Motorized Filter Wheel Chapter 1: Warning Symbol Definitions
Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions
Below is a list of warning symbols you may encounter in this manual or on your device.
Symbol Description
Direct Current
Alternating Current
Both Direct and Alternating Current
Earth Ground Terminal
Protective Conductor Terminal
Frame or Chassis Terminal
Equipotentiality
On (Supply)
Off (Supply)
In Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Out Position of a Bi-Stable Push Control
Caution: Risk of Electric Shock
Caution: Hot Surface
Caution: Risk of Danger
Warning: Laser Radiation
Rev H, October 2, 2014 Page 3
Caution: Spinning Blades May Cause Harm
Motorized Filter WheelChapter 2: Safety
Chapter 2 Safety
All statements regarding safety of operation and technical data in this instruction manual will only apply when the
unit is operated correctly.
!!
Do not use the filter wheel in explosive environments.
!!
Filter wheel is not intended for use in an outdoor environment.
Prior to opening, troubleshooting, changing filters or maintaining the unit, ensure that the
power is off and the unit is disconnected from the DC source.
ATTENTION
ATTENTION
WARNING
Original Instructions Written in English
These instructions were drafted in English. Thorlabs is not responsible for the content of any
manual translated into another language.
Rev H, October 2, 2014 Page 4
Motorized Filter Wheel Chapter 3: Description
Chapter 3 Description
The FW102C, FW102CNEB, FW212C, and FW212CNEB are high-precision, motor-driven filter wheels used for a
host of applications, including color CCD photography, fluorescence microscopy, and photometry. The
FW102CNEB and FW212CNEB are the same as the FW102C and FW212C, respectively, with preloaded filters.
(See which filters on page 7)
All units consists of a control unit, filter wheel housing, and a removable Ø4" filter wheel. The FW102C Filter
Wheel accommodates up to six Ø1" optical filters, while the FW212C can accommodate up to twelve Ø1/2"
optical filters. Note: The FW102CNEB and FW2121CNEB Filters Wheels come with preloaded filters.
Filter selection can be made manually from the push button controls on the display panel or remotely from a USB
2.0 interface, a serial port, or a TTL level active low (BNC) input. Both filter wheels contain an active display to
indicate the selected filter: two separate aperture openings exist, the first opening at the top of unit 12 o’clock
position or 0° and the second opening at the 7 o’clock position or 210° degrees. (see drawing on page 14)
All units are designed to ensure an accuracy of greater than ±1°. The FW102C filter wheel housing easily mounts
to our Ø1” lens tube systems and optical instruments via two SM1 (1.035"-40) threaded mounts. The FW212C
housing includes four SM1A6FW SM1 to SM05 (0.535”-40) adapters for mounting our Ø1/2” lense tube systems.
Other adapters are available to interface to other popular camera, microscope, and telescope thread sizes. All
units are also compatible with Thorlabs’ 30 mm cage systems; each port has the required four 4-40 tapped holes
to mount the cage rods. They also also feature #8 and M6 tapped holes for mounting to steel posts. Two 1/4"-20
and M6 tapped holes allow the filter wheel to be mounted to a plate (See Drawing on Page 7). The flexible
mounting system makes these filter wheels ideal for both instrument and laboratory applications.
All units come with a CD-ROM that contains a Windows
OCX is provided to allow easy integrated instrumentation software development. Sample code is provided for
LabVIEW
prompts using terminal server software, allowing users to create scripts in their own programs. The unit is
powered via a 12 VDC input (converter supplied with unit).
TM
and C++ code development. The filter wheels can also be controlled via a set of command line
TM
-based, standalone application program. In addition, an
Features
3.1.
• Automated Computer Control Capability (Application Software Provided)
• Wheel Size: Ø4”
• Filter Wheel Options:
o FW102C: 6-Position for ∅1” Filters
o FW102CNEB: 6-Position with Preloaded ∅1” filters (See Page 8 for Included Filters)
o FW212C: 12-Position for ∅1/2” Filters
o FW212CNEB: 12-Position with Preloaded ∅1/2” Filters (See Page 8 for Included Filters)
• External Trigger In (Increment Control)
• External Trigger Out (Provisioned from Software)
• Bidirectional Controls
• Selectable Aperture Openings at 0° (12 o’clock position) and 210° (7 o’clock position)
• Dimmable Display
New Design
3.2.
The FW102C and FW212C lines feature a new, more robust design compared to the older FW102B. The filter
wheel is turned using a powerful and reliable stepper motor and worm gear. This design will provide millions of
wheel changes over its life time.
!
Due to play in the gears, some noise can be heard during operation and when moving or shaking
the device. There are virtually no small parts that can come loose inside the device. This noise is
normal and not indicative of a problem.
ATTENTION
!
Rev H, October 2, 2014 Page 5
Motorized Filter Wheel Chapter 3: Description
Shipping Inventory
3.3.
The FW102C, FW102CNEB, FW212C and FW212CNEB are shipped with the following components respectively:
Part Description Qty.FW102CFW212CFW102CNEB FW212CNEB
The following sections describe the basic operation of the motorized filter wheels and application software.
Changing and Removing the Filters
4.1.
WARNING
Prior to changing filters, ensure that the power is off and the unit is
disconnected from the DC source.
The filters can be changed by first removing the filter wheel cover, which is held in place with a single
thumbscrew. Filters can then be inserted into the desired locations for either a six- or twelve-position wheel. The
filters for the six-position wheels are secured via SM1RR retaining rings, while the filters for the twelve-position
wheel are secured using SM05RR retaining rings, all which are included with the specified unit. For easy access,
the entire filter wheel can be lifted out of the filter wheel housing. Please note that the rear edge of the threaded
filter holes contain a retaining lip that secures the edge of the filter (see figure 2). Some smaller filters may need
to be mounted between two retaining rings to be properly secured.
Figure 2 Rear Retaining Lip
Thorlabs offers preloaded filter wheels if that is desired. The table below outlines which filters are included with
each system, their optical density, and the position they are mounted in.
Rev H, October 2, 2014 Page 7
Motorized Filter Wheel Chapter 4: Basic Operation
FW102CNEB FW212CNEB
Filter Item # Optical Density Position Filter Item # Optical Density Position
Blank
NE05B
NE10B
NE20B
NE30B
NE40B
-
-
-
-
-
-
Once the filter wheel has been populated with filters and properly installed, the process of reassembling the filter
wheel goes as follows: slip the wheel over the shaft and turn slightly to allow the gears to mesh, replace the cover
and tighten the thumb screw. It is not necessary to return the wheel to any particular orientation; the unit will
reorient automatically when the power is turned on.
The base of the unit contains an array of mounting holes for attaching to steel posts or directly to other mounting
plates. See Figure 3 below for whole sizes andlocations.
M6-1.0 -6H
0.319" (8.10 mm)
(2 Places)
1/4"-20 UNC
0.312" (7.92 mm)
(2 Places)
Figure 3 Filter Wheel Mounting Holes
The filter wheel cover contains SM1 threads for attaching lens tubes or for mounting the unit directly to cameras,
microscopes, and telescopes. The filter wheel can be attached directly to Thorlabs’ 30 mm cage systems via four
4-40 tapped holes that surround each port.
Power
4.3.
The unit comes with an AC wall adapter to supply 12 VDC to the unit. Plug the 2.1 mm plug from the AC adapter
into the DC input jack on the unit. The ON/OFF (0/1) switch is located on the side of the unit. Upon power up, the
unit will display the filter number that is located at the selected aperture. If the wheel is not located at a valid
location, it will rotate to the closest valid position.
M4-0.7 -6H
0.312" (7.92 mm)
8-32 UNC
0.328" (8.33 mm)
0.13"
(3.18 mm)
0.43"
(10.8 mm)
0.61"
(15.56 mm)
Power Supply Input Voltage Rating: 90-264 VAC, 47-63 Hz
Thorlabs Filter Wheel Max Voltage Input: 12.6 V DC Max Current Input: 2.08 A
Rev H, October 2, 2014 Page 8
Motorized Filter Wheel Chapter 4: Basic Operation
Aperture
4.4.
The unit has two aperture locations labeled “A” and “B” for the 0° (12 o’clock position) and 210° (7 o’clock
position), respectively (see Figure 3 below). The A/B switch on the side of the unit selects the aperture.
SM1 (Ø1.035"-40)
Thread 0.15"
2 Places Both Sides
mm)
(25.52
1.00"
(29.46
1.16"
mm)
Deep
(14.73
0.58"
210°
mm)
0°
Figure 4 Filter Wheel Apertures
Manual Control
4.5.
Pushing the ▲ / ▼ arrow buttons on the top of the unit will adjust the filter location. The arrows indicate the
direction of the wheel’s rotation, and the display will indicate the filter selection. The display brightness can be
adjusted using a small screwdriver at the hole marked DIM (see figure 5).
Figure 5 DIM Display Brightness
External Trigger
4.6.
The unit may be remotely triggered to advance to the next position. This is done by applying an active low pulse
to the BNC trigger input. The input is TTL compatible and should not exceed 5 V. Because the input is internally
pulled up, the trigger will operate with a passive connection to ground. The trigger mode defaults on power up to
an input mode. Software provisioning can, however, change the trigger mode to an output mode. In the output
mode, the unit generates an active high 10 ms pulse (TTL level) to indicate that the wheel has completed its
rotation to the selected position. This pulse may be used to activate other equipment. The trigger can be changed
to the output mode from the application software or by sending the command “Trig=1” over the USB interface.
Rev H, October 2, 2014 Page 9
Motorized Filter Wheel Chapter 5: Software Control
Chapter 5 Software Control
Application Software Operation
5.1.
The FW102C(NEB) and FW212C(NEB) come with a CD-ROM that contains application software to control the
unit using USB 2.0, or RS232, from a PC. (See Thorlabs Motorized Filter Wheel Software Manual).
Minimum PC Requirements
The application program requires a minimum of a Pentium-class machine running Windows XP or newer.
Command Line Interface
5.2.
The FW102C can also be controlled by a command line language through the USB or RS232 ports. This is
offered to enable operation through a terminal interface or for those who may want to write their own program to
control the wheel. Prior to running the command line interface, the unit should be powered, and a USB or RS232
cable should be connected between the FW102C and the host. The terminal emulator should be configured as
follows:
Parameter Setting
Baud Rate
Data Bits
Parity
Stop Bits
Flow Control
If the connection is correct, you will see the following message after pushing the Enter key:
Command error CMD_NOT_DEFINED
This message will be followed immediately by the prompt:
>
The basic structure of the interface is a keyword followed by either an equals sign “=” or a question mark “?”. The
“=” or “?” will determine if the string is a command or a query. All strings (commands and queries) must be
terminated by a carriage return (CR) or pressing the ENTER key on the computer.
115.2 K Bits per Second
8
None
1
None
5.2.1. Command Structure
Keyword = argument (CR)
Here, keyword defines the function, and argument is a numerical value followed by a carriage return (CR).
5.2.2. Query Structure
Keyword? (CR)
Keyword defines the function, and the question mark (?) indicates a query. The string is terminated with a
carriage return (CR). Exceptions to this and unique shortcut keys are given in the table on page 11.
The prompt symbol “>” will appear on power-up and after a command is accepted by the FW102C and indicates
that the FW102C is ready to receive another command line.
Rev H, October 2, 2014 Page 10
Motorized Filter Wheel Chapter 5: Software Control
5.2.3. Keywords (Commands and Queries)
The following table describes all of the available commands and queries:
Command Syntax Description
Get ID
Set Position
Get Position
Set Position Count
Get Position Count
Set Trigger Mode
Get Trigger Mode
Set Speed Mode
Get Speed Mode
Set Sensor Mode
Get Sensor Mode
Set Baud Rate
Get Baud Rate
Save Settings
If the keyword, format, or argument are incorrect or out of range, the unit will return an error string.
a
All commands and queries are in lower case letters.
*idn? Returns the model number and firmware version
pos=n Moves the wheel to filter position n
pos? Position Query
pcount=n Sets the wheel type where n is 6 or 12
pcount? Returns the wheel type
trig=0 Sets the external trigger to the input mode
trig=1 Sets the external trigger to the output mode
Trig? Returns the trigger mode
speed=0 Sets the move profile to slow speed
speed=1 Sets the move profile to high speed
speed? Returns the move profile mode
sensors=0 Sensors turn off when wheel is idle to eliminate stray light
sensors=1 Sensors remain active
sensors? Returns the sensor mode
baud=0 Sets the baud rate to 9600
baud=1 Sets the baud rate to 115200
baud? Returns the baud rate where 0 = 9600 and 1 = 115200
save This will save all the settings as default on power up
In addition to the commands given above, there is also special functionality added to the arrow keys of the
computer’s keyboard:
Key Description
Up Arrow
Down Arrow
Increments the filter position by 1
Decrements the filter position by 1
Rev H, October 2, 2014 Page 11
Motorized Filter Wheel Chapter 5: Software Control
ActiveX Control
5.3.
An ActiveX control, FW102.ocx, is installed with the software. This feature can also be used to control the wheel
from an environment that supports ActiveX. The methods and properties supported by the ActiveX control are
described below:
ID
ComPort
BaudRate
PortOpen
Position
MaxVelocity
Acceleration
PositionCount
SensorsAlwaysOn
TriggerType
MinVelocity
CalibrationPassword
ElapsedTime
StatusWord
SpeedProfile
Displays a dialog box with information about Thorlabs
Displays a dialog box to select the com port that the filter wheel is connected to
Displays a dialog box to select the desired baud rate for communications
Displays a dialog box to control the filter wheel
Opens the com port
Closes the com port
Advances the wheel one position clockwise
Advances the wheel one position counterclockwise
Saves the current motor parameters
Lists the available commands
Gets the product name and firmware version of the filter wheel
Sets/Gets the com port for communications with the filter wheel
Sets/Gets the baud rate for communications with the filter wheel
Gets the status of the com port
Gets/Sets the current filter position
Gets/Sets the maximum velocity
Gets/Sets the acceleration rate
Gets/Sets the number of filter position in the wheel
Gets/Sets a flag to indicate if optical sensors should remain on after move
Gets/Sets trigger mode to input or output
Gets/Sets the minimum velocity
Sets the calibration password for saving motor parameters
Gets the time last move took in milliseconds
Gets the result of the last move
Gets/Sets the current speed profile
Rev H, October 2, 2014 Page 12
Motorized Filter Wheel Chapter 6: Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting and Maintenance
WARNING
Prior to troubleshooting or maintaining the unit, ensure that the power is off and the unit is
disconnected from the DC source.
Dust or debris can sometimes set into the filter wheel housing and block the sensors. This will result in the filter
wheel failing to move to the desired position. To prevent this, periodically remove the filter wheel and use
compressed air to clear away any contaminants. Externally the unit can be cleaned with a damp cloth to remove
dust or debris.
Removing the Filter Holder
6.1.
The filter holder maybe tight and difficult to remove. To make the wheel release with the minimal of force, grab it
on the right side (by filter position 5 in image below) and pull the wheel out and to the left as depicted by the large
red arrow.
When reinserting the wheel, push the filter holder onto the post jiggling the holder clockwise and counterclockwise
to help align the gears.
Filter Holder
Rev H, October 2, 2014 Page 13
Figure 6 Open Filter Wheel
Motorized Filter Wheel Chapter 6: Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Changing Filter Wheel Types
6.2.
When changing filter wheel types (i.e. from a 6- to 12-position wheel), the unit will need to be set to a mode that
will correctly interpret the correct position of the wheel. To convert the unit from 6-position wheel operation to 12position wheel operation, follow the steps below (process is similar for the other way around):
1. Unplug the power from the unit
2. Unscrew the thumbscrew and remove housing
3. Remove the 6-position wheel and insert the 12-position wheel
4. Reinstall the housing and secure with the thumbscrew
5. Plug the power cable back into the unit
6. Turn on the unit and select a position for the wheel other than 6 or 12
7. Hold down both arrow buttons until the display shown 6 or 12. This means that the unit is in the
mode select menu.
8. The down arrow will then select the 6-position and the up arrow will select the 12-position. Press the up
arrow button and make sure the display shows 12.
9. Hold down both arrow buttons until the display shows a different number (~3 s)
10. The unit is now able to operate a 12-position wheel
Error Codes & Troubleshooting
6.3.
The following table describes some typical problems that may be encountered while using the FW102C or
FW212C and possible solutions to these problems.
Problem Solution
Unit does not turn on when switching
the power switch to the ON position.
I can’t connect to the FW102C/FW212C
over the USB port.
Error Code “E#”
1. Make sure the AC line cord is fully inserted into the AC input
receptacle and plugged into an outlet providing 100 to 240 VAC.
1. Make sure the unit is turned on prior to connecting the USB.
2. Power off unit, remove AC cord, remove the USB cable,
reattach AC cord, power on unit and reattach the USB cable.
3. Make sure USB drivers are installed.
1. Make sure the filter wheel is installed correctly, that the housing
is seated correctly, and the thumbscrew is secure.
2. Remove the housing cover and filter wheel use compressed air
to clear any dust or debris from the inside of the housing and
green circuit board. If dust or debris blocks the sensors, this will
result in erroneous filter wheel position movements or may
cause the unit to seize.
3. Remove and inspect the blunt crenulated patterns cut into the
inner rim of the wheel (opposite side of engraving). If one or
more are bent or broken off, the sensors will be unable to read
the correct position and the wheel will need to be replaced.
Rev H, October 2, 2014 Page 14
Motorized Filter Wheel Chapter 7: Specifications
Chapter 7 Specifications
Performance
7.1.
Parameter Min Typical Max
Access Time (Adjacent Locations)
FW102C, FW102CNEB - <1 s FW212C, FW212CNEB - <0.5 s -
Access Time (Other Locations)
FW102C, FW102CNEB - 2.5 s FW212C, FW212CNEB - 2.5 s -
Accuracy / Repeatability
Expected Cycles
Electrical
7.2.
BNC Input Trigger
Max Rate
Minimum Pulse Width
BNC Input Trigger1
Input High
Input Low
BNC Output Trigger
Output Pulse Width
Output High2
Output Low2
Power (DC Input, 1 A)
Operating Temperature
-
1.5 x 10
6
- -
±2º
Parameter Min Typical Max
- - 0.5 pulses/sec
1.0 ms - -
3.3 V 4.5 V 5.3 V
0.3 V 0.0 V 1.0 V
9.0 ms 10.0 ms 11.0 ms
2.5 V (1 KΩ) 3.3 V (1.95 KΩ) 5.0 V (Hi Z)
0.0 V 0.0 V 1.0 V
11.75 VDC 12 VDC 12.25 VDC
0 °C - 60 °C
-
1
The BNC input trigger is an active low input. The input has an internal 1 KΩ input resistor. Grounding the center conductor of the jack will
activate the trigger.
2
When operating as an output, the unit output driver is configured in series with a 1 KΩ resistor.
Rev H, October 2, 2014 Page 15
Motorized Filter Wheel Chapter 7: Specifications
Physical characteristics and Interface
7.3.
Parameter FW102C(NEB) FW212C(NEB)
Trigger Jack
Power Jack
USB Connector
Mounting
Max Planar Filter Width
Dimensions (L x W x H) 5.44" x 1.85" x 4.39"
Weight (Without Power Supply)
Pin Diagram
7.4.
Pin Connector Pin Connector
1 N.C. 6 N.C.
2 TR2 (From Housing) 7 Connected to Pin 8
3 RX2 (To Housing) 8 Connected to Pin 7
4 N.C. 9 N.C.
5 Signal Ground
As required by the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive) of the European Community and
the corresponding national laws, Thorlabs offers all end users in the EC the possibility to return “end of life” units
without incurring disposal charges.
• This offer is valid for Thorlabs electrical and electronic equipment:
• Sold after August 13, 2005
• Marked correspondingly with the crossed out “wheelie bin” logo (see right)
• Sold to a company or institute within the EC
• Currently owned by a company or institute within the EC
• Still complete, not disassembled and not contaminated
As the WEEE directive applies to self-contained operational electrical and electronic products, this end of life take
back service does not refer to other Thorlabs products, such as:
• Pure OEM products, that means assemblies to be built into a unit by the user (e. g. OEM laser driver
cards)
• Components
• Mechanics and optics
• Left over parts of units disassembled by the user (PCB’s, housings etc.).
If you wish to return a Thorlabs unit for waste recovery, please contact Thorlabs or your nearest dealer for further
information.
Wheelie Bin Logo
Waste Treatment is Your Own Responsibility
9.1.
If you do not return an “end of life” unit to Thorlabs, you must hand it to a company specialized in waste recovery.
Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public waste disposal site.
Ecological Background
9.2.
It is well known that WEEE pollutes the environment by releasing toxic products during decomposition. The aim of
the European RoHS directive is to reduce the content of toxic substances in electronic products in the future.
The intent of the WEEE directive is to enforce the recycling of WEEE. A controlled recycling of end of life products
will thereby avoid negative impacts on the environment.
FCC Rules
9.3.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will
be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Thorlabs Sweden AB
Mölndalsvägen 3
412 63 Göteborg
Sweden
Tel: +46-31-733-30-00
Fax: +46-31-703-40-45
www.thorlabs.com
Email: scandinavia@thorlabs.com
Brazil
Thorlabs Vendas de Fotônicos Ltda.
Rua Riachuelo, 171
São Carlos, SP 13560-110
Brazil
Tel: +55-16-3413 7062
Fax: +55-16-3413 7064
www.thorlabs.com
Email: brasil@thorlabs.com
China
Thorlabs China
Room A101, No. 100
Lane 2891, South Qilianshan Road
Putuo District
Shanghai
China
Tel: +86 (0) 21-60561122
Fax: +86 (0)21-32513480
www.thorlabschina.cn
Email: chinasales@thorlabs.com
Rev H, October 2, 2014 Page 20
www.thorlabs.com
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