Thorlabs APT Stage Controller

A modern PyQt5-based GUI application for controlling Thorlabs TDC001 motor controllers with MTS50/M stages. This replaces the legacy Thorlabs APT software with a clean, intuitive interface.

Features

• Multi-Motor Control: Control up to 3 motors simultaneously
• Real-time Position Monitoring: Live position updates and status indicators
• Precise Movement Control:
  • Absolute positioning
  • Relative movements
  • Jog controls
  • Home positioning
• Configurable Parameters: Adjustable velocity and acceleration settings
• Device Auto-Discovery: Automatic detection of connected Thorlabs devices
• Modern UI: Clean PyQt5 interface with color-coded motor panels

Requirements

• Python 3.x
• PyQt5
• thorlabs_apt_device

Installation

Windows

Run the installation script:

INSTALL.bat

This will:

1. Create a Python virtual environment
2. Install all required dependencies
3. Set up the application

Usage

Running the Application

Windows:

RUN.bat

Manual:

python main.py

Building Standalone Executable (Windows)

build_windows.bat

This creates a standalone .exe file in the dist folder.

Project Structure

• main.py - Application entry point
• gui.py - PyQt5 GUI implementation
• devices.py - Thorlabs device communication layer
• INSTALL.bat - Windows installation script
• RUN.bat - Windows run script
• build_windows.bat - Windows build script for creating executable

Motor Specifications

• Travel Range: 0-50 mm
• Maximum Velocity: 2.6 mm/s
• Maximum Acceleration: 4.0 mm/s²
• Minimum Step: 0.001 mm

License

This project is open source and available for use and modification.

Author

Created as a replacement for legacy Thorlabs APT software.