Command list for Vue-HC controllers

ad12v?

Read input voltage A/D

Vue-HC systems have an A/D converter to sense the input DC voltage to the controller. This command reads the A/D converter and returns the result, an integer between 0 and 4095.

Full scale is 25.0V.

Return type: int range: 0-4095

adi1?

Read laser current A/D number 1

On HC units there are two A/D converters that sense the system current; on HCV there are four. This command reads the first one and returns the result. On HCT units there is only one current sense A/D converter, so this command is identical to "adi?" and is provided for compatibility.

Return type: int range: 0-4095

adi2?

Read laser current A/D number 2

On HC units there are two A/D converters that sense the system current; on HCV there are four. This command reads the second one and returns the result. On HCT units there is only one current sense A/D converter, so this command always returns 0 and is provided for compatibility.

Return type: int range: 0-4095

adi?

Read laser current A/D

Reads the current sense A/D and returns the result. 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)

adlt?

Read primary temperature A/D

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

adp?

Read laser power A/D

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

adtcpu?

Reads the CPU temperature A/D converter

Reads the CPU temperature analog/digital converter channel. On HV, MV-21 and MV-40 systems this 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 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

adv?

Read laser voltage A/D

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

apc?

Get amps per count

Returns the current calibration constant in amps per DAC count. This is set at the factory and cannot be changed in the field.

Return type: float

as

Enable/disable Autostart

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

as0

Abort Autostart

Aborts the Autostart regardless of its current state. Allows control of the unit using all the other commands.

as1

Restart Autostart

Begins the Autostart procedure as if the unit was just turned on.

as?

Return the power-on Autostart setting

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

asc

Set Autostart cold temperature threshold

Sets the "cold" temperature limit for Autostart operation. Below this temperature the controller enters a special warm-up state, where the current is set to the value of the last "aswi" command.

Argument type: float

asc?

Get Autostart cold temperature threshold

Returns the "cold" temperature limit for Autostart operation. Below this temperature the controller enters a special warm-up state.

Return type: float

ascdrh

Set the CDRH compliance state of Autostart

Sets the safety time delay (CDRH) compliance mode of Autostart. A non-zero argument turns the feature on.

Argument type: int range: 0-1

ash

Set Autostart hot temperature threshold

Sets the "hot" temperature limit for Autostart operation. Above this temperature the controller temporarily shuts off the laser, and enters a special cool-down state where it waits for the temperature to return to a safe level.

Argument type: float

ash?

Get Autostart hot temperature threshold

Returns the "hot" temperature limit for Autostart operation. Above this temperature the controller temporarily shuts off the laser, and enters a special cool-down state where it waits for the temperature to return to a safe level.

Return type: float

asi

Set Autostart operating current

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

asi?

Get Autostart operating current

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

asm

Set Autostart regulation mode

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

asm?

Get Autostart regulation mode

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

asp

Set Autostart operating power

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

asp?

Get Autostart operating power

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

ast?

Get the current Autostart state

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

aswi

Set the Autostart warmup current

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

aswi?

Get the Autostart warmup current

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

c?

Get operating mode

Returns the control mode of the laser, either "i" or "c", indicating constant current mode or constant power mode, respectively.

Return type: string

cal2?

Get calibration constant #2

Returns the value of calibration constant #2, which is used to linearize current. This constant cannot be changed in the field. This message is available for diagnostic purposes only.

Return type: float

cf

Clear fault

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.

ci

Enter constant current mode

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.

cp

Enter constant power mode

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.

cp?

Get light loop status

Return type: int range: 0-1

cs0

Disable checksums

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.

cs1

Enable checksums

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.

f?

Get operating fault

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

hrs?

Get system operating hours

Returns the total system operating hours.

Return type: float

i

Set laser amps

Sets the laser current in amps.

Argument type: float

i?

Get laser amps

Reads the laser current in amps.

Return type: float

ia?

Read current

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

imdac?

Get light regulation/current limit DAC

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

is?

Get current set point

Returns the constant current set point in amps. In constant current mode this is equivalent to i?.

Return type: float

ist?

Get current stable flag

Returns 1 if the current is stable, 0 otherwise. The HC/HCT systems correct for changes in input voltage and load voltage by means of a firmware servo algorithm, which requires some time to stabilize after a change.

Return type: int range: 0-1

l0

Disable laser

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.

l1

Enable laser

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.

l?

Get laser enable state

Return type: int

ldac?

Get current DAC

Returns the last value written to the current control DAC.

Return type: int range: 0-4095

limax

Set maximum laser amps

Sets the maximum allowed laser current in amps. This command allows the user to set the current ceiling for a particular laser device. This value is stored in non-volatile memory, and will remain in effect until the next "limax" command is issued.

Argument type: float

limax?

Get maximum laser amps

Returns the maximum allowed laser current. See "limax" for further information.

Return type: float

lpmax

Set maximum laser watts

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

lpmax?

Get maximum laser watts

Returns the maximum allowed laser power during constant power mode. See "lpmax" for further information.

Return type: float

p

Set laser watts

Sets the laser power in watts.

Return type: float

pa?

Read watts

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

ps?

Get power set point

Returns the constant power mode set point in watts. In constant current mode, this command is equivalent to p?.

Return type: float

sb

Enter standby mode

Enters standby mode. When this command is issued the laser should be turned on and stable at the cirrent of interest. Upon entry to this mode the laser turns off, but can be turned on again for a specified time using the pulse (p1) command.

sb?

Get standby mode

Returns 1 if the controller is in standby mode, o if it is not.

Return type: int range: 0-1

sn?

Get serial number

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

t0?

Read temperature at Thermistor 0

Measures the signal on thermistor input 0, converts it to a temperature using the previously stored thermistor calibration constants, and returns the result in degrees C. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement".

Return type: float

t0a

Set thermistor A coefficient

Sets the "a" coefficient of thermistor #0. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement".

Argument type: float

t0a?

Get thermistor A coefficient

Reads the "a" coefficient of thermistor #0. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement".

Return type: float

t0b

Set thermistor B coefficient

Sets the "b" coefficient of thermistor #0. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement".

Argument type: float

t0b?

Get thermistor B coefficient

Reads the "b" coefficient of thermistor #0. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement".

Return type: float

t0c

Set thermistor C coefficient

Sets the "c" coefficient of thermistor #0. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement".

Argument type: float

t0c?

Get thermistor C coefficient

Reads the "c" coefficient of thermistor #0. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement".

Return type: float

t0cold

Set cold temperature threshold

Sets the "cold" operating limit in degrees C below which the laser output is disabled.

Argument type: float

t0cold?

Get cold temperature threshold

Gets the "cold" operating limit in degrees C below which the laser output is disabled.

Return type: float

t0d

Set thermistor D coefficient/Set thermistor defaults

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

t0d?

Get thermistor D coefficient

Reads the "d" coefficient of thermistor #0. For a complete description of thermistor coefficients and how to use them, see the appnote "Temperature Control and Measurement".

Return type: float

t0en

Enable/disable temperature checking

Enables/disables checking of the laser temperature based on the input to thermistor #0.

Argument type: int range: 0-1

t0en?

Is temperature checking enabled?

Returns the enable/disable state of the laser temperature checking.

Return type: int range: 0-1

t0hot

Set hot temperature threshold

Sets the "hot" operating limit in degrees C above which the laser output is disabled.

Argument type: float

t0hot?

Get hot temperature threshold

Gets the "hot" operating limit in degrees C below which the laser output is disabled.

Return type: float

t0i

Sets intercept calibration constant for Thermistor 0

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

t0i?

Returns intercept calibration constant for Thermistor 0

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?.

Return type: float

t0s

Sets slope calibration constant for Thermistor 0

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

t0s?

Returns slope calibration constant for Thermistor 0

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?.

Return type: float

t0v?

Returns measured voltage on Thermistor 0 input

Returns the measured voltage the first thermistor (t0) input. This voltage is converted to temperature according to the thermistor calibration.

Return type: float

tcpu?

Get CPU temperature

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

te

Talk enable unconditionally

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.

tela

Talk enable by local address

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

tesn

Talk enable by serial number

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

uf

Upload firmware

Enters the VueMetrix firmware loader. This command should not be issued under any circumstances by user-written software.

v?

Read laser voltage

Reads the calibrated laser voltage and returns the result.

Return type: float

ver?

Get firmware version

Returns the firmware version number.

Return type: int

wpv

Set watts per volt

Sets the calibration constant for laser power readings. This value is stored in non-volatile memory.

Argument type: float

wpv?

Get watts per volt

Returns the calibration constant for laser power readings.

Return type: float