1- and 2-Axis Motorized Goniometer Stages


  • Pure Rotational Motion About a Fixed Point Above the Stage
  • 1° Graduation Markings on Side
  • Includes DC Motor Actuators for Easy Automation

GNL20-Z8

GNL18-Z8

GNL10-Z8

Actual Cable Length
is 1.6' (0.5 m)

Related Items


Please Wait
Item # GNL10-Z8(/M) GNL18-Z8(/M) GNL20-Z8(/M)
Distance to
Point of Rotation
1.00" (25.4 mm) 1.75" (44.5 mm) 1.00" (25.4 mm)
Rotation ±8o ±5o ±5o / ±8o
Accuracy 10 arcmin (0.167°) 10 arcmin (0.167°) 10 arcmin (0.167°)
Load Capacity 0.50 lbs (0.227 kg) 0.50 lbs (0.227 kg) 0.50 lbs (0.227 kg)
Goniometer
Dimensions (W x D x H)
1.50" x 1.50" x 0.75"
(38.1 mm x 38.1 mm x 19.1 mm)
1.50" x 1.50" x 1.50"
(38.1 mm x 38.1 mm x 38.1 mm)
Base Plate
Dimensions (W x D x H)
Imperial Goniometers: 1.50" x 2.50" x 0.20"
Metric Goniometers: 38.1 mm x 62.7 mm x 5.1 mm
Body Material Anodized Aluminum

Features

  • Pure Rotational Motion About a Virtual Point
  • 1° Graduation Marks on Side
  • Backlash-Free Spring-Loaded Design
  • Fully Lockable
  • Single Axis and XY Configurations
  • DC Motorized with Z812B* Actuator
  • Manual Goniometer Stages Also Available

A goniometer or goniometric stage is a device used to rotate an object precisely, within a small angular range, about a fixed point in space. Goniometers are similar to linear stages, but, rather than providing linear movement, the stage partially rotates about a fixed point above the mounting surface of the stage. In our two product lines, the distance from the point of rotation to the mounting surface was designed so that two different goniometer models may be stacked in an XY configuration and both stages will rotate about the same point. Our motorized goniometers use our Z812B* DC Servo Actuator for enhanced, automated, angular positioning of the top plate.

Point of Rotation Diagram

Our goniometers offer unobstructed, pure rotational motion about their point of rotation over the angle of rotation (see image to the right). The compact, stackable design allows one model to be fastened to the top plate of another aligning their points of rotation. In the GNL series, the GNL10(/M) mounts atop the GNL18(/M). These two axis stage setups can be purchased as a single package [Item # GNL20(/M)] at a cost savings.

The precision dovetail design, accompanied by a backlash-free lead screw and a vernier scale, provides accurate and repeatable positioning. A side mounted setscrew can be used to lock the platform in position.

The GNL series goniometers provide an array of twelve 4-40 (M2.5) and sixteen 6-32 (M4) taps for mounting. See below for mounting hole positions.

The KDC101 DC Servo Controller is the ideal driver for the Z8 and Z9 series actuators. The unit is fully compatible with our new Kinesis® software package and our legacy APT™ Control Software, both of which can be downloaded here. Please see the Motion Control Software tab for more information.

The Z812B* DC servo motors shipped with these stages are provided with 1.6' (0.5 m) of cable. An 8' (2.5 m) extension cable, PAA632, is also available.

*This previous generation actuator is no longer available for individual sale. If a replacement is required, the Z912B actuator can be used.


Click to Enlarge

Goniometer Dimensions

Click for Details

Mounting Options

Goniometer Specifications

Item # GNL10(/M) GNL18(/M) GNL20(/M)
Distance to Point
of Rotation
1.00" (25.4 mm) 1.75" (44.5 mm) 1.00" (25.4 mm)
Rotation ±8o ±5o ±5o / ±8o
Accuracy 10 arcmin (0.167°)
Load Capacity 0.50 lbs (0.227 kg)
Goniometer
Dimensions (W x D x H)
1.50" x 1.50" x 0.75"
(38.1 mm x 38.1 mm x 19.1 mm)
1.50" x 1.50" x 1.50"
(38.1 mm x 38.1 mm x 38.1 mm)
Base Plate
Dimensions (W x D x H)
Imperial Goniometers: 1.50" x 2.50" x 0.20"
Metric Goniometers: 38.1 mm x 62.7 mm x 5.1 mm
Body Material Anodized Aluminum

Actuator Specifications

Item # Z812Ba
Travel 12 mm (0.47")
Motor Type DC Servo
Motor Drive Voltage 12 V
Max Recommended Current 80 mA
Lead Screw Pitch 1.0 mm
Calculated Resolution 29 nmb
Repeatability <8 µm
Backlash (with Preload) <8 µm
Feedback Hall Effect Encoder
Encoder Counts per Rev.
of the Lead Screw
34,555
Planetary Gearhead Ratio 67.49:1
Limit Switches Electromechanical
Speed Range 0.050 to 2.6 mm/s
Operating Temperature 41 - 104 °F (5 - 40 °C)
Cable Length 1.6' (0.5 m)
Compatible Controller KDC101
  • This previous generation actuator is no longer available for individual sale. If a replacement is required, the Z912B actuator can be used.
  • At 2.6 mm/sec, velocity ripple and distortion of the acceleration/deceleration profile may occur. For improved control, the max velocity should be limited to 2.3 mm/sec.

Z812B* DC Servo Motor Output

D-type Male

DB15 Male

Pin Description Pin Description
1 Ground 9 Ident Resistor
2 Forward Limit Switch 10 5 V Encoder Supply
3 Reverse Limit Switch 11 Encoder Channel A
4 Not Connected 12 Not Connected
5 Motor - 13 Encoder Channel B
6 Not Connected 14 Not Connected
7 Motor + 15 Not Connected
8 Not Connected

*This previous generation actuator is no longer available for individual sale. If a replacement is required, the Z912B actuator can be used.

GNL10-Z8 SmartPack Packaging
Click to Enlarge

GNL10-Z8 Packaging

Smart Pack

Item #% Weight
Reduction
CO2-Equivalent
Reductiona
GNL10-Z8 7.92% 0.05 kg
GNL10/M-Z8 7.92% 0.09 kg
GNL18-Z8 29.80% 0.17 kg
GNL18/M-Z8 7.92% 0.12 kg

Smart Pack

  • Reduce Weight of Packaging Materials
  • Increase Usage of Recyclable Packing Materials
  • Improve Packing Integrity
  • Decrease Shipping Costs

Thorlabs' Smart Pack Initiative is aimed at waste minimization while still maintaining adequate protection for our products. By eliminating any unnecessary packaging, implementing packaging design changes, and utilizing eco-friendly packaging materials for our customers when possible, this initiative seeks to improve the environmental impact of our product packaging. Products listed above are now shipped in re-engineered packaging that minimizes the weight and the use of non-recyclable materials.b As we move through our product line, we will indicate re-engineered packages with our Smart Pack logo.

  • Travel-based emissions reduction calculations are estimated based on the total weight reduction of packaging materials used for all of 2013’s product sales, traveling 1,000 miles on an airplane, to provide general understanding of the impact of packaging material reduction. Calculations were made using the EPA’s shipping emissions values for different modes of transport.
  • Some Smart Pack products may show a negative weight reduction percentage as the substitution of greener packaging materials, such as the Greenwrap, at times slightly increases the weight of the product packaging.

Thorlabs offers two platforms to drive our wide range of motion controllers: our Kinesis® software package or the legacy APT™ (Advanced Positioning Technology) software package. Either package can be used to control devices in the Kinesis family, which covers a wide range of motion controllers ranging from small, low-powered, single-channel drivers (such as the K-Cubes™ and T-Cubes™) to high-power, multi-channel, modular 19" rack nanopositioning systems (the APT Rack System).

The Kinesis Software features .NET controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working in the latest C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any .NET compatible languages to create custom applications. Low-level DLL libraries are included for applications not expected to use the .NET framework. A Central Sequence Manager supports integration and synchronization of all Thorlabs motion control hardware.

Kinesis Software
Kinesis GUI Screen
APT Software
APT GUI Screen

Our legacy APT System Software platform offers ActiveX-based controls which can be used by 3rd party developers working on C#, Visual Basic, LabVIEW™, or any Active-X compatible languages to create custom applications and includes a simulator mode to assist in developing custom applications without requiring hardware.

By providing these common software platforms, Thorlabs has ensured that users can easily mix and match any of the Kinesis and APT controllers in a single application, while only having to learn a single set of software tools. In this way, it is perfectly feasible to combine any of the controllers from single-axis to multi-axis systems and control all from a single, PC-based unified software interface.

The software packages allow two methods of usage: graphical user interface (GUI) utilities for direct interaction with and control of the controllers 'out of the box', and a set of programming interfaces that allow custom-integrated positioning and alignment solutions to be easily programmed in the development language of choice.

A range of video tutorials is available to help explain our APT system software. These tutorials provide an overview of the software and the APT Config utility. Additionally, a tutorial video is available to explain how to select simulator mode within the software, which allows the user to experiment with the software without a controller connected. Please select the APT Tutorials tab above to view these videos.

Software

Kinesis Version 1.14.47

The Kinesis Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' Kinesis and APT™ system controllers.

Also Available:

  • Communications Protocol
Software Download

Software

APT Version 3.21.6

The APT Software Package, which includes a GUI for control of Thorlabs' APT™ and Kinesis system controllers.

Also Available:

  • Communications Protocol
Software Download

The APT video tutorials available here fall into two main groups - one group covers using the supplied APT utilities and the second group covers programming the APT System using a selection of different programming environments.

Disclaimer: The videos below were originally produced in Adobe Flash. Following the discontinuation of Flash after 2020, these tutorials were re-recorded for future use. The Flash Player controls still appear in the bottom of each video, but they are not functional.

Every APT controller is supplied with the utilities APTUser and APTConfig. APTUser provides a quick and easy way of interacting with the APT control hardware using intuitive graphical control panels. APTConfig is an 'off-line' utility that allows various system wide settings to be made such as pre-selecting mechanical stage types and associating them with specific motion controllers.

APT User Utility

The first video below gives an overview of using the APTUser Utility. The OptoDriver single channel controller products can be operated via their front panel controls in the absence of a control PC. The stored settings relating to the operation of these front panel controls can be changed using the APTUser utility. The second video illustrates this process.

APT User - Overview
APT User - OptoDriver Settings


APT Config Utility

There are various APT system-wide settings that can be made using the APT Config utility, including setting up a simulated hardware configuration and associating mechanical stages with specific motor drive channels. The first video presents a brief overview of the APT Config application. More details on creating a simulated hardware configuration and making stage associations are present in the next two videos.

APT Config - Overview
APT Config - Simulator Setup
APT Config - Stage Association


APT Programming

The APT Software System is implemented as a collection of ActiveX Controls. ActiveX Controls are language-independant software modules that provide both a graphical user interface and a programming interface. There is an ActiveX Control type for each type of hardware unit, e.g. a Motor ActiveX Control covers operation with any type of APT motor controller (DC or stepper). Many Windows software development environments and languages directly support ActiveX Controls, and, once such a Control is embedded into a custom application, all of the functionality it contains is immediately available to the application for automated operation. The videos below illustrate the basics of using the APT ActiveX Controls with LabVIEW, Visual Basic, and Visual C++. Note that many other languages support ActiveX including LabWindows CVI, C++ Builder, VB.NET, C#.NET, Office VBA, Matlab, HPVEE etc. Although these environments are not covered specifically by the tutorial videos, many of the ideas shown will still be relevant to using these other languages.

Visual Basic

Part 1 illustrates how to get an APT ActiveX Control running within Visual Basic, and Part 2 goes on to show how to program a custom positioning sequence.

APT Programming Using Visual Basic - Part 1
APT Programming Using Visual Basic - Part 2


LabVIEW

Full Active support is provided by LabVIEW and the series of tutorial videos below illustrate the basic building blocks in creating a custom APT motion control sequence. We start by showing how to call up the Thorlabs-supplied online help during software development. Part 2 illustrates how to create an APT ActiveX Control. ActiveX Controls provide both Methods (i.e. Functions) and Properties (i.e. Value Settings). Parts 3 and 4 show how to create and wire up both the methods and properties exposed by an ActiveX Control. Finally, in Part 5, we pull everything together and show a completed LabVIEW example program that demonstrates a custom move sequence.

APT Programming Using LabVIEW -
Part 1: Accessing Online Help
APT Programming Using LabVIEW -
Part 2: Creating an ActiveX Control
APT Programming Using LabVIEW -
Part 3: Create an ActiveX Method
APT Programming Using LabVIEW -
Part 4: Create an ActiveX Property
APT Programming Using LabVIEW -
Part 5: How to Start an ActiveX Control


The following tutorial videos illustrate alternative ways of creating Method and Property nodes:

APT Programming Using LabVIEW -
Create an ActiveX Method (Alternative)
APT Programming Using LabVIEW -
Create an ActiveX Property (Alternative)


Visual C++

Part 1 illustrates how to get an APT ActiveX Control running within Visual C++, and Part 2 goes on to show how to program a custom positioning sequence.

APT Programming with Visual C++ - Part 1
APT Programming with Visual C++ - Part 2


MATLAB

For assistance when using MATLAB and ActiveX controls with the Thorlabs APT positioners, click here.

To further assist programmers, a guide to programming the APT software in LabVIEW is also available here.


Posted Comments:
Olivier Schalm  (posted 2023-12-22 09:08:36.25)
Hello, I would like to build a setup where a goniometer rocks continuously for a long period in a controlled way to test the reliability of an orientation sensor and how its calibration drifts over time. Question 1: is the rotating motor automatically transmitted into a rocking motion of the stage (and can I chang the speed) or does the motor rotate forward and backward consecutively? Question 2: Do I need the K-Cube™ DC Servo Motor Controller to perform this motion?
ksosnowski  (posted 2023-12-22 10:12:48.0)
Hello Olivier, thanks for reaching out to Thorlabs. The linear motor in these stages pushes the moving world towards one end of travel, while a return spring will pull the moving world back against the tip of the motor while it retracts. Since the tip of the motor provides linear motion, there would need to be commands for each position to be hit. The Kinesis software has a built in Sequencer that would allow you to configure this type of repetitive motion. Since these versions of the goniometer have our Z8 (soon to be Z9) series DC motors they will each require one KDC101 per axis to operate. I have reached out directly to discuss this further.
user  (posted 2023-08-22 14:16:26.143)
Please advise a better way to the actuator move count --> deg translation. It is silly that i have to move it then read how much the goniometer translates ....
cdolbashian  (posted 2023-08-30 09:52:46.0)
Thank you for your suggestion! As this is not a feature which we currently have, I think a good solution for now would be to create a lookup table for your operation, which would correlate angular motion to linear actuation. If you are implementing this within a 3rd party software, all of the conversion could be calculated in the background, and you would be able to interface directly with the units of degrees. I have contacted you directly to discuss this further!
浪 陈  (posted 2022-08-04 19:48:10.137)
请问除了旋转角度的功能之外,能不能当成电动位移平台使用
cdolbashian  (posted 2022-08-18 03:11:18.0)
Thank you for reaching out to us! Your question was "In addition to the rotation function, can it be used as a motorized translation stage?" While these devices use similar actuators as our translation stages, they are designed only for the "rotation" function. They can be combined with a translation stage to achieve more degrees of freedom though.
Tan De  (posted 2021-03-10 16:05:25.223)
Hi, for the GNL10-Z8(/M) it is stated that the accuracy is 10 arc minutes. How many mm does this correspond to on the Kinesis software? Regards, Wei De
asundararaj  (posted 2021-03-29 02:59:08.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The arcmin precision is obtained using the vernier scale on the side of the mount, I have contacted you directly with additional information on this.
user  (posted 2020-09-13 01:03:12.25)
Hi, following the prior comment written posted on 2020-09-07 05:51:11.08, what is the distance from the lower scales to the point of rotation ? Thanks in advance
llamb  (posted 2020-09-16 03:40:45.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. After discussing further by email, the radius of curvature for each goniometer's top plate is being requested when referring to the distance between the point of rotation and the scales. For the GNL20-Z8, the radius of the top plate of the top goniometer (our GNL10) is 1.623". The radius for the top plate of the bottom goniometer (our GNL18) is 2.314".
user  (posted 2020-09-07 05:51:11.08)
Hi, is it possible to detail the distance between the point of rotation to the upper\lower motors scales and not only the distance from the top plate to the rotation point? I'd like to have an exact radius of the rotation. Thanks
YLohia  (posted 2020-09-11 10:22:29.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. For the GNL20-Z8, the distance between the scales and the surface of the top plate is 11.159 mm. This makes the total distance between the point of rotation and scales 25.4 mm (1") + 11.159 mm = 36.559 mm.
user  (posted 2020-07-06 09:00:57.407)
Hi, is there any possiblitity to set a custom home position for the GNL10/M-Z8. It would be nice to position the gonimeter to the 0 Degree position and move it from there to the required position. Thank you. M.
llamb  (posted 2020-07-20 04:03:12.0)
Hello M, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. You can use our Motion Control Software to implement your own Zero Offset through the Settings menu in the software GUI.
liu chi  (posted 2019-12-04 16:07:00.39)
现在我可以用GUI来控制角位移台的运动,但我想知道我可以用命令来控制这款角位移台的运动吗?如果可以的话,有没有简易指南之类的能否提供?不胜感激
llamb  (posted 2019-12-05 07:28:23.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Our APT or Kinesis Motion Control Software can indeed be implemented in third party software for using commands to control your stage. You can find some guides under the APT Tutorials tab on this page, as well as by navigating from this link: https://www.thorlabs.com/navigation.cfm?guide_id=2251. You may also reach out to techsupport-cn@thorlabs.com directly for future technical inquiries. We have reached out to you directly in this case to discuss how you would like to send commands to your stage. 感谢您与Thorlabs联系。 实际上,我们的APT或Kinesis运动控制软件可以在第三方软件中实现,以使用命令来控制舞台。 您可以在此页面的“ APT教程”标签下找到一些指南,也可以通过以下链接导航:https://www.thorlabs.com/navigation.cfm?guide_id=2251。 您也可以直接联系techsupport-cn@thorlabs.com,以进行将来的技术咨询。 在这种情况下,我们已经直接与您联系,讨论您希望如何将命令发送到舞台。
lingxu  (posted 2016-02-10 14:38:56.31)
The tilt value displayed in APT cannot be converted to rotation in radians, therefore I could not use this stage to set the tilt to a specific value.
besembeson  (posted 2016-03-03 10:03:40.0)
Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: The actuator is not calibrated with respect to the goniometer stage when we ship these systems. You will have to perform such a calibration to relate the goniometer tilt with the actuator position. I will follow-up with you to further discuss this.
scott.gagnon  (posted 2014-03-18 15:59:25.32)
You should list the operating temps with your spec sheets.
myanakas  (posted 2014-03-19 12:40:04.0)
Thank you for you feedback. Currently the operating temperature is in the specifications section of the linked manual and the "Specs" tab. The manual can be found by clicking on the red "Docs" icon next to the part numbers.
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Large Platform, Motorized Goniometers

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
GNL10-Z8 Support Documentation
GNL10-Z8Large Motorized Goniometer, 1" Distance to Point of Rotation, ±8º
$960.82
Today
GNL18-Z8 Support Documentation
GNL18-Z8Large Motorized Goniometer, 1.75" Distance to Point of Rotation, ±5º
$970.13
Today
GNL20-Z8 Support Documentation
GNL20-Z8Large Motorized Dual-Axis Goniometer, 1" Distance to Point of Rotation
$1,929.79
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
GNL10/M-Z8 Support Documentation
GNL10/M-Z8Large Motorized Goniometer, 25.4 mm Distance to Point of Rotation, ±8º, Metric
$960.82
Lead Time
GNL18/M-Z8 Support Documentation
GNL18/M-Z8Large Motorized Goniometer, 44.5 mm Distance to Point of Rotation, ±5º, Metric
$970.13
Lead Time
GNL20/M-Z8 Support Documentation
GNL20/M-Z8Large Motorized Dual-Axis Goniometer, 25.4 mm Distance to Point of Rotation, Metric
$1,929.79
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K-Cube™ DC Servo Motor Controller

photo of power supply adaptersClick to Enlarge
KCH601 USB Controller Hub (Sold Separately) with Installed K-Cube and T-Cube™ Modules (T-Cubes Require the KAP101 Adapter)
  • Front Panel Velocity Wheel and Digital Display for Controlling Motorized Stages or Actuators
  • Two Bidirectional Trigger Ports to Read or Control External Equipment
  • Interfaces with Computer Using Included USB Cable
  • Fully Compatible with Kinesis® or APT™ Software Packages
  • Compact Footprint: 60.0 mm x 60.0 mm x 49.2 mm (2.42" x 2.42" x 1.94")
  • Power Supply Not Included (See Below)

Thorlabs' KDC101 K-Cube Brushed DC Motor Controller provides local and computerized control of a single motor axis. It features a top-mounted control panel with a velocity wheel that supports four-speed bidirectional control with forward and reverse jogging as well as position presets. A backlit digital display is also included that can have the backlit dimmed or turned off using the top-panel menu options. The front of the unit contains two bidirectional trigger ports that can be used to read a 5 V external logic signal or output a 5 V logic signal to control external equipment. Each port can be independently configured.

The unit is fully compatible with our new Kinesis software package and our legacy APT control software. Please see the Motion Control Software tab for more information.

Please note that this controller does not ship with a power supply. Compatible power supplies are listed below. Additional information can be found on the main KDC101 DC Servo Motor Controller page.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
KDC101 Support Documentation
KDC101K-Cube Brushed DC Servo Motor Controller (Power Supply Not Included)
$772.66
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Compatible Power Supplies

photo of power supply adapters
Click for Details

Each KPS201 power supply includes one region-specific adapter, which can be selected upon checkout.
photo of power supply options
Click to Enlarge

The KPS201 Power Supply Unit
  • Individual Power Supply
    • KPS201: For K-Cubes™ or T-Cubes™ with 3.5 mm Jacks
  • USB Controller Hubs Provide Power and Communications
    • KCH301: For up to Three K-Cubes or T-Cubes
    • KCH601: For up to Six K-Cubes or T-Cubes

The KPS201 power supply outputs +15 VDC at up to 2.66 A and can power a single K-Cube or T-Cube with a 3.5 mm jack. It plugs into a standard wall outlet.

The KCH301 and KCH601 USB Controller Hubs each consist of two parts: the hub, which can support up to three (KCH301) or six (KCH601) K-Cubes or T-Cubes, and a power supply that plugs into a standard wall outlet. The hub draws a maximum current of 10 A; please verify that the cubes being used do not require a total current of more than 10 A. In addition, the hub provides USB connectivity to any docked K-Cube or T-Cube through a single USB connection.

For more information on the USB Controller Hubs, see the full web presentation.

Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
KPS201 Support Documentation
KPS20115 V, 2.66 A Power Supply Unit with 3.5 mm Jack Connector for One K- or T-Cube
$40.33
Today
KCH301 Support Documentation
KCH301USB Controller Hub and Power Supply for Three K-Cubes or T-Cubes
$598.63
Today
KCH601 Support Documentation
KCH601USB Controller Hub and Power Supply for Six K-Cubes or T-Cubes
$724.52
Today