Reads the current sense A/D and returns the result. Normally this is the laser current, but on the TEC controller it senses the TEC current. On products that have multiple current sensors (HC and HCV), this command returns the sum of the individual sensor readings. In such cases the maximum returned value is 4095 * the number of sensors. See commands adi1? and adi2? (HC and HCV), and adi3? and adi4? (HCV).
Return type: int range: 0-4095 (but see description)
Reads the primary temperature A/D converter and returns the result. The conversion of this result to temperature is calibration dependent, but the result in degrees C can be always be obtained in a system-independent manner by the t0? command.
Return type: int range: 0-65535
Reads the laser power A/D converter and returns the result. Conversion of this number to power is dependent on calibration, which is a customer setting. The calibrated power can be read by means of the p? and pa? commands.
Return type: int range: 0-4095
Reads the CPU temperature analog/digital converter channel. On HV, MV-21 and MV-40 systems this command reads a thermistor mounted on the control board, and the temperature conversion formula used is:
degreesC = -counts * 2.5 / 4095 * 42.9019 + 79.26541
On LV-15 and LV-30 this command reads a thermistor mounted on the control board, and the conversion formula is:
degreesC = 109.5628 - 98.0553V + 42.0291V2 - 7.7364V3, where V = 3.3 * counts / 4095
On TEC controllers this command reads a temperature monitor built into the CPU and the conversion formula is:
degreesC = 359.117 - (counts * 3.0 / 4095) / 0.00435
On other products this reads a signal internal to the CPU chip, and the temperature conversion formula is:
degreesC = (0.650 - (counts * 2.5 / 4095)) * 500.0 + 25.0
On all products the tcpu? command performs the correct conversion and returns a result in degrees C.
Return type: int range: 0-4095
Reads the laser voltage A/D converter and returns the result. The conversion of this result to voltage is system-dependent. The command v? always returns the properly scaled laser voltage.
Return type: int range: 0-4095
Read the auxiliary power A/D converter and returns the result. Conversion of this number to power is dependent on calibration, which is customer settable. The calibrated power can be read by means of the px? command.
Return type: int range: 0-4095
Returns the number of counts on the A/D converter connected to the external power measurement circuit. Available only on DPSS controllers equipped with two power inputs.
Return type: int range: 0-4095
Reads the secondary temperature A/D converter and returns the result.
Return type: int range: 0-65535
Reads the primary TEC voltage A/D converter and returns the result. . The conversion of this result to temperature is system-dependent, but the result in degrees C can be read in a system-independent manner by the t1? command.
Return type: int range: 0-4095
Returns the current calibration constant in amps per DAC count. This is set at the factory and cannot be changed in the field. On the TEC controller this command has no meaning and is present only for compatibility.
Return type: float
Sets the state of the Autostart power-on enable feature. When this feature is enabled, Autostart will run each time the power supply is turned on.
Argument type: int range: 0-1
Aborts the Autostart regardless of its current state. Allows control of the unit using all the other commands.
Begins the Autostart procedure as if the unit was just turned on.
Returns 1 if Autostart is programmed to run the next time the controller is turned on, 0 if it is not.
Return type: int range: 0-1
Sets the value of the current (in Amps) that Autostart will use as a final operating state. On systems where constant power operation is available, this value is ignored if Autostart is set to constant power (see the asm and asm? commands). Regardless of whether Autostart is in constant current or constant power mode, the value sent by this command is stored in nonvolatile memory and retained by the controller until it is changed by a subsequent asi command.
Argument type: float
Returns the value of the current (in Amps) that Autostart will use as a final operating state. On systems where constant power operation is available, this value is ignored if Autostart is set to constant power (see the asm and asm? commands).
Return type: float
Sets the final operating mode of Autostart, either constant current or constant power. On systems that do not support constant power, this command is not available. An argument of 0 sets constant current mode, 1 sets constant power.
Argument type: int range: 0-1
Returns the final operating mode of Autostart, either constant current or constant power. On systems that do not support constant power, this command is not available. An argument of 0 indicates constant current mode, 1 indicates constant power.
Return type: int range: 0-1
Sets the final operating power in Autostart mode. On products that do not support constant power operation, this command is unavailable. This value is irrelevent when Autostart is set to constant current operation (see the asm and asm? commands). Regardless of whether Autostart is in constant current or constant power mode, the value sent by this command is stored in nonvolatile memory and retained by the controller until it is changed by a subsequent asp command.
Argument type: float
Returns the final operating power in Autostart mode. On products that do not support constant power operation, this command is unavailable. This value is irrelevent when Autostart is set to constant current operation (see the asm and asm? commands).
Return type: float
Returns the state of the Autostart. The reply is a small integer whose meaning varies from one product to another. Consult the product manual for the list of Autostart states for your specific product.
Return type: int
Sets the value of the Autostart warmup delay. This sets the minimum length of time, in seconds, that Autostart will wait at the warmup current (see aswi and aswi?). This time may be extended to wait for temperature stabilization.
Argument type: float
Returns the value of the Autostart warmup delay. This is the minimum length of time, in seconds, that Autostart will wait at the warmup current (see aswi and aswi?). This time may be extended to wait for temperature stabilization.
Return type: float
Sets the value of the Autostart warmup current. This sets the laser diode current, in amps, that will be used during the warmup period.
Argument type: float
Returns the value of the Autostart warmup current. This is the laser diode current, in amps, that will be used during the warmup period.
Return type: float
Read the primary TEC loopback A/D converter and returns the result.
Return type: int range: 0-4095
Reads the primary temperature A/D converter and returns the result. The conversion of this result to temperature is system-dependent, but the result in degrees C can be read in a system-independent manner by the t1? command.
Return type: int range: 0-4095
Returns the control mode of the laser, either "i" or "c", indicating constant current mode or constant power mode, respectively.
Return type: string
Returns the calibration intercept for the current DAC (DAC0, see the ldac? command). In constant current mode, the controller uses this value to set accurately the current control digital to analog converter.
Return type: float
Returns the calibration slope for the current DAC (DAC0, see the ldac? command). In constant current mode, the controller uses this value to set accurately the current control digital to analog converter.
Return type: float
Returns the calibration slope for the power DAC (DAC1, see the imdac? command). In constant power mode, the controller uses this value to set accurately the power control digital to analog converter.
Return type: float
Returns the calibration slope for the power DAC (DAC1, see the imdac? command). In constant power mode, the controller uses this value to set accurately the power control digital to analog converter.
Return type: float
Clears any active fault. If the laser was shut down because of a fault condition, this command will allow it to operate again. A Laser On command (l1) is required to resume laser operation.
Causes the laser to enter constant current mode at the last measured value of operating current. If the laser is disabled when this command is issued, it will turn on in constant current mode in response to a subsequent "l1" command.
Causes the laser to enter constant power mode at the last measured value of output power. If the laser is disabled when this command is issued, it will turn on in constant power mode in response to a subsequent "l1" command. On systems that do not support constant power operation, this command is unavailable.
Return type: int range: 0-1
Disables the use of Verhoeff checksums in all subsequent communications. Checksums are disabled by default on system power-up. Note that the Verhoeff algorithm does not permit negative numbers.
Enables the use of Verhoeff checksums in all subsequent communications. Checksums are disabled by default on system power-up. This is an obsolete feature of some controllers and its use is deprecated.
Returns a small integer indicating the presence of a system fault. A zero return indicates that the system is working properly. A non-zero return indicates that the system has shut off the laser because of a fault condition. The meaning of the fault code varies from one product to another.
Return type: int
Returns the contents of a flash page as a series of 4 hexadecimal bytes (used in software development).
Argument type: int
Return type: string
Returns the total system operating hours.
Return type: float
Sets the laser current in amps.
Argument type: float
Reads the laser current in amps.
Return type: float
Returns the laser current as measured by the controller, regardless of whether the system is in constant power (when supported) or constant current mode. In constant current mode, or when the system is off, measurement errors may cause the returned value to differ slightly from the current set point. This value is uncalibrated and is only suitable for diagnostic purposes.
If the system supports constant power operation and it is enabled, this command is equivalent to i?.
Return type: float
Return type: int
Returns the last value written to the DAC1. On early DPSS systems this value limits the output of the hardware constant power servo. On MV systems this is a hardware current limit used in external control mode. On most systems it is set to a value of 4095 when the laser in on. It is controlled automatically by firmware and cannot be set directly by the end user.
Return type: int range: 0-4095
Returns the constant current set point in amps. In constant current mode this is equivalent to i?.
Return type: float
Turns the laser off. The operating current (if in constant current mode), or the light power (if in constant power mode) is saved in volatile memory. When the "laser on (l1)" command is issued the laser will restart at the stored setting.
Turns the laser on at the last current or light power setting. When the controller is first powered on, the operating conditions default to current control at 0.0 amps.
Return type: int
Sets the system's local address. This value is stored in non-volatile memory. This command is only meaningful for RS-485 communications.
Argument type: int range: 0-65535
Returns the system's local address.
Return type: int range: 0-65535
Returns the last value written to the current control DAC.
Return type: int range: 0-4095
Sets the 4 indicator LEDs by decoding the argument into a bit pattern.
Argument type: int range: 0-15
Returns the 4 indicator LEDs as a bit pattern.
Return type: int range: 0-15
Sets the maximum allowed laser current in amps. This command allows the user to set the current ceiling for a particular laser device. The value must be less than or equal to the system maximum current. This value is stored in non-volatile memory, and will remain in effect until the next "limax" command is issued.
Argument type: float
Returns the maximum allowed laser current. See "limax" for further information.
Return type: float
Sets the maximum allowed laser power during constant power mode. This command allows the user to set the power ceiling for a particular laser device. This value is stored in non-volatile memory, and will remain in effect until the next "lpmax" command is issued. The controller refers to this value only when processing a "p" command. In constant current operation this limit will not protect the laser against excessive current. For that purpose use the "limax" command.
Argument type: float
Returns the maximum allowed laser power during constant power mode. See "lpmax" for further information.
Return type: float
Available only on systems with one or more temperature servos. Returns a number proportional to the change in the primary temperature versus time.
Return type: float
Sets the delta, or offset, coefficient of the primary temperature servo. For a full description of the servo algorithm and coefficients, see "Temperature Control and Measurement".
Argument type: float
Returns the delta, or offset, coefficient of the primary temperature servo. For a full description of the servo algorithm and coefficients, see "Temperature Control and Measurement".
Return type: float
Sets the slope coefficient of the primary temperature servo. For a full description of the servo algorithm and coefficients, see "Temperature Control and Measurement".
Argument type: float
Returns the slope coefficient of the primary temperature servo. For a full description of the servo algorithm and coefficients, see "Temperature Control and Measurement".
Return type: float
Returns the value of the primary temperature control DAC.
Return type: int range: 0-16383
Sets the drive for the primary temperature control, on a scale where 0=maximum cooling and 30000=maximum heating. Employ this command with caution, since it disables the primary temperature servo and allows the TEC driver to run "open loop"; in this state the system is not protected against excessive temperatures.
Argument type: int range: 0-30000
Returns the value of the primary TEC drive signal, scaled from 0-30000 such that 30000 corresponds to maximum heating, 0 corresponds to maximum cooling, and 15000 corresponds to the resting state (neither heating nor cooling).
Return type: int range: 0-30000
An argument of 1 engages the primary temperature servo at the last known value of the set point. An argument of 0 disengages the primary temperature servo, and forces the TEC drive to the neutral position (neither heating nor cooling).
Argument type: int range: 0-1
Returns a small integer indicating the state of the primary temperature servo. A returned value greater than 100 indicates a fault condition, which will cause the laser to be shut off.
Return type: int
Returns the primary temperature set point in degrees C.
Return type: float
Returns 1 if the primary TEC driver chip has shut off, 0 if it's OK. A shutoff is usually caused by the driver chip exceeding its rated operating temperature.
Return type: int range: 0-1
Sets the laser power in watts.
Return type: float
Returns the laser power as measured by the controller, regardless of whether the system is in constant power or constant current mode. In constant power mode, measurement errors may cause the returned value to differ slightly from the power set point. In constant current mode, this command is equivalent to p?.
Return type: float
Returns the gain of the power measurement circuit.
Return type: float
Returns the integer value of the digital potentiometer in the laser's power measurement circuit.
Return type: int range: 0-1023
Returns a string describing the product type.
Return type: str
Returns the constant power mode set point in watts. In constant current mode, this command is equivalent to p?.
Return type: float
Measures the laser power through the auxiliary input port, applies a calibration factor to convert to watts, and returns the result.
Return type: float
Returns the system's serial number, a 32-bit unsigned integer. This is set at the factory and cannot be changed in the field.
Return type: int
On MV and HC systems, sets the "d" coefficient of thermistor #0 (requires a floating point argument). For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement".
On DPSS systems, this command sets the default coefficients for thermistor 0. This command takes no argument.
Argument type: float
Sets the intercept calibration constant for the first thermistor (t0). This is the temperature reported for an observed voltage of 0.0V. The value is stored in non-volatile memory. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement". On newer MV and MV systems this command is replaced by t0a, t0b, t0c and t0d.
Argument type: float
On most products: Returns the intercept calibration constant for the first thermistor (t0). This is the temperature reported for an observed voltage of 0.0V. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement". On newer MV and MV systems this command is replaced by t0a?, t0b?, t0c? and t0d?.
On TEC controllers this command has a completely different meaning: get the TEC current in amps. A negative value indicates cooling and a positive value indicates heating.
Return type: float
Sets the slope calibration constant for the first thermistor (t0). This is the change in reported temperature for a 1.0V change in the measured voltage. The value is stored in non-volatile memory. Since this value is typically negative, checksums must be disabled when transmitting this command. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement". On newer MV and MV systems this command is replaced by t0a, t0b, t0c and t0d.
Argument type: float
On most products, returns the slope calibration constant for the first thermistor (t0). This is the change in reported temperature for a 1.0V change in the measured voltage. The value is stored in non-volatile memory. Since this value is typically negative, checksums must be disabled when transmitting this command. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement". On newer MV and MV systems this command is replaced by t0a?, t0b?, t0c? and t0d?.
On TEC controllers this command returns the servo state, an integer. The returned values have the following meanings:
Return type: float (int on TEC)
Set the default calibration constants for thermistor #1.
Sets the intercept calibration constant for the second thermistor (t1). This is the temperature reported for an observed voltage of 0.0V. The value is stored in non-volatile memory. See the documentation for thermistors and temperature calibration. On newer MV and MV systems this command is replaced by t0a, t0b, t0c and t0d.
Argument type: float
Returns the intercept calibration constant for the first thermistor (t0). This is the temperature reported for an observed voltage of 0.0V. See the documentation for thermistors and temperature calibration.
Return type: float
Sets the slope calibration constant for the second thermistor (t1). This is the change in reported temperature for a 1.0V change in the measured voltage. The value is stored in non-volatile memory. Since this value is typically negative, checksums must be disabled when transmitting this command. See the documentation for thermistors and temperature calibration.
Argument type: float
Returns the slope calibration constant for the first thermistor (t0). This is the change in reported temperature for a 1.0V change in the measured voltage. The value is stored in non-volatile memory. Since this value is typically negative, checksums must be disabled when transmitting this command. See the documentation for thermistors and temperature calibration.
Return type: float
Returns the temperature of the CPU chip in degrees C. A temperature reading greater than 65 degrees will shut off the system with a fault.
Return type: float
Activates any controller receiving the message. This is only relevant for systems that utilize RS-485 communication, and on other systems is retained for compatibility.
A zero argument will disable all primary TEC functions. A 1 argument enables the primary TEC functions. The argument to this command is stored in non-volatile memory and remains in effect until the next time a "tec0" command is issued.
Argument type: int range: 0-1
Returns 1 if the primary TEC is enabled, 0 if it is disabled.
Return type: int range: 0-1
A zero argument will disable all secondary TEC functions. A 1 argument enables the primary TEC functions. The argument to this command is stored in non-volatile memory and remains in effect until the next time a "tec0" command is issued.
Argument type: int range: 0-1
Returns 1 if the secondary TEC is enabled, 0 if it is disabled.
Return type: int range: 0-1
Activates the controller whose local address matches the argument, and deactivates any other controller receiving the message. This command is used to select one controller in a multiple-controller environment. This is used for controllers communicating by RS-485, and is otherwise retained for compatibility.
Argument type: int range: 0-65535
Activates the controller whose serial number matches the argument, a 32-bit unsigned integer, and deactivates any other controller receiving the message. This command is used to select one controller in a multiple-controller environment. This is used for controllers communicating by RS-485, and is otherwise retained for compatibility.
Argument type: int
Sets the primary temperature set point to the argument, in degrees C. This does not close the temperature control loop (see iten).
Argument type: float
Returns the measured (actual) primary temperature. Use ltsp to get the primary temperature set point.
Return type: float
Sets the secondary temperature set point to the argument, in degrees C. This does not close the temperature control loop (see xten).
Argument type: float
Returns the measured (actual) secondary temperature. Use xtsp to get the secondary temperature set point.
Return type: float
Enters the VueMetrix firmware loader. This command should not be issued under any circumstances by user-written software.
Reads the calibrated laser voltage and returns the result.
Return type: float
Returns the firmware version number.
Return type: int
Sets the calibration constant for laser power readings. This value is stored in non-volatile memory.
Argument type: float
Returns the calibration constant for laser power readings.
Return type: float
Sets the calibration constant for laser power readings on the auxiliary power input. This value is stored in non-volatile memory.
Argument type: float
Returns the calibration constant for laser power readings performed through the auxiliary power input.
Return type: float
Available only on systems with one or more temperature servos. Returns a number proportional to the change in the secondary temperature versus time.
Return type: float
Sets the delta, or offset, coefficient of the secondary temperature servo. For a full description of the servo algorithm and coefficients, see "Temperature Control and Measurement".
Argument type: float
Returns the delta, or offset, coefficient of the secondary temperature servo. For a full description of the servo algorithm and coefficients, see "Temperature Control and Measurement".
Return type: float
Sets the slope coefficient of the secondary temperature servo. For a full description of the servo algorithm and coefficients, see "Temperature Control and Measurement".
Argument type: float
Returns the slope coefficient of the primary temperature servo. For a full description of the servo algorithm and coefficients, see "Temperature Control and Measurement".
Return type: float
Returns the value of the secondary temperature control DAC.
Return type: int range: 0-16383
Sets the drive for the secondary temperature control, on a scale where 0=maximum cooling and 30000=maximum heating. Employ this command with caution, since it disables the primary temperature servo and allows the TEC driver to run "open loop"; in this state the system is not protected against excessive temperatures.
Argument type: int range: 0-30000
Returns the value of the secondary TEC drive signal, scaled from 0-30000 such that 30000 corresponds to maximum heating, 0 corresponds to maximum cooling, and 15000 corresponds to the resting state (neither heating nor cooling).
Argument type: int range: 0-30000
An argument of 1 engages the secondary temperature servo at the last known value of the set point. An argument of 0 disengages the secondary temperature servo, and forces the TEC drive to the neutral position (neither heating nor cooling).
Argument type: int range: 0-1
Returns a small integer indicating the state of the primary temperature servo. A returned value greater than 100 indicates a fault condition, which will cause the laser to be shut off.
Return type: int range: 0-106
Returns the secondary temperature set point in degrees C.
Return type: float
Returns 0 if the secondary TEC driver is working correctly. 1 indicates an over temperature condition, 2 is under voltage, 3 is over current.
Return type: int range: 0-3