ProScan III microscope controllers & joysticks

Select the controller by listing every motorised axis and peripheral that must be operated. H31XYZE or V31XYZE suits a stepper-driven XY stage plus non-piezo Z focus with encoder support, while H31ZFE provides focus and optical-peripheral control and V31F is intended for filter and shutter functions without an XY stage. H31XYZEF or V31XYZEF combines stage, focus, encoders, three filter wheels and three shutters. V31XYZEFT adds a trigger board, whereas V31XYZEF2 extends capacity to six filter wheels and six shutters. This selection process helps prevent missing control channels or ordering functions that the instrument will not use.

The range can coordinate up to nine controlled axes, depending on the selected modules and connected equipment. The base unit is intended for three axes, normally an XY stage and Z-focus mechanism. Ancillary modules add filter-wheel or OEM motor channels, and more than one module can be installed where additional capacity is required. Up to six axes can be configured for OEM applications, with speed, acceleration and drive current set individually. Engineers should prepare an axis schedule that separates stepper motors, encoder feedback, shutters, trigger I/O and illumination control because these functions require different connections and do not all consume the same type of channel.

Host control is available over USB virtual COM and RS232C. Serial operation uses eight data bits, one stop bit, no parity and no handshake, with 9,600, 19,200, 38,400 and 115,200 baud options. Full configurations provide two RS232 ports and include USB, CAN bus, joystick and TTL connections, although the fitted connectors depend on the ordered version. Trigger-equipped models provide programmable TTL inputs and outputs for coordinating motion or optical devices with external equipment. For software integration, use the supplied SDK and confirm that the selected imaging package supports every required accessory rather than stage movement alone.

At system level, the controller supports stage speeds up to 300 mm/s, commanded increments from 0.01 µm in XY and 0.002 µm in Z, and typical stage or focus repeatability below 1 µm. Linear scale options of 0.1 µm and 0.05 µm are available with compatible stages. These figures do not describe the controller in isolation because the connected mechanics, screw pitch, encoder, load, travel range and tuning determine the achieved result. A heavy sample carrier or long-travel stage may require different acceleration and speed settings from a light slide stage. Select the stage first, then verify the complete motion specification against the imaging or measurement task.

Use CS200XY for manual movement of a motorised XY stage and CS200Z for control of the focus axis. The units can be operated individually, but using both supports simultaneous two-handed adjustment of sample position and focus in a way that reflects normal microscope operation. Each control includes local speed adjustment, while programmable buttons can place selected automated functions within reach of the operator. Their 90 × 90 mm footprint and daisy-chain connection allow the units to be arranged for either left- or right-handed use. This arrangement is useful when samples are scanned manually before positions are transferred to an automated acquisition sequence.

Always remove controller power before connecting or disconnecting a stage, focus drive, joystick or optical accessory. The stage connects to the 25-way STAGE port, while encoded systems require the X and Y encoder cables to be fitted to the corresponding labelled inputs. Focus systems use the 15-way FOCUS connection or the combined FOCUS/FILTER 1 port on an H31ZFE configuration. Filter wheels connect to the designated FILTER or AXIS A ports, and shutters use the S1, S2 or S3 connections. Once all plugs are secured, power can be restored so supported stages and CS200 controls can be detected and configured automatically.

The base controller is a 177 × 177 × 177 mm cube weighing 3 kg. Each ancillary module adds approximately 59 mm to the assembled configuration and weighs about 1 kg, so the complete footprint and mass depend on the number and orientation of the modules. Modules can be arranged horizontally or vertically to suit a microscope bench, shelf or equipment rack. Installation drawings should also allow space for connector bodies, cable bend radii, ventilation and access to the power switch. For an enclosed OEM system, calculate the final dimensions from the ordered configuration rather than designing around the base cube alone.

Encoded operation is available for compatible motorised axes, and controller configurations that operate stages or stepper focus systems support encoder feedback. Compatible stage systems can use linear scales with 0.1 µm or 0.05 µm resolution, while the achieved positioning result still depends on the complete mechanical assembly. Up to six axes can be configured for OEM applications, with speed, acceleration and drive current programmed independently for each mechanism. This allows different motors or loads to be tuned within the same automation platform. Before integration, verify the motor electrical requirements, encoder type, travel limits and fault behaviour for every custom axis.