Software

Installation and setup

The SMD3 is compatible with the AML Device Control software, which can be downloaded from the Software page on our website: https://arunmicro.com/documents/software/

• Connect all SMD3 devices to your computer, using a USB lead, and power them on.
• Start the AML Device Control software and click ‘Add device’ in the top left corner 

USB connected SMD3 devices should automatically appear in the list. Select all devices that you wish to add and click “Add n selected devices”

Overview

The default layout of the software is shown below. 

Project panel

Shows a list of the devices and scripts in the project. Currently selected devices are highlighted. Multiple devices can be selected by holding down CTRL and clicking. The device properties panel shows the properties for the selected device(s).   Right-clicking on an empty area within the project panel presents a context menu, with options to add new devices, new scripts or importing scripts.
The right-click context menu on each device provides access to functions such as clearing faults or placing the selected device into ident mode in which the green status indicator flashes.

A status indicator next to each device shows the current status of each device according to these colours:

Colour	Description
	Device connected and ready
	Bake mode running, limit switch triggered or joystick connected
	Device in a fault state
	Device disconnected

Device properties panel

Select one or more devices in the project panel; their properties are displayed and can be edited here. A blank is shown for properties which are different across the selected devices. As each property is selected, help text appears at the bottom of the panel describing the configuration option in more detail.

• Some properties allow selection of one of several choices, for example, temperature sensor selection:

• Others such as ‘Run current’ simply require a numeric value to be entered

• Others allow values to be entered directly, or the three dots button to the right to be clicked. This opens a window, allowing a more complex value to be input, for example, ‘Acceleration’ allows input in the native units or seconds:

System work area

Controller windows for each device appear in this area. Windows can be arranged as desired and will automatically ‘snap’ to a grid making it easy to keep them neatly organised.

Controller window

Shows a status summary for the selected device, providing essential information such as actual velocity, actual (absolute) position, relative position and error status.   Absolute and relative position counters may be reset using the  icons.   For controlling an SMD3, choose the type of motion and click start or stop. Multiple SMD3 devices can be controlled using the motion controls on the ribbon:

INFORMATION: Be aware that the synchronisation between multiple SMD3s is not specified or guaranteed when controlling them in this way; delays within the computer, software, and USB connection to the SMD3 mean that each SMD3 will start or stop its motion at a slightly different moment, therefore this option is not suitable for performing complex co-ordinated movements across multiple axes.

Ribbon

Contains buttons for all actions. Within the software, buttons can be hovered over for more information.

Saving projects

Scripting

Function specific to the SMD3 software

Example scripts