Starting

First Time

Navigate through the Start, All Programs, Optec, TCF-S Control folders to locate the TCF-S Control shortcut.

Double click on the TCF-S Control shortcut to start the program. On the first run of the program you MUST set the COM port.

The TCF-S interface window will appear.

Click on Setup and then on Select COM Port. Select the appropriate the COM number. A list of port options from COM1 to COM19 will appear. If you choose the wrong COM port number, you will see an error message pop up indicating that the COM number is in error. If this happens, select another number and try again. The Device Manager within your computer's control panel may be helpful in finding and selection an available COM port, especially if a USB-to-Serial converter is used. See Determining COM Port for help.

Tip: Not all USB-to-Serial converter works the same. Some of these devices are not compatible with Optec software. If you fail to connect with your USB-to-Serial converter, call Optec. We have both single and 4-port models which are compatible.

Click on File and then click on Connect. You should see in the DRO display window the current position if the serial link is successful. If not successful, the error message not connected - try again will appear. It may take a few seconds for the connection to happen and a few more before the fault error message appears. Be patient. If no connection can be made, check cable, COM port number and the other usual sources for trouble.

Tip: The TCF-S must complete it's homing routine at startup before you can attempt to connect in software.

Once the TCF-S is linked to the PC, operation of the three buttons IN, OUT and PROGRAM on the TCF-S and TCF-S3 hand controllers are disabled and the instruments will not accept commands other than from the PC. In other words, while connected to the TCF-S Control software, all device controls are passed through to the PC. The Hand Control Box functions are disabled during software control.

NOTE: When using the Remote IN/OUT Keypad (Optec stock #17680), you MUST disconnect from software before "hot-swapping" the Remote Keypad with the temperature probe. TCF-S Control will display an ER=1 error and the Remote Keypad will not function. Select File - Disconnect to use the Remote Keypad.

Tip: The Temp. display in TCF-S Control will read approximated -53.1 while the Remote Keypad is connected to the focuser.

NOTE: You will NOT successfully Connect while the Remote IN/OUT Keypad is connected to the focuser. You MUST remove the Remote Keypad and re-install the temperature probe.

Select TCF-S or TCF-S3 under the Setup file option to properly configure the TCF-S Control program and hand control box firmware for the focuser model to be used. This option does two things: it sets the TCFparms.txt file to load the correct parameters upon next run and also pushes the model type to the EEPROM onboard the TCF-S series circuit board. The primary difference between the TCF-S or TCF-Si and the TCF-S3 or TCF-S3i focuser models is the number of steps and step resolution. The 2-inch model TCF-S and TCF-Si focuser have 7000 steps for 0.6" of travel while the larger 3-inch TCF-S3 and TCF-S3i models have 10,000 steps and a full 1.0" of travel. The model affects the center position as well so it is important that the model be set once when first installing the TCF-S Control program. Select the proper model using Setup - Select TCF-S or TCF-S3. A notification message will appear and the TCF-S hand controller will need to re-booted (BOOT will appear on the hand control DRO).

After re-booting both the TCF-S hand controller and the TCF-S Control software, the model type will be displayed in the top bar of the program and the Center location will be adjusted accordingly (5000 for the TCF-S3 or TCF-S3i and 3500 for the TCF-S or TCF-Si models).

Tip: This process need only be completed one time. The firmware is automatically set from the factory for the correct model. Alternatively, the TCFparms.txt file can be edited to indicate to the TCF-S Control program which model focuser is to be connected. Review TCFparms.txt under Operation for additional information.

Disconnecting

Click on File and then on Disconnect to put the TCF-S back in operation for manual pushbutton entry or to use the Remote IN/OUT Keypad.

Exiting the Program

To prevent receiving an error message from Windows about failing to close the COM port, it is advisable that the serial connection port be disconnected by exiting the program under the File menu by selecting Quit or by clicking on the "close" X icon on the right corner of the window. Other program quits may cause an error.

NOTE: TCF-S Control holds exclusive control of the assigned COM port when connected. Disconnecting to pass control to another program such as FocusMax is permitted while leaving the program window open.

If the program is terminated before disconnecting from the TCF-S as described above, the TCF-S series focuser will remain in the serial loop. The instrument would have to be turned off to end the serial loop. If the TCF-S is still in the serial loop, the TCF-S Control program can be restarted and the link reestablished by selecting Connect again under the File menu option.

Finally, you must confirm your intention to Quit or exit the program.