USB Communication problem with LabWindows CVI and a thorlabs APT Motor Control

[mat2510]

Hi

I am using CVI to control three Thorlabs NRT 100 Motors through a BSC 103 controller plugged via USB.

Basically, my system does a 2D x-y scanning with the motors (the third motor used for other purposes). However, after some 20 to 25 minutes in the scanning process, I get an error message (MG17_USB_ERR = 10055 An error has occurred with the USB communications) and the system crashes.

The computer runs on Windows 7 64 bits and I use Windows CVI 9.0

I guess the problem could be related to Windows entering in 'sleep mode' and disabling USB, thus giving the error message. However, I went into all the options and disabled all the possible 'sleep modes' in windows and still get the same error.

Anyone has any suggestions?

Thanks

Dave

[Wolfgang]

Hi Dave,

the error you receive, is it an error from CVI? Are you running in debug mode?

Wolfgang

[mat2510]

Hi

The error comes from the ActiveX control of the motors. So the error code is from Thorlabs.

Yes, I run the program in debug mode.

Dave

[Wolfgang]

So my conclusion would be to contact Thorlabs 🙂 Probably they are aware of such behavior. All I could imagine is to choose different power settings, e.g. as used for a presentation, i.e. never switch off display...

Wolfgang

[leichner@thorlabs.com]

This is tricky. It could the USB. Try changing the port connection. I also use a D Link USB Hub connected to the motherboard USB port. The PC and controller (server and client) communicates continuously. The USB may see something erroneously (noise for one) and corrupt the uController in the controller causing an irreversible error. We really don't like Vista and prefer a XP OS but it should work.  I have CVI ver 9.0 running on a XP OS I don't see any such errors. I'm running APT ver 2.9.0. Are you running the latest version for Vista? (Win 7 not compatible at this time) If not download it from Thorlabs and install it. Make sure you run the APT Firmware utility to update the uController firmware.

[mat2510]

I tried installing XP on the computer, but somehow the installation bugs before I can install anything on the computer. So I guess I'm stuck with Windows 7 64 bits.

Anyway, I reinstalled and checked the APT software version; it is 2.9.0 for x64. (However, the Thorlabs folder created is in c:/Program Files (x86)/ ).

I noticed on Thorlabs' site that there is a SP2 for the APT software. One of the bug fixes for the BSC103 is: "Fixed intermittent comms problems" which sounds very much like my problem.

However, when I try to run the update file, I get a message saying that the software to update is not present on the computer. Could this be related to the fact that I'm in Windows 7?

Thank you for your help

Dave

[leichner@thorlabs.com]

Thorlabs APT ver 2.9.0 for a 64bit OS will not work on a Windows 7 OS. It will run on a 64 bit Vista OS.  A new release is slated around June 2010 which will work under Windows 7. From personal experience I strongly suggest to run a XP OS. It is a robust operating system and will work with most third party software. The newer OS are quite nice, with a wow feeling but have many issues for the technical applications.  I'm sure with time that will change.

[mat2510]

I finally installed windows XP 32 bits on my system, but the problem still occurs. I also tried to change the USB port on the computer, but still doesn't work.

Is it possible the problem comes from a low quality USB port on the computer, generating some noise that would cause the problem as you suggested? Do you know if it is possible to test the USB ports?

Thank you

Dave

[Kevin-PTP]

Although not directly related to your Thorlabs problem I have a similar issue on a Baldor controller. Electrical noise appears to be the issue, this can be seen by scoping the supply line. Ferrites and capacitors look like they may be helping.

Kevin