NTS
NanoDirect™ Application Software Overview:
The NTS-NanoDrive™ Controller provides the communication and control
link between the NTS Stage and Windows2000/XP operating software. The computer/laptop
monitor displays simple menus and prompts the operator to select or enter
parameters for the chosen mode of operation. The software processes the digitised
input signal and applies the operator-selected information for real-time display
and control of stage movement.
The initial setup screen allows the user to select the stage type (e.g. NTS-10,
NTS-20) and then choose between PC or Joystick control for each channel on
the NTS-NanoDrive controller. The user can also choose to have PC control
on one channel and Joystick control on another.
NTS NanoDrive Setup screen
The following menu options are also availableMeasurement Units - Allows
the selection of units of measurement (e.g. m or nm etc.) and the creation
of the new units altogether. Distance from Zero - Shows the distance that
the stage has travelled from the Zero point.Travel Indicator Bar - Travel
indicator bar graduated in percentages indicates graphically the movement,
approximate position, speed and direction of the stage relative to a percentage
scale where 100% is equal to the maximum linear travel range of the stage.
Manual Travel - Forward or Reverse motion controlled by mouse button.Programmed
Travel - Automatic travel where the required distance and direction of travel
is entered and actual travel is then initiated by clicking the Start button.Preset
Travel - Enables an unlimited number of preset positions of the stage platform
to be stored and recalled so that the stage can move automatically to the
chosen preset position.Stepped Mode - Moves the stage in increments controlled
by the Velocity and Step Size. Continuous Mode - Moves the stage continuously
with maximum velocity (250 m/sec).Velocity - Defines the speed at which
the Stage moves in m/sec. Step Size - In Stepped Mode, this fixes the length
of a single increment (i.e. a single step) of movement of the stage.
NTS NanoDirect - Control Screen
Joystick Setup and
Control
NTS stages can be joystick-controlled. Joystick control provides the benefit of manual/hand control over stage movement and velocity. One joystick can control up to three stages independently via the NanoDrive controller. Each channel (i.e. stage) on the NTS-NanoDrive can be assigned an X, Y, or Z ordinate on the joystick, such that any deflection (or rotation) of the joystick along that ordinate will produce a movement of the stage. The velocity of stage movement is proportional to the degree of displacement of the joystick handle. Hence, if the joystick is gently deflected in a selected direction, the stage will begin to move slowly. If the joystick is deflected fully in one direction (e.g. deflected to the maximum position left or right) the stage will move at maximum velocity. The velocity of stage movement can also be observed by selecting the appropriate channel control screen.
