User Guide
Remote Control User Guide for the MX / MBX / TLX1 / TLX2 Series Chapter 1: Introduction
Rev. E, May 5, 2022 Page 1
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1. Description
The MX / MBX / TLX1 / TLX2 series of instruments may be remotely controlled via SCPI-type serial commands.
This requires connecting a computer running the Microsoft
®
Windows
®
7 operating system, or later versions, to
the instrument using a USB cable, or connecting a computer running any operating system to the RS-232 port on
the instrument. Serial commands are sent to the USB or RS-232 ports located on the back panel of the
instrument. The touchscreen interface remains active while the instrument is controlled remotely, and instrument
functionality remains accessible through the touchscreen interface.
This document describes the process of interfacing the instrument with the controlling computer, defines the serial
commands, and includes information about the remote control software tool that serves as an example and a
tutorial for sending the serial commands. To download the remote control software tool and supporting files for
your MX / MBX / TLX1 / TLX2 instrument, visit the following page and type in the instrument’s Item #:
https://www.thorlabs.com/manuals.cfm
1.2. Interfacing the Computer and the MX / MBX / TLX1 / TLX2 Instrument
The following sections use the MX40G Electrical-to-Optical Converter as an example, but the procedure and
guidelines apply to all of the MX / MBX / TLX1 / TLX2 series of instruments. These instruments may be connected
with a computer via USB or RS-232 ports located on the back panel, as shown in Figure 1.
Please note that using both USB and RS-232 connections at the same time is not supported. If it is necessary to
change from a USB to a RS-232 connection, or vice versa, first power off the instrument, change the connection,
and then power on the instrument. This will ensure that the instrument recognizes the new connection.
Figure 1 Back Panel of the MX40G
Label Description
B1 I/O Port (HDDB15 Connector)
B2 Laser Interlock (2.5 mm Connector)
B3 RS-232 Port (DB9 Connector)
B4 USB Port (USB Type B Connector)
B5 Power Connector
B6 Power Switch
Supply On; Supply Off
B4
B3
B2
B1
B5
B6