts or nanojoules

100n

100 nanowatts or nanojoules

300n

300 nanowatts or nanojoules

1u

1 microwatt or microjoule

3u

3 microwatts or microjoules

10u

10 microwatts or microjoules

30u

30 microwatts or microjoules

100u

100 microwatts or microjoules

300u

300 microwatts or microjoules

1m

1 milliwatt or millijoule

COMMANDS

*SSA

Set Scale

This command is used to force the display of the current data into a specific range. The
lower range is always zero, and the higher ranges can be found in the table below. The Auto
scale applies the best scale for the current values in real time. In text mode, the parameter must
be one of the identifiers in the table below. Remember that the serial protocol is not case­sensitive in text mode.

Scale Identifiers:

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 80

3m

3 milliwatts or millijoules

10m

10 milliwatts or millijoules

30m

30 milliwatts or millijoules

100m

100 milliwatts or millijoules

300m

300 milliwatts or millijoules

1

1 Watt or Joule

3

3 watts or joules

10

10 watts or joules

30

30 watts or joules

100

100 watts or joules

300

300 watts or joules

1k

1 kilowatt or kilojoule

3k

3 kilowatts or kilojoules

10k

10 kilowatts or kilojoules

30k

30 kilowatts or kilojoules

100k

100 kilowatts or kilojoules

300k

300 kilowatts or kilojoules

1meg

1 megawatt or megajoule

3meg

3 megawatts or megajoules

10meg

10 megawatts or megajoules

30meg

30 megawatts or megajoules

100meg

100 megawatts or megajoules

300meg

300 megawatts or megajoules

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Text Command:

*SSA <space> 10 m <enter>

ACK <CR> <LF> and the
MAESTRO is set to the 10 mW
or 10 mJ range

Text Command

Parameters

Return

SHL

1 to turn On, 0 to turn Off

ACK

*SHL

Set High Resolution Display

This command is used to add significant digits to the on-screen reading.

Default: Off

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 81

Text Command

Parameters

Return

DBU

1 to turn On, 0 to turn Off

ACK

Text Command

Parameters

Return

CVU

Current value

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Text Command:

*CVU <enter>

Current Value : 0.00500095 <CR> <LF>

Text Command

Parameters

Return

VSU

Statistics

Statistics:

Current Value

This value should be divided by the Current Value Unit.

Current Value Unit

This is a divider

Maximum

This value should be divided by the Maximum Unit.

Maximum Unit

This is a divider

*DBU

Set dBm display

This command changes the on-screen display unit to dBm. This option is only available
with photodiodes.

Default: Off

*CVU

Query Current Value

This command is used to query the value that is currently being displayed on the
device’s screen. The value is displayed in watts or in joules.

For example, a 12 milliwatts reading would be displayed like this:

*VSU
Query Statistic Data

This command is used to read all the statistics data, provided that the device has

previously been set into statistics mode.

In text mode, all the data and relevant identifiers are formatted into a tab-separated string. In
binary mode, the following structure is sent:

Current Value: 0.012

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 82

Minimum

This value should be divided by the Minimum Unit.

Minimum Unit

This is a divider

Average

This value should be divided by the Average Unit.

Average Unit

This is a divider

Standard Deviation

This value should be divided by the Standard Dev Unit.

Standard Dev Unit

This is a divider

RMS Stability

This value should be divided by 1000.

PTP Stability

This value should be divided by 1000.

Current Time In Period

Power measurement only. Default is 0.

Total Time of Period

Power measurement only. Default is 0.

Pulse Number

Energy measurement only. Default is 0.

Total Pulses

Energy measurement only. Default is 0.

Average Power

Energy measurement only. Default is 0. This value should be
divided by the Avrg Power Unit

Avrg Power Unit

This is a divider

Repetition Rate

Energy measurement only. Default is 0. This value should be
divided by the Rep Rate unit.

Rep Rate Unit

This is a divider

Uncorrected Value

This value should be divided by the Uncorrected Value Unit

Uncorrected Value Unit

This is a divider

Text Command

Parameters

Return

LOG

1 to Start, 0 to Stop

ACK

*LOG

Set Logging Start/Stop

This command is used to log data on the connected USB stick (be sure you have a
USB stick connected and that you have configured an acquisition file name).

This command starts or stops logging data on the USB stick. This is done using the

Data Sampling settings (sample rate, time, period...).

Passing 0 as parameter stops the acquisition. 1 starts a raw data acquisition.
The Logging starts when the command is issued.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 83

Text Command

Parameters

Return

CAU

None

Data in ASCII

Text Command

Parameters

Return

ANO

1 to Enable, 0 to Disable

ACK

Text Command

Parameters

Return

CSU

None

N/A

Text Command

Parameters

Return

SWA

Wavelength

ACK

*CAU

Download data

This command is used to send data to the serial port according to the data sampling
setting.

*ANO

Set Analog Output

This command is used to enable or disable the output of the current value on the analog port of
the device.

*CSU

*SWA

Stop the CAU Command

This command is used to stop the real time transfer enable by the CAU Command.

Set Personal Wavelength Correction

This command is used to specify the wavelength being used on the detector. The
EEPROM in the detector contains measured spectral data for a wide range of wavelengths. If the
wavelength input by the user is different from the predefined list of wavelengths in the device, a
custom value is interpolated. Specifying zero as a wavelength or providing an out-of-bound value
as a parameter restores the default settings. A valid value is set between the lowest and highest
wavelengths supported by the device, and it should not be a floating point value.

Default: Calibration wavelength, (typically 1064 nm)

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 84

Text Command

Parameters

Return

SMU

Multiplier 1 +, <Multiplier value>

ACK

Example Response from MAESTRO

Text Command:

*SMU <space> 1<space> 3.3

<enter>

ACK <CR> <LF>

Text Command

Parameters

Return

SOU

Offset 1 + <Offset value>

ACK

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Text Command:

*SOU <sapce> 1 <space> 0.0015
<enter>

ACK <CR> <LF>

Text Command

Parameters

Return

TLA

Trigger Level (percentage)

ACK

*SMU

Set Multiplier

This command is used to set the multiplier’s value. Note that the MAESTRO only allows
one multiplier instead of 2 unlike the SOLO2. This means that only Multiplier 1 can be set.

The following example sets multiplier 1 to 3.3.

*SOU

Set Offsets

*TLA

This command is used to set the offset’s value. . Note that the MAESTRO only allows
one offset instead of 2 unlike the SOLO2. This means that only Offset 1 can be set.

The following example sets offset 1 to 1.5 milli.

The other option available is the Zero-offset. The Zero-offset operation is done first,

before those of the Multipliers and Offsets

Set Trigger Level

This command sets the internal trigger level when using the device in energy reading

mode.

Default: 2%

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 85

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Text Command:

*TLA <space> 15.4%
<enter>

ACK <CR> <LF>

Text Command

Parameters

Return

ESU

0, 1 (to Stop, PLAY)

ACK

Text Command

Parameters

Return

SCA

1 to turn On, 0 to turn Off

ACK

Text Command

Parameters

Return

EAA

1 to turn On, 0 to turn Off

ACK

The value should be set between 1 and 100 (floating point values are allowed). In text mode, you
may add a “%” symbol after the value for clarity.

*ESU

Enable Statistics

This command is used start, stop and reset the statistics calculating process on the data currently

acquisitioned by the specified channel (upper or lower).

Default: stop

*SCA

*EAA

Set Energy Mode

This command is used to toggle Energy mode when using a wattmeter.

Default: Off

Set Anticipation

This command is used to enable or disable the anticipation processing when the device

is reading from a wattmeter. The anticipation is a software-reading acceleration algorithm that
provides faster readings using the detector’s calibration.

Default: On

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 86

Text Command

Parameters

Return

EOA

0 to turn Off, 1 to turn On.

ACK

Text Command

Parameters

Return

VER

Version number and device type.

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Text
Command:

*VER
<enter>

MAESTRO Version 1.03.02

Text Command

Parameters

Return

HEA

Name of the current heads

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Text Command:

*HEA <enter>

QE-25-SP-MB <CR> <LF>

Text Command

Parameters

Return

BAT

Low, High

*EOA

Zero Offset

This command subtracts the current value from all future measurements the moment

the command is issued to set a new zero point.

Default: Off

*VER

Query Version

This command is used to query the device to get information about the firmware version and the
device type.

*HEA

This command is used to query the model name of the current head.

*BAT

Query Battery Power

This command is used to query the device battery’s remaining power. In text mode, it returns a
string mentioning whether the power is low or high:

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 87

Example

Response from MAESTRO

Text Command:

*BAT <enter>

The battery power is High

Text Command

Parameters

Return

BKL

1 to turn On, 0 to turn Off

ACK

Text Command

Parameters

Return

KPA

ACK

*BKL

Set Backlight

This command is used to turn the backlight of the device display on or off.

Default: Off

*KPA

Test Communication

This command is used to test communication with your SOLO2. The PC is communicating with
the monitor if you receive the ACK response.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 88

#

Error

Comment

1

Command not found

Command is invalid.

2

Invalid Parameter

The parameter value is out of valid range, or not
of expected type (text, numeric, flag).

3

Not Enough Parameters

The expected number of parameters should
always be sent.

4

Head is not available

Verify that the detector’s DB15 connector is fully
engaged with the meter.

5

Scale setting not available for specified head

Refer to the Scale table in the Set Scale
command.

6

Anticipation is not available

Make sure that the detector is in power-reading
mode.

7

PWC is not available

Make sure that the detector head version
supports Personal Wavelength Correction

8

Invalid Command: Too long.

The command must not be over 255 characters
long.

9

Too many Parameters

The correct number of parameters must be sent
to the device.

10

Energy mode is not available with current head

Energy Mode works only with 818P Series High
Power Detectors.

11

Option only available with photodiode

Make sure the head is a photodiode.

12

Attenuator not available with current head

Make sure the head support attenuator.

3.4.4.2 Error Messages for SOLO2 Serial mode

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 89

4 MAINTENANCE

4.1 USB installation for the MAESTRO

The MAESTRO has a USB type mini B port. When connected to a PC it emulates a standard serial port.
This means that it is possible to connect many MAESTROs on one computer, without tying up the
ordinary serial ports, while keeping a simple interface that is easy to design software for. The MAESTRO
can function using the USB port power only. It does not utilize the battery energy when it is linked to a
computer through the USB port.

4.2 Free Software Upgrade

Keep up to date with the latest versions of MAESTRO software including new features and options. As
new and improved versions of the device's firmware are created, it is in your best interest to update your
MAESTRO. The latest device firmware can be downloaded from the Gentec-EO website.

Access our website at www.gentec-eo.com. Go to the Downloads section. Find the file that corresponds
to your MAESTRO in the Downloads section and follow our simple, easy to use instructions.

In summary you will download a .BIN file that you will have to copy to a USB key. Remove any old .bin
files on the USB key. Insert the USB key and touch the update button in the about menu. This should
take a few minutes; after which you will need to turn off and restart the MAESTRO.

4.3 Battery Charging

As mentioned previously, the MAESTRO meter is operated using four standard rechargeable Ni-MH
batteries. When the low battery window pops up, recharge the batteries by connecting the external
power supply for four hours. The MAESTRO can be either on or off during this procedure. One battery
charge provides up to 6.5 hours of operation autonomy.

The MAESTRO may not function properly when the battery level is very low. In which case, connect the
power supply to the MAESTRO to recharge the battery.

You can operate the MAESTRO by plugging it into a USB port when the battery is low, or even removed,
but it will not charge. Charging requires the external power supply.

4.4 Troubleshooting

If your MAESTRO does not turn on or off, remove all power supplies including the battery, and reconnect
them.

Measuring all energy points.
For Energy acquisition of 100Hz and higher, use the full size real time display to log data on the USB key,

the graphic display needs a lot of computing and you may lose some points, do not surf in other menus or
resize the display, avoid using the PC-MAESTRO.

When using the external trigger, avoid sending voltage pulses while the MAESTRO boots up as it may
hang (cause the MAESTRO to crash) the MAESTRO. Contact Gentec-EO for a special external trigger
cable if this solution is not acceptable.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 90

Standard

Description

Performance
Criteria

CISPR 11 :2009
+A1 2010

Industrial, scientific and medical equipment – Radio-frequency
disturbance characteristics – Limits and methods of
measurement

Class A

EN 61000-3-2:2006
+A2:2009

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 3-2: Limits - Limits
for harmonic current emissions (equipment input current ≤16 A
per phase)

Class A

EN 61000-3-3:2008

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 3-3: Limits –
Limitation of voltage changes, voltage fluctuations and flicker
in public low-voltage supply systems (for equipment with rated
current ≤16 A per phase and not subject to conditional
connection.)

Class A

EN 61000-4-2:2009

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-2: Testing
and measurement techniques- Electrostatic discharge.

Class B

EN 61000-4-3:2006
+A2:2010

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-3: Testing and
measurement techniques- Radiated, Radio Frequency,
electromagnetic field immunity test.

Class A

EN 61000-4-4:2004
+A1:2010

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-4: Testing and
measurement techniques- Electrical fast transient/burst
immunity test.

Class B

EN 61000-4-5:2006

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-5: Testing and
measurement techniques- Surge immunity test.

Class B

EN 61000-4-6:2009

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-6: Testing and
measurements techniques- Immunity to conducted Radio
Frequency.

Class A

EN 61000-4-11:2004

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-11: Testing and
measurement techniques- Voltage dips, short interruptions and
voltage variations immunity tests

Class B

Class B
Class C
Class C

5 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Application of Council Directive(s): 2004/108/EC EMC Directive
Manufacturer’s Name: Gentec Electro Optics, Inc.

Manufacturer’s Address: 445 St-Jean Baptiste, suite 160

(Québec), Canada G2E 5N7

European Representative’s Name: Laser Components S.A.S.
Representative’s Address: 45 bis Route des Gardes

92190 Meudon (France)

Type of Equipment: Laser Power/Energy Meter
Model No.: MAESTRO
Year of test & manufacture: 2011

Standard(s) to which Conformity is declared:
EN 61326-1: 2006 Emission generic standard

I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above

conforms to the above Directive(s) and Standard(s)

Place: Québec (Québec)

Date : December 13, 2011

(President)

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 91

6 APPENDIX A

6.1 QED/12/25/50/65/95

Attenuator/Diffuser Calibration Procedure

Introduction;

These “Attenuator/Diffusers” must be user calibrated. The calibration procedure is relatively simple. First
make measurement without the attenuator, then with the attenuator. The ratio of these measurements will
be your correction. This procedure is suitable at any wavelength.

When using an oscilloscope;

Divide the joulemeter voltage output by the calibration sensitivity we provide to calculate the energy
reading (see joulemeter manual).

To use this procedure at a wavelength other than the wavelength stated on the calibration certificate, you
must first manually adjust the sensitivity value (of the cal. certificate) with the wavelength correction
multiplier from the Personal Wavelength Correction certificate. Use this wavelength-adjusted sensitivity
to calculate the energy readings used in the procedure that follows.

When using a Gentec-EO MAESTRO:

The Attenuator setting in the Measure mode must not be check marked. That is, it must be off,
otherwise you cannot access the wavelength menu window. You need this window to input the
wavelength that you are calibrating at (see monitor manual). The Attenuator setting should also be
checked off if you are redoing a calibration at the same wavelength as stated on joulemeter calibration
certificate.

Procedure:

Step 1: Setup your joulemeter to measure the energy of your pulsed laser. If you are working at a
wavelength other than the calibrated wavelength, adjust the sensitivity of your joulemeter for that
wavelength; see When using an oscilloscope or When using a Gentec-EO MAESTRO, above. Make sure
that the energy level is below the detector’s damage threshold and your laser still has good stability.

Step 2: Apply energy for a few minutes to warm up the detector. This will reduce any thermal bias.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 92

attenuator with Reading

attenuator without Reading



f

T

Step 3: Measure the energy level without the attenuator. To reduce random uncertainty, you should
average a number of shots. We recommend at least one hundred shots. This should reduce random
errors by a factor of 10. (Square root of “n” assuming Gaussian distribution).

Step 4: Install the attenuator. Without changing the laser settings, measure the energy level by
averaging the same number of shots. All laser settings must be the same as Step 3 (including beam size
and position on the detector).

Step 5: Repeat the first measurement (Step 3) to make sure that nothing changed during the procedure
to invalidate the calibration. A change larger than the uncertainty of your measurements means that
something in the laser or environment changed. You can add this to your ± uncertainty when you use the
attenuator or try to stabilize the laser and environment and begin again with Step 3.

The correction multiplier for the MAESTRO and an Oscilloscope will be given by:

(No unit)

Now use this calibration factor in the correction menu for the “Attenuator/Diffuser” when using it at the

wavelength established in Step 1.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 93

7 APPENDIX B

7.1 Recycling and separation procedure.

This section is used by the recycling center when the monitor reaches its end of life. Breaking the
calibration seal or opening the monitor will void the MAESTRO warranty.

The complete Monitor contains
1 Monitor
1 Power supply (not manufactured by Gentec-eo)
1 USB cable
1- Battery pack
1 Instruction manual
1 Calibration certificate
1 Software cdrom

7.2 Separation:

Paper : Manual and certificate.
Plastic: Bottom monitor enclosure, LCD enclosure.
Plastic and rubber: Top monitor Enclosure.
Wires: USB cable and power supply plug.
NimH batteries: in the Battery compartment at the back.
Liquid crystal display.
Printed circuit board: inside the monitor.

7.3 Dismantling procedure:

Remove the DB15 post using pliers.
Remove the 4 screw on the bottom of the monitor using a Philips screwdriver.
Disconnect the Battery and LCD.

MAESTRO User’s Manual Revision 8.0 94