/pyAPT

Python interface to Thorlab's APT motion controllers

Primary LanguagePythonOtherNOASSERTION

pyAPT

Python interface to Thorlab's APT motion controllers.

The motion controller can be accessed in two ways:

  1. Using libftdi1 and pylibftdi. Under Linux the easiest way to get these is to install libftdi1 using the package management system, and then install pylibftdi into a virtual environment or equivalent.

  2. Serial communication using pySerial and virtual com ports. You can use these in Windows by going to the device manager, selecting "Universal Serial Bus controllers", right clicking on the desired "APT USB Device" and selecting "properties". Under the Advanced tab check the box labeled "Load VCP". Virtual com port drivers are described here: FTDI Chip.

Note on stage limits

The stage limits (maximum acceleration, velocity, etc) as quoted on the Thorlabs website, or in their user manuals, often don't agree with reality. The best way to get these limits is to install the APT User software, which seems to have built-in limits for the various stages. These correspond much better to the actual performance of stages.