Merge fix-scope-channel-coupling: the scope could not be connected to

set_channel_coupling() looped over CHANNEL_COUPLING.items(), so it called
.upper() on the list half of each pair and raised "'list' object has no
attribute 'upper'" before looking at its argument.  configure_channels()
sets the coupling on every channel as part of connecting, so no IP would
work.  Fixed to .values(), with a test that drives the real instrument
class rather than the FakeScope that stubbed the setters out.

KNOWN_ISSUES.md

@@ -25,11 +25,12 @@ anywhere in this repo's protocol notes. `helios_test_app.py` called it
 anyway and raised `AttributeError` into a popup; the button is now disabled
 and the handler reports the gap instead.
 
-**Bench check:** find the power-read command in the Helios manual (the
-other reads are three-letter mnemonics like `LDO`, `LDS`, `LTA`). If one
-exists, add `get_power_mw()` to `hardware/helios_laser.py` using
-`_query_int`, then re-enable the button. If it doesn't, delete the Power
-Monitoring group from the test app and fix the README.
+**Answered (2026-09-08):** the mnemonic is `HMP` (Table 6-3, "Laser Power
+Monitor", read-only, 0-5000 mW) — but the table adds "not available on all
+models", and the operator confirms this rig's laser has no power meter.  So
+the button stays disabled; what remains is to delete the Power Monitoring
+group from `helios_test_app.py` and drop the power-monitoring claims from
+`docs/hardware/HELIOS_DRIVER_README.md`.
 
 ## Genesis laser: forked protocol implementations disagree
 
@@ -48,3 +49,69 @@ rig, check whether the camera apps run without the shim; if they do, delete
 `lib/ueye_loader.{c,so}`. Either way, record in SETUP.md where
 `libueye_api64.so.3.82` came from (IDS SDK version) and how the loader is
 meant to be used.
+
+## Per-angle background: trigger round trip mid-scan
+
+Every angle now captures its own background, so the scope switches from the
+scan-time logic-AND trigger back to the single-record edge trigger and
+returns to it once per angle (`core/scope_sras.py`:
+`configure_background_trigger` → `capture_background` →
+`configure_scan_trigger`). Before this, that transition happened once per
+scan, with the stage idle and nothing depending on how long it took.
+
+**Bench check:** run a multi-angle scan and watch the first row after each
+background. If frames go missing at the start of an angle, the 0.2 s settle
+in `configure_scan_trigger` is not enough for FastFrame to re-arm after an
+AVERAGE-mode sequence, and the row-packing warning ("N frames acquired, M
+expected") will say so in the log. Raise the settle rather than the ramp
+buffer — the stage geometry is not what changed.
+
+## Auto-align: constants that are guesses until the rig confirms them
+
+`core/auto_align.py` closes a loop over hardware whose gain nobody has
+measured. Three numbers in `AlignSettings`/`TAxisSettings` are reasoned
+defaults, not readings:
+
+- `probe_steps = 200` — the first move of every search, made only to learn how
+  many millivolts a microstep is worth. Too small and each search wastes
+  iterations doubling it (the status line says so: "moved N microsteps and the
+  DC difference did not change"); too large and the first move overshoots by
+  more than the platform should be asked to travel in one go.
+- `max_excursion_steps = 20000` — the per-axis safety limit, measured from
+  wherever the axis started. It exists to stop a runaway before the actuator
+  reaches its end stop, so it has to be smaller than the real travel.
+- `hold_current_ma = 300` — the run current (600 mA) and microstepping (32)
+  are specified; the standstill current is half the run current by analogy
+  with the GR axis, and has not been checked against the platform's weight.
+
+**Bench check:** run one auto-align and read the log. The first search's
+iteration count is the probe verdict — 3 or 4 steps means the probe is about
+right, and a "did not change by 2 mV" line means it is too small. Convert the
+applied corrections into actuator travel and compare against the T-axis
+travel to set the excursion limit. Watch whether the platform holds its tilt
+between the two phases; if it sags, raise the hold current.
+
+## Auto-align: does the X phase's piston matter, and where is the pivot?
+
+The X phase moves T1 alone, as specified. T1 is the only axis lying along X,
+so it does tilt the platform along X — but moving one leg of three also lifts
+the platform by a third of the move (`tilt_response(X_TILT)` returns a piston
+of 1/3 alongside the 2/3 tilt). The search nulls the split-detector
+difference, which a piston should not move, so the assumption is that the
+piston is harmless. The piston-free alternative is T1 +1 with T0 and T2 at
+−0.5 each.
+
+Separately, the procedure assumes the tilt pivot is under the beam: if it is
+not, applying the correction shifts the DC levels at the reference point
+itself, and the Y phase then chases levels that no longer describe the rig.
+The code reports this rather than compensating for it — `AxisResult`'s
+"back at the reference" reading after the X phase is exactly that
+measurement.
+
+**Bench check:** during an X search, watch DC1 + DC2 (the sum, not the
+difference) on the scope. If the sum moves as T1 moves, the piston is
+changing the amount of collected light and `X_TILT` should become the
+piston-free triple. Then read the X phase's reference residual out of the
+log: more than a few millivolts means the pivot is not under the beam, and
+the Y phase's reference should be re-measured after the X correction instead
+of reusing the operator's original numbers.

README.md

@@ -12,8 +12,16 @@ scanengine-3 is a unified platform for scanning acoustic microscopy and precisio
 - **Laser Systems**: Helios pulsed laser and Genesis CW laser control
 - **Data Acquisition**: Tektronix oscilloscope integration with fast-frame support
 - **Scan Planning**: Automated raster scan generation and execution
+- **Per-Angle Background**: every angle opens with its own background
+  capture (Genesis off, Helios on), stored ahead of that angle's data
 - **Angle Inspection**: Park the rig at random points across a plan's angles
   to check the SAW response on the scope before committing to a long scan
+- **SAW Quality Check**: Acquire one row per angle — the row-wise middle of
+  the ROI — as a v11 `.sras`, then compare every angle's SAW frequency on one
+  graph to judge the alignment before a full run
+- **Auto-Align**: Level the sample from the camera window — step the stage
+  1.5 mm either side on X and then Y, tilt the T-axes until the DC bias levels
+  read what they read at the reference point, and leave the correction applied
 - **Real-time Monitoring**: Live status updates and progress tracking
 
 ## Hardware Components
@@ -58,10 +66,12 @@ scanengine-3/
 │   ├── scan_resume.py             # Resume planning (frontier rule)
 │   ├── scope_sras.py              # Oscilloscope SCPI policy for SRAS
 │   ├── scope_burst.py             # Burst-mode FastFrame sizing + row splitting
-│   ├── scope_inspect.py           # Scope setup for pre-scan angle inspection
+│   ├── scope_inspect.py           # Scope setup for inspection + bias read-back
 │   ├── angle_inspect.py           # AngleInspector — park on a point per angle
+│   ├── auto_align.py              # AutoAligner — tilt the sample level on the DC levels
+│   ├── saw_check.py               # Middle-row SAW check: plan + alignment read-out
 │   ├── rotation.py                # GR rotation axis settings + moves
-│   ├── sras_format.py             # v6 .sras writer/reader (memory-mapped)
+│   ├── sras_format.py             # v7/v11 .sras writer, v6/v10 reader (mmap)
 │   ├── sras_analysis.py           # Image reducers + SAW matched filter
 │   └── config.py                  # ScanDefaults ⇄ aui_defaults.json
 │
@@ -78,12 +88,15 @@ scanengine-3/
 ├── gui/                           # Shared PyQt6 layer
 │   ├── scan_bridge.py             # QtScanController over core.scan_engine
 │   ├── inspect_bridge.py          # QtAngleInspector over core.angle_inspect
+│   ├── align_bridge.py            # QtAutoAligner over core.auto_align
 │   ├── qt_t3r.py                  # Qt adapter over the T3R driver
 │   ├── qt_workers.py              # QueueWorker / PollingQueueWorker bases
+│   ├── jog_panel.py               # T3R + BBD202 jog controls (camera window)
 │   └── widgets.py                 # ConnectionBar, LogConsole, PortSelector…
 │
 ├── sc3_aui_app.py                 # Main acquisition application
 ├── sras_viewer.py                 # Scan data viewer
+├── saw_check_viewer.py            # SAW check viewer: every angle's frequency, one graph
 ├── sras_scan_manager.py           # CLI: inspect/export/delete angles
 ├── t3r_control_panel.py           # T3R panel (used by the main app)
 ├── helios_test_app.py             # Per-device test benches
@@ -92,7 +105,7 @@ scanengine-3/
 ├── sc3-aui-*.ui                   # Qt Designer files loaded at runtime
 │
 ├── tests/                         # pytest suite
-│   ├── golden/                    # v6 .sras + geometry fixtures
+│   ├── golden/                    # legacy v6 .sras + geometry fixtures
 │   ├── fakes.py                   # Recording fake stage/scope/rotator
 │   └── test_*.py
 │
@@ -133,6 +146,9 @@ python sc3_aui_app.py
 # Scan data viewer
 python sras_viewer.py
 
+# SAW quality check viewer (every angle's frequency on one graph)
+python saw_check_viewer.py path/to/scan-sawcheck.sras
+
 # Inspect / export / delete angles in a .sras file
 python sras_scan_manager.py path/to/scan.sras
 
@@ -208,6 +224,59 @@ result = engine.run()          # blocking; engine.abort() is thread-safe
 print(f"wrote {result.rows_written} rows to {result.path}")
 ```
 
+### Running a SAW quality check
+
+Same engine, same hardware sequence — the plan is reduced to one row per
+angle and the result is tagged v11 so the viewer knows it is a check rather
+than a scan cut short:
+
+```python
+from core.saw_check import alignment_summary, frequency_traces, middle_row_plan
+from core.sras_format import VERSION_SAW_CHECK, SrasFile
+
+check = middle_row_plan(plan)              # the plan above: 163 rows → 3
+engine = ScanEngine(stage, scope, RotationAxis(t3r), check,
+                    Path("/data/SRAS/demo-sawcheck.sras"),
+                    callbacks=ScanCallbacks(on_status=print),
+                    file_version=VERSION_SAW_CHECK)
+engine.run()
+
+with SrasFile("/data/SRAS/demo-sawcheck.sras") as sras:
+    traces = frequency_traces(sras, dc_threshold_mv=50.0)
+    for t in traces:
+        print(f"{t.angle_deg:+7.1f}°  {t.median_mhz:.2f} MHz  "
+              f"drift {t.drift_mhz_per_mm:+.3f} MHz/mm")
+    print(alignment_summary(traces).describe())
+```
+
+`saw_check_viewer.py` is the same read-out with the curves drawn.
+
+### Levelling the sample (auto-align)
+
+Two phases, because the operator sits between them: `prepare()` configures
+the rig and reads the DC levels where the stage stands, and `run()` only
+starts once those levels have been confirmed as the ones to hold.
+
+```python
+from core.auto_align import AlignCallbacks, AutoAligner
+
+aligner = AutoAligner(stage, scope, t3r,
+                      callbacks=AlignCallbacks(on_status=print))
+reference = aligner.prepare()              # scope + T-axes configured, one reading
+print(reference.describe())                # "is the image correct?" happens here
+result = aligner.run()                     # X on T1, then Y on T0/T2
+print(result.describe())
+aligner.stop()                             # stage parked; the tilt stays applied
+```
+
+The scope has to be cabled CH1 SAW / CH2 trigger / CH3 DC 1 / CH4 DC 2 — the
+same channels a scan uses, except that CH3 carries the DC monitor here rather
+than the max-velocity gate. Nothing rewires it; the app asks the operator to
+confirm the cabling, and refuses to servo on a scope that is not triggering.
+
+In the main app the button is in the camera window, because judging the image
+is the first step of the procedure.
+
 ### Reading a scan file
 
 `SrasFile` memory-maps the data block, so opening a multi-gigabyte scan

core/auto_align.py

@@ -0,0 +1,708 @@
+"""Auto-align: level the sample against the stage's travel plane.
+
+The operator frames a good spot by eye and confirms the DC bias levels the
+detector reads there.  Those two numbers — DC 1 on CH3, DC 2 on CH4 — are the
+definition of "aligned" for this rig, and they are the only thing this module
+optimises.
+
+Why moving the stage tells you about tilt: the detection beam is fixed in
+space and the XY stage carries the sample under it, so the height of the
+surface under the beam is ``h(x) = h0 + theta * x`` when the sample sits at an
+angle ``theta`` to the travel plane.  Step 1.5 mm along X and the bias levels
+move by ``theta * 1.5``; tilt the platform until they read what they read at
+the reference point and you have measured ``theta`` directly, because a
+platform tilt changes the height under the beam in proportion to x as well.
+The correction that fixes the offset point is therefore the same correction
+that levels the whole travel — which is why this procedure ends by applying
+it and leaving it applied.
+
+Both directions are measured, from the same starting tilt, and the two answers
+are averaged.  On a flat sample they agree; a disagreement is the read-out
+saying the surface is not a plane (or that the platform has backlash), and it
+is reported rather than averaged away silently.
+
+The three T-axes form a tip/tilt platform.  Their azimuths on the platform
+(see T_AXIS_AZIMUTH_DEG) decide which axis corrects which stage direction:
+T1 lies along +X, so it alone tilts the platform along X; T0 and T2 sit at
++/-120 degrees from it and have to move as an equal-and-opposite pair to tilt
+along Y without also tilting along X.  ``tilt_response`` derives that from the
+azimuths, so a re-plumbed platform is a one-line change to the azimuth map and
+not a re-derivation of the whole procedure.
+
+Qt-free, like ScanEngine and AngleInspector: gui/align_bridge.py wraps it.
+"""
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import logging
+import math
+import time
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+from typing import Callable
+
+from core import scope_inspect
+from core.scan_engine import (
+    AXIS_X, AXIS_Y, SCAN_ACCEL_MM_S2, SCAN_VELOCITY_MM_S,
+)
+from core.scan_geometry import DEFAULT_STAGE_LIMITS, StageLimits
+
+logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+
+# Where each T-axis sits on the tilt platform, in degrees from the stage's +X
+# axis.  T1 is co-linear with +X; T0 and T2 are the other two legs of the
+# kinematic triangle.  This map is the whole geometry — everything else about
+# which axis moves when is derived from it.
+T_AXIS_AZIMUTH_DEG = {0: 120.0, 1: 0.0, 2: 240.0}
+T_AXES = tuple(sorted(T_AXIS_AZIMUTH_DEG))
+T_AXIS_LABELS = {ch: f"T{ch}" for ch in T_AXES}
+
+# Positioning moves only, so there is no reason to cross the tray at full scan
+# velocity — the same halving the angle inspector uses.
+ALIGN_VELOCITY_MM_S = SCAN_VELOCITY_MM_S / 2.0
+
+
+class AutoAlignError(RuntimeError):
+    """The procedure cannot continue: bad rig state, or nothing responding."""
+
+
+class AutoAlignAborted(RuntimeError):
+    """The operator stopped the procedure part-way through."""
+
+
+# ── Platform geometry ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class TiltGroup:
+    """The T-axis move that tilts the platform along one stage axis.
+
+    ``weights`` maps a T-axis channel to the microsteps it contributes per
+    unit of correction, so a correction of ``c`` moves channel ``ch`` by
+    ``c * weights[ch]``.
+    """
+    stage_axis: int          # APT axis address of the stage axis this corrects
+    label: str               # "X" or "Y", for the operator
+    weights: dict[int, float]
+
+    def describe(self) -> str:
+        if len(self.weights) == 1:
+            return T_AXIS_LABELS[next(iter(self.weights))]
+        return " / ".join(f"{T_AXIS_LABELS[ch]} {w:+.0f}"
+                          for ch, w in sorted(self.weights.items()))
+
+
+# X is corrected by the one axis that lies along it, and Y by the other two
+# driven equal and opposite — that pairing is what makes the Y move a pure
+# tilt along Y (tilt_response(Y_TILT) has no X term), so the two phases of the
+# procedure do not fight each other.  Moving T1 alone does raise the platform
+# as well as tilt it, which the search absorbs: it nulls a measured level, not
+# a model of the platform.
+X_TILT = TiltGroup(AXIS_X, "X", {1: +1.0})
+Y_TILT = TiltGroup(AXIS_Y, "Y", {0: +1.0, 2: -1.0})
+TILT_GROUPS = (X_TILT, Y_TILT)
+
+
+def tilt_response(group: TiltGroup) -> tuple[float, float, float]:
+    """What one unit of ``group`` does to the platform: (piston, x_tilt, y_tilt).
+
+    The three actuators define a plane, so their heights fix it exactly:
+    fitting ``z = piston + x_tilt * x + y_tilt * y`` through the three
+    (azimuth, weight) points is a closed-form solution on a symmetric triangle
+    — the mean is the piston and the projections onto x and y are the tilts,
+    scaled by 2/3 because each actuator sits one unit radius out.
+
+    Used to check the groups above are the moves they claim to be, and to say
+    in one place what "moving T0 and T2 as a pair" actually produces.
+    """
+    heights = {ch: group.weights.get(ch, 0.0) for ch in T_AXES}
+    piston = sum(heights.values()) / len(T_AXES)
+    x_tilt = y_tilt = 0.0
+    for ch, h in heights.items():
+        theta = math.radians(T_AXIS_AZIMUTH_DEG[ch])
+        x_tilt += h * math.cos(theta)
+        y_tilt += h * math.sin(theta)
+    scale = 2.0 / len(T_AXES)
+    return piston, x_tilt * scale, y_tilt * scale
+
+
+# ── Settings ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class TAxisSettings:
+    """Drive settings for the three T-axes during the procedure.
+
+    32 microsteps and 600 mA are the operating point this procedure is
+    specified at; they are applied to all three axes at the start rather than
+    trusted from whatever the T3R panel last left behind, because the search
+    reports its corrections in microsteps and a different microstep setting
+    would silently change what a step means.
+    """
+    microsteps: int = 32
+    run_current_ma: int = 600
+    hold_current_ma: int = 300   # half of run: holds the platform, runs cool
+    ihold_delay: int = 6
+    velocity: int = 4000         # steps/s — small moves, so ramps dominate
+    accel: int = 2000            # steps/s^2
+
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class AlignSettings:
+    """How far to step, how close to get, and how hard to try."""
+    offset_mm: float = 1.5           # stage step either side of the reference
+    tolerance_mv: float = 5.0        # "same DC values" means within this
+    probe_steps: int = 200           # first move of a search: gain is unknown
+    max_step_steps: int = 2000       # per-iteration clamp on a correction
+    max_excursion_steps: int = 20000  # per-axis limit from the starting tilt
+    max_iterations: int = 25
+    max_probe_doublings: int = 4     # escalation when a probe reads as no response
+    min_response_mv: float = 2.0     # below this a probe has told us nothing
+    settle_s: float = 0.3            # after a move, before believing a reading
+    acquisition_retries: int = 2     # re-reads before calling the scope stalled
+    reads_per_measurement: int = scope_inspect.BIAS_READS
+    move_timeout_margin_s: float = 5.0
+    stage_timeout_s: float = 60.0
+
+
+DEFAULT_T_AXIS = TAxisSettings()
+DEFAULT_ALIGN = AlignSettings()
+
+
+# ── Read-out ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+@dataclass(frozen=True)
+class Reading:
+    """One measurement of the two DC bias levels, in millivolts."""
+    dc1_mv: float
+    dc2_mv: float
+
+    @property
+    def difference_mv(self) -> float:
+        """DC 1 - DC 2.
+
+        The split-detector difference is what a tilt actually steers, so it is
+        the signal the search drives to zero; the sum is set by the laser and
+        the surface reflectivity, which no amount of tilting will change.
+        """
+        return self.dc1_mv - self.dc2_mv
+
+    def error_vs(self, ref: "Reading") -> tuple[float, float]:
+        return self.dc1_mv - ref.dc1_mv, self.dc2_mv - ref.dc2_mv
+
+    def difference_error_vs(self, ref: "Reading") -> float:
+        return self.difference_mv - ref.difference_mv
+
+    def matches(self, ref: "Reading", tolerance_mv: float) -> bool:
+        return all(abs(e) <= tolerance_mv for e in self.error_vs(ref))
+
+    def describe(self) -> str:
+        return f"DC1 {self.dc1_mv:+.1f} mV, DC2 {self.dc2_mv:+.1f} mV"
+
+
+@dataclass
+class OffsetResult:
+    """What one search — one stage offset, one tilt group — ended up doing."""
+    axis_label: str
+    offset_mm: float
+    correction_steps: float
+    iterations: int
+    nulled: bool        # difference back within tolerance: the tilt loop worked
+    converged: bool     # both levels back within tolerance: the operator's test
+    reason: str
+    final: Reading
+
+    def describe(self) -> str:
+        return (f"{self.axis_label}{self.offset_mm:+.2f} mm: "
+                f"{self.correction_steps:+.0f} usteps in {self.iterations} steps "
+                f"→ {self.final.describe()} ({self.reason})")
+
+
+@dataclass
+class AxisResult:
+    """Both offsets for one stage axis, and the tilt they agreed on."""
+    axis_label: str
+    group: TiltGroup
+    offsets: list[OffsetResult]
+    applied_steps: float
+    disagreement_steps: float
+    applied: bool
+    reference_residual: Reading | None   # measured back at the reference point
+
+    @property
+    def ok(self) -> bool:
+        return self.applied and all(o.nulled for o in self.offsets)
+
+    def describe(self) -> str:
+        if not self.applied:
+            return (f"{self.axis_label}: no correction applied — "
+                    + "; ".join(o.reason for o in self.offsets))
+        residual = (f", back at the reference {self.reference_residual.describe()}"
+                    if self.reference_residual else "")
+        return (f"{self.axis_label}: applied {self.applied_steps:+.0f} usteps on "
+                f"{self.group.describe()} (the two directions disagreed by "
+                f"{self.disagreement_steps:.0f} usteps){residual}")
+
+
+@dataclass
+class AlignResult:
+    """The whole procedure, as the summary the operator is shown."""
+    reference: Reading
+    axes: list[AxisResult] = field(default_factory=list)
+    final: Reading | None = None
+    tolerance_mv: float = DEFAULT_ALIGN.tolerance_mv
+
+    @property
+    def ok(self) -> bool:
+        return bool(self.axes) and all(a.ok for a in self.axes) and (
+            self.final is not None
+            and self.final.matches(self.reference, self.tolerance_mv))
+
+    def verdict(self) -> str:
+        """The closing lines: where it ended up, and whether that is aligned."""
+        lines = []
+        if self.final is not None:
+            d1, d2 = self.final.error_vs(self.reference)
+            lines.append(f"Final at the reference point: {self.final.describe()} "
+                         f"({d1:+.1f} / {d2:+.1f} mV from the good values)")
+        lines.append("Aligned." if self.ok else
+                     "Finished without meeting the tolerance — see the log.")
+        return "\n".join(lines)
+
+    def describe(self) -> str:
+        lines = [f"Reference: {self.reference.describe()}"]
+        for axis in self.axes:
+            lines.append(axis.describe())
+            lines.extend(f"    {o.describe()}" for o in axis.offsets)
+        lines.append(self.verdict())
+        return "\n".join(lines)
+
+
+@dataclass
+class AlignCallbacks:
+    """Progress reporting.  Defaults are no-ops so the core needs no front end."""
+    on_status: Callable[[str], None] = lambda msg: None
+    on_reading: Callable[[Reading], None] = lambda r: None
+    on_busy: Callable[[bool], None] = lambda busy: None
+    on_offset_done: Callable[[OffsetResult], None] = lambda r: None
+    on_axis_done: Callable[[AxisResult], None] = lambda r: None
+
+
+# ── The tilt platform ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+class _TiltPlatform:
+    """The three T-axes, driven in microsteps relative to where they started.
+
+    Positions are tracked as floats and commanded as integers, with the
+    rounding residue carried forward, so a long run of fractional corrections
+    cannot drift the platform away from what the procedure thinks it applied.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, driver, settings: TAxisSettings, max_excursion_steps: int,
+                 timeout_margin_s: float = 5.0):
+        self._driver = driver
+        self._s = settings
+        self._max = max_excursion_steps
+        self._timeout_margin_s = timeout_margin_s
+        self._target = {ch: 0.0 for ch in T_AXES}   # wanted, fractional
+        self._actual = {ch: 0 for ch in T_AXES}     # commanded, integral
+
+    @property
+    def positions(self) -> dict[int, int]:
+        return dict(self._actual)
+
+    def configure(self) -> None:
+        s = self._s
+        for ch in T_AXES:
+            self._driver.set_microstep(ch, s.microsteps)
+            self._driver.set_current(ch, s.run_current_ma, s.hold_current_ma,
+                                     s.ihold_delay)
+            self._driver.enable(ch)
+
+    def snapshot(self) -> dict[int, float]:
+        return dict(self._target)
+
+    def apply(self, group: TiltGroup, amount: float) -> None:
+        """Move the group by ``amount`` units of its weights."""
+        self._goto({ch: self._target[ch] + amount * w
+                    for ch, w in group.weights.items()})
+
+    def restore(self, snapshot: dict[int, float]) -> None:
+        self._goto(snapshot)
+
+    def _goto(self, targets: dict[int, float]) -> None:
+        for ch, target in targets.items():
+            if abs(target) > self._max:
+                raise AutoAlignError(
+                    f"{T_AXIS_LABELS[ch]} would travel {target:+.0f} microsteps "
+                    f"from where it started, past the {self._max} microstep "
+                    f"safety limit. Stopping before the actuator runs out of "
+                    f"travel — align the rig by hand and start again.")
+            self._target[ch] = target
+            delta = round(target) - self._actual[ch]
+            if delta:
+                self._move(ch, delta)
+                self._actual[ch] += delta
+
+    def _move(self, ch: int, steps: int) -> None:
+        s = self._s
+        self._driver.move(ch, steps, s.velocity, s.accel)
+        timeout = (abs(steps) / s.velocity + s.velocity / s.accel
+                   + self._timeout_margin_s)
+        if not self._driver.wait_motion_done(ch, timeout):
+            logger.warning("%s did not report MOTION_DONE within %.1f s for a "
+                           "%+d microstep move; continuing",
+                           T_AXIS_LABELS[ch], timeout, steps)
+
+
+# ── The procedure ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+class AutoAligner:
+    """Drives the stage and the tilt platform to level the sample.
+
+    Usage is two-phase because the operator sits in the middle of it:
+    ``prepare()`` puts the rig in a known state and reads the bias levels at
+    the reference point, the operator confirms the image and those levels are
+    the ones to hold, then ``run()`` measures and applies the tilt.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, stage, scope, t3r,
+                 settings: AlignSettings = DEFAULT_ALIGN,
+                 t_axis: TAxisSettings = DEFAULT_T_AXIS,
+                 limits: StageLimits = DEFAULT_STAGE_LIMITS,
+                 callbacks: AlignCallbacks | None = None,
+                 should_abort: Callable[[], bool] = lambda: False):
+        self._stage = stage
+        self._scope = scope
+        self._t3r = t3r
+        self._s = settings
+        self._cb = callbacks if callbacks is not None else AlignCallbacks()
+        self._limits = limits
+        self._should_abort = should_abort
+
+        self._platform = _TiltPlatform(t3r, t_axis, settings.max_excursion_steps,
+                                       settings.move_timeout_margin_s)
+        self._reference: Reading | None = None
+        self._ref_mm: tuple[float, float] | None = None
+        self._last_acq: int | None = None
+        self._started = False
+
+    # ── Lifecycle ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    @property
+    def reference(self) -> Reading | None:
+        return self._reference
+
+    @property
+    def reference_position_mm(self) -> tuple[float, float] | None:
+        return self._ref_mm
+
+    def prepare(self) -> Reading:
+        """Configure the rig and read the bias levels where it stands.
+
+        The returned reading is a candidate, not yet the reference: the
+        operator has to confirm the camera image is the one to align on before
+        anything moves.
+        """
+        self._require_hardware()
+        self._cb.on_busy(True)
+        try:
+            x_mm, y_mm = self._stage_position()
+            self._check_travel(x_mm, y_mm)
+            self._ref_mm = (x_mm, y_mm)
+
+            self._cb.on_status("Configuring stage …")
+            for axis in (AXIS_X, AXIS_Y):
+                self._stage.set_velocity_params(axis,
+                                                max_velocity=ALIGN_VELOCITY_MM_S,
+                                                acceleration=SCAN_ACCEL_MM_S2)
+            # Nothing here is gated, and an armed trigger output would keep
+            # driving the gate line on every positioning move.
+            self._stage.set_trigger_gate_off(AXIS_X)
+
+            self._cb.on_status("Configuring oscilloscope …")
+            scope_inspect.configure_inspection(self._scope)
+
+            self._cb.on_status(
+                f"Configuring T-axes ({DEFAULT_T_AXIS.microsteps} usteps, "
+                f"{DEFAULT_T_AXIS.run_current_ma} mA) …")
+            self._platform.configure()
+
+            self._started = True
+            self._cb.on_status("Reading the DC levels at the reference point …")
+            reading = self._measure()
+            self._reference = reading
+            return reading
+        finally:
+            self._cb.on_busy(False)
+
+    def run(self) -> AlignResult:
+        """Measure and apply the tilt, X first and then Y.
+
+        Y follows X because the two corrections are independent moves (see
+        ``tilt_response``) but not independent measurements: the X phase is
+        the one that can reveal a platform whose pivot is not under the beam,
+        and its reference residual is reported before Y adds to it.
+        """
+        if not self._started or self._reference is None:
+            raise AutoAlignError("prepare() must run, and the operator must "
+                                 "confirm the image, before run()")
+        result = AlignResult(reference=self._reference,
+                             tolerance_mv=self._s.tolerance_mv)
+        self._cb.on_busy(True)
+        try:
+            for group in TILT_GROUPS:
+                axis_result = self._align_axis(group)
+                result.axes.append(axis_result)
+                self._cb.on_axis_done(axis_result)
+                if not axis_result.applied:
+                    break
+            result.final = self._measure()
+            return result
+        finally:
+            self._cb.on_busy(False)
+
+    def stop(self) -> None:
+        """Park the rig: stage back at the reference point, scope idle.
+
+        The tilt correction stays applied — it is the result.  Safe to call
+        twice, and safe to call after a failure part-way through.
+        """
+        if not self._started:
+            return
+        self._started = False
+        self._cb.on_busy(True)
+        try:
+            if self._ref_mm is not None:
+                try:
+                    self._cb.on_status("Returning to the reference point …")
+                    # Deliberately not abort-checked: this *is* the response to
+                    # an abort, and a stop that left the stage 1.5 mm off the
+                    # operator's point would be worse than no stop at all.
+                    self._goto_reference(check_abort=False)
+                except Exception:
+                    logger.exception("Could not return the stage to the "
+                                     "reference point")
+            try:
+                scope_inspect.stop_inspection(self._scope)
+            except Exception:
+                logger.exception("Could not stop the inspection acquisition")
+            self._cb.on_status("Auto-align finished.")
+        finally:
+            self._cb.on_busy(False)
+
+    # ── One stage axis ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _align_axis(self, group: TiltGroup) -> AxisResult:
+        name = group.label
+        start_tilt = self._platform.snapshot()
+        offsets: list[OffsetResult] = []
+
+        for sign in (+1.0, -1.0):
+            offset_mm = sign * self._s.offset_mm
+            self._cb.on_status(
+                f"{name}: stepping {offset_mm:+.2f} mm and re-tilting on "
+                f"{group.describe()} …")
+            self._goto_offset(group, offset_mm)
+            offsets.append(self._null(group, name, offset_mm))
+            self._cb.on_offset_done(offsets[-1])
+            # Both directions are measured from the same tilt, so they are two
+            # independent estimates of the same angle rather than one estimate
+            # and one correction to it.
+            self._platform.restore(start_tilt)
+
+        applied = 0.5 * sum(o.correction_steps for o in offsets)
+        disagreement = abs(offsets[0].correction_steps - offsets[1].correction_steps)
+        can_apply = all(o.nulled for o in offsets)
+
+        if can_apply:
+            self._cb.on_status(f"{name}: applying {applied:+.0f} microsteps …")
+            self._platform.apply(group, applied)
+        else:
+            self._cb.on_status(
+                f"{name}: no correction applied — a search did not null the "
+                f"DC difference, so the tilt it found means nothing.")
+
+        residual = None
+        self._cb.on_status(f"{name}: back to the reference point …")
+        self._goto_reference()
+        if can_apply:
+            residual = self._measure()
+
+        return AxisResult(axis_label=name, group=group, offsets=offsets,
+                          applied_steps=applied if can_apply else 0.0,
+                          disagreement_steps=disagreement,
+                          applied=can_apply, reference_residual=residual)
+
+    # ── One search ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _null(self, group: TiltGroup, name: str, offset_mm: float) -> OffsetResult:
+        """Tilt until the bias levels read what they read at the reference.
+
+        A secant search on the split-detector difference: probe once to learn
+        how many millivolts a microstep is worth (the sign included — which
+        way is "up" is a wiring question this refuses to assume), then step
+        straight at the null and re-estimate the slope from each pair of
+        readings.
+
+        Ends on one of three outcomes, which mean different things:
+        *converged* — both levels back inside the tolerance, the result the
+        operator asked for; *difference nulled* — the beam is back on the
+        centre of the detector but both levels sit at the wrong height, which
+        no tilt can fix and which therefore still leaves a usable tilt answer;
+        anything else means the search failed and its answer must not be used.
+        """
+        s = self._s
+        reading = self._measure()
+        applied = 0.0
+        gain: float | None = None          # mV of difference error per microstep
+        probe = float(s.probe_steps)
+        doublings = 0
+
+        for iteration in range(1, s.max_iterations + 1):
+            err = reading.difference_error_vs(self._reference)
+            d1, d2 = reading.error_vs(self._reference)
+            self._cb.on_status(
+                f"{name}{offset_mm:+.2f} mm, step {iteration}: "
+                f"DC1 {d1:+.1f} / DC2 {d2:+.1f} mV from the good values")
+
+            if reading.matches(self._reference, s.tolerance_mv):
+                return self._offset_result(name, offset_mm, applied, iteration,
+                                           True, True, "within tolerance", reading)
+            if abs(err) <= s.tolerance_mv:
+                return self._offset_result(
+                    name, offset_mm, applied, iteration, True, False,
+                    f"difference nulled, but both levels are off by "
+                    f"{0.5 * (d1 + d2):+.1f} mV — not something tilt can fix",
+                    reading)
+
+            if gain is None:
+                step = probe
+            else:
+                step = max(-s.max_step_steps, min(s.max_step_steps, -err / gain))
+                if abs(step) < 1.0:
+                    step = math.copysign(1.0, step)
+
+            self._platform.apply(group, step)
+            applied += step
+            previous, reading = reading, self._measure()
+            response = reading.difference_error_vs(self._reference) - err
+
+            if abs(response) >= s.min_response_mv:
+                gain = response / step
+            elif gain is None:
+                # The probe moved nothing measurable.  Usually the probe is
+                # simply too small for this actuator's pitch, so escalate
+                # before concluding the axis is dead.
+                self._platform.apply(group, -step)
+                applied -= step
+                reading = previous
+                doublings += 1
+                if doublings > s.max_probe_doublings:
+                    raise AutoAlignError(
+                        f"{group.describe()} moved {probe:.0f} microsteps and "
+                        f"the DC difference did not change by "
+                        f"{s.min_response_mv:.0f} mV. Check that the laser is "
+                        f"pulsing, that CH3/CH4 are the DC monitors, and that "
+                        f"the T-axes are energised.")
+                probe *= 2.0
+
+        return self._offset_result(
+            name, offset_mm, applied, s.max_iterations, False, False,
+            f"gave up after {s.max_iterations} steps", reading)
+
+    def _offset_result(self, name, offset_mm, applied, iterations, nulled,
+                       converged, reason, reading) -> OffsetResult:
+        return OffsetResult(axis_label=name, offset_mm=offset_mm,
+                            correction_steps=applied, iterations=iterations,
+                            nulled=nulled, converged=converged, reason=reason,
+                            final=reading)
+
+    # ── Hardware ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _require_hardware(self):
+        if self._stage is None:
+            raise AutoAlignError("BBD202 not connected")
+        if self._scope is None:
+            raise AutoAlignError("Oscilloscope not connected")
+        if self._t3r is None or not self._t3r.is_open:
+            raise AutoAlignError(
+                "The T3R is not connected, so the T-axes cannot be moved. "
+                "Connect it from the T3R panel and try again.")
+
+    def _stage_position(self) -> tuple[float, float]:
+        try:
+            return float(self._stage.positions[0]), float(self._stage.positions[1])
+        except Exception as exc:
+            raise AutoAlignError(f"Cannot read the stage position: {exc}") from exc
+
+    def _check_travel(self, x_mm: float, y_mm: float) -> None:
+        """Both offsets on both axes have to be reachable before anything moves."""
+        off = self._s.offset_mm
+        lim = self._limits
+        for name, value, lo, hi in (("X", x_mm, lim.x_min, lim.x_max),
+                                    ("Y", y_mm, lim.y_min, lim.y_max)):
+            if value - off < lo or value + off > hi:
+                raise AutoAlignError(
+                    f"{name} is at {value:.3f} mm, and this procedure needs "
+                    f"{off:.2f} mm either side of it — that leaves the "
+                    f"{lo:g}–{hi:g} mm travel. Move to a point further from "
+                    f"the end of travel and try again.")
+
+    def _goto_offset(self, group: TiltGroup, offset_mm: float) -> None:
+        x_mm, y_mm = self._ref_mm
+        target = (x_mm if group.stage_axis == AXIS_X else y_mm) + offset_mm
+        self._move_stage(group.stage_axis, target)
+
+    def _goto_reference(self, check_abort: bool = True) -> None:
+        x_mm, y_mm = self._ref_mm
+        self._move_stage(AXIS_X, x_mm, check_abort=check_abort)
+        self._move_stage(AXIS_Y, y_mm, check_abort=check_abort)
+
+    def _move_stage(self, stage_axis: int, position_mm: float,
+                    check_abort: bool = True) -> None:
+        if check_abort:
+            self._check_abort()
+        self._stage.move_axis_absolute(stage_axis, position_mm,
+                                       timeout=self._s.stage_timeout_s)
+
+    def _measure(self) -> Reading:
+        """Settle, check the scope is still acquiring, then read both levels."""
+        self._check_abort()
+        time.sleep(self._s.settle_s)
+        self._require_fresh_acquisition()
+        dc1, dc2 = scope_inspect.read_bias_mv(self._scope,
+                                              self._s.reads_per_measurement)
+        reading = Reading(dc1_mv=dc1, dc2_mv=dc2)
+        self._cb.on_reading(reading)
+        return reading
+
+    def _require_fresh_acquisition(self) -> None:
+        """Refuse to servo on a record the scope has not re-taken.
+
+        A stale record reads as a perfectly stable measurement, which is the
+        one failure this loop cannot see for itself: it would keep stepping
+        the actuators against a number that never moves.
+
+        The very first reading has no previous count to compare against, so it
+        makes one — waiting for the count to move rather than assuming it
+        does.  That reading becomes the reference the operator confirms and
+        the whole procedure then chases, which makes it the worst one to take
+        off a scope that is not triggering.
+        """
+        baseline = self._last_acq
+        count = self._scope.get_acquisition_count()
+        if baseline is None:
+            baseline = count
+        for _ in range(self._s.acquisition_retries):
+            if count != baseline:
+                self._last_acq = count
+                return
+            time.sleep(self._s.settle_s)
+            count = self._scope.get_acquisition_count()
+        if count == baseline:
+            raise AutoAlignError(
+                "The oscilloscope has not triggered since the last reading, "
+                "so its DC levels are stale. Check that the laser is pulsing "
+                "and that CH2 carries the trigger.")
+        self._last_acq = count
+
+    def _check_abort(self) -> None:
+        if self._should_abort():
+            raise AutoAlignAborted("Auto-align stopped by the operator")

core/saw_check.py

@@ -0,0 +1,262 @@
+"""Middle-row SAW quality check: acquire one row per angle, then read the
+alignment off the frequencies it produces.
+
+Two halves of one test mode, kept together because neither is much use
+without the other:
+
+*Acquisition* — ``middle_row_plan`` reduces a full ScanPlan to a single row
+per angle, the row-wise middle of the ROI.  ScanEngine runs the result
+exactly like any other scan and writes it as a v11 .sras file
+(``sras_format.VERSION_SAW_CHECK``), so a check costs one row-time per angle
+instead of the hours a full multi-angle scan takes.
+
+*Analysis* — ``frequency_traces`` turns such a file back into one peak-SAW-
+frequency trace per angle, and ``alignment_summary`` reduces those to the
+numbers the operator is actually asking about.  Both are Qt-free; the plotting
+lives in saw_check_viewer.py.
+
+Why the middle row answers an alignment question: ``scan_geometry.build_plan``
+centres every angle's rotated bounding box on the same nominal ROI centre, so
+each angle's middle row crosses that one point on the sample.  Every angle
+therefore measures the same material, and a spread in the per-angle
+frequencies is a property of the rig (or of a genuinely anisotropic sample),
+not of where each row happened to land.
+"""
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field, replace
+
+import numpy as np
+
+from core.scan_geometry import ScanGeometryError, ScanPlan
+from core.sras_analysis import ChannelCalibration, compute_rf_image
+from core.sras_format import SrasFile
+
+# Rules of thumb for the read-out, not physics.  A well-aligned rig on an
+# isotropic sample reads the same frequency at every angle, so the spread of
+# the per-angle medians is the alignment signal — but an anisotropic sample
+# genuinely varies with angle, so a wide spread is a prompt to look at the
+# curves, never a verdict on its own.
+SPREAD_GOOD_PCT = 1.0
+SPREAD_MARGINAL_PCT = 3.0
+# Below this fraction of unmasked pixels a trace is too sparse to read.
+VALID_FRACTION_FLOOR = 0.5
+
+
+# ── Acquisition side ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+def middle_row_plan(plan: ScanPlan) -> ScanPlan:
+    """Reduce a scan plan to its row-wise middle row at every angle.
+
+    Each angle keeps the geometry the full scan would have used — same
+    x_start, x_delta and n_frames from its own rotated bounding box — and
+    scans only the middle entry of its row list, so the check samples exactly
+    what the scan would along that row.
+
+    An even row count has no exact middle; the upper of the two central rows
+    is taken (``n_rows // 2``), which is also the row the viewer picks when it
+    reads the middle row out of a full scan.
+    """
+    if plan.n_angles == 0:
+        raise ScanGeometryError("Cannot build a SAW check from a plan with no angles")
+
+    per_angle = []
+    for pa in plan.per_angle:
+        if not pa.y_positions:
+            raise ScanGeometryError(
+                f"Angle {pa.angle_deg:.1f}° has no rows, so it has no middle row to check"
+            )
+        per_angle.append(replace(pa, n_rows=1,
+                                 y_positions=[pa.y_positions[middle_row_index(pa.n_rows)]]))
+    return replace(plan, per_angle=per_angle)
+
+
+def middle_row_index(n_rows: int) -> int:
+    """The row this check calls the middle one.  One rule, two callers."""
+    return max(0, n_rows // 2)
+
+
+# ── Analysis side ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+@dataclass
+class AngleTrace:
+    """One angle's peak SAW frequency along its middle row.
+
+    ``freq_mhz`` is NaN wherever the pixel was masked out (CH4 DC below the
+    threshold), so the gaps stay gaps instead of reading as 0 MHz.
+    """
+    angle_idx: int
+    angle_deg: float
+    row_idx: int
+    y_mm: float
+    x_mm: np.ndarray            # absolute stage X of each frame
+    freq_mhz: np.ndarray        # NaN where masked
+    _valid: np.ndarray = field(init=False, repr=False)
+
+    def __post_init__(self):
+        self._valid = np.isfinite(self.freq_mhz)
+
+    @property
+    def offset_mm(self) -> np.ndarray:
+        """X relative to the centre of this row.
+
+        Every angle's row is centred on the same ROI centre, so plotting
+        against this puts all the angles' curves over the same piece of
+        sample — which is the whole point of the comparison.
+        """
+        if len(self.x_mm) == 0:
+            return self.x_mm
+        return self.x_mm - 0.5 * (self.x_mm[0] + self.x_mm[-1])
+
+    @property
+    def n_valid(self) -> int:
+        return int(self._valid.sum())
+
+    @property
+    def valid_fraction(self) -> float:
+        return self.n_valid / len(self.freq_mhz) if len(self.freq_mhz) else 0.0
+
+    @property
+    def median_mhz(self) -> float:
+        return float(np.median(self.freq_mhz[self._valid])) if self.n_valid else float("nan")
+
+    @property
+    def std_mhz(self) -> float:
+        return float(np.std(self.freq_mhz[self._valid])) if self.n_valid > 1 else float("nan")
+
+    @property
+    def drift_mhz_per_mm(self) -> float:
+        """Least-squares slope of frequency along the row.
+
+        A flat trace means the response did not change across the ROI; a
+        sloped one is the signature of a tilt or a defocus the angle spread
+        alone would not show.
+        """
+        if self.n_valid < 2:
+            return float("nan")
+        x = self.offset_mm[self._valid]
+        if np.ptp(x) == 0:
+            return float("nan")
+        return float(np.polyfit(x, self.freq_mhz[self._valid], 1)[0])
+
+
+@dataclass
+class AlignmentSummary:
+    """What the per-angle traces say about the alignment, in scalars."""
+    n_angles: int
+    median_mhz: float
+    spread_mhz: float               # max − min of the per-angle medians
+    spread_pct: float               # that spread as a % of the overall median
+    best_angle_deg: float           # angle reading the highest median
+    worst_angle_deg: float          # angle reading the lowest median
+    worst_drift_mhz_per_mm: float
+    worst_drift_angle_deg: float
+    min_valid_fraction: float
+
+    @property
+    def level(self) -> str:
+        """"good" / "marginal" / "poor" — see the module's threshold note."""
+        if self.n_angles == 0 or not np.isfinite(self.spread_pct):
+            return "poor"
+        if self.min_valid_fraction < VALID_FRACTION_FLOOR:
+            return "poor"
+        if self.spread_pct <= SPREAD_GOOD_PCT:
+            return "good"
+        if self.spread_pct <= SPREAD_MARGINAL_PCT:
+            return "marginal"
+        return "poor"
+
+    def describe(self) -> str:
+        if self.n_angles == 0:
+            return "No angle produced a usable frequency trace."
+        if self.min_valid_fraction < VALID_FRACTION_FLOOR:
+            return (f"Only {self.min_valid_fraction * 100:.0f} % of the worst angle's row "
+                    f"is above the DC threshold — check the detection beam and the "
+                    f"threshold before reading the spread.")
+        return (f"Per-angle medians span {self.spread_mhz:.3f} MHz "
+                f"({self.spread_pct:.2f} % of {self.median_mhz:.3f} MHz), "
+                f"lowest at {self.worst_angle_deg:.1f}°, highest at {self.best_angle_deg:.1f}°. "
+                f"Largest drift along a row: {self.worst_drift_mhz_per_mm:+.3f} MHz/mm "
+                f"at {self.worst_drift_angle_deg:.1f}°.")
+
+
+def frequency_traces(sras: SrasFile, *, dc_threshold_mv: float = 0.0,
+                     subtract_background: bool = False,
+                     gate_start_ns: float | None = None,
+                     gate_end_ns: float | None = None,
+                     calib: ChannelCalibration | None = None,
+                     on_progress=lambda done, total: None) -> list[AngleTrace]:
+    """Peak SAW frequency along the middle row of every angle in ``sras``.
+
+    Works on a v11 check (one row per angle, so the middle row is the only
+    row) and on a full scan alike — the same middle row the check would
+    have acquired is pulled out of the scan, which is what lets a finished
+    scan be re-examined with the check's own read-out.
+
+    ``subtract_background`` takes each angle's own background out of its
+    frames (v6/v10 files have only the one, which every angle then shares).
+    Doing it per angle is the point of the per-angle capture: comparing
+    angles is exactly what this read-out is for, so they must not be
+    referenced against one background taken at whichever angle came first.
+
+    Angles with nothing on disk (an aborted file) are skipped rather than
+    reported as flat zero.
+    """
+    calib = calib if calib is not None else ChannelCalibration.from_preambles(sras.preambles)
+    freq_axis = sras.freq_axis_mhz(sras.header.samples_per_frame)
+    time_axis = sras.time_axis_ns()
+    statuses = sras.angle_status()
+
+    traces: list[AngleTrace] = []
+    for st in statuses:
+        on_progress(st.index, len(statuses))
+        if st.n_rows_available < 1:
+            continue
+        pa = sras.per_angle[st.index]
+        row = middle_row_index(st.n_rows_available)
+        view = sras.load_angle(st.index, n_rows=st.n_rows_available)[row:row + 1]
+
+        background = sras.background_array(st.index) if subtract_background else None
+        img = compute_rf_image(view, calib, freq_axis, dc_threshold_mv,
+                               background=background,
+                               gate_start_ns=gate_start_ns, gate_end_ns=gate_end_ns,
+                               time_axis_ns=time_axis)
+        # compute_rf_image zeroes masked pixels and its FFT never peaks in the
+        # suppressed DC bin, so 0 MHz means "no reading" and nothing else.
+        freq = img[0].astype(np.float64)
+        freq[freq <= 0.0] = np.nan
+
+        traces.append(AngleTrace(
+            angle_idx=st.index, angle_deg=pa.angle_deg, row_idx=row,
+            y_mm=pa.y_positions[row] if row < len(pa.y_positions) else float("nan"),
+            x_mm=sras.x_axis_mm(st.index), freq_mhz=freq,
+        ))
+    on_progress(len(statuses), len(statuses))
+    return traces
+
+
+def alignment_summary(traces: list[AngleTrace]) -> AlignmentSummary:
+    """Reduce per-angle traces to the alignment read-out."""
+    usable = [t for t in traces if t.n_valid > 0]
+    if not usable:
+        nan = float("nan")
+        return AlignmentSummary(0, nan, nan, nan, nan, nan, nan, nan, 0.0)
+
+    medians = np.array([t.median_mhz for t in usable])
+    overall = float(np.median(medians))
+    spread = float(medians.max() - medians.min())
+    drifts = [(abs(t.drift_mhz_per_mm), t) for t in usable
+              if np.isfinite(t.drift_mhz_per_mm)]
+    worst_drift = max(drifts, key=lambda d: d[0])[1] if drifts else None
+
+    return AlignmentSummary(
+        n_angles=len(usable),
+        median_mhz=overall,
+        spread_mhz=spread,
+        spread_pct=spread / overall * 100.0 if overall else float("nan"),
+        best_angle_deg=usable[int(np.argmax(medians))].angle_deg,
+        worst_angle_deg=usable[int(np.argmin(medians))].angle_deg,
+        worst_drift_mhz_per_mm=worst_drift.drift_mhz_per_mm if worst_drift else float("nan"),
+        worst_drift_angle_deg=worst_drift.angle_deg if worst_drift else float("nan"),
+        min_valid_fraction=min(t.valid_fraction for t in usable),
+    )

core/scan_engine.py

@@ -18,7 +18,10 @@ from typing import Callable
 from core import scope_burst, scope_sras
 from core.rotation import RotationAxis
 from core.scan_geometry import ScanPlan, validate_plan
-from core.sras_format import SCAN_CHANNELS, create_scan_file
+from core.sras_format import (
+    BG_LEN_SIZE, SCAN_CHANNELS, VERSION, create_scan_file,
+    write_background_block,
+)
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
@@ -42,8 +45,15 @@ class ScanAborted(Exception):
 
 @dataclass
 class ResumeTarget:
-    """One angle selected for (re)acquisition in an existing file."""
+    """One angle selected for (re)acquisition in an existing file.
+
+    ``bg_offset`` is where the angle's background block starts and
+    ``data_offset`` where its rows do; the gap between them is the room the
+    file already has for a background, which a re-acquired angle must fill
+    exactly or every row behind it would shift.
+    """
     angle_idx: int
+    bg_offset: int
     data_offset: int
     n_rows: int
     angle_deg: float
@@ -96,7 +106,8 @@ class ScanEngine:
                  plan: ScanPlan, out_path: Path,
                  resume: ResumeState | None = None,
                  callbacks: ScanCallbacks | None = None,
-                 burst_mode: bool = False, strict_rows: bool = False):
+                 burst_mode: bool = False, strict_rows: bool = False,
+                 file_version: int = VERSION):
         self._stage = stage
         self._scope = scope
         self._rotator = rotator
@@ -110,6 +121,11 @@ class ScanEngine:
         # Strict row packing stops the scan on a frame-count mismatch
         # instead of squaring the row up (see _check_frame_delta).
         self._strict_rows = strict_rows
+        # Which kind of file this run produces.  The acquisition is identical
+        # either way; VERSION_SAW_CHECK only marks a one-row-per-angle plan
+        # (core.saw_check) as the quality check it is, so a reader does not
+        # mistake it for a scan that aborted after its first row.
+        self._file_version = file_version
         self._max_frames = 0
         self._preflight_done = False
 
@@ -274,27 +290,14 @@ class ScanEngine:
 
         if self._resume is None:
             self._preambles = scope_sras.read_preambles(self._scope, SCAN_CHANNELS)
-            self._prompt(
-                "Background Capture",
-                "Please ensure the Helios laser is ON and the Genesis laser is OFF,\n"
-                "then click OK to capture the background waveform."
-            )
-            self._background = scope_sras.capture_background(
-                self._scope, should_abort=self._abort.is_set,
-                on_status=self._cb.on_status)
-            self._prompt(
-                "Begin Scanning",
-                "Background captured successfully.\n\n"
-                "Please ensure the Genesis laser is back ON,\n"
-                "then click OK to begin scanning."
-            )
         else:
-            # Resuming: the file's existing background waveform and channel
-            # preambles are reused as-is (the format has no way to replace
-            # them without rewriting the whole file), so background capture is
-            # skipped.  Sanity-check that this scope still produces the same
-            # record length the file was started with — a mismatch would
-            # silently corrupt the ragged per-row byte layout on append.
+            # Resuming: the file's channel preambles are reused as-is (the
+            # format has no way to replace them without rewriting the whole
+            # file).  Each re-acquired angle still captures its own fresh
+            # background, which is rewritten in place over the old one.
+            # Sanity-check that this scope still produces the same record
+            # length the file was started with — a mismatch would silently
+            # corrupt the ragged per-row byte layout on append.
             if samples_per_frame != self._resume.samples_per_frame:
                 raise RuntimeError(
                     f"Oscilloscope record length ({samples_per_frame} samples/frame) "
@@ -308,8 +311,8 @@ class ScanEngine:
                 f"angle(s) {targets} of {self._plan.n_angles}.\n\n"
                 "Please re-home the GR axis to 0° before continuing — the scan "
                 "will rotate it directly from angle to angle before scanning resumes.\n\n"
-                "Please ensure the Genesis laser is ON,\n"
-                "then click OK to continue scanning."
+                "Each angle begins with its own background capture, so you will "
+                "be asked to switch the Genesis laser off and on again per angle."
             )
 
         scope_sras.configure_scan_trigger(self._scope)
@@ -335,7 +338,8 @@ class ScanEngine:
             return open(self._resume.path, "r+b")
         return create_scan_file(
             self._out_path, self._plan, samples_per_frame,
-            scope_sras.SAMPLE_RATE_HZ, self._preambles, self._background,
+            scope_sras.SAMPLE_RATE_HZ, self._preambles,
+            version=self._file_version,
         )
 
     def _scan_loop(self, scan_file, samples_per_frame: int, result: ScanResult):
@@ -356,11 +360,12 @@ class ScanEngine:
                 continue    # not selected for (re)acquisition
             self._pause_point()
 
-            if targets_by_ai is not None:
+            target = None if targets_by_ai is None else targets_by_ai[ai]
+            if target is not None:
                 # Interior angles may already have valid data on either side,
                 # so seek to this angle's fixed offset rather than relying on
                 # the file's current position.
-                scan_file.seek(targets_by_ai[ai].data_offset)
+                scan_file.seek(target.bg_offset)
 
             if self._rotator is not None and self._rotator.is_available:
                 delta = pa.angle_deg - self._rotator.current_deg
@@ -369,6 +374,9 @@ class ScanEngine:
                         f"Rotating GR to {pa.angle_deg:.1f}° (Δ{delta:+.1f}°) …")
                     self._rotator.rotate_to(pa.angle_deg)
 
+            self._write_angle_background(scan_file, ai, n_angles,
+                                         pa.angle_deg, target)
+
             if self._burst_mode:
                 # Burst mode sizes the FastFrame count from the scope's whole
                 # capacity instead (see scope_burst.start_burst), so there is
@@ -384,6 +392,49 @@ class ScanEngine:
 
             result.angles_acquired.append(ai)
 
+    def _write_angle_background(self, scan_file, ai: int, n_angles: int,
+                                angle_deg: float, target: ResumeTarget | None):
+        """Capture this angle's background and write it ahead of its rows.
+
+        The Genesis laser has to be off for the capture and back on for the
+        scan, so every angle costs two operator prompts and one averaged
+        record.  That buys a background taken minutes from the data it will
+        be subtracted from, instead of one taken hours earlier at angle 1.
+
+        On resume the block is overwritten in place, so it has to be exactly
+        as long as the one already there — anything else would shift every
+        row behind it.  Checked before the write, not after.
+        """
+        scope = self._scope
+        scope_sras.configure_background_trigger(scope)
+        self._prompt(
+            f"Background Capture — Angle {ai + 1}/{n_angles}",
+            f"Angle {ai + 1} of {n_angles} ({angle_deg:.1f}°) starts with its "
+            "own background capture.\n\n"
+            "Please switch the Genesis laser OFF — leave the Helios laser ON —\n"
+            "then click OK to capture the background waveform."
+        )
+        background = scope_sras.capture_background(
+            scope, should_abort=self._abort.is_set, on_status=self._cb.on_status)
+        self._prompt(
+            f"Begin Angle {ai + 1}/{n_angles}",
+            "Background captured successfully.\n\n"
+            "Please switch the Genesis laser back ON,\n"
+            f"then click OK to scan angle {ai + 1} of {n_angles}."
+        )
+        scope_sras.configure_scan_trigger(scope)
+
+        if target is not None:
+            room = target.data_offset - target.bg_offset
+            if BG_LEN_SIZE + len(background) != room:
+                raise RuntimeError(
+                    f"Angle {ai + 1}: the new background block is "
+                    f"{BG_LEN_SIZE + len(background)} bytes but the file has room "
+                    f"for {room} — writing it would shift every row behind it, "
+                    "so the scan stops here."
+                )
+        write_background_block(scan_file, background)
+
     # ── Per-row acquisition (one FastFrame acquisition per row) ───────────────
 
     def _scan_rows_serial(self, scan_file, pa, ai: int, n_angles: int,

core/scan_resume.py

@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ from __future__ import annotations
 from dataclasses import dataclass, field
 
 from core.scan_engine import ResumeState, ResumeTarget
-from core.sras_format import SrasFile
+from core.sras_format import WRITABLE_VERSIONS, SrasFile
 
 
 @dataclass
@@ -44,8 +44,9 @@ def plan_resume(statuses, selected: set[int]) -> ResumePlan:
         final = set(selected)
 
     targets = [
-        ResumeTarget(angle_idx=s.index, data_offset=s.data_offset,
-                     n_rows=s.n_rows, angle_deg=s.angle_deg)
+        ResumeTarget(angle_idx=s.index, bg_offset=s.bg_offset,
+                     data_offset=s.data_offset, n_rows=s.n_rows,
+                     angle_deg=s.angle_deg)
         for s in statuses if s.index in final
     ]
     return ResumePlan(targets=targets,
@@ -55,9 +56,15 @@ def plan_resume(statuses, selected: set[int]) -> ResumePlan:
 
 def is_compatible(sras: SrasFile, *, velocity: float, laser_freq: float,
                   sample_rate: float, n_channels: int) -> bool:
-    """Whether appending to this file with the current settings is safe."""
+    """Whether appending to this file with the current settings is safe.
+
+    A legacy v6/v10 file is not: it has one background for the whole scan,
+    and every angle this engine acquires writes a background block of its
+    own, which the older layout has no room for.
+    """
     h = sras.header
-    return (h.bytes_per_sample == 1
+    return (sras.version in WRITABLE_VERSIONS
+            and h.bytes_per_sample == 1
             and h.n_channels == n_channels
             and abs(h.velocity - velocity) <= 1e-3
             and abs(h.laser_freq - laser_freq) <= 1e-3

core/scope_inspect.py

@@ -14,6 +14,11 @@ sits still.
 
 CH1 keeps the acquisition front-end so what is on screen is what a scan would
 record.  CH3 and CH4 are rescaled as DC bias monitors (see BIAS_* below).
+
+``read_bias_mv`` is the one exception to "nothing is transferred": it reads
+the two bias levels back as scalars, not waveforms, because the auto-align
+procedure (core.auto_align) has to close a loop on them.  The operator still
+watches the same screen this configures.
 """
 from __future__ import annotations
 
@@ -46,6 +51,12 @@ BIAS_POSITION_DIV = -3.5
 
 BIAS_LABELS = {3: "Bias - A", 4: "Bias - B"}
 
+# One MEAN measurement carries the shot-to-shot noise of a single record, and
+# the alignment loop has to resolve 5 mV.  The median of a handful of reads
+# rejects the odd outlier without the averaging acquisition mode, which would
+# hide exactly the intermittent response the operator is watching CH1 for.
+BIAS_READS = 5
+
 
 def inspect_channel_profiles() -> dict:
     """Channel front-end config for inspection.
@@ -102,3 +113,24 @@ def stop_inspection(scope) -> None:
     stop the sweep — it does not try to restore the acquisition profile.
     """
     scope.write("ACQuire:STATE STOP")
+
+
+def read_bias_mv(scope, reads: int = BIAS_READS) -> tuple[float, float]:
+    """Read the two DC bias levels in millivolts.
+
+    Returns ``(ch3_mv, ch4_mv)`` — DC 1 and DC 2 in the auto-align channel
+    map.  Each channel is read ``reads`` times and reduced by the median.
+
+    The two channels are read in separate batches rather than interleaved:
+    switching the immediate-measurement source costs a round trip, and these
+    are DC levels, so the few milliseconds between the batches are not a
+    source of error the way they would be for a transient.
+    """
+    if reads < 1:
+        raise ValueError("read_bias_mv needs at least one read per channel")
+
+    levels = []
+    for ch in BIAS_CHANNELS:
+        samples = sorted(scope.measure_immediate(ch, "MEAN") for _ in range(reads))
+        levels.append(samples[len(samples) // 2] * 1000.0)
+    return levels[0], levels[1]

core/scope_sras.py

@@ -51,11 +51,13 @@ def configure_channels(scope, profiles=None) -> None:
         scope.set_channel_bandwidth(ch, p.bandwidth_hz)
 
 
-def configure_acquisition(scope) -> int:
-    """Program the edge trigger and timebase; returns samples per frame.
+def configure_background_trigger(scope) -> None:
+    """Program the edge trigger used for a background capture.
 
-    Edge trigger on the rising edge of CH2 (laser pulse).  FastFrame stays
-    off here so the background capture runs as a single record.
+    Edge trigger on the rising edge of CH2 (laser pulse), FastFrame off so
+    the capture runs as a single record.  Every angle starts with a fresh
+    background, so the scan comes back here between angles from the
+    logic-AND trigger configure_scan_trigger leaves behind.
     """
     scope.write("TRIGger:A:TYPe EDGE")
     scope.set_trigger_source(2)
@@ -64,6 +66,11 @@ def configure_acquisition(scope) -> int:
     scope.set_trigger_mode("NORMAL")       # wait for trigger (don't auto-sweep)
     scope.set_acquire_mode("SAMPLE")
     scope.set_fastframe_state(False)
+
+
+def configure_acquisition(scope) -> int:
+    """Program the edge trigger and timebase; returns samples per frame."""
+    configure_background_trigger(scope)
     # Pin the transfer format instead of inheriting front-panel state — the
     # file header hardcodes bytes_per_sample=1, and a scope left on 2 bytes
     # would corrupt every frame written.

core/sras_format.py

@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
-"""SRAS v6 binary scan-file format — the single implementation.
+"""SRAS binary scan-file format (v7/v11, reading v6/v10 too) — the single
+implementation.
 
 Full byte-level spec: scan_format.md.  Summary:
 
@@ -9,14 +10,33 @@ Full byte-level spec: scan_format.md.  Summary:
     geometry table             n_angles × >ffIH  (x_start x_delta n_frames n_rows)
     row tables (ragged)        per angle: n_rows × >f  (y positions)
     preambles                  n_channels × (>H length + utf-8 WFMOutpre string)
-    background block           >I length + raw int8 CH1 average
-    waveform data              angle-major, row-minor, channel-inner:
-                               for each angle, for each row, for each channel,
+    data block                 per angle: [background][rows]
+                               background = >I length + raw int8 CH1 average
+                               rows       = for each row, for each channel,
                                n_frames × samples_per_frame × bytes_per_sample
 
+Every angle carries its own background: the operator switches the Genesis
+laser off before each angle and the engine averages a fresh CH1 record, so
+the reference a reader subtracts was taken minutes — not hours — from the
+data it is subtracted from.  That is the whole difference between v7 and v6,
+which held a single background for the entire file, ahead of the data block.
+
 Incomplete files are valid: the data block is one contiguous append-only
 stream, so the readable prefix defines a single frontier past which nothing
-has been written yet (see ``SrasFile.angle_status``).
+has been written yet (see ``SrasFile.angle_status``).  Because the background
+blocks are length-prefixed, the per-angle offsets come from a walk of that
+stream at parse time rather than from arithmetic on the geometry table.
+
+Version 11 is the SAW quality check (core.saw_check): byte layout identical
+to v7, but every angle declares exactly one row — the row-wise middle of the
+ROI.  The version byte is the whole difference, and it exists so a reader can
+tell a one-row-per-angle check from a full scan that was aborted after its
+first row.  ``create_scan_file`` enforces the one-row rule at write time.
+
+v6 and v10 are the pre-per-angle-background versions of the same two files.
+They are still read (every scan taken before this change is one); nothing
+writes them any more, and a v6 file cannot be resumed into, since appending
+v7 blocks to it would shift its data.
 """
 from __future__ import annotations
 
@@ -31,11 +51,21 @@ import numpy as np
 from core.scan_geometry import AngleGeometry, ScanPlan
 
 MAGIC = b"SRAS"
-VERSION = 6
+VERSION = 7
+# One row per angle, taken from the middle of the ROI — see core.saw_check.
+VERSION_SAW_CHECK = 11
+# v6/v10: the same two files with one background for the whole scan, written
+# ahead of the data block instead of once per angle.  Read-only.
+LEGACY_VERSIONS = (6, 10)
+WRITABLE_VERSIONS = (VERSION, VERSION_SAW_CHECK)
+SUPPORTED_VERSIONS = tuple(sorted(WRITABLE_VERSIONS + LEGACY_VERSIONS))
+SAW_CHECK_VERSIONS = (10, VERSION_SAW_CHECK)
 HDR_FMT = ">4sBHfffffffIdBB"
 HDR_SIZE = struct.calcsize(HDR_FMT)   # 49 bytes
 GEOM_FMT = ">ffIH"
 GEOM_SIZE = struct.calcsize(GEOM_FMT)  # 14 bytes
+BG_LEN_FMT = ">I"
+BG_LEN_SIZE = struct.calcsize(BG_LEN_FMT)   # 4 bytes
 
 # Oscilloscope channels recorded, in on-disk order.
 SCAN_CHANNELS = [1, 3, 4]
@@ -69,7 +99,8 @@ class AngleStatus:
     angle_deg: float
     n_rows: int              # declared
     row_bytes: int
-    data_offset: int
+    bg_offset: int           # start of this angle's background block
+    data_offset: int         # start of its rows, i.e. just past that block
     n_rows_available: int
     status: str              # STATUS_OK / STATUS_TRUNCATED / STATUS_MISSING
 
@@ -77,19 +108,46 @@ class AngleStatus:
     def complete(self) -> bool:
         return self.status == STATUS_OK
 
+    @property
+    def bg_bytes(self) -> int:
+        """Size of the background block ahead of the rows (0 on v6/v10)."""
+        return self.data_offset - self.bg_offset
+
 
 def create_scan_file(path: Path, plan: ScanPlan, samples_per_frame: int,
                      sample_rate: float, preambles: list[str],
-                     background_waveform: bytes) -> BinaryIO:
-    """Create a new .sras file and write the v6 header + tables.
+                     version: int = VERSION) -> BinaryIO:
+    """Create a new .sras file and write the header + tables.
 
-    Returns an open binary file positioned at the start of the data block;
-    the caller appends waveform rows and must close it (try/finally).
+    ``version`` selects which kind of file this is — VERSION for a full scan,
+    VERSION_SAW_CHECK for a middle-row quality check.  The layout is the same
+    either way; the one-row-per-angle rule that gives v11 its meaning is
+    checked here, since nothing downstream can recover from a v11 file that
+    breaks it.
+
+    Returns an open binary file positioned at the start of the data block.
+    The caller writes each angle as ``write_background_block()`` followed by
+    that angle's rows, and must close the file (try/finally).
     """
+    if version not in WRITABLE_VERSIONS:
+        raise ValueError(
+            f"Cannot write SRAS format version {version} "
+            f"(writable: {', '.join(str(v) for v in WRITABLE_VERSIONS)})"
+        )
+    if version == VERSION_SAW_CHECK:
+        bad = [f"{pa.angle_deg:.1f}° has {pa.n_rows}"
+               for pa in plan.per_angle if pa.n_rows != 1]
+        if bad:
+            raise ValueError(
+                "A v11 SAW-check file holds exactly one row per angle, but "
+                + ", ".join(bad) + " — build the plan with "
+                "core.saw_check.middle_row_plan()."
+            )
+
     path.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
     f = open(path, "wb")
     f.write(struct.pack(
-        HDR_FMT, MAGIC, VERSION,
+        HDR_FMT, MAGIC, version,
         plan.n_angles,
         plan.x_start_nominal, plan.y_start_nominal,
         plan.x_delta_nominal, plan.y_delta_nominal,
@@ -109,26 +167,41 @@ def create_scan_file(path: Path, plan: ScanPlan, samples_per_frame: int,
         enc = p.encode("utf-8")
         f.write(struct.pack(">H", len(enc)))
         f.write(enc)
-    f.write(struct.pack(">I", len(background_waveform)))
-    f.write(background_waveform)
     return f
 
 
+def write_background_block(f: BinaryIO, waveform: bytes) -> int:
+    """Write one angle's background block; returns the bytes written.
+
+    Every angle's rows are preceded by one of these, so a reader walking the
+    data block knows where that angle's frames start.
+    """
+    f.write(struct.pack(BG_LEN_FMT, len(waveform)))
+    f.write(waveform)
+    return BG_LEN_SIZE + len(waveform)
+
+
 @dataclass
 class SrasFile:
-    """Parsed v6 .sras file: header, tables, and lazy (memmap) data access.
+    """Parsed .sras file (v7/v11, or legacy v6/v10): header, tables, and lazy
+    (memmap) access.
 
-    Parsing reads only the header/tables — never the waveform block — so
-    opening a multi-GB file is cheap.  ``load_angle``/``load_row`` return
-    read-only numpy views backed by a shared mmap; no data is copied until
-    the caller computes on it.
+    Parsing reads only the header/tables and the per-angle background blocks
+    — never the waveform block — so opening a multi-GB file is cheap.
+    ``load_angle``/``load_row`` return read-only numpy views backed by a
+    shared mmap; no data is copied until the caller computes on it.
+
+    ``backgrounds[i]`` is angle *i*'s own background (v7/v11) or the file's
+    single background repeated for every angle (v6/v10), so a reader never
+    has to branch on the version to subtract the right one.
     """
     path: Path
+    version: int = field(init=False)
     header: ScanHeader = field(init=False)
     per_angle: list[AngleGeometry] = field(init=False)
     preambles: list[str] = field(init=False)
     preambles_raw: list[bytes] = field(init=False)
-    background: bytes = field(init=False)
+    backgrounds: list[bytes] = field(init=False)
     data_start_offset: int = field(init=False)
     file_size: int = field(init=False)
 
@@ -149,11 +222,12 @@ class SrasFile:
              n_channels) = struct.unpack(HDR_FMT, raw)
             if magic != MAGIC:
                 raise ValueError(f"{self.path.name}: not a valid SRAS file (bad magic)")
-            if version != VERSION:
+            if version not in SUPPORTED_VERSIONS:
                 raise ValueError(
                     f"{self.path.name}: unsupported SRAS format version {version} "
-                    f"(only version {VERSION} is supported)"
+                    f"(supported: {', '.join(str(v) for v in SUPPORTED_VERSIONS)})"
                 )
+            self.version = version
             self.header = ScanHeader(
                 n_angles=n_angles,
                 x_start_nominal=x_start_nominal, y_start_nominal=y_start_nominal,
@@ -182,10 +256,65 @@ class SrasFile:
                 self.preambles_raw.append(f.read(plen))
             self.preambles = [p.decode("utf-8", errors="replace") for p in self.preambles_raw]
 
-            (n_bg,) = struct.unpack(">I", f.read(4))
-            self.background = f.read(n_bg)
+            shared_bg = None
+            if self.is_legacy_layout:
+                # v6/v10: one background for the whole file, ahead of the data.
+                (n_bg,) = struct.unpack(BG_LEN_FMT, f.read(BG_LEN_SIZE))
+                shared_bg = f.read(n_bg)
 
             self.data_start_offset = f.tell()
+            self._walk_data_block(f, shared_bg)
+
+    def _walk_data_block(self, f, shared_bg: bytes | None):
+        """Locate every angle's background block and the rows behind it.
+
+        v7 interleaves a length-prefixed background ahead of each angle's
+        rows, so the offsets are no longer pure arithmetic over the geometry
+        table — the walk reads each prefix as it goes.  Past the frontier of
+        a partial file there is nothing to read, so the remaining offsets are
+        predicted from the block a writer would have produced (a full record),
+        which is exactly where a resumed scan writes.
+        """
+        expected_bg = BG_LEN_SIZE + self.header.samples_per_frame
+        self.backgrounds, self._bg_present = [], []
+        self._bg_offsets, self._data_offsets = [], []
+        cursor = self.data_start_offset
+        for ai, pa in enumerate(self.per_angle):
+            if shared_bg is not None:
+                bg, bg_bytes, present = shared_bg, 0, True
+            else:
+                bg, bg_bytes, present = self._read_background(f, cursor, expected_bg)
+            self.backgrounds.append(bg)
+            self._bg_present.append(present)
+            self._bg_offsets.append(cursor)
+            cursor += bg_bytes
+            self._data_offsets.append(cursor)
+            cursor += self.row_bytes(ai) * pa.n_rows
+
+    def _read_background(self, f, offset: int, expected_bytes: int):
+        """One angle's background block as (waveform, block_bytes, present).
+
+        A block that runs past the end of the file was never written: the
+        walk keeps going with the size a writer would have used, and the
+        angle is reported MISSING.
+        """
+        if offset + BG_LEN_SIZE > self.file_size:
+            return b"", expected_bytes, False
+        f.seek(offset)
+        (n_bg,) = struct.unpack(BG_LEN_FMT, f.read(BG_LEN_SIZE))
+        if offset + BG_LEN_SIZE + n_bg > self.file_size:
+            return b"", expected_bytes, False
+        return f.read(n_bg), BG_LEN_SIZE + n_bg, True
+
+    @property
+    def is_saw_check(self) -> bool:
+        """True for a middle-row SAW quality check rather than a scan."""
+        return self.version in SAW_CHECK_VERSIONS
+
+    @property
+    def is_legacy_layout(self) -> bool:
+        """True for v6/v10: one background for the file, not one per angle."""
+        return self.version in LEGACY_VERSIONS
 
     # ── Frontier / truncation analysis ───────────────────────────────────────
 
@@ -199,40 +328,48 @@ class SrasFile:
 
         Because the data is one contiguous append-only stream, once an angle
         is found short every later angle is necessarily absent too — there is
-        a single frontier past which nothing has been written yet.
+        a single frontier past which nothing has been written yet.  An angle
+        whose background block never made it to disk is short by definition,
+        even though no row of it was due yet.
         """
         statuses = []
-        cursor = self.data_start_offset
         frontier_seen = False
         for ai, pa in enumerate(self.per_angle):
             row_bytes = self.row_bytes(ai)
-            data_offset = cursor
-            if frontier_seen:
+            data_offset = self._data_offsets[ai]
+            if frontier_seen or not self._bg_present[ai]:
                 n_rows_available = 0
                 status = STATUS_MISSING
+                frontier_seen = True
             else:
                 declared_bytes = row_bytes * pa.n_rows
-                if row_bytes > 0 and cursor + declared_bytes <= self.file_size:
+                if row_bytes > 0 and data_offset + declared_bytes <= self.file_size:
                     n_rows_available = pa.n_rows
                     status = STATUS_OK
-                    cursor += declared_bytes
                 else:
-                    remaining = max(0, self.file_size - cursor)
+                    remaining = max(0, self.file_size - data_offset)
                     n_rows_available = remaining // row_bytes if row_bytes > 0 else 0
                     status = STATUS_MISSING if n_rows_available == 0 else STATUS_TRUNCATED
                     frontier_seen = True
             statuses.append(AngleStatus(
                 index=ai, angle_deg=pa.angle_deg, n_rows=pa.n_rows,
-                row_bytes=row_bytes, data_offset=data_offset,
+                row_bytes=row_bytes, bg_offset=self._bg_offsets[ai],
+                data_offset=data_offset,
                 n_rows_available=n_rows_available, status=status,
             ))
         return statuses
 
     def angle_data_offset(self, angle_idx: int) -> int:
-        offset = self.data_start_offset
-        for ai in range(angle_idx):
-            offset += self.row_bytes(ai) * self.per_angle[ai].n_rows
-        return offset
+        """Where angle ``angle_idx``'s rows start (past its background)."""
+        return self._data_offsets[angle_idx]
+
+    def angle_block_offset(self, angle_idx: int) -> int:
+        """Where angle ``angle_idx``'s block starts, background included.
+
+        Equal to ``angle_data_offset`` on v6/v10, which have no per-angle
+        background block.
+        """
+        return self._bg_offsets[angle_idx]
 
     # ── Lazy data access ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
@@ -248,6 +385,11 @@ class SrasFile:
     def _dtype(self) -> np.dtype:
         return np.dtype(np.int16 if self.header.bytes_per_sample == 2 else np.int8)
 
+    def background_array(self, angle_idx: int) -> np.ndarray | None:
+        """One angle's background as float32 ADC counts, or None if absent."""
+        bg = np.frombuffer(self.backgrounds[angle_idx], dtype=self._dtype())
+        return bg.astype(np.float32) if bg.size else None
+
     def load_angle(self, angle_idx: int, n_rows: int | None = None) -> np.ndarray:
         """Read-only view of one angle's data block, shape
         (n_rows, n_channels, n_frames, samples_per_frame).

gui/align_bridge.py

@@ -0,0 +1,124 @@
+"""Qt bridge over the headless AutoAligner.
+
+The procedure is two long blocking runs with an operator decision between
+them — ``prepare()`` puts the rig in a known state and reads the reference
+levels, the operator confirms the camera image, then ``run()`` spends a minute
+or two moving the stage and the tilt platform.  Both belong on a worker
+thread; the window only enqueues and reacts to signals.
+
+Stopping cannot go through the command queue: while ``run()`` is executing,
+the worker is inside a handler and will not look at the queue until it
+returns.  The stop request is therefore a threading.Event the core polls
+between moves (``should_abort``), and the queued "stop" command only handles
+the tidy-up afterwards.
+"""
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import threading
+import traceback
+
+from PyQt6.QtCore import pyqtSignal
+
+from core.auto_align import AlignCallbacks, AutoAligner, AutoAlignAborted
+from gui.qt_workers import QueueWorker
+
+
+class QtAutoAligner(QueueWorker):
+    """Runs an AutoAligner on its own QThread and republishes its events."""
+
+    prepared = pyqtSignal(object)         # Reading — the candidate reference
+    prepare_failed = pyqtSignal(str)
+    status_msg = pyqtSignal(str)
+    reading_taken = pyqtSignal(object)    # Reading
+    busy_changed = pyqtSignal(bool)
+    offset_done = pyqtSignal(object)      # OffsetResult
+    axis_done = pyqtSignal(object)        # AxisResult
+    finished = pyqtSignal(object)         # AlignResult
+    failed = pyqtSignal(str)
+    aborted = pyqtSignal()
+    stopped = pyqtSignal()
+
+    def __init__(self, stage, scope, t3r, settings=None, on_align_active=None):
+        super().__init__()
+        self._on_align_active = on_align_active
+        self._abort = threading.Event()
+
+        callbacks = AlignCallbacks(
+            on_status=self.status_msg.emit,
+            on_reading=self.reading_taken.emit,
+            on_busy=self.busy_changed.emit,
+            on_offset_done=self.offset_done.emit,
+            on_axis_done=self.axis_done.emit,
+        )
+        kwargs = {"settings": settings} if settings is not None else {}
+        self._aligner = AutoAligner(stage, scope, t3r, callbacks=callbacks,
+                                    should_abort=self._abort.is_set, **kwargs)
+        self._handlers = {
+            "prepare": self._do_prepare,
+            "run": self._do_run,
+            "stop": self._do_stop,
+        }
+
+    # ── Command submission (GUI thread) ───────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def request_prepare(self):
+        self._abort.clear()
+        self._enqueue("prepare")
+
+    def request_run(self):
+        self._enqueue("run")
+
+    def request_abort(self):
+        """Stop the procedure at the next move, wherever it has got to."""
+        self._abort.set()
+
+    def request_stop(self):
+        self._abort.set()
+        self._enqueue("stop")
+
+    # ── Handlers (worker thread) ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _do_prepare(self):
+        if self._on_align_active is not None:
+            self._on_align_active(True)
+        try:
+            reading = self._aligner.prepare()
+        except Exception as exc:
+            traceback.print_exc()
+            if self._on_align_active is not None:
+                self._on_align_active(False)
+            self.prepare_failed.emit(str(exc))
+            return
+        self.prepared.emit(reading)
+
+    def _do_run(self):
+        try:
+            result = self._aligner.run()
+        except AutoAlignAborted:
+            self.status_msg.emit("Auto-align stopped.")
+            self.aborted.emit()
+            return
+        except Exception as exc:
+            traceback.print_exc()
+            self.failed.emit(str(exc))
+            return
+        self.finished.emit(result)
+
+    def _do_stop(self):
+        try:
+            self._aligner.stop()
+        finally:
+            if self._on_align_active is not None:
+                self._on_align_active(False)
+            self.stopped.emit()
+
+    def _on_stop(self):
+        """Worker loop exiting — leave the rig parked even if the window went
+        away without a clean stop command reaching the queue."""
+        try:
+            self._aligner.stop()
+        except Exception:
+            traceback.print_exc()
+        finally:
+            if self._on_align_active is not None:
+                self._on_align_active(False)

gui/jog_panel.py

@@ -0,0 +1,385 @@
+"""Jog controls for the T3R axes and the BBD202 stage.
+
+These sit beside the camera image.  Focusing the T-axis and framing the
+sample on the XY stage are both done by eye, so the controls have to be
+reachable without looking away from the video.  Both panels drive the same
+driver/worker the main window uses, so a jog here is the same command as a
+jog there.
+
+The T3R panel jogs while the button is held (the controller's JOG command is
+a continuous velocity move, ended by STOP).  The BBD202 has no such command,
+so a held button repeats a short relative move, the way the main window
+already does it.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from PyQt6.QtCore import Qt, QTimer
+from PyQt6.QtWidgets import (
+    QCheckBox, QComboBox, QDoubleSpinBox, QFrame, QGridLayout, QGroupBox,
+    QLabel, QPushButton, QSpinBox,
+)
+
+import hardware.t3r_protocol as proto
+from gui.widgets import mono_font
+from hardware.t3r_driver import T3RDriver
+
+# BBD202 jog defaults, shared with the main window's worker.
+BBD_JOG_STEP_MM     = 0.5       # default jog step
+BBD_JOG_SPEED_MM_S  = 10.0
+BBD_JOG_ACCEL_MM_S2 = 50.0
+
+# T3R jog defaults, matching the T3R control panel's own spin boxes.
+T3R_JOG_VELOCITY = 8000         # steps/s
+T3R_JOG_ACCEL    = 4000         # steps/s²
+T3R_MICROSTEPS   = 16           # shown until the device reports its own
+
+# A held BBD button repeats a relative move at this interval; the move itself
+# is short, so a faster repeat would just queue up moves the stage can't
+# finish (the main window uses the same 200 ms).
+BBD_JOG_REPEAT_MS = 200
+
+# Applying velocity on every spin-box click would flood the command queue, so
+# the write is debounced until the operator stops adjusting.
+BBD_VELOCITY_DEBOUNCE_MS = 300
+
+
+def _hline() -> QFrame:
+    line = QFrame()
+    line.setFrameShape(QFrame.Shape.HLine)
+    line.setFrameShadow(QFrame.Shadow.Sunken)
+    return line
+
+
+def _jog_button(text: str, tip: str) -> QPushButton:
+    btn = QPushButton(text)
+    btn.setToolTip(tip)
+    btn.setFixedWidth(38)
+    btn.setAutoRepeat(False)     # the repeat is ours, on a timer
+    return btn
+
+
+# ── T3R ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+class T3RJogPanel(QGroupBox):
+    """Enable, microstep and jog controls for the four T3R axes.
+
+    Jog velocity and acceleration are shared by every axis; microstepping is
+    per-channel, because that is how the controller stores it.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, driver, parent=None):
+        super().__init__("T3R Axes", parent)
+        self._driver = driver
+        self._jogging: set[int] = set()
+        # Microsteps the operator picked but the device hasn't confirmed yet.
+        # Without this, an info poll already in flight carrying the old value
+        # would snap the combo back and look like the click was ignored.
+        self._pending_micro: dict[int, int] = {}
+        self._enable_chks: dict[int, QCheckBox] = {}
+        self._micro_combos: dict[int, QComboBox] = {}
+        self._pos_lbls: dict[int, QLabel] = {}
+        self._jog_btns: dict[tuple[int, int], QPushButton] = {}
+
+        self._build()
+
+        driver.handshake_ok.connect(lambda *_: self._set_online(True))
+        driver.disconnected.connect(lambda *_: self._set_online(False))
+        driver.info_updated.connect(self._on_info)
+        self._set_online(driver.is_open)
+
+    # ── Construction ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _build(self):
+        grid = QGridLayout(self)
+        grid.setVerticalSpacing(4)
+        grid.setHorizontalSpacing(6)
+        row = 0
+
+        grid.addWidget(QLabel("Velocity"), row, 0)
+        self.vel_spin = QSpinBox()
+        self.vel_spin.setRange(1, proto.MAX_VELOCITY)
+        self.vel_spin.setValue(T3R_JOG_VELOCITY)
+        self.vel_spin.setGroupSeparatorShown(True)
+        self.vel_spin.setSuffix(" steps/s")
+        grid.addWidget(self.vel_spin, row, 1, 1, 3)
+        row += 1
+
+        grid.addWidget(QLabel("Accel"), row, 0)
+        self.accel_spin = QSpinBox()
+        self.accel_spin.setRange(0, proto.MAX_ACCEL)
+        self.accel_spin.setValue(T3R_JOG_ACCEL)
+        self.accel_spin.setGroupSeparatorShown(True)
+        self.accel_spin.setSuffix(" steps/s²")
+        grid.addWidget(self.accel_spin, row, 1, 1, 3)
+        row += 1
+
+        grid.addWidget(_hline(), row, 0, 1, 5)
+        row += 1
+
+        hdr = QLabel("hold a jog button to move")
+        hdr.setStyleSheet("color: gray;")
+        grid.addWidget(hdr, row, 0, 1, 3)
+        grid.addWidget(QLabel("µsteps"), row, 3)
+        grid.addWidget(QLabel("pos"), row, 4)
+        row += 1
+
+        for ch, name in enumerate(T3RDriver.CHANNEL_NAMES):
+            chk = QCheckBox(name)
+            chk.setToolTip(f"Energise axis {ch} — a disabled axis ignores jogs")
+            chk.toggled.connect(lambda on, c=ch: self._on_enable_toggled(c, on))
+            grid.addWidget(chk, row, 0)
+            self._enable_chks[ch] = chk
+
+            for col, (text, direction, way) in enumerate(
+                    (("◀", -1, "negative"), ("▶", +1, "positive")), start=1):
+                btn = _jog_button(text, f"Jog {way} while held")
+                btn.pressed.connect(
+                    lambda c=ch, d=direction: self._start_jog(c, d))
+                btn.released.connect(lambda c=ch: self._stop_jog(c))
+                grid.addWidget(btn, row, col)
+                self._jog_btns[(ch, direction)] = btn
+
+            combo = QComboBox()
+            for m in proto.MICROSTEPS:
+                combo.addItem(str(m), m)
+            combo.setCurrentIndex(combo.findData(T3R_MICROSTEPS))
+            combo.setToolTip("SET_MICROSTEP — applied immediately, axis must be idle")
+            combo.activated.connect(lambda _i, c=ch: self._on_micro_selected(c))
+            grid.addWidget(combo, row, 3)
+            self._micro_combos[ch] = combo
+
+            pos_lbl = QLabel("—")
+            pos_lbl.setFont(mono_font(11))
+            pos_lbl.setMinimumWidth(76)
+            pos_lbl.setAlignment(Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignRight | Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignVCenter)
+            grid.addWidget(pos_lbl, row, 4)
+            self._pos_lbls[ch] = pos_lbl
+            row += 1
+
+        # Recovery for a jog whose button-release never arrived (window hidden
+        # or focus stolen mid-press).  It only stops axes this panel started,
+        # so it can never cut a scan's rotation short.
+        self.stop_btn = QPushButton("Stop jogging")
+        self.stop_btn.clicked.connect(self.stop_jogs)
+        grid.addWidget(self.stop_btn, row, 0, 1, 5)
+
+        grid.setColumnStretch(4, 1)
+
+    # ── Commands ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _on_enable_toggled(self, ch: int, on: bool):
+        if on:
+            self._driver.enable(ch)
+        else:
+            self._driver.disable(ch)
+
+    def _on_micro_selected(self, ch: int):
+        micro = self._micro_combos[ch].currentData()
+        self._pending_micro[ch] = micro
+        self._driver.set_microstep(ch, micro)
+
+    def _start_jog(self, ch: int, direction: int):
+        self._jogging.add(ch)
+        self._driver.jog(ch, direction * self.vel_spin.value(),
+                         self.accel_spin.value())
+
+    def _stop_jog(self, ch: int):
+        if ch in self._jogging:
+            self._jogging.discard(ch)
+            self._driver.stop(ch, False)
+
+    def stop_jogs(self):
+        """Stop every axis this panel is jogging.  Safe to call when idle."""
+        for ch in sorted(self._jogging):
+            self._driver.stop(ch, False)
+        self._jogging.clear()
+
+    # ── Device updates ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _on_info(self, ch: int, info):
+        lbl = self._pos_lbls.get(ch)
+        if lbl is None:
+            return
+        lbl.setText(f"{info.position}")
+
+        chk = self._enable_chks[ch]
+        if chk.isChecked() != info.enabled:
+            chk.blockSignals(True)
+            chk.setChecked(info.enabled)
+            chk.blockSignals(False)
+
+        pending = self._pending_micro.get(ch)
+        if pending is not None:
+            if info.microsteps != pending:
+                return                      # change still in flight
+            del self._pending_micro[ch]
+
+        combo = self._micro_combos[ch]
+        idx = combo.findData(info.microsteps)
+        if idx >= 0 and idx != combo.currentIndex():
+            combo.blockSignals(True)
+            combo.setCurrentIndex(idx)
+            combo.blockSignals(False)
+
+    def _set_online(self, on: bool):
+        if not on:
+            self._jogging.clear()
+            self._pending_micro.clear()
+            for lbl in self._pos_lbls.values():
+                lbl.setText("—")
+        self.setEnabled(on)
+
+
+# ── BBD202 ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+class BBDJogPanel(QGroupBox):
+    """X/Y jog controls for the BBD202 stage.
+
+    ``worker`` is the main window's BBD202Worker; it is duck-typed here to
+    keep this module free of an import cycle with the app.  The stage runs
+    closed-loop brushless servos, so there is no microstepping to set —
+    velocity and acceleration are the equivalent knobs.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, worker, parent=None):
+        super().__init__("BBD202 XY Stage", parent)
+        self._worker = worker
+        self._active: tuple[str, int] | None = None
+
+        self._repeat = QTimer(self)
+        self._repeat.setInterval(BBD_JOG_REPEAT_MS)
+        self._repeat.timeout.connect(self._jog_tick)
+
+        self._vel_debounce = QTimer(self)
+        self._vel_debounce.setSingleShot(True)
+        self._vel_debounce.setInterval(BBD_VELOCITY_DEBOUNCE_MS)
+        self._vel_debounce.timeout.connect(self.apply_velocity)
+
+        self._build()
+
+        worker.connected.connect(self._on_connected)
+        worker.disconnected.connect(lambda: self._set_online(False))
+        worker.position_updated.connect(self._on_position)
+        self._set_online(worker.is_connected)
+
+    # ── Construction ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _build(self):
+        grid = QGridLayout(self)
+        grid.setVerticalSpacing(4)
+        grid.setHorizontalSpacing(6)
+        row = 0
+
+        grid.addWidget(QLabel("X"), row, 0)
+        self.x_pos_lbl = QLabel("---.---")
+        self.x_pos_lbl.setFont(mono_font(11))
+        grid.addWidget(self.x_pos_lbl, row, 1)
+        grid.addWidget(QLabel("Y"), row, 2)
+        self.y_pos_lbl = QLabel("---.---")
+        self.y_pos_lbl.setFont(mono_font(11))
+        grid.addWidget(self.y_pos_lbl, row, 3)
+        row += 1
+
+        grid.addWidget(_hline(), row, 0, 1, 4)
+        row += 1
+
+        # Jog pad: Y over X, laid out the way the stage moves.
+        self.y_pos_btn = _jog_button("▲", "Jog +Y while held")
+        grid.addWidget(self.y_pos_btn, row, 1, 1, 2, Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignHCenter)
+        row += 1
+
+        self.x_neg_btn = _jog_button("◀", "Jog −X while held")
+        grid.addWidget(self.x_neg_btn, row, 1, Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignRight)
+        self.x_pos_btn = _jog_button("▶", "Jog +X while held")
+        grid.addWidget(self.x_pos_btn, row, 2, Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignLeft)
+        row += 1
+
+        self.y_neg_btn = _jog_button("▼", "Jog −Y while held")
+        grid.addWidget(self.y_neg_btn, row, 1, 1, 2, Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignHCenter)
+        row += 1
+
+        for btn, axis, direction in (
+            (self.x_pos_btn, "x", +1), (self.x_neg_btn, "x", -1),
+            (self.y_pos_btn, "y", +1), (self.y_neg_btn, "y", -1),
+        ):
+            btn.pressed.connect(lambda a=axis, d=direction: self._start_jog(a, d))
+            btn.released.connect(self.stop_jogs)
+
+        grid.addWidget(QLabel("Step"), row, 0)
+        self.step_spin = QDoubleSpinBox()
+        self.step_spin.setRange(0.001, 25.0)
+        self.step_spin.setDecimals(3)
+        self.step_spin.setSingleStep(0.1)
+        self.step_spin.setValue(BBD_JOG_STEP_MM)
+        self.step_spin.setSuffix(" mm")
+        grid.addWidget(self.step_spin, row, 1, 1, 3)
+        row += 1
+
+        grid.addWidget(QLabel("Velocity"), row, 0)
+        self.vel_spin = QDoubleSpinBox()
+        self.vel_spin.setRange(0.1, 100.0)
+        self.vel_spin.setDecimals(1)
+        self.vel_spin.setValue(BBD_JOG_SPEED_MM_S)
+        self.vel_spin.setSuffix(" mm/s")
+        self.vel_spin.valueChanged.connect(lambda _v: self._vel_debounce.start())
+        grid.addWidget(self.vel_spin, row, 1, 1, 3)
+        row += 1
+
+        grid.addWidget(QLabel("Accel"), row, 0)
+        self.accel_spin = QDoubleSpinBox()
+        self.accel_spin.setRange(0.1, 500.0)
+        self.accel_spin.setDecimals(1)
+        self.accel_spin.setValue(BBD_JOG_ACCEL_MM_S2)
+        self.accel_spin.setSuffix(" mm/s²")
+        self.accel_spin.valueChanged.connect(lambda _v: self._vel_debounce.start())
+        grid.addWidget(self.accel_spin, row, 1, 1, 3)
+        row += 1
+
+        note = QLabel("Microstepping: n/a — closed-loop servo")
+        note.setStyleSheet("color: gray;")
+        note.setWordWrap(True)
+        grid.addWidget(note, row, 0, 1, 4)
+
+        grid.setColumnStretch(3, 1)
+
+    # ── Commands ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _start_jog(self, axis: str, direction: int):
+        self._active = (axis, direction)
+        self._jog_tick()
+        self._repeat.start()
+
+    def _jog_tick(self):
+        if self._active is None:
+            return
+        axis, direction = self._active
+        self._worker.queue_jog(axis, direction, step_mm=self.step_spin.value())
+
+    def stop_jogs(self):
+        """Stop the repeat.  A move already sent runs to its (short) end."""
+        self._repeat.stop()
+        self._active = None
+
+    def apply_velocity(self):
+        """Push the panel's velocity/acceleration to both axes."""
+        if self._worker.is_connected:
+            self._worker.queue_set_velocity(self.vel_spin.value(),
+                                            self.accel_spin.value())
+
+    # ── Device updates ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _on_connected(self):
+        self._set_online(True)
+        self.apply_velocity()
+
+    def _on_position(self, x_mm: float, y_mm: float):
+        self.x_pos_lbl.setText(f"{x_mm:07.3f}")
+        self.y_pos_lbl.setText(f"{y_mm:07.3f}")
+
+    def _set_online(self, on: bool):
+        if not on:
+            self.stop_jogs()
+            self.x_pos_lbl.setText("---.---")
+            self.y_pos_lbl.setText("---.---")
+        self.setEnabled(on)

gui/qt_workers.py

@@ -44,6 +44,18 @@ class QueueWorker(QObject):
     def stop_worker(self):
         self._cmd_q.put(_STOP)
 
+    # ── Worker-side helpers ───────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _work_pending(self) -> bool:
+        """True if the operator is waiting on something.
+
+        A poll is one queue item that can hold the port for hundreds of
+        milliseconds; a button pressed during one should not have to wait
+        for the whole sweep to finish.  A poll that checks this between
+        reads gives the port up and picks the rest up next time round.
+        """
+        return not self._cmd_q.empty()
+
     # ── Worker loop ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
     @pyqtSlot()

gui/scan_bridge.py

@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ import traceback
 from PyQt6.QtCore import QObject, pyqtSignal, pyqtSlot
 
 from core.scan_engine import ScanAborted, ScanCallbacks, ScanEngine
+from core.sras_format import VERSION
 
 
 class QtScanController(QObject):
@@ -33,7 +34,7 @@ class QtScanController(QObject):
 
     def __init__(self, stage, scope, rotator, plan, out_path,
                  resume=None, on_scan_active=None, burst_mode=False,
-                 strict_rows=False):
+                 strict_rows=False, file_version=VERSION):
         super().__init__()
         self._prompt_event = threading.Event()
         self._on_scan_active = on_scan_active
@@ -50,7 +51,8 @@ class QtScanController(QObject):
         self._engine = ScanEngine(stage, scope, rotator, plan, out_path,
                                   resume=resume, callbacks=callbacks,
                                   burst_mode=burst_mode,
-                                  strict_rows=strict_rows)
+                                  strict_rows=strict_rows,
+                                  file_version=file_version)
 
     # ── Engine control (called from the GUI thread) ───────────────────────────
 

gui/widgets.py

@@ -17,6 +17,14 @@ from PyQt6.QtWidgets import (
 from hardware.serial_util import scored_ports
 
 
+def mono_font(size: int = 11) -> QFont:
+    """Monospace font for numeric read-outs, so columns of digits line up."""
+    font = QFont("Menlo")
+    font.setStyleHint(QFont.StyleHint.Monospace)
+    font.setPointSize(size)
+    return font
+
+
 def set_toggle(btn, checked: bool, text: str, enabled: bool = True):
     """Update a checkable button without re-triggering its toggled signal."""
     btn.blockSignals(True)
@@ -138,10 +146,7 @@ class LogConsole(QWidget):
         self.view = QPlainTextEdit()
         self.view.setReadOnly(True)
         self.view.setMaximumBlockCount(max_blocks)
-        font = QFont("Menlo")
-        font.setStyleHint(QFont.StyleHint.Monospace)
-        font.setPointSize(11)
-        self.view.setFont(font)
+        self.view.setFont(mono_font())
         layout.addWidget(self.view)
 
         row = QHBoxLayout()

hardware/helios_laser.py

@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ class HeliosLaser:
         self.timeout = timeout
         self.serial = None
         self.is_connected = False
+        self._rx = bytearray()      # bytes read off the port, not yet a line
 
     @staticmethod
     def list_available_ports() -> List[str]:
@@ -52,6 +53,7 @@ class HeliosLaser:
 
         try:
             self.serial = open_8n1(self.port, baudrate=9600, timeout=self.timeout)
+            self._rx.clear()
             time.sleep(0.1)  # Allow time for connection to stabilize
             self.is_connected = True
             logger.info(f"Connected to Helios laser on {self.port}")
@@ -92,44 +94,210 @@ class HeliosLaser:
             logger.error(f"Failed to send command '{command}': {e}")
             return False
 
+    # A reply can run to more than one line.  Every status-register query
+    # answers with the value and then a decode line:
+    #
+    #     LCE = 2
+    #     Bit 15..0: 0000 0000 0000 0010
+    #
+    # At 9600 baud those trailing ~30 characters are still on the wire when
+    # read_until() returns the first line, so reset_input_buffer() cannot
+    # drop them.  Left there they become the next query's "answer", and
+    # every reply after that is one line behind — a register read reported
+    # as a "Bit 15..0" string, and the reads around it timing out on a
+    # leading blank line.  So: match a reply to the command that asked for
+    # it, and read off the rest of it before the next command goes out.
+    # How long the line has to stay silent before a reply counts as over.
+    # It is waited out once per query, so it sets the pace of the whole
+    # status poll: at 50 ms that was 400 ms of a 590 ms poll spent listening
+    # to nothing.  A reply streams at the baud rate — ~1 ms between bytes,
+    # no measurable gap between its lines — and the deadline restarts on
+    # every line, so 20 ms is twenty times the gap it has to outlast.  A
+    # tail that still arrives late is caught by _discard_input() rather
+    # than by waiting longer here.
+    TRAILING_QUIET_S = 0.02
+    MAX_REPLY_LINES = 8
+
+    def _discard_input(self):
+        """Drop anything unread, on the wire and already taken off it."""
+        self._rx.clear()
+        self.serial.reset_input_buffer()
+
+    def _read_line(self) -> Optional[str]:
+        """One line, however it is framed; None if nothing came in time.
+
+        The controller ends every line with CRLF and pads a reply with a
+        blank line or two:
+
+            b'LDS =    100 mA\r\n\r\n'
+
+        Reading up to CR alone leaves the trailing LF behind, and the next
+        read then waits out the whole port timeout for a CR that will not
+        come until some later command is answered.  That was a second of
+        dead air per query — a status poll took ~8.6 s against the 1 s
+        interval that schedules it — and worse, a query that spends its
+        deadline blocked gives up while its own reply is still arriving.
+        The next query then flushes the port mid-line, and the fragment it
+        reads is a bare number: "LCE =     32" cut after the "=" is where a
+        diode current of 32 mA came from.
+        """
+        deadline = time.monotonic() + self.timeout
+        while True:
+            cut = min((i for i in (self._rx.find(b'\r'), self._rx.find(b'\n'))
+                       if i >= 0), default=-1)
+            if cut >= 0:
+                line = bytes(self._rx[:cut])
+                # CRLF is one terminator, not an empty line between two.
+                end = cut + (2 if self._rx[cut:cut + 2] == b'\r\n' else 1)
+                del self._rx[:end]
+                return line.decode('ascii', errors='replace').strip()
+            if time.monotonic() >= deadline:
+                return None
+            chunk = self.serial.read(self.serial.in_waiting or 1)
+            if not chunk:
+                return None             # port timeout: nothing more is coming
+            self._rx += chunk
+
+    def _read_pending_lines(self) -> List[str]:
+        """Every further line the controller sends before the line goes quiet."""
+        lines: List[str] = []
+        deadline = time.monotonic() + self.TRAILING_QUIET_S
+        while True:
+            # What has already arrived is read whatever the quiet window
+            # says: the window is for deciding when to stop waiting, not
+            # for leaving a line in the buffer to confuse the next query.
+            if self._rx or self.serial.in_waiting:
+                line = self._read_line()
+                if line is None:
+                    return lines            # a partial line, nothing behind it
+                if line:
+                    lines.append(line)
+                deadline = time.monotonic() + self.TRAILING_QUIET_S
+                continue
+            if time.monotonic() >= deadline:
+                return lines
+            time.sleep(0.005)
+
+    # The only replies that come back without naming what they answer.
+    # Every other line has to identify itself: an unlabelled number is not
+    # evidence that it is *this* register's number, and taking one on faith
+    # is how a status register's value ends up displayed as a diode current.
+    UNLABELLED_REPLIES = frozenset({"CSR", "HSR"})
+
+    @classmethod
+    def _value_in(cls, line: str, mnemonic: str) -> Optional[str]:
+        """The value `line` holds for `mnemonic`, or None if it isn't its reply.
+
+        The controller answers "LDF = 20000 ns".  A line naming a different
+        mnemonic is the tail of an earlier reply, and "Bit 15..0: ..." is a
+        status register's decode line; neither is an answer to this query.
+        A line naming nothing counts only for the serial numbers, which is
+        the one reply known to come back bare.
+        """
+        head, sep, tail = line.partition('=')
+        if sep:
+            named = head.split()
+            if named and named[0].upper() != mnemonic:
+                return None
+            fields = tail.split()   # drop the unit suffix ("ns", "mA", "m°C")
+            return fields[0] if fields else None
+        if line.lower().startswith("bit"):
+            return None
+        fields = line.split()
+        if fields and fields[0].upper() == mnemonic:
+            return fields[1] if len(fields) > 1 else None
+        if mnemonic in cls.UNLABELLED_REPLIES:
+            return line
+        return None
+
     def _query(self, command: str) -> Optional[str]:
         """Send a query and return the value from its response.
 
-        Reads until the CR terminator rather than sleeping a fixed interval:
-        the device usually answers in a few ms, so the old unconditional
-        0.05 + 0.2 s cost ~250 ms per query and made an 8-query status poll
-        take ~2 s — longer than the 1 s interval that scheduled it.
+        Reads until this command's reply arrives rather than sleeping a fixed
+        interval: the device usually answers in a few ms, so the old
+        unconditional 0.05 + 0.2 s cost ~250 ms per query and made an 8-query
+        status poll take ~2 s — longer than the 1 s interval that scheduled
+        it.
         """
+        fields = command.split()
+        mnemonic = fields[0].upper() if fields else ""
         try:
-            # Clear any stale bytes so a previous timed-out reply can't be
-            # mistaken for this command's response.
-            self.serial.reset_input_buffer()
+            # Anything volunteered while the port was idle answers no command.
+            self._discard_input()
 
             if not self._send_command(command):
                 return None
 
-            response = self.serial.read_until(b'\r').decode('ascii', errors='replace').strip()
-            if not response:
+            deadline = time.monotonic() + self.timeout
+            for _ in range(self.MAX_REPLY_LINES):
+                line = self._read_line()
+                if line is None:
+                    break               # nothing arrived within the timeout
+                if line:
+                    logger.debug(f"Query '{command}' line: {line!r}")
+                    value = self._value_in(line, mnemonic)
+                    if value is not None:
+                        for extra in self._read_pending_lines():
+                            logger.debug(f"Query '{command}' trailing: {extra!r}")
+                        return value
+                if time.monotonic() >= deadline:
+                    break
+
             logger.warning(f"Query '{command}' timed out after {self.timeout}s")
+            self._read_pending_lines()
             return None
-            logger.debug(f"Query '{command}' response: {response}")
-
-            # Helios format: "COMMAND = VALUE UNIT" — take just the value
-            if '=' in response:
-                parts = response.split('=')
-                if len(parts) >= 2:
-                    value_part = parts[1].strip()
-                    # Strip the unit suffix if present (e.g. "ns", "mA", "mW")
-                    fields = value_part.split()
-                    if fields:
-                        return fields[0]
-
-            return response
 
         except Exception as e:
             logger.error(f"Failed to read response for '{command}': {e}")
             return None
 
+    def _write_command(self, command: str) -> bool:
+        """Send a command with no value to read back, and clear whatever the
+        controller prints in acknowledgement — left in the buffer, that is
+        what the next query would read as its own answer.
+        """
+        if not self._send_command(command):
+            return False
+        try:
+            for line in self._read_pending_lines():
+                logger.debug(f"Command '{command}' reply: {line!r}")
+        except Exception as e:
+            # The command went out; only the tidy-up failed.
+            logger.error(f"Failed to read the reply to '{command}': {e}")
+        return True
+
+    # Section 6 of the operator's manual, under Syntax:
+    #
+    #     Commands or set values can be discarded by the controller
+    #     unintentionally.  It is recommended to query the set value after
+    #     the command is entered to confirm the actual value.
+    #
+    # (The command table repeats it: "Query the command to confirm it was
+    # accepted.")  A setter that only writes therefore cannot report whether
+    # it worked, and the panel's next status poll reads back the old value —
+    # which looks exactly like the GUI refusing the operator's number.
+    SET_RETRIES = 3
+    SET_SETTLE_S = 0.02         # let the controller store it before reading
+
+    def _write_verified(self, mnemonic: str, value: int) -> bool:
+        """Write `value` to `mnemonic`, and confirm the controller took it.
+
+        Returns False if the read-back never matches, leaving the controller
+        holding whatever value it kept — the caller is expected to say so
+        rather than let the discarded write pass for a successful one.
+        """
+        for attempt in range(1, self.SET_RETRIES + 1):
+            if not self._write_command(f"{mnemonic} {value}"):
+                return False
+            time.sleep(self.SET_SETTLE_S)
+            readback = self._query_int(mnemonic)
+            if readback == value:
+                return True
+            logger.warning(
+                f"'{mnemonic} {value}' not accepted: controller reports "
+                f"{readback} (attempt {attempt}/{self.SET_RETRIES})")
+        return False
+
     def _query_int(self, command: str) -> Optional[int]:
         """Query a value that should parse as an int; None if absent/unparseable."""
         raw = self._query(command)
@@ -155,27 +323,35 @@ class HeliosLaser:
             logger.error(f"Period {period_ns} ns out of range (8000-60000)")
             return False
 
-        command = f"LDF {period_ns}"
-        return self._send_command(command)
+        return self._write_verified("LDF", period_ns)
 
     def set_current_ma(self, current: int) -> bool:
-        """Set pump diode current in mA."""
+        """Set pump diode pulse current (LDS) in mA.
+
+        False means the controller did not take the value — see
+        _write_verified.  The manual's range for LDS is 0-7000 mA; the
+        2000 mA ceiling here is this rig's limit, not the protocol's.
+        """
         if not (0 <= current <= 2000):
             logger.error(f"Current {current} mA out of range (0-2000)")
             return False
 
-        command = f"LDS {current}"
-        return self._send_command(command)
+        return self._write_verified("LDS", current)
 
     def set_pulse_mode(self, mode: PulseMode) -> bool:
-        """Set pulse mode."""
+        """Set pulse mode.
+
+        Note from the manual's LDG entry: "LDF has to be set again after LDG
+        is changed, except for single pulse triggering" — so a caller that
+        changes the mode has to re-send the frequency.
+        """
         command = f"LDG {mode.value}"
-        return self._send_command(command)
+        return self._write_command(command)
 
     def set_laser_enable(self, enable: bool) -> bool:
         """Enable or disable laser emission."""
         command = f"LDO {1 if enable else 0}"
-        success = self._send_command(command)
+        success = self._write_command(command)
 
         if success:
             state = "enabled" if enable else "disabled"
@@ -243,11 +419,11 @@ class HeliosLaser:
             True if all three commands sent successfully
         """
         ok = True
-        ok = self._send_command("CCE 0") and ok
+        ok = self._write_command("CCE 0") and ok
         time.sleep(0.1)
-        ok = self._send_command("LCE 0") and ok
+        ok = self._write_command("LCE 0") and ok
         time.sleep(0.1)
-        ok = self._send_command("LER 0") and ok
+        ok = self._write_command("LER 0") and ok
         if ok:
             logger.info("Fault reset sequence sent")
         return ok
@@ -258,18 +434,22 @@ class HeliosLaser:
         return None if value is None else value == 1
 
     def send_raw_command(self, command: str) -> Optional[str]:
-        """Send a raw command and return the unparsed response (diagnostics)."""
+        """Send a raw command and return its whole unparsed reply (diagnostics).
+
+        Every line comes back, the "Bit 15..0: ..." decode line included:
+        seeing the entire reply is the point of the raw console.
+        """
         if not self.is_connected or not self.serial:
             logger.error("Not connected to laser")
             return None
         try:
-            self.serial.reset_input_buffer()
+            self._discard_input()
             if not self._send_command(command):
                 return None
-            raw = self.serial.read_until(b'\r')
-            if not raw:
-                raw = self.serial.read(self.serial.in_waiting)
-            return raw.decode('ascii', errors='replace').strip()
+            first = self._read_line()
+            lines = [first] if first else []
+            lines += self._read_pending_lines()
+            return "\n".join(lines)
         except Exception as e:
             logger.error(f"send_raw_command error: {e}")
             return None
@@ -277,7 +457,7 @@ class HeliosLaser:
     def set_remote_enable(self, enable: bool) -> bool:
         """Set the remote enable state (LRE - utility connector pin 8)."""
         command = f"LRE {1 if enable else 0}"
-        return self._send_command(command)
+        return self._write_command(command)
 
     # No __del__: it used to call disconnect(), which disables the laser and
     # writes to the serial port from the garbage collector at an

hardware/helios_registers.py

@@ -0,0 +1,102 @@
+"""Helios status-register bit definitions (Tables 8-1, 8-2, 8-3).
+
+Kept out of the driver and out of the Qt apps so that a command-line
+diagnostic can decode a register without importing either.
+
+Each entry: bit_number -> (severity, description, comment)
+  severity: 'C' = critical error, 'S' = status, 'I' = input error, '' = none
+"""
+
+LER_FLAGS = {
+    0:  ('C', 'Controller temperature failure (resonator/SHG/q-switch)',
+         'Check CCE register for details'),
+    1:  ('S', 'Trigger input active',
+         'High when trigger signal applied or laser in continuous pulsing'),
+    2:  ('I', 'Command error',
+         'Unknown command sent to controller'),
+    3:  ('C', 'Laser disable pin open (utility connector)',
+         'Shuts down pump diodes; reset LER 0 required to restart'),
+    4:  ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
+         'Contact Coherent'),
+    5:  ('C', 'Over voltage laser diode',
+         'Check for open circuit or voltage spikes'),
+    6:  ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
+         'Contact Coherent'),
+    7:  ('C', 'Controller temperature failure at pump diodes',
+         'Check LCE register for details'),
+    8:  ('S', 'Laser start delay (60 s warmup)',
+         'Laser cannot be started yet; status error LED flashing'),
+    9:  ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
+         'Check environment for strong EMI; contact Coherent'),
+    10: ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
+         'Check environment for strong EMI; contact Coherent'),
+    11: ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
+         'Check environment for strong EMI; contact Coherent'),
+    12: ('S', 'Slave controller error (remote input)',
+         'Valid only for master controller coupled with a slave'),
+    13: ('',  'Laserhead not found',
+         'Head not connected / not found; check EMI; ignore for double-electronic slave'),
+    14: ('',  'Laserhead I\u00b2C acknowledge error',
+         'Check environment for strong EMI; ignore for double-electronic slave'),
+    15: ('S', 'Range-Error (not critical)',
+         'Input value out of range'),
+}
+
+LCE_FLAGS = {
+    0:  ('C', 'Pump diode over/under temperature',
+         'Limit exceeded (<10\u00b0C or >60\u00b0C); check head cooling'),
+    1:  ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
+         'Contact Coherent'),
+    2:  ('C', 'Pump diode temperature out of range',
+         'Actual temp >2\u00b0C off setpoint for >1 min'),
+    3:  ('C', 'Pump diode current critical',
+         'Current set too close to current limit'),
+    4:  ('C', 'Pump diode temperature out of limit',
+         'Pump diode temperature is out of limit'),
+    5:  ('S', 'Door switch open',
+         'Close utility connector pin 2 permanently to pin 9 (GND)'),
+    7:  ('C', 'Pump diode NTC error',
+         'Invalid temperature measured or NTC broken'),
+    8:  ('C', 'Laser diode power stage over temperature',
+         'Temp <10\u00b0C or >65\u00b0C at controller; check controller cooling'),
+    9:  ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
+         'Check environment for strong EMI; contact Coherent'),
+    10: ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
+         'Check environment for strong EMI; contact Coherent'),
+    11: ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
+         'Check environment for strong EMI; contact Coherent'),
+    15: ('S', 'Range-Error (not critical)',
+         'Input value out of range'),
+}
+
+CCE_FLAGS = {
+    0:  ('C', 'Resonator/SHG under/over temperature',
+         'Limit exceeded (<10\u00b0C or >60\u00b0C); temperature controller deactivated'),
+    1:  ('C', 'Resonator/SHG NTC failure',
+         'Temperature sensor broken or disconnected'),
+    2:  ('C', 'Resonator/SHG temperature out of range',
+         'Actual temp >2\u00b0C off setpoint for >1 min'),
+    3:  ('C', 'Q-switch ADC / temperature readout failure',
+         'Internal hardware error or no NTC connected'),
+    4:  ('C', 'Q-switch temperature out of range',
+         'Actual temp >2\u00b0C off setpoint for >1 min'),
+    5:  ('C', 'Q-switch under/over temperature',
+         'Limit exceeded (<10\u00b0C or >60\u00b0C); temperature controller deactivated'),
+    7:  ('C', 'Q-switch NTC failure',
+         'Internal hardware error or no NTC connected'),
+    8:  ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
+         'Contact Coherent'),
+    15: ('S', 'Range-Error (not critical)',
+         'Input value out of range'),
+}
+
+SEVERITY_LABEL = {'C': '[CRIT]', 'S': '[STAT]', 'I': '[INPT]', '': '[INFO]'}
+
+
+def decode_register(flags_dict: dict, value: int) -> list:
+    """Return list of (bit, severity, description, comment) for each set bit."""
+    active = []
+    for bit, (sev, desc, comment) in flags_dict.items():
+        if value & (1 << bit):
+            active.append((bit, sev, desc, comment))
+    return active

hardware/tektronix_base.py

@@ -292,7 +292,7 @@ class TektronixOscilloscopeBase:
 
         # Validate coupling
         valid = False
-        for variants in self.CHANNEL_COUPLING.items():
+        for variants in self.CHANNEL_COUPLING.values():
             if coupling_upper in [v.upper() for v in variants]:
                 valid = True
                 break
@@ -344,6 +344,72 @@ class TektronixOscilloscopeBase:
 
         self.write(f"CH{channel}:TERmination {termination}")
 
+    # ========== Measurement Methods ==========
+
+    # Immediate measurements the alignment/inspection code asks for.  The
+    # instrument accepts many more; this list is what has been exercised here,
+    # and an unlisted type is far more likely to be a typo than a deliberate
+    # choice.
+    MEASUREMENT_TYPES = {
+        'MEAN': ['MEAN'],
+        'AMPLITUDE': ['AMPlitude', 'AMPLITUDE'],
+        'MAXIMUM': ['MAXimum', 'MAXIMUM'],
+        'MINIMUM': ['MINImum', 'MINIMUM'],
+        'PK2PK': ['PK2pk', 'PK2PK'],
+        'RMS': ['RMS'],
+    }
+
+    # Tektronix returns this sentinel when a measurement cannot be made (no
+    # acquisition yet, source off, signal outside the graticule).  It is a
+    # valid float, so it has to be caught explicitly or it reads as a
+    # 1e38 V measurement.
+    MEASUREMENT_INVALID = 9.9e37
+
+    def measure_immediate(self, channel, measurement_type='MEAN'):
+        """Take an immediate measurement on one channel and return it in volts.
+
+        "Immediate" measurements are computed on demand and are not added to
+        the scope's on-screen measurement badges, so this leaves whatever the
+        operator has set up on the front panel untouched.
+
+        Raises ValueError if the instrument reports the measurement as
+        unavailable, which on a triggered-acquisition scope usually means it
+        has not acquired anything yet.
+        """
+        channel = self._normalize_channel(channel)
+
+        if measurement_type.upper() not in self.MEASUREMENT_TYPES:
+            raise ValueError(
+                f"Invalid measurement type: {measurement_type}. "
+                f"Valid options: {', '.join(self.MEASUREMENT_TYPES)}")
+
+        self.write(f"MEASUrement:IMMed:SOUrce1 CH{channel}")
+        self.write(f"MEASUrement:IMMed:TYPe {measurement_type}")
+        response = self.query("MEASUrement:IMMed:VALue?")
+        try:
+            value = float(response)
+        except ValueError as exc:
+            raise ValueError(
+                f"Unparseable {measurement_type} measurement on CH{channel}: "
+                f"{response!r}") from exc
+
+        if abs(value) >= self.MEASUREMENT_INVALID:
+            raise ValueError(
+                f"CH{channel} {measurement_type} is unavailable (the scope "
+                f"returned its no-measurement sentinel). Check that the "
+                f"channel is on and that the acquisition is triggering.")
+        return value
+
+    def get_acquisition_count(self):
+        """Number of acquisitions since the acquisition was last started.
+
+        A caller polling a free-running scope uses this to tell a fresh
+        reading from a stale one: if the count has not moved, the record has
+        not changed and every measurement taken off it is the previous
+        answer.
+        """
+        return int(float(self.query("ACQuire:NUMACq?")))
+
     # ========== Waveform Transfer Methods ==========
 
     def set_data_source(self, source):

helios_test_app.py

@@ -16,106 +16,9 @@ from PyQt6.QtCore import QThread, pyqtSignal, pyqtSlot, QObject
 from PyQt6.QtGui import QFont
 
 from hardware.helios_laser import HeliosLaser, PulseMode
-
-# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-# Status register bit definitions (Tables 8-1, 8-2, 8-3 — Helios manual)
-# Each entry: bit_number -> (severity, description, comment)
-#   severity: 'C' = critical error, 'S' = status, 'I' = input error, '' = none
-# ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-_LER_FLAGS = {
-    0:  ('C', 'Controller temperature failure (resonator/SHG/q-switch)',
-         'Check CCE register for details'),
-    1:  ('S', 'Trigger input active',
-         'High when trigger signal applied or laser in continuous pulsing'),
-    2:  ('I', 'Command error',
-         'Unknown command sent to controller'),
-    3:  ('C', 'Laser disable pin open (utility connector)',
-         'Shuts down pump diodes; reset LER 0 required to restart'),
-    4:  ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
-         'Contact Coherent'),
-    5:  ('C', 'Over voltage laser diode',
-         'Check for open circuit or voltage spikes'),
-    6:  ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
-         'Contact Coherent'),
-    7:  ('C', 'Controller temperature failure at pump diodes',
-         'Check LCE register for details'),
-    8:  ('S', 'Laser start delay (60 s warmup)',
-         'Laser cannot be started yet; status error LED flashing'),
-    9:  ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
-         'Check environment for strong EMI; contact Coherent'),
-    10: ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
-         'Check environment for strong EMI; contact Coherent'),
-    11: ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
-         'Check environment for strong EMI; contact Coherent'),
-    12: ('S', 'Slave controller error (remote input)',
-         'Valid only for master controller coupled with a slave'),
-    13: ('',  'Laserhead not found',
-         'Head not connected / not found; check EMI; ignore for double-electronic slave'),
-    14: ('',  'Laserhead I\u00b2C acknowledge error',
-         'Check environment for strong EMI; ignore for double-electronic slave'),
-    15: ('S', 'Range-Error (not critical)',
-         'Input value out of range'),
-}
-
-_LCE_FLAGS = {
-    0:  ('C', 'Pump diode over/under temperature',
-         'Limit exceeded (<10\u00b0C or >60\u00b0C); check head cooling'),
-    1:  ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
-         'Contact Coherent'),
-    2:  ('C', 'Pump diode temperature out of range',
-         'Actual temp >2\u00b0C off setpoint for >1 min'),
-    3:  ('C', 'Pump diode current critical',
-         'Current set too close to current limit'),
-    4:  ('C', 'Pump diode temperature out of limit',
-         'Pump diode temperature is out of limit'),
-    5:  ('S', 'Door switch open',
-         'Close utility connector pin 2 permanently to pin 9 (GND)'),
-    7:  ('C', 'Pump diode NTC error',
-         'Invalid temperature measured or NTC broken'),
-    8:  ('C', 'Laser diode power stage over temperature',
-         'Temp <10\u00b0C or >65\u00b0C at controller; check controller cooling'),
-    9:  ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
-         'Check environment for strong EMI; contact Coherent'),
-    10: ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
-         'Check environment for strong EMI; contact Coherent'),
-    11: ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
-         'Check environment for strong EMI; contact Coherent'),
-    15: ('S', 'Range-Error (not critical)',
-         'Input value out of range'),
-}
-
-_CCE_FLAGS = {
-    0:  ('C', 'Resonator/SHG under/over temperature',
-         'Limit exceeded (<10\u00b0C or >60\u00b0C); temperature controller deactivated'),
-    1:  ('C', 'Resonator/SHG NTC failure',
-         'Temperature sensor broken or disconnected'),
-    2:  ('C', 'Resonator/SHG temperature out of range',
-         'Actual temp >2\u00b0C off setpoint for >1 min'),
-    3:  ('C', 'Q-switch ADC / temperature readout failure',
-         'Internal hardware error or no NTC connected'),
-    4:  ('C', 'Q-switch temperature out of range',
-         'Actual temp >2\u00b0C off setpoint for >1 min'),
-    5:  ('C', 'Q-switch under/over temperature',
-         'Limit exceeded (<10\u00b0C or >60\u00b0C); temperature controller deactivated'),
-    7:  ('C', 'Q-switch NTC failure',
-         'Internal hardware error or no NTC connected'),
-    8:  ('C', 'Internal hardware failure',
-         'Contact Coherent'),
-    15: ('S', 'Range-Error (not critical)',
-         'Input value out of range'),
-}
-
-_SEVERITY_LABEL = {'C': '[CRIT]', 'S': '[STAT]', 'I': '[INPT]', '': '[INFO]'}
-
-
-def _decode_register(flags_dict: dict, value: int) -> list:
-    """Return list of (bit, severity, description, comment) for each set bit."""
-    active = []
-    for bit, (sev, desc, comment) in flags_dict.items():
-        if value & (1 << bit):
-            active.append((bit, sev, desc, comment))
-    return active
-
+from hardware.helios_registers import (
+    CCE_FLAGS, LCE_FLAGS, LER_FLAGS, SEVERITY_LABEL, decode_register,
+)
 
 # Configure logging
 logging.basicConfig(level=logging.INFO)
@@ -945,20 +848,20 @@ class HeliosTestApp(QMainWindow):
         # Decode and display individual flags
         lines = []
         for reg_name, value, flags_dict in (
-            ("LER", ler, _LER_FLAGS),
-            ("LCE", lce, _LCE_FLAGS),
-            ("CCE", cce, _CCE_FLAGS),
+            ("LER", ler, LER_FLAGS),
+            ("LCE", lce, LCE_FLAGS),
+            ("CCE", cce, CCE_FLAGS),
         ):
             if value is None:
                 lines.append(f"{reg_name}: <read error>")
                 continue
-            active = _decode_register(flags_dict, value)
+            active = decode_register(flags_dict, value)
             if not active:
                 lines.append(f"{reg_name} (raw={value}): OK — no flags set")
             else:
                 lines.append(f"{reg_name} (raw={value}):")
                 for bit, sev, desc, comment in active:
-                    label = _SEVERITY_LABEL.get(sev, '[    ]')
+                    label = SEVERITY_LABEL.get(sev, '[    ]')
                     lines.append(f"  {label} bit {bit:2d} ({1 << bit:>5}): {desc}")
                     lines.append(f"             → {comment}")
         self.text_register_decode.setPlainText("\n".join(lines))

saw_check_viewer.py

@@ -0,0 +1,678 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""
+SAW Check Viewer — every angle's frequency on one graph.
+
+Opens a middle-row SAW check (written by the main app's "SAW Quality
+Check") and plots the peak SAW frequency along each angle's row, all angles
+on the same axes.  ``core.saw_check`` explains why that answers an alignment
+question: every angle's middle row crosses the same ROI centre, so the angles
+all measure the same material and a spread between them belongs to the rig.
+
+Two readings share the window:
+
+  * the main graph — frequency along the row, one curve per angle.  Curves
+    that lie on top of each other and run flat are what a well-aligned rig
+    looks like; a curve offset from the rest indicts its angle, and a sloped
+    curve indicts the ROI (tilt or defocus across it, at that angle).
+  * the summary — each angle's median with ±1σ, plotted against angle, plus
+    the same numbers per angle in a table.
+
+A full scan opens too: the same middle row is pulled out of it, so a scan
+can be re-examined with the check's own read-out after the fact.
+"""
+
+import sys
+from pathlib import Path
+
+import numpy as np
+
+from PyQt6.QtCore import Qt, QThread, QTimer, pyqtSignal, QObject
+from PyQt6.QtGui import QColor
+from PyQt6.QtWidgets import (
+    QApplication, QCheckBox, QComboBox, QDoubleSpinBox, QFileDialog, QFrame,
+    QGroupBox, QHBoxLayout, QHeaderView, QLabel, QListWidget, QListWidgetItem,
+    QMainWindow, QMessageBox, QPushButton, QSizePolicy, QSpinBox, QSplitter,
+    QTabWidget, QTableWidget, QTableWidgetItem, QVBoxLayout, QWidget,
+)
+from matplotlib import colormaps
+from matplotlib.backends.backend_qtagg import FigureCanvasQTAgg, NavigationToolbar2QT
+from matplotlib.figure import Figure
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
+
+from core.saw_check import alignment_summary, frequency_traces
+from core.sras_analysis import ChannelCalibration
+from core.sras_format import SrasFile
+
+RECOMPUTE_DEBOUNCE_MS = 250
+
+# Angle curve colours, sampled across the sequence so the legend reads as the
+# progression 0° → 180° rather than as an arbitrary set.
+ANGLE_CMAP = "viridis"
+
+VERDICT_STYLE = {
+    "good":     ("#1b5e20", "#c8e6c9", "Alignment looks good"),
+    "marginal": ("#7a4f01", "#ffe0b2", "Alignment is marginal"),
+    "poor":     ("#7f1d1d", "#ffcdd2", "Alignment needs attention"),
+}
+
+X_AXIS_MODES = [
+    ("Offset from row centre", "offset"),
+    ("Absolute stage X", "absolute"),
+]
+
+
+def angle_colors(n: int) -> list:
+    cmap = colormaps[ANGLE_CMAP]
+    if n <= 1:
+        return [cmap(0.5)]
+    return [cmap(i / (n - 1)) for i in range(n)]
+
+
+def nan_moving_mean(y: np.ndarray, window: int) -> np.ndarray:
+    """Moving mean over `window` frames that steps over masked pixels.
+
+    A plain convolution would let one NaN swallow a whole window, which on a
+    sparsely-masked row erases most of the trace; this divides by the number
+    of samples that actually contributed instead.
+    """
+    if window <= 1:
+        return y
+    valid = np.isfinite(y)
+    kernel = np.ones(int(window))
+    num = np.convolve(np.where(valid, y, 0.0), kernel, mode="same")
+    den = np.convolve(valid.astype(float), kernel, mode="same")
+    return np.divide(num, den, out=np.full(num.shape, np.nan), where=den > 0)
+
+
+class LoadedCheck:
+    """A parsed check file plus the traces currently computed from it."""
+
+    def __init__(self, path: Path):
+        self.sras = SrasFile(path)
+        self.calib = ChannelCalibration.from_preambles(self.sras.preambles)
+        # Each angle carries its own background (v7/v11); the read-out pulls
+        # the right one per angle, so the viewer only needs to know whether
+        # there is anything to subtract at all.
+        self.has_background = any(self.sras.background_array(ai) is not None
+                                  for ai in range(self.sras.header.n_angles))
+        self.traces = []
+        self.summary = None
+
+    def describe(self) -> str:
+        h = self.sras.header
+        kind = (f"v{self.sras.version} SAW check" if self.sras.is_saw_check
+                else f"v{self.sras.version} scan — middle row of each angle")
+        return (f"{self.sras.path.name}\n{kind}\n"
+                f"{h.n_angles} angle(s) · {h.samples_per_frame} samples/frame · "
+                f"{h.sample_rate / 1e9:.2f} GS/s")
+
+    def close(self):
+        self.sras.close()
+
+
+class FnWorker(QObject):
+    """Runs a callable on a QThread; emits its return value or the error."""
+    finished = pyqtSignal(object)
+    error = pyqtSignal(str)
+
+    def __init__(self, fn):
+        super().__init__()
+        self._fn = fn
+
+    def run(self):
+        try:
+            self.finished.emit(self._fn())
+        except Exception as exc:
+            self.error.emit(str(exc))
+
+
+class TraceCanvas(FigureCanvasQTAgg):
+    """Frequency along the row, one curve per angle, all on one axes."""
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None):
+        fig = Figure(figsize=(8, 5), tight_layout=True)
+        self.ax = fig.add_subplot(111)
+        super().__init__(fig)
+        self.setParent(parent)
+        self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding)
+        self.clear("Open a SAW check file to begin.")
+
+    def clear(self, message: str):
+        self.ax.clear()
+        self.ax.text(0.5, 0.5, message, ha="center", va="center",
+                     transform=self.ax.transAxes, color="#888888")
+        self.ax.set_xticks([])
+        self.ax.set_yticks([])
+        self.draw_idle()
+
+    def plot(self, traces, colors, visible, x_mode, scale, unit, y_label,
+             smoothing, show_median):
+        self.ax.clear()
+        shown = 0
+        for trace, color in zip(traces, colors, strict=True):
+            if not visible.get(trace.angle_idx, True):
+                continue
+            x = trace.offset_mm if x_mode == "offset" else trace.x_mm
+            y = nan_moving_mean(trace.freq_mhz, smoothing) * scale
+            self.ax.plot(x, y, color=color, linewidth=1.0,
+                         label=f"{trace.angle_deg:+.1f}°  "
+                               f"med {trace.median_mhz * scale:.2f}")
+            shown += 1
+
+        if shown == 0:
+            self.clear("No angle selected.")
+            return
+
+        if show_median:
+            medians = [t.median_mhz for t in traces
+                       if visible.get(t.angle_idx, True) and t.n_valid]
+            if medians:
+                self.ax.axhline(float(np.median(medians)) * scale, color="#555555",
+                                linestyle="--", linewidth=1.0,
+                                label="median of shown angles")
+
+        self.ax.set_xlabel("Offset from row centre (mm)" if x_mode == "offset"
+                           else "Stage X (mm)")
+        self.ax.set_ylabel(y_label)
+        self.ax.grid(True, alpha=0.25)
+        self.ax.legend(fontsize=7, ncol=2, loc="best", framealpha=0.85)
+        self.draw_idle()
+
+
+class SummaryCanvas(FigureCanvasQTAgg):
+    """Each angle's median frequency, ±1σ, against the GR angle."""
+
+    def __init__(self, parent=None):
+        fig = Figure(figsize=(8, 2.6), tight_layout=True)
+        self.ax = fig.add_subplot(111)
+        super().__init__(fig)
+        self.setParent(parent)
+        self.setSizePolicy(QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding, QSizePolicy.Policy.Expanding)
+
+    def plot(self, traces, colors, scale, unit):
+        self.ax.clear()
+        usable = [(t, c) for t, c in zip(traces, colors, strict=True) if t.n_valid]
+        if not usable:
+            self.ax.set_xticks([])
+            self.ax.set_yticks([])
+            self.draw_idle()
+            return
+
+        order = sorted(usable, key=lambda tc: tc[0].angle_deg)
+        angles = [t.angle_deg for t, _ in order]
+        medians = np.array([t.median_mhz for t, _ in order]) * scale
+        sigmas = np.array([0.0 if not np.isfinite(t.std_mhz) else t.std_mhz
+                           for t, _ in order]) * scale
+
+        self.ax.plot(angles, medians, color="#999999", linewidth=1.0, zorder=1)
+        self.ax.errorbar(angles, medians, yerr=sigmas, fmt="none",
+                         ecolor="#999999", capsize=3, zorder=2)
+        for (_, color), angle, median in zip(order, angles, medians, strict=True):
+            self.ax.plot([angle], [median], marker="o", markersize=6,
+                         color=color, zorder=3)
+        self.ax.axhline(float(np.median(medians)), color="#555555",
+                        linestyle="--", linewidth=1.0)
+
+        self.ax.set_xlabel("GR angle (deg)")
+        self.ax.set_ylabel(f"Median ({unit})")
+        self.ax.grid(True, alpha=0.25)
+        self.draw_idle()
+
+
+class SawCheckWindow(QMainWindow):
+    """Left: what to compute and what to show.  Right: the graphs."""
+
+    TABLE_COLUMNS = ["Angle (°)", "Y (mm)", "Median", "σ", "Drift (/mm)", "Valid (%)"]
+
+    def __init__(self, initial_path: str | None = None):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.setWindowTitle("SAW Check Viewer")
+        self.resize(1280, 860)
+
+        self._check: LoadedCheck | None = None
+        self._colors: list = []
+        self._visible: dict[int, bool] = {}
+        self._compute_thread: QThread | None = None
+        self._compute_worker: FnWorker | None = None
+        self._pending_recompute = False
+
+        self._debounce = QTimer(self)
+        self._debounce.setSingleShot(True)
+        self._debounce.setInterval(RECOMPUTE_DEBOUNCE_MS)
+        self._debounce.timeout.connect(self._recompute)
+
+        self._build_ui()
+        if initial_path:
+            self._load(Path(initial_path))
+
+    # ── Layout ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _build_ui(self):
+        splitter = QSplitter(Qt.Orientation.Horizontal, self)
+        splitter.addWidget(self._build_controls())
+        splitter.addWidget(self._build_plots())
+        splitter.setStretchFactor(0, 0)
+        splitter.setStretchFactor(1, 1)
+        splitter.setSizes([340, 940])
+        self.setCentralWidget(splitter)
+
+    def _build_controls(self) -> QWidget:
+        panel = QWidget(self)
+        layout = QVBoxLayout(panel)
+
+        # File
+        grp_file = QGroupBox("File")
+        fl = QVBoxLayout(grp_file)
+        self.btn_open = QPushButton("Open SAW Check…")
+        self.btn_open.clicked.connect(self._on_open)
+        fl.addWidget(self.btn_open)
+        self.lbl_file = QLabel("No file loaded.")
+        self.lbl_file.setWordWrap(True)
+        self.lbl_file.setStyleSheet("color: #666; font-size: 11px;")
+        fl.addWidget(self.lbl_file)
+        layout.addWidget(grp_file)
+
+        # Analysis — anything here changes the numbers, so it recomputes.
+        self.grp_analysis = QGroupBox("Analysis")
+        al = QVBoxLayout(self.grp_analysis)
+
+        thr_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        thr_row.addWidget(QLabel("CH4 DC threshold:"))
+        self.spin_threshold_mv = QDoubleSpinBox()
+        self.spin_threshold_mv.setRange(-500.0, 500.0)
+        self.spin_threshold_mv.setDecimals(1)
+        self.spin_threshold_mv.setSingleStep(5.0)
+        self.spin_threshold_mv.setSuffix(" mV")
+        self.spin_threshold_mv.setValue(50.0)
+        self.spin_threshold_mv.setToolTip(
+            "Pixels whose CH4 DC mean falls below this are dropped from the "
+            "trace — the detection beam was off the sample or out of focus there."
+        )
+        self.spin_threshold_mv.valueChanged.connect(self._queue_recompute)
+        thr_row.addWidget(self.spin_threshold_mv)
+        al.addLayout(thr_row)
+
+        self.chk_bg_sub = QCheckBox("Subtract background waveform")
+        self.chk_bg_sub.setChecked(True)
+        self.chk_bg_sub.toggled.connect(self._queue_recompute)
+        al.addWidget(self.chk_bg_sub)
+
+        self.chk_gate = QCheckBox("Time gate before FFT")
+        self.chk_gate.toggled.connect(self._on_gate_toggled)
+        al.addWidget(self.chk_gate)
+
+        gate_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        gate_row.addWidget(QLabel("Start:"))
+        self.spin_gate_start = QDoubleSpinBox()
+        self.spin_gate_start.setRange(0.0, 100000.0)
+        self.spin_gate_start.setDecimals(1)
+        self.spin_gate_start.setSingleStep(10.0)
+        self.spin_gate_start.setSuffix(" ns")
+        self.spin_gate_start.setValue(50.0)
+        self.spin_gate_start.setEnabled(False)
+        self.spin_gate_start.valueChanged.connect(self._queue_recompute)
+        gate_row.addWidget(self.spin_gate_start)
+        gate_row.addWidget(QLabel("End:"))
+        self.spin_gate_end = QDoubleSpinBox()
+        self.spin_gate_end.setRange(0.0, 100000.0)
+        self.spin_gate_end.setDecimals(1)
+        self.spin_gate_end.setSingleStep(10.0)
+        self.spin_gate_end.setSuffix(" ns")
+        self.spin_gate_end.setValue(200.0)
+        self.spin_gate_end.setEnabled(False)
+        self.spin_gate_end.valueChanged.connect(self._queue_recompute)
+        gate_row.addWidget(self.spin_gate_end)
+        al.addLayout(gate_row)
+        layout.addWidget(self.grp_analysis)
+
+        # Display — cheap, so these only redraw.
+        grp_display = QGroupBox("Display")
+        dl = QVBoxLayout(grp_display)
+
+        x_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        x_row.addWidget(QLabel("X axis:"))
+        self.combo_x = QComboBox()
+        for label, _ in X_AXIS_MODES:
+            self.combo_x.addItem(label)
+        self.combo_x.setToolTip(
+            "Every angle's row is centred on the same ROI centre, so offset "
+            "puts the angles over the same piece of sample; absolute shows "
+            "where each rotated bounding box actually sat on the stage."
+        )
+        self.combo_x.currentIndexChanged.connect(self._redraw)
+        x_row.addWidget(self.combo_x)
+        dl.addLayout(x_row)
+
+        y_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        y_row.addWidget(QLabel("Y axis:"))
+        self.combo_y = QComboBox()
+        self.combo_y.addItems(["Frequency (MHz)", "Velocity (m/s)"])
+        self.combo_y.currentIndexChanged.connect(self._on_y_mode_changed)
+        y_row.addWidget(self.combo_y)
+        dl.addLayout(y_row)
+
+        grat_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        grat_row.addWidget(QLabel("Grating:"))
+        self.spin_grating_um = QDoubleSpinBox()
+        self.spin_grating_um.setRange(0.1, 1000.0)
+        self.spin_grating_um.setDecimals(2)
+        self.spin_grating_um.setSingleStep(0.5)
+        self.spin_grating_um.setSuffix(" µm")
+        self.spin_grating_um.setValue(12.5)
+        self.spin_grating_um.setEnabled(False)
+        self.spin_grating_um.setToolTip("v (m/s) = freq (MHz) × grating (µm)")
+        self.spin_grating_um.valueChanged.connect(self._redraw)
+        grat_row.addWidget(self.spin_grating_um)
+        dl.addLayout(grat_row)
+
+        smooth_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        smooth_row.addWidget(QLabel("Smoothing:"))
+        self.spin_smoothing = QSpinBox()
+        self.spin_smoothing.setRange(1, 2001)
+        self.spin_smoothing.setSingleStep(10)
+        self.spin_smoothing.setSuffix(" frames")
+        self.spin_smoothing.setValue(1)
+        self.spin_smoothing.setToolTip(
+            "Moving average along the row, masked pixels skipped. Display "
+            "only — the table's statistics always use the unsmoothed trace."
+        )
+        self.spin_smoothing.valueChanged.connect(self._redraw)
+        smooth_row.addWidget(self.spin_smoothing)
+        dl.addLayout(smooth_row)
+
+        self.chk_median_line = QCheckBox("Show median of shown angles")
+        self.chk_median_line.setChecked(True)
+        self.chk_median_line.toggled.connect(self._redraw)
+        dl.addWidget(self.chk_median_line)
+        layout.addWidget(grp_display)
+
+        # Angles
+        grp_angles = QGroupBox("Angles")
+        gl = QVBoxLayout(grp_angles)
+        self.list_angles = QListWidget()
+        self.list_angles.setMaximumHeight(190)
+        self.list_angles.itemChanged.connect(self._on_angle_toggled)
+        gl.addWidget(self.list_angles)
+        btn_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        btn_all = QPushButton("All")
+        btn_all.clicked.connect(lambda: self._set_all_angles(True))
+        btn_none = QPushButton("None")
+        btn_none.clicked.connect(lambda: self._set_all_angles(False))
+        btn_row.addWidget(btn_all)
+        btn_row.addWidget(btn_none)
+        gl.addLayout(btn_row)
+        layout.addWidget(grp_angles)
+
+        # Verdict
+        self.lbl_verdict = QLabel("—")
+        self.lbl_verdict.setWordWrap(True)
+        self.lbl_verdict.setFrameShape(QFrame.Shape.StyledPanel)
+        self.lbl_verdict.setMinimumHeight(92)
+        self.lbl_verdict.setAlignment(Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignTop)
+        layout.addWidget(self.lbl_verdict)
+
+        self.lbl_status = QLabel("")
+        self.lbl_status.setStyleSheet("color: #666; font-size: 11px;")
+        layout.addWidget(self.lbl_status)
+
+        layout.addStretch(1)
+        return panel
+
+    def _build_plots(self) -> QWidget:
+        splitter = QSplitter(Qt.Orientation.Vertical, self)
+
+        top = QWidget()
+        tl = QVBoxLayout(top)
+        tl.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        self.trace_canvas = TraceCanvas(top)
+        tl.addWidget(NavigationToolbar2QT(self.trace_canvas, top))
+        tl.addWidget(self.trace_canvas)
+        splitter.addWidget(top)
+
+        tabs = QTabWidget()
+        self.summary_canvas = SummaryCanvas(tabs)
+        tabs.addTab(self.summary_canvas, "Frequency vs angle")
+
+        self.table = QTableWidget(0, len(self.TABLE_COLUMNS))
+        self.table.setHorizontalHeaderLabels(self.TABLE_COLUMNS)
+        self.table.horizontalHeader().setSectionResizeMode(
+            QHeaderView.ResizeMode.Stretch)
+        self.table.setEditTriggers(QTableWidget.EditTrigger.NoEditTriggers)
+        tabs.addTab(self.table, "Per-angle statistics")
+        splitter.addWidget(tabs)
+
+        splitter.setStretchFactor(0, 3)
+        splitter.setStretchFactor(1, 1)
+        # Stretch factors alone leave the summary too short to fit its own
+        # axis label on first show; give it a real starting height.
+        splitter.setSizes([540, 300])
+        return splitter
+
+    # ── Loading ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _on_open(self):
+        start = str(self._check.sras.path.parent) if self._check else ""
+        path, _ = QFileDialog.getOpenFileName(
+            self, "Open SAW Check File", start, "SRAS Files (*.sras)")
+        if path:
+            self._load(Path(path))
+
+    def _load(self, path: Path):
+        try:
+            check = LoadedCheck(path)
+        except Exception as exc:
+            QMessageBox.critical(self, "Cannot Open File",
+                                 f"Could not read {path.name}:\n\n{exc}")
+            return
+
+        if self._check is not None:
+            self._check.close()
+        self._check = check
+        self.setWindowTitle(f"SAW Check Viewer — {path.name}")
+        self.lbl_file.setText(check.describe())
+        self.chk_bg_sub.setEnabled(check.has_background)
+
+        if not check.sras.is_saw_check:
+            self.lbl_status.setText(
+                "Not a SAW check file — reading the middle row of each angle "
+                "out of this scan instead.")
+        else:
+            self.lbl_status.setText("")
+
+        self._colors = angle_colors(check.sras.header.n_angles)
+        self._visible = {i: True for i in range(check.sras.header.n_angles)}
+        self._recompute()
+
+    # ── Compute ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _queue_recompute(self):
+        if self._check is not None:
+            self._debounce.start()
+
+    def _on_gate_toggled(self, enabled: bool):
+        self.spin_gate_start.setEnabled(enabled)
+        self.spin_gate_end.setEnabled(enabled)
+        self._queue_recompute()
+
+    def _recompute(self):
+        if self._check is None:
+            return
+        if self._compute_thread is not None and self._compute_thread.isRunning():
+            # One worker owns the mmap at a time; fold this request into the
+            # one already in flight rather than racing it.
+            self._pending_recompute = True
+            return
+
+        check = self._check
+        gated = self.chk_gate.isChecked()
+        kwargs = dict(
+            dc_threshold_mv=self.spin_threshold_mv.value(),
+            subtract_background=self.chk_bg_sub.isChecked(),
+            gate_start_ns=self.spin_gate_start.value() if gated else None,
+            gate_end_ns=self.spin_gate_end.value() if gated else None,
+            calib=check.calib,
+        )
+
+        self.grp_analysis.setEnabled(False)
+        self.lbl_status.setText("Computing frequency traces …")
+
+        self._compute_thread = QThread(self)
+        self._compute_worker = FnWorker(
+            lambda: frequency_traces(check.sras, **kwargs))
+        self._compute_worker.moveToThread(self._compute_thread)
+        self._compute_thread.started.connect(self._compute_worker.run)
+        self._compute_worker.finished.connect(self._on_traces_ready)
+        self._compute_worker.error.connect(self._on_compute_error)
+        self._compute_thread.start()
+
+    def _finish_compute(self):
+        if self._compute_thread is not None:
+            self._compute_thread.quit()
+            self._compute_thread.wait(5000)
+        self._compute_thread = None
+        self._compute_worker = None
+        self.grp_analysis.setEnabled(True)
+        if self._pending_recompute:
+            self._pending_recompute = False
+            self._queue_recompute()
+
+    def _on_compute_error(self, message: str):
+        self._finish_compute()
+        self.lbl_status.setText("")
+        QMessageBox.critical(self, "Analysis Failed", message)
+
+    def _on_traces_ready(self, traces):
+        self._finish_compute()
+        if self._check is None:
+            return
+        self._check.traces = traces
+        self._check.summary = alignment_summary(traces)
+        self.lbl_status.setText(
+            f"{len(traces)} of {self._check.sras.header.n_angles} angle(s) "
+            f"produced a trace.")
+        self._rebuild_angle_list()
+        self._redraw()
+
+    # ── Display ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _scale(self) -> tuple[float, str, str]:
+        """Display factor, unit and axis label.
+
+        The file only ever holds a frequency; velocity is that frequency times
+        the grating period, applied at display time so switching units never
+        costs a recompute.
+        """
+        if self.combo_y.currentIndex() == 1:
+            return self.spin_grating_um.value(), "m/s", "SAW velocity (m/s)"
+        return 1.0, "MHz", "Peak SAW frequency (MHz)"
+
+    def _on_y_mode_changed(self):
+        self.spin_grating_um.setEnabled(self.combo_y.currentIndex() == 1)
+        self._redraw()
+
+    def _rebuild_angle_list(self):
+        self.list_angles.blockSignals(True)
+        self.list_angles.clear()
+        for trace in self._check.traces:
+            item = QListWidgetItem(
+                f"{trace.angle_deg:+7.2f}°   Y={trace.y_mm:.3f} mm")
+            item.setFlags(item.flags() | Qt.ItemFlag.ItemIsUserCheckable)
+            item.setCheckState(
+                Qt.CheckState.Checked if self._visible.get(trace.angle_idx, True)
+                else Qt.CheckState.Unchecked)
+            item.setData(Qt.ItemDataRole.UserRole, trace.angle_idx)
+            r, g, b, _ = self._colors[trace.angle_idx]
+            item.setForeground(QColor(int(r * 255), int(g * 255), int(b * 255)))
+            self.list_angles.addItem(item)
+        self.list_angles.blockSignals(False)
+
+    def _on_angle_toggled(self, item: QListWidgetItem):
+        self._visible[item.data(Qt.ItemDataRole.UserRole)] = (
+            item.checkState() == Qt.CheckState.Checked)
+        self._redraw()
+
+    def _set_all_angles(self, visible: bool):
+        self.list_angles.blockSignals(True)
+        for row in range(self.list_angles.count()):
+            item = self.list_angles.item(row)
+            item.setCheckState(Qt.CheckState.Checked if visible
+                               else Qt.CheckState.Unchecked)
+            self._visible[item.data(Qt.ItemDataRole.UserRole)] = visible
+        self.list_angles.blockSignals(False)
+        self._redraw()
+
+    def _redraw(self):
+        if self._check is None or not self._check.traces:
+            self.trace_canvas.clear("No angle in this file has data on disk.")
+            return
+        traces = self._check.traces
+        colors = [self._colors[t.angle_idx] for t in traces]
+        scale, unit, y_label = self._scale()
+
+        self.trace_canvas.plot(
+            traces, colors, self._visible,
+            X_AXIS_MODES[self.combo_x.currentIndex()][1], scale, unit, y_label,
+            self.spin_smoothing.value(), self.chk_median_line.isChecked())
+        self.summary_canvas.plot(traces, colors, scale, unit)
+        self._fill_table(traces, scale, unit)
+        self._show_verdict(scale, unit)
+
+    def _fill_table(self, traces, scale: float, unit: str):
+        headers = list(self.TABLE_COLUMNS)
+        headers[2] = f"Median ({unit})"
+        headers[3] = f"σ ({unit})"
+        headers[4] = f"Drift ({unit}/mm)"
+        self.table.setHorizontalHeaderLabels(headers)
+
+        self.table.setRowCount(len(traces))
+        for row, trace in enumerate(traces):
+            values = [
+                f"{trace.angle_deg:+.2f}",
+                f"{trace.y_mm:.3f}",
+                f"{trace.median_mhz * scale:.3f}",
+                f"{trace.std_mhz * scale:.3f}",
+                f"{trace.drift_mhz_per_mm * scale:+.4f}",
+                f"{trace.valid_fraction * 100:.1f}",
+            ]
+            for col, text in enumerate(values):
+                item = QTableWidgetItem(text)
+                item.setTextAlignment(Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignRight
+                                      | Qt.AlignmentFlag.AlignVCenter)
+                if col == 0:
+                    r, g, b, _ = self._colors[trace.angle_idx]
+                    item.setForeground(QColor(int(r * 255), int(g * 255), int(b * 255)))
+                self.table.setItem(row, col, item)
+
+    def _show_verdict(self, scale: float, unit: str):
+        summary = self._check.summary
+        fg, bg, headline = VERDICT_STYLE[summary.level]
+        detail = summary.describe()
+        if scale != 1.0 and summary.n_angles:
+            detail += (f"\nIn {unit}: spread {summary.spread_mhz * scale:.3f} "
+                       f"about {summary.median_mhz * scale:.1f}.")
+        self.lbl_verdict.setText(f"{headline}\n\n{detail}")
+        self.lbl_verdict.setStyleSheet(
+            f"color: {fg}; background: {bg}; padding: 8px; font-size: 11px;")
+
+    # ── Teardown ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def closeEvent(self, event):
+        self._debounce.stop()
+        if self._compute_thread is not None:
+            self._compute_thread.quit()
+            self._compute_thread.wait(5000)
+        if self._check is not None:
+            self._check.close()
+        super().closeEvent(event)
+
+
+def main():
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+    window = SawCheckWindow(sys.argv[1] if len(sys.argv) > 1 else None)
+    window.show()
+    sys.exit(app.exec())
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    main()

sc3-aui-camera.ui

@@ -78,6 +78,16 @@
        </item>
       </layout>
      </item>
+     <item>
+      <widget class="QPushButton" name="uc480_auto_align_btn">
+       <property name="text">
+        <string>Auto-Align…</string>
+       </property>
+       <property name="toolTip">
+        <string>Level the sample: step the stage 1.5 mm each way and re-tilt the T-axes until the DC bias levels read what they read here.</string>
+       </property>
+      </widget>
+     </item>
      <item>
       <widget class="QPushButton" name="uc480_close_window_btn">
        <property name="text">

sc3-aui-helios.ui

@@ -109,6 +109,29 @@
         </property>
        </widget>
       </item>
+      <item>
+       <widget class="QLabel" name="helios_current_readback_label">
+        <property name="toolTip">
+         <string>The diode current the controller reports. The spin box is the value that will be sent when Set is pressed.</string>
+        </property>
+        <property name="text">
+         <string>laser: --- mA</string>
+        </property>
+       </widget>
+      </item>
+      <item>
+       <spacer name="horizontalSpacer_current">
+        <property name="orientation">
+         <enum>Qt::Orientation::Horizontal</enum>
+        </property>
+        <property name="sizeHint" stdset="0">
+         <size>
+          <width>40</width>
+          <height>20</height>
+         </size>
+        </property>
+       </spacer>
+      </item>
      </layout>
     </widget>
    </item>

sc3-aui-main.ui

@@ -1017,6 +1017,16 @@
         </property>
        </widget>
       </item>
+      <item>
+       <widget class="QPushButton" name="saw_check_btn">
+        <property name="toolTip">
+         <string>Acquire one row per angle — the row-wise middle of the ROI — and save it as a v10 .sras SAW check. Costs one row-time per angle instead of a full scan, and every angle's row crosses the same ROI centre, so the per-angle frequencies can be compared in the SAW Check Viewer to judge the alignment.</string>
+        </property>
+        <property name="text">
+         <string>SAW Quality Check…</string>
+        </property>
+       </widget>
+      </item>
       <item>
        <widget class="QPushButton" name="inspect_angles_btn">
         <property name="toolTip">
@@ -1086,6 +1096,7 @@
   <tabstop>bbd_set_current_start_btn</tabstop>
   <tabstop>bbd_set_delta_current_btn</tabstop>
   <tabstop>show_camera_toggle</tabstop>
+  <tabstop>saw_check_btn</tabstop>
   <tabstop>start_scan_btn</tabstop>
  </tabstops>
  <resources/>

sc3_aui_app.py

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ and wires up T3R, BBD202, oscilloscope, and camera hardware workers.
 """
 
 import struct
+import subprocess
 import sys
 import time
 from pathlib import Path
@@ -17,8 +18,8 @@ from PyQt6.QtCore import QThread, QTimer, Qt, pyqtSignal
 from PyQt6.QtGui import QImage, QPixmap
 from PyQt6.QtWidgets import (
     QApplication, QDialog, QDialogButtonBox, QFileDialog, QHBoxLayout, QLabel,
-    QListWidget, QListWidgetItem, QMainWindow, QMessageBox, QPushButton,
-    QSizePolicy, QVBoxLayout, QWidget,
+    QListWidget, QListWidgetItem, QMainWindow, QMessageBox, QPlainTextEdit,
+    QPushButton, QSizePolicy, QVBoxLayout, QWidget,
 )
 from matplotlib.backends.backend_qt5agg import FigureCanvasQTAgg as FigureCanvas
 from matplotlib.figure import Figure
@@ -26,20 +27,32 @@ from matplotlib.figure import Figure
 ROOT = Path(__file__).parent
 sys.path.insert(0, str(ROOT))
 
+from core.auto_align import DEFAULT_ALIGN, DEFAULT_T_AXIS
 from core.config import ScanDefaults
 from core.rotation import DEFAULT_ROTATION, RotationAxis
 from core.scan_engine import (
     ResumeState,
     LASER_FREQ_HZ, SCAN_VELOCITY_MM_S,
 )
+from core.saw_check import middle_row_plan
 from core.scan_geometry import ScanPlan, EtaEstimator, build_plan, format_eta
 from core.scan_resume import is_compatible, plan_resume
+from core.scope_inspect import BIAS_LABELS
 from core.scope_sras import SAMPLE_RATE_HZ, configure_channels
-from core.sras_format import SCAN_CHANNELS, SrasFile, plan_from_header
+from core.sras_format import (
+    SCAN_CHANNELS, VERSION, VERSION_SAW_CHECK, WRITABLE_VERSIONS, SrasFile,
+    plan_from_header,
+)
+from gui.align_bridge import QtAutoAligner
+from gui.jog_panel import (
+    BBD_JOG_ACCEL_MM_S2, BBD_JOG_SPEED_MM_S, BBD_JOG_STEP_MM,
+    BBDJogPanel, T3RJogPanel,
+)
 from gui.qt_t3r import QtT3RAdapter
 from gui.qt_workers import PollingQueueWorker, QueueWorker
 from gui.inspect_bridge import QtAngleInspector
 from gui.scan_bridge import QtScanController
+from gui.widgets import mono_font
 from hardware.helios_laser import HeliosLaser
 from hardware.pybbd202 import AXIS_X, AXIS_Y, ThorlabsServoDriver
 from hardware.tektronix_base import TektronixOscilloscopeBase
@@ -50,7 +63,10 @@ from t3r_control_panel import T3RControlPanel
 
 DEFAULTS = ScanDefaults.load()
 
-BBD_DEFAULT_JOG_MM  = 0.5       # default jog step for BBD202
+# A SAW check is written beside the scan it belongs to, under the same prefix.
+# The suffix keeps it from overwriting the scan itself, which is the one file
+# in the directory that cost hours to acquire.
+SAW_CHECK_SUFFIX = "-sawcheck"
 
 
 class DCBiasImageWidget(FigureCanvas):
@@ -128,9 +144,6 @@ class DCBiasImageWidget(FigureCanvas):
         self.draw_idle()
 
 
-BBD_JOG_SPEED_MM_S  = 10.0
-BBD_JOG_ACCEL_MM_S2 = 50.0
-
 # ── BBD202 worker ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
 class BBD202Worker(PollingQueueWorker):
@@ -144,13 +157,14 @@ class BBD202Worker(PollingQueueWorker):
         super().__init__(poll_interval_s=self.POLL_INTERVAL_S)
         self.controller: ThorlabsServoDriver | None = None
         self.scanning_active = False   # pause polling during a scan
-        self._jog_step = BBD_DEFAULT_JOG_MM
+        self._jog_step = BBD_JOG_STEP_MM
         self._last_pos: tuple[float, float] | None = None
         self._last_homed: tuple[bool, bool] | None = None
         self._handlers.update({
             "connect": self._do_connect,
             "disconnect": self._do_disconnect,
             "jog": self._do_jog,
+            "set_velocity": self._do_set_velocity,
             "home_all": self._do_home_all,
             "enable_all": self._do_enable_all,
         })
@@ -192,15 +206,23 @@ class BBD202Worker(PollingQueueWorker):
         self.is_connected = False
         self.disconnected.emit()
 
-    def _do_jog(self, axis: str, direction: int):
+    def _do_jog(self, axis: str, direction: int, step_mm: float | None = None):
         if not self.controller:
             return
         dest = AXIS_X if axis == "x" else AXIS_Y
+        step = self._jog_step if step_mm is None else step_mm
         try:
-            self.controller.move_axis_relative(dest, self._jog_step * direction, timeout=2.0)
+            self.controller.move_axis_relative(dest, step * direction, timeout=2.0)
         except TimeoutError:
             pass
 
+    def _do_set_velocity(self, max_velocity: float, acceleration: float):
+        if not self.controller:
+            return
+        for dest in (AXIS_X, AXIS_Y):
+            self.controller.set_velocity_params(dest, max_velocity=max_velocity,
+                                                acceleration=acceleration)
+
     def _do_home_all(self):
         if not self.controller:
             return
@@ -242,8 +264,12 @@ class BBD202Worker(PollingQueueWorker):
     def queue_disconnect(self):
         self._enqueue("disconnect")
 
-    def queue_jog(self, axis: str, direction: int):
-        self._enqueue("jog", axis=axis, direction=direction)
+    def queue_jog(self, axis: str, direction: int, step_mm: float | None = None):
+        self._enqueue("jog", axis=axis, direction=direction, step_mm=step_mm)
+
+    def queue_set_velocity(self, max_velocity: float, acceleration: float):
+        self._enqueue("set_velocity", max_velocity=max_velocity,
+                      acceleration=acceleration)
 
     def queue_home_all(self):
         self._enqueue("home_all")
@@ -311,12 +337,15 @@ class HeliosWorker(PollingQueueWorker):
     """
     enabled_updated          = pyqtSignal(bool)
     current_updated          = pyqtSignal(int)
+    current_unknown          = pyqtSignal()
     diode_temp_updated       = pyqtSignal(float)
     pstage_temp_updated      = pyqtSignal(float)
     qswitch_temp_updated     = pyqtSignal(float)
     status_registers_updated = pyqtSignal(object, object, object)  # LER, LCE, CCE (int|None)
 
-    POLL_INTERVAL_S = 1.0
+    # A full sweep is eight queries, ~360 ms of port time.  The interval is
+    # the gap between sweeps, so the panel refreshes about every 0.65 s.
+    POLL_INTERVAL_S = 0.3
 
     def __init__(self):
         super().__init__(poll_interval_s=self.POLL_INTERVAL_S)
@@ -373,28 +402,61 @@ class HeliosWorker(PollingQueueWorker):
     def _do_set_current(self, current_ma: int):
         if not self._laser:
             return
-        self._laser.set_current_ma(current_ma)
+        if self._laser.set_current_ma(current_ma):
             self.current_updated.emit(current_ma)
+            return
+        # The manual warns the controller drops set values unintentionally,
+        # so the driver verifies the write.  Say when it did not take: this
+        # used to emit the requested value regardless, and the next poll
+        # then quietly restored the old one.
+        actual = self._laser.get_current_ma()
+        if actual is not None:
+            self.current_updated.emit(actual)
+        self.error_occurred.emit(
+            f"Diode current: controller kept {actual} mA, "
+            f"did not accept {current_ma} mA")
 
     def _poll_once(self):
         """Read the full status set.  Individual reads are allowed to fail
-        (a timed-out register shouldn't suppress the rest of the panel)."""
+        (a timed-out register shouldn't suppress the rest of the panel).
+
+        Abandoned as soon as the operator queues something: the rest of the
+        sweep is worth less than a button that responds now, and the next
+        poll will pick it up.
+        """
         if not self._laser or not self._laser.is_connected:
             return
         try:
             self.status_registers_updated.emit(*self._laser.get_status_registers())
         except Exception:
             pass
+        if self._work_pending():
+            return
         try:
             self.enabled_updated.emit(self._laser.is_laser_enabled())
         except Exception:
             pass
+        if self._work_pending():
+            return
+        # A failed LDS read must not leave the last good value on screen
+        # looking live: that is indistinguishable from a setpoint that
+        # refuses to move, which is the failure this panel exists to show.
+        try:
+            current = self._laser.get_current_ma()
+        except Exception:
+            current = None
+        if current is None:
+            self.current_unknown.emit()
+        else:
+            self.current_updated.emit(current)
+
         for getter, signal in (
-            (self._laser.get_current_ma, self.current_updated),
             (self._laser.get_diode_temp_c, self.diode_temp_updated),
             (self._laser.get_power_stage_temp_c, self.pstage_temp_updated),
             (self._laser.get_qswitch_temp_c, self.qswitch_temp_updated),
         ):
+            if self._work_pending():
+                return
             try:
                 value = getter()
                 if value is not None:
@@ -417,12 +479,63 @@ class HeliosWorker(PollingQueueWorker):
 
 # ── Camera window popup ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
+# The channel map auto-align assumes.  Nothing reconfigures the scope inputs —
+# CH3 is the max-velocity gate during a scan and the DC 1 monitor here — so the
+# operator is asked to confirm the cabling instead of being trusted to
+# remember it.
+ALIGN_SCOPE_CHANNELS = ((1, "SAW"), (2, "Trigger"), (3, "DC 1"), (4, "DC 2"))
+
+
+def _align_scope_prompt() -> str:
+    channels = "\n".join(f"    CH{ch} — {role}" for ch, role in ALIGN_SCOPE_CHANNELS)
+    # The channels arrive on screen carrying the inspection labels, which are
+    # the names for the same two monitors — say so, or the operator is left
+    # comparing "DC 1" here against "Bias - A" on the instrument.
+    labels = " and ".join(BIAS_LABELS[ch] for ch in sorted(BIAS_LABELS))
+    return (
+        "Auto-align reads the DC levels off CH3 and CH4. Check the scope is "
+        "cabled this way before starting:\n\n"
+        f"{channels}\n\n"
+        f"The scope will label the last two {labels}.\n\n"
+        "The laser must be pulsing and the detection beam on the sample — the "
+        "procedure stops rather than servo on a scope that is not triggering.\n\n"
+        "Start auto-align?"
+    )
+
+
+def _align_reference_prompt(reading) -> str:
+    return (
+        "The detector reads, where the stage is standing:\n\n"
+        f"    DC 1    {reading.dc1_mv:8.1f} mV\n"
+        f"    DC 2    {reading.dc2_mv:8.1f} mV\n\n"
+        "Is the image correct?\n\n"
+        f"Yes takes these as the good values and holds them to within "
+        f"{DEFAULT_ALIGN.tolerance_mv:.0f} mV at "
+        f"{DEFAULT_ALIGN.offset_mm:.2f} mm either side of here, first on X "
+        f"(T1) and then on Y (T0/T2 as a pair)."
+    )
+
+
 class CameraWindow(QWidget):
-    """Camera display popup — auto-connects on show, auto-disconnects on close."""
+    """Camera display popup — auto-connects on show, auto-disconnects on close.
+
+    Focusing and framing are done by eye, so the T3R and BBD202 jog controls
+    live beside the image.  Both take the objects the main window already
+    owns; passing neither leaves the window as a plain viewer.
+
+    Auto-align lives here for the same reason: the operator judges the image
+    to decide the rig is on a good spot, and that judgement is the first step
+    of the procedure.  It needs the oscilloscope as well, so the button is
+    only offered when all three are on hand.
+    """
 
     closed = pyqtSignal()
+    align_active = pyqtSignal(bool)   # lock the scan panel while aligning
 
-    def __init__(self, parent: QWidget | None = None):
+    def __init__(self, t3r_driver: QtT3RAdapter | None = None,
+                 bbd_worker: BBD202Worker | None = None,
+                 oscope_worker: "OscopeWorker | None" = None,
+                 parent: QWidget | None = None):
         super().__init__(parent, Qt.WindowType.Window)
         uic.loadUi(ROOT / "sc3-aui-camera.ui", self)
         self.setWindowTitle("uC480 Camera")
@@ -430,6 +543,14 @@ class CameraWindow(QWidget):
         self._camera: UC480Camera | None = None
         self._stream: CameraStreamThread | None = None
 
+        self._t3r_driver = t3r_driver
+        self._bbd_worker = bbd_worker
+        self._oscope_worker = oscope_worker
+        self._align_thread: QThread | None = None
+        self._align_worker: QtAutoAligner | None = None
+        self._align_window: "AutoAlignWindow | None" = None
+        self._align_available = True
+
         # Banner warning when the camera shares a USB controller with serial
         # adapters — opening any of those ports (T3R, BBD202, …) collapses
         # the delivered frame rate to <2 fps (USB split-transaction
@@ -460,14 +581,46 @@ class CameraWindow(QWidget):
         self.uc480_stop_btn.clicked.connect(self._stop_stream)
         self.uc480_close_window_btn.clicked.connect(self.close)
 
+        # Every one of the three is load-bearing: the T3R moves the tilt
+        # platform, the BBD202 makes the 1.5 mm steps, and the scope is the
+        # only thing that can say whether either helped.
+        self.uc480_auto_align_btn.clicked.connect(self._on_auto_align)
+        self.uc480_auto_align_btn.setVisible(
+            None not in (t3r_driver, bbd_worker, oscope_worker))
+
+        self.t3r_jog_panel = self.bbd_jog_panel = None
+        self._build_jog_column(t3r_driver, bbd_worker)
+
         self._update_controls()
 
+    def _build_jog_column(self, t3r_driver, bbd_worker):
+        """Add the stage controls to the right of the image."""
+        if t3r_driver is None and bbd_worker is None:
+            return
+        column = QVBoxLayout()
+        column.setContentsMargins(0, 0, 0, 0)
+        if t3r_driver is not None:
+            self.t3r_jog_panel = T3RJogPanel(t3r_driver, self)
+            column.addWidget(self.t3r_jog_panel)
+        if bbd_worker is not None:
+            self.bbd_jog_panel = BBDJogPanel(bbd_worker, self)
+            column.addWidget(self.bbd_jog_panel)
+        column.addStretch()
+        self.horizontalLayout.addLayout(column)
+
     def showEvent(self, event):
         super().showEvent(event)
         self._connect_camera()
         self._start_stream()
 
     def closeEvent(self, event):
+        # An alignment outlives this window otherwise, and it owns the stage.
+        self._teardown_align()
+        # A jog whose button-release lands after the window is gone would
+        # otherwise leave an axis running.
+        for panel in (self.t3r_jog_panel, self.bbd_jog_panel):
+            if panel is not None:
+                panel.stop_jogs()
         self._stop_stream()
         self._disconnect_camera()
         super().closeEvent(event)
@@ -557,6 +710,298 @@ class CameraWindow(QWidget):
         self.uc480_exposure_slider.setEnabled(camera_ok)
         self.uc480_gain_slider.setEnabled(camera_ok)
 
+    # ── Auto-align ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _on_auto_align(self):
+        if self._align_thread is not None and self._align_thread.isRunning():
+            if self._align_window is not None:
+                self._align_window.raise_()
+                self._align_window.activateWindow()
+            return
+
+        problem = self._align_prerequisite_problem()
+        if problem:
+            QMessageBox.warning(self, "Cannot Auto-Align", problem)
+            return
+
+        if QMessageBox.question(self, "Check the Oscilloscope",
+                                _align_scope_prompt()) \
+                != QMessageBox.StandardButton.Yes:
+            return
+
+        self._align_thread = QThread(self)
+        self._align_worker = QtAutoAligner(
+            stage=self._bbd_worker.controller,
+            scope=self._oscope_worker.scope,
+            t3r=self._t3r_driver.driver,
+            # Same reason the scan and the inspector do it: the procedure
+            # drives the stage from its own thread, and the position poll
+            # shares the BBD TX queue.
+            on_align_active=lambda active: setattr(
+                self._bbd_worker, "scanning_active", active),
+        )
+        self._align_worker.moveToThread(self._align_thread)
+
+        window = AutoAlignWindow(self)
+        self._align_window = window
+        worker = self._align_worker
+        worker.status_msg.connect(window.on_status)
+        worker.reading_taken.connect(window.on_reading)
+        worker.offset_done.connect(window.on_offset_done)
+        worker.axis_done.connect(window.on_axis_done)
+        worker.prepared.connect(self._on_align_prepared)
+        worker.prepare_failed.connect(self._on_align_prepare_failed)
+        worker.finished.connect(self._on_align_finished)
+        worker.failed.connect(self._on_align_failed)
+        worker.aborted.connect(self._on_align_aborted)
+        worker.stopped.connect(self._release_align_thread)
+        worker.error_occurred.connect(window.on_failed)
+        window.abort_requested.connect(worker.request_abort)
+        window.close_requested.connect(self._teardown_align)
+
+        self._align_thread.started.connect(worker.run)
+        self._set_align_ui_active(True)
+        window.show()
+        self._align_thread.start()
+        worker.request_prepare()
+
+    def _align_prerequisite_problem(self) -> str:
+        """Why auto-align cannot start, or "" if it can."""
+        if self._oscope_worker is None or not self._oscope_worker.is_connected:
+            return ("The oscilloscope is not connected, and it is the only "
+                    "thing that can read the DC levels. Connect it from the "
+                    "main window and try again.")
+        if self._bbd_worker is None or not self._bbd_worker.is_connected:
+            return ("The BBD202 stage is not connected, so the 1.5 mm steps "
+                    "cannot be made. Connect it from the main window and try "
+                    "again.")
+        if self._t3r_driver is None or not self._t3r_driver.is_open:
+            return ("The T3R is not connected, so the T-axes cannot be moved. "
+                    "Connect it from the T3R panel and try again.")
+        return ""
+
+    def _on_align_prepared(self, reading):
+        """The rig is configured and standing on the point — ask the operator."""
+        if self._align_window is None:
+            return
+        confirmed = QMessageBox.question(
+            self, "Is the Image Correct?", _align_reference_prompt(reading)
+        ) == QMessageBox.StandardButton.Yes
+
+        if not confirmed:
+            self._align_window.on_status(
+                "Cancelled: the image was not confirmed. Nothing has moved — "
+                "re-align by hand and start again.")
+            self._finish_align()
+            return
+
+        self._align_window.set_reference(reading)
+        self._align_worker.request_run()
+
+    def _on_align_prepare_failed(self, message: str):
+        if self._align_window is not None:
+            self._align_window.on_failed(message)
+        QMessageBox.warning(self, "Cannot Auto-Align", message)
+        self._finish_align()
+
+    def _on_align_finished(self, result):
+        if self._align_window is not None:
+            self._align_window.on_finished(result)
+        self._finish_align()
+
+    def _on_align_failed(self, message: str):
+        if self._align_window is not None:
+            self._align_window.on_failed(message)
+        QMessageBox.warning(self, "Auto-Align Failed", message)
+        self._finish_align()
+
+    def _on_align_aborted(self):
+        if self._align_window is not None:
+            self._align_window.on_aborted()
+        self._finish_align()
+
+    def _finish_align(self):
+        """Park the rig and release the thread, leaving the summary on screen."""
+        if self._align_worker is not None:
+            self._align_worker.request_stop()
+
+    def _release_align_thread(self):
+        """Worker idle — take its thread down.  Safe to call more than once."""
+        if self._align_worker is not None:
+            self._align_worker.stop_worker()
+        if self._align_thread is not None:
+            self._align_thread.quit()
+            self._align_thread.wait(30000)
+        self._align_thread = None
+        self._align_worker = None
+        self._set_align_ui_active(False)
+
+    def _teardown_align(self):
+        """Stop an alignment and close its window — the window or camera is
+        going away, so the procedure cannot be left running."""
+        window, self._align_window = self._align_window, None
+        if self._align_worker is not None:
+            self._align_worker.request_stop()
+        self._release_align_thread()
+        if window is not None:
+            window.close()
+
+    def set_align_available(self, available: bool):
+        """The main window handing the rig over, or taking it back.
+
+        A scan or an angle inspection owns the same stage, so auto-align has
+        to be off the table while either runs.
+        """
+        self._align_available = available
+        self._refresh_align_button()
+
+    def _refresh_align_button(self):
+        self.uc480_auto_align_btn.setEnabled(
+            self._align_available and self._align_thread is None)
+
+    def _set_align_ui_active(self, active: bool):
+        """A running alignment owns the stage and the T-axes; nothing else
+        may drive them, here or in the main window."""
+        self._refresh_align_button()
+        for panel in (self.t3r_jog_panel, self.bbd_jog_panel):
+            if panel is not None:
+                panel.stop_jogs()
+                panel.setEnabled(not active)
+        self.align_active.emit(active)
+
+
+class AutoAlignWindow(QWidget):
+    """Live progress for one auto-align run, and the summary it ends with.
+
+    Shows the deviation from the good values rather than the raw levels: the
+    procedure is a null search, so how far off it is says more than what it
+    reads, and 5 mV out of ~400 mV does not show up in the raw number.
+    """
+
+    abort_requested = pyqtSignal()
+    close_requested = pyqtSignal()
+
+    def __init__(self, parent: QWidget | None = None):
+        super().__init__(parent, Qt.WindowType.Window)
+        self.setWindowTitle("Auto-Align")
+        self.resize(560, 480)
+        self._reference = None
+        self._done = False
+
+        layout = QVBoxLayout(self)
+
+        self.header_label = QLabel(
+            f"Stepping {DEFAULT_ALIGN.offset_mm:.2f} mm either side of this "
+            f"point on X (T1), then on Y (T0/T2 as a pair), re-tilting until "
+            f"the DC levels come back to within "
+            f"{DEFAULT_ALIGN.tolerance_mv:.0f} mV.\n"
+            f"T-axes: {DEFAULT_T_AXIS.microsteps} µsteps, "
+            f"{DEFAULT_T_AXIS.run_current_ma} mA.")
+        self.header_label.setWordWrap(True)
+        layout.addWidget(self.header_label)
+
+        self.reading_label = QLabel("—")
+        self.reading_label.setFont(mono_font(13))
+        self.reading_label.setStyleSheet("font-weight: bold;")
+        layout.addWidget(self.reading_label)
+
+        self.status_label = QLabel("Configuring the rig …")
+        self.status_label.setWordWrap(True)
+        layout.addWidget(self.status_label)
+
+        # The verdict outlives the status line, which keeps reporting the
+        # parking moves after the answer is known.
+        self.verdict_label = QLabel()
+        self.verdict_label.setWordWrap(True)
+        self.verdict_label.setVisible(False)
+        layout.addWidget(self.verdict_label)
+
+        self.log = QPlainTextEdit(self)
+        self.log.setReadOnly(True)
+        self.log.setFont(mono_font(11))
+        layout.addWidget(self.log, 1)
+
+        buttons = QHBoxLayout()
+        self.stop_btn = QPushButton("Stop")
+        self.stop_btn.setToolTip(
+            "Stop at the next move and put the stage back on the reference "
+            "point. Any tilt already applied stays applied.")
+        self.stop_btn.clicked.connect(self._on_stop_clicked)
+        self.close_btn = QPushButton("Close")
+        self.close_btn.clicked.connect(self.close)
+        self.close_btn.setEnabled(False)
+        buttons.addWidget(self.stop_btn)
+        buttons.addWidget(self.close_btn)
+        layout.addLayout(buttons)
+
+    # ── Worker → window ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def set_reference(self, reading):
+        self._reference = reading
+        self._append(f"Reference: {reading.describe()}")
+
+    def on_status(self, msg: str):
+        self.status_label.setText(msg)
+
+    def on_reading(self, reading):
+        if self._reference is None:
+            self.reading_label.setText(reading.describe())
+            return
+        d1, d2 = reading.error_vs(self._reference)
+        self.reading_label.setText(
+            f"DC1 {reading.dc1_mv:8.1f} mV ({d1:+6.1f})    "
+            f"DC2 {reading.dc2_mv:8.1f} mV ({d2:+6.1f})")
+
+    def on_offset_done(self, result):
+        self._append(f"  {result.describe()}")
+
+    def on_axis_done(self, result):
+        self._append(result.describe())
+
+    def on_finished(self, result):
+        # The per-axis lines are already in the log, put there as they
+        # happened; only the closing verdict is new.
+        self._append("")
+        self._append(result.verdict())
+        self._set_verdict(result.verdict(), ok=result.ok)
+
+    def on_failed(self, message: str):
+        self._append(f"FAILED: {message}")
+        self._set_verdict(message, ok=False)
+
+    def on_aborted(self):
+        message = ("Stopped by the operator. Any tilt already applied stays "
+                   "applied.")
+        self._append(message)
+        self._set_verdict(message, ok=False)
+
+    # ── Window → worker ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _on_stop_clicked(self):
+        self.stop_btn.setEnabled(False)
+        self.on_status("Stopping at the next move …")
+        self.abort_requested.emit()
+
+    def _set_verdict(self, text: str, ok: bool):
+        self.verdict_label.setText(text)
+        self.verdict_label.setStyleSheet(
+            f"font-weight: bold; color: {'green' if ok else '#b8860b'};")
+        self.verdict_label.setVisible(True)
+        self._done = True
+        self.stop_btn.setEnabled(False)
+        self.close_btn.setEnabled(True)
+
+    def _append(self, line: str):
+        self.log.appendPlainText(line)
+
+    def closeEvent(self, event):
+        # Closing part-way through is a stop: the procedure owns the stage,
+        # and nothing else can call it off once this window is gone.
+        if not self._done:
+            self.abort_requested.emit()
+        self.close_requested.emit()
+        super().closeEvent(event)
+
 
 # ── Helios laser panel ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
@@ -573,6 +1018,7 @@ class HeliosWindow(QWidget):
         self._worker = worker
         # Polling is driven by the worker itself (self-rescheduling), so
         # there is no timer here to outpace the device.
+        self._seed_current_spin = False
         self._wire_signals()
         self._update_controls(False)
         self._set_emission_indicator(False)
@@ -594,6 +1040,9 @@ class HeliosWindow(QWidget):
 
         self.helios_set_current_btn.clicked.connect(self._on_set_current)
         self._worker.current_updated.connect(self._on_current_updated)
+        self._worker.current_unknown.connect(
+            lambda: self.helios_current_readback_label.setText("laser: ? mA")
+        )
         self._worker.diode_temp_updated.connect(
             lambda t: self.helios_temp_diode_label.setText(f"{t:.1f} °C")
         )
@@ -620,6 +1069,8 @@ class HeliosWindow(QWidget):
             self._worker.queue_disconnect()
 
     def _on_connected(self):
+        # Take the setpoint from the laser once, on connect.
+        self._seed_current_spin = True
         self.helios_connect_toggle.setEnabled(True)
         self.helios_connect_toggle.setText("Disconnect")
         self.helios_status_label.setText("Connected")
@@ -668,6 +1119,17 @@ class HeliosWindow(QWidget):
         self._worker.queue_set_current(self.helios_current_spin.value())
 
     def _on_current_updated(self, current_ma: int):
+        """Show what the laser reports; leave the spin box to the operator.
+
+        The 1 Hz poll used to write its reading straight into the spin box,
+        so a number typed there was overwritten within a second — the
+        setpoint appeared to snap back to the controller's value before it
+        could be sent.  The spin box is now seeded once per connection and
+        is the operator's alone after that; the label is the read-back.
+        """
+        self.helios_current_readback_label.setText(f"laser: {current_ma} mA")
+        if self._seed_current_spin:
+            self._seed_current_spin = False
             self.helios_current_spin.blockSignals(True)
             self.helios_current_spin.setValue(current_ma)
             self.helios_current_spin.blockSignals(False)
@@ -692,6 +1154,8 @@ class HeliosWindow(QWidget):
             self.helios_enable_btn.setText("Enable Laser")
             self.helios_enable_btn.blockSignals(False)
             self._set_emission_indicator(False)
+            self._seed_current_spin = False
+            self.helios_current_readback_label.setText("laser: --- mA")
             self._reset_temperatures()
             self.helios_ler_label.setText("---")
             self.helios_lce_label.setText("---")
@@ -972,11 +1436,17 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
         self._helios_thread.started.connect(self._helios_worker.run)
 
         # ── Popup windows ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-        self._camera_win    = CameraWindow()
+        self._camera_win    = CameraWindow(self._t3r_driver, self._bbd_worker,
+                                          self._oscope_worker)
         self._helios_win    = HeliosWindow(self._helios_worker)
         self._scan_progress = ScanProgressWindow()
 
         self._scan_worker: QtScanController | None = None
+        # A SAW check runs through the same worker as a scan; this says which,
+        # since the two finish very differently (a check hands the operator a
+        # file to look at; a scan shuts the rig down).
+        self._scan_is_saw_check = False
+        self._saw_check_path: Path | None = None
         self._inspect_thread: QThread | None = None
         self._inspect_worker: QtAngleInspector | None = None
         self._inspect_window: AngleInspectWindow | None = None
@@ -1009,7 +1479,7 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
         self.bbd202_comport_edit.setText(DEFAULTS.bbd_port)
         self.oscope_ip_edit.setText(DEFAULTS.oscope_ip)
         self._helios_win.helios_port_edit.setText(DEFAULTS.helios_port)
-        self.lineEdit_10.setText(str(BBD_DEFAULT_JOG_MM))
+        self.lineEdit_10.setText(str(BBD_JOG_STEP_MM))
 
         self.x_start_edit.setText("10.000")
         self.y_start_edit.setText("10.000")
@@ -1089,6 +1559,7 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
         self._camera_win.closed.connect(
             lambda: self._set_toggle(self.show_camera_toggle, False, "Show Camera Window")
         )
+        self._camera_win.align_active.connect(self._on_camera_align_active)
 
         # Helios
         self.show_helios_toggle.toggled.connect(self._on_helios_toggle)
@@ -1101,6 +1572,7 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
 
         # Scan
         self.start_scan_btn.clicked.connect(self._on_start_scan)
+        self.saw_check_btn.clicked.connect(self._on_saw_check)
         self.inspect_angles_btn.clicked.connect(self._on_inspect_angles)
         self.save_dir_browse_btn.clicked.connect(self._on_browse_save_dir)
         self._scan_progress.abort_requested.connect(self._on_abort_scan)
@@ -1174,10 +1646,12 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
             return
         axis, direction = self._bbd_active_jog
         try:
-            self._bbd_worker._jog_step = float(self.lineEdit_10.text())
+            step = float(self.lineEdit_10.text())
         except ValueError:
-            self._bbd_worker._jog_step = BBD_DEFAULT_JOG_MM
-        self._bbd_worker.queue_jog(axis, direction)
+            step = BBD_JOG_STEP_MM
+        # The step rides along with the command: writing it onto the worker
+        # from here would be a cross-thread poke at a field the worker reads.
+        self._bbd_worker.queue_jog(axis, direction, step_mm=step)
 
     def _stop_bbd_jog(self):
         self._bbd_jog_timer.stop()
@@ -1267,6 +1741,18 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
 
     # ── Scan ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
+    def _set_scan_buttons_enabled(self, enabled: bool):
+        """Both entry points drive the same rig, so they lock and unlock together."""
+        self.start_scan_btn.setEnabled(enabled)
+        self.saw_check_btn.setEnabled(enabled)
+        # Auto-align lives in the camera window but drives this same stage.
+        self._camera_win.set_align_available(enabled)
+
+    def _on_camera_align_active(self, active: bool):
+        """An alignment started or finished in the camera window."""
+        self._set_scan_buttons_enabled(not active)
+        self.inspect_angles_btn.setEnabled(not active)
+
     def _on_browse_save_dir(self):
         d = QFileDialog.getExistingDirectory(
             self, "Select Scan Save Directory", self.scan_save_dir_edit.text()
@@ -1275,6 +1761,84 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
             self.scan_save_dir_edit.setText(d)
             self._persist_defaults()
 
+    def _on_saw_check(self):
+        """Acquire the middle row of the current ROI at every angle.
+
+        Same engine, same hardware sequence, same file format as a scan — the
+        plan is just reduced to one row per angle and the result is tagged v10
+        so the viewer knows it is a check rather than a scan cut short.
+        """
+        if self._scan_thread is not None and self._scan_thread.isRunning():
+            QMessageBox.warning(
+                self, "Scan In Progress",
+                "A scan is running — abort it before starting a SAW check."
+            )
+            return
+        try:
+            plan, prefix, save_dir = self._build_scan_plan()
+            check_plan = middle_row_plan(plan)   # ScanGeometryError is a ValueError
+        except ValueError as e:
+            QMessageBox.warning(self, "Invalid Scan Parameters", str(e))
+            return
+
+        check_prefix = f"{prefix}{SAW_CHECK_SUFFIX}"
+        out_path = Path(save_dir) / f"{check_prefix}.sras"
+        rows = ", ".join(f"{pa.angle_deg:.1f}°: Y={pa.y_positions[0]:.3f} mm"
+                         for pa in check_plan.per_angle)
+        overwrite = ("\n\nThis will overwrite the existing file."
+                     if out_path.exists() else "")
+        reply = QMessageBox.question(
+            self, "SAW Quality Check",
+            f"Acquire the middle row of the ROI at {check_plan.n_angles} angle(s)?\n\n"
+            f"{rows}\n\n"
+            "Each angle starts with its own background capture, so you will be "
+            "asked to switch the Genesis laser off and back on at every angle."
+            f"\n\nSave → {out_path.name}{overwrite}",
+            QMessageBox.StandardButton.Yes | QMessageBox.StandardButton.No,
+        )
+        if reply != QMessageBox.StandardButton.Yes:
+            return
+
+        self._saw_check_path = out_path
+        # Burst mode is deliberately not offered here: one row per angle means
+        # every burst would be a single row, so it buys nothing and still pays
+        # for the gate preflight.
+        self._launch_scan_worker(check_plan, check_prefix, save_dir, saw_check=True)
+
+    def _on_saw_check_complete(self):
+        """A check is a thing to look at, not a run to shut down after."""
+        path = self._saw_check_path
+        box = QMessageBox(self)
+        box.setIcon(QMessageBox.Icon.Information)
+        box.setWindowTitle("SAW Check Complete")
+        box.setText(
+            f"Middle-row SAW check written to:\n{path}\n\n"
+            "Open it in the SAW Check Viewer to compare each angle's "
+            "frequency and judge the alignment."
+        )
+        open_btn = box.addButton("Open Viewer", QMessageBox.ButtonRole.AcceptRole)
+        box.addButton(QMessageBox.StandardButton.Close)
+        box.exec()
+        if box.clickedButton() is open_btn:
+            self._launch_saw_check_viewer(path)
+
+    def _launch_saw_check_viewer(self, path: Path):
+        """Open the viewer as its own process.
+
+        Deliberately not in-process: the acquisition app owns the hardware and
+        must stay responsive, and the viewer is a separate entry point that
+        outlives any one scan session.
+        """
+        try:
+            subprocess.Popen([sys.executable,
+                              str(ROOT / "saw_check_viewer.py"), str(path)])
+        except OSError as e:
+            QMessageBox.warning(
+                self, "Could Not Open Viewer",
+                f"Could not start the SAW Check Viewer:\n\n{e}\n\n"
+                f"Run it manually:  python saw_check_viewer.py {path}"
+            )
+
     def _on_inspect_angles(self):
         """Open the pre-scan angle inspector for the plan currently entered."""
         if self._scan_thread is not None and self._scan_thread.isRunning():
@@ -1323,7 +1887,7 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
             lambda m: QMessageBox.warning(self, "Inspection Error", m))
 
         self._inspect_thread.started.connect(self._inspect_worker.run)
-        self.start_scan_btn.setEnabled(False)
+        self._set_scan_buttons_enabled(False)
         self.inspect_angles_btn.setEnabled(False)
         window.show()
         self._inspect_thread.start()
@@ -1345,7 +1909,7 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
         self._inspect_thread = None
         self._inspect_worker = None
         self._inspect_window = None
-        self.start_scan_btn.setEnabled(True)
+        self._set_scan_buttons_enabled(True)
         self.inspect_angles_btn.setEnabled(True)
 
     def _on_start_scan(self):
@@ -1379,6 +1943,18 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
             QMessageBox.warning(self, "Cannot Resume Scan", f"Could not read scan file:\n\n{e}")
             return
 
+        if sras.version not in WRITABLE_VERSIONS:
+            QMessageBox.warning(
+                self, "Cannot Resume Scan",
+                f"{path.name} is a v{sras.version} file, written before each "
+                "angle carried its own background waveform. Every angle this "
+                "app acquires now writes a background block that the older "
+                "layout has no room for, so resuming would shift the file's "
+                "data. Start a new scan instead — the old file still opens in "
+                "the viewer."
+            )
+            return
+
         if not is_compatible(sras, velocity=SCAN_VELOCITY_MM_S,
                              laser_freq=LASER_FREQ_HZ, sample_rate=SAMPLE_RATE_HZ,
                              n_channels=len(SCAN_CHANNELS)):
@@ -1424,8 +2000,10 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
                                  str(path.parent), resume_plan.to_state(sras))
 
     def _launch_scan_worker(self, plan: ScanPlan, prefix: str, save_dir: str,
-                            resume: ResumeState | None = None):
+                            resume: ResumeState | None = None,
+                            saw_check: bool = False):
         rotator = RotationAxis(self._t3r_driver.driver, DEFAULT_ROTATION)
+        self._scan_is_saw_check = saw_check
 
         self._scan_thread = QThread(self)
         self._scan_worker = QtScanController(
@@ -1439,8 +2017,9 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
             # a worker concern, not the engine's.
             on_scan_active=lambda active: setattr(
                 self._bbd_worker, "scanning_active", active),
-            burst_mode=self.burst_mode_check.isChecked(),
+            burst_mode=self.burst_mode_check.isChecked() and not saw_check,
             strict_rows=self.strict_rows_check.isChecked(),
+            file_version=VERSION_SAW_CHECK if saw_check else VERSION,
         )
         self._scan_worker.moveToThread(self._scan_thread)
         self._scan_thread.started.connect(self._scan_worker.run)
@@ -1453,7 +2032,7 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
         self._scan_worker.user_prompt.connect(self._on_scan_user_prompt)
         self._scan_worker.paused_changed.connect(self._scan_progress.on_worker_paused)
 
-        self.start_scan_btn.setEnabled(False)
+        self._set_scan_buttons_enabled(False)
         self._scan_progress.reset_pause_btn()
         ai0 = 0 if resume is None else resume.targets[0].angle_idx
         self._scan_progress.update_progress(
@@ -1494,7 +2073,11 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
 
     def _on_scan_complete(self):
         self._scan_progress.close()
-        self.start_scan_btn.setEnabled(True)
+        self._set_scan_buttons_enabled(True)
+        if self._scan_is_saw_check:
+            self._scan_is_saw_check = False
+            self._on_saw_check_complete()
+            return
         QMessageBox.information(
             self, "Scan Complete",
             "All rows and angles have been acquired.\n\n"
@@ -1504,7 +2087,8 @@ class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
 
     def _on_scan_failed(self, msg: str):
         self._scan_progress.close()
-        self.start_scan_btn.setEnabled(True)
+        self._set_scan_buttons_enabled(True)
+        self._scan_is_saw_check = False
         if "aborted" in msg.lower():
             QMessageBox.warning(self, "Scan Aborted", msg)
         else:

scan_format.md

@@ -1,8 +1,25 @@
-# SRAS Scan Binary Format — Version 6
+# SRAS Scan Binary Format — Versions 7 and 11 (reading 6 and 10)
 
 Each `.sras` file contains **one complete scan**: all GR rotation angles and all
 Y rows.  Files are named `{prefix}.sras`.
 
+Two versions are written, sharing this layout byte for byte — only the version
+field differs, and with it what the file means:
+
+| Version | Meaning | Rows per angle |
+|---------|---------|----------------|
+| 7  | A full scan. | Whatever the ROI needs. |
+| 11 | A middle-row SAW quality check (`{prefix}-sawcheck.sras`). | Exactly 1. |
+
+See [SAW Quality Check (v11)](#saw-quality-check-v11) below.
+
+**Versions 6 and 10** are the same two files as they were written before each
+angle carried its own background: a single background block sat between the
+preambles and the data block, and the data block held nothing but rows.  They
+are still read — see [Legacy layout (v6/v10)](#legacy-layout-v6v10) — but
+nothing writes them any more, and a v6 file cannot be resumed into, since the
+background block a resumed angle writes has no room in it.
+
 Starting in v6, each angle only scans the **bounding box of the nominal ROI
 rotated by that specific angle** — not the worst case across all angles — so
 `x_start`, `x_delta` (and therefore `n_frames`, the points/row count) and
@@ -20,10 +37,14 @@ instead of forcing every angle to the largest bounding box.
 [Per-Angle Geometry Table— n_angles × 14 bytes (x_start f32, x_delta f32, n_frames u32, n_rows u16)]
 [Row Table (ragged)      — sum(n_rows) × 4 bytes (float32 per row, angle-major)]
 [Preamble Blocks         — n_channels × (uint16 length + UTF-8 WFMOutpre string)]
+[Data Block (ragged)     — per angle: [Background Block][Waveform Data]]
     [Background Block    — uint32 n_bg_samples + n_bg_samples × int8 bytes]
-[Waveform Data (ragged)  — per angle: n_rows[a] × n_channels × n_frames[a] × samples_per_frame × bps bytes]
+    [Waveform Data       — n_rows[a] × n_channels × n_frames[a] × samples_per_frame × bps bytes]
 ```
 
+So the data block reads `[background][scan][background][scan] …`, one pair per
+angle, in angle-table order.
+
 All multi-byte integers and floats use **big-endian** byte order
 (`>` in Python's `struct` module).
 
@@ -34,7 +55,7 @@ All multi-byte integers and floats use **big-endian** byte order
 | Offset | Size | Type      | Field              | Description                                      |
 |--------|------|-----------|--------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
 |  0     |  4   | `4s`      | `magic`            | Always `SRAS` (0x53 0x52 0x41 0x53)              |
-|  4     |  1   | `uint8`   | `version`          | Format version — `6`                             |
+|  4     |  1   | `uint8`   | `version`          | Format version — `7` (scan) or `11` (SAW check)  |
 |  5     |  2   | `uint16`  | `n_angles`         | Number of GR rotation angles                     |
 |  7     |  4   | `float32` | `x_start_nominal`  | Nominal (pre-rotation) X scan start, mm          |
 | 11     |  4   | `float32` | `y_start_nominal`  | Nominal (pre-rotation) Y scan start, mm          |
@@ -117,54 +138,77 @@ to convert raw ADC values to volts.
 
 ---
 
-## Background Block
+## Data Block (ragged)
 
-Immediately after the preamble blocks: a single CH1 waveform captured with the
-**Helios (generation) laser enabled** and the **Genesis (detection) laser
-disabled**.  This provides a noise/background reference for subtraction during
-post-processing.
+Immediately after the preamble blocks, and running to the end of the file:
+for each angle in angle-table order, that angle's **background block**
+followed by that angle's **waveform data**.
+
+```
+for angle a in 0 … n_angles-1:
+  uint32  n_bg_samples                       # background block
+  int8[]  bg_data
+  for row in 0 … n_rows[a]-1:                # waveform data
+    for channel in [CH1, CH3, CH4]:          # 3 channels, fixed order
+      for frame in 0 … n_frames[a]-1:
+        samples[0 … samples_per_frame-1]     # bps bytes each
+```
+
+### Background block
+
+One CH1 waveform captured with the **Helios (generation) laser enabled** and
+the **Genesis (detection) laser disabled**, averaged over 1024 shots
+(`core/scope_sras.py`, `BACKGROUND_AVERAGES`).  It is a noise/background
+reference for subtraction during post-processing.
 
 ```
 uint32  n_bg_samples   — number of samples in the background waveform
 int8[]  bg_data        — raw ADC samples (same encoding as waveform data)
 ```
 
-`n_bg_samples` equals `samples_per_frame` under normal acquisition settings.
+`n_bg_samples` equals `samples_per_frame` under normal acquisition settings,
+but is **not** assumed to: readers take the per-angle offsets from a walk of
+the data block, reading each length prefix as they go, rather than from
+arithmetic over the geometry table alone.
 
----
+Every angle carries its own.  The operator is prompted to switch the Genesis
+laser off before each angle and back on after the capture, so the reference is
+taken minutes from the data it will be subtracted from — a multi-angle scan
+runs for hours, and one background captured at the first angle has drifted by
+the last.  It also makes the angles comparable, which is the entire point of a
+multi-angle scan: each is referenced against its own noise floor rather than
+against whichever angle happened to be scanned first.
 
-## Waveform Data (ragged)
+### Waveform data
 
-Immediately after the background block.  Data is stored in **angle-major,
-row-minor** order, but unlike earlier versions each angle contributes a
+Stored in **angle-major, row-minor** order, and each angle contributes a
 different number of rows (`n_rows[a]`) and a different number of frames per
 row (`n_frames[a]`), both taken from that angle's Per-Angle Geometry Table
 entry.  Within each row, channels are interleaved in ascending channel-index
 order, with each channel's FastFrame data written in frame order.
 
-```
-for angle a in 0 … n_angles-1:
-  for row in 0 … n_rows[a]-1:
-    for channel in [CH1, CH3, CH4]:          # 3 channels, fixed order
-      for frame in 0 … n_frames[a]-1:
-        samples[0 … samples_per_frame-1]     # bps bytes each
-```
-
 Each sample is a raw signed ADC value.  With `bytes_per_sample = 1` this is
 **int8** (−128 … +127).  With `bytes_per_sample = 2` this is **big-endian
 int16**.
 
-Total data size:
+Total data-block size:
 ```
-sum over angles a of: n_rows[a] × 3 × n_frames[a] × samples_per_frame × bytes_per_sample
+sum over angles a of: 4 + n_bg_samples[a]
+                    + n_rows[a] × 3 × n_frames[a] × samples_per_frame × bytes_per_sample
 ```
 
 > **Incomplete files:** If a scan is aborted the file is closed immediately and
-> the data block will be shorter than the expected size. Readers should
-> reconstruct the expected per-angle byte offsets from the Per-Angle Geometry
-> Table and check `file_size` against the running total before reshaping —
-> a fixed `(n_angles, n_rows, ...)` reshape (as in pre-v6 readers) will not
-> work since row/frame counts are no longer uniform across angles.
+> the data block will be shorter than the expected size. Readers should walk
+> the data block from its start — background length prefix, then that angle's
+> declared row bytes from the Per-Angle Geometry Table — checking `file_size`
+> against the running total before reshaping.  A fixed
+> `(n_angles, n_rows, ...)` reshape (as in pre-v6 readers) will not work since
+> row/frame counts are no longer uniform across angles.
+>
+> An angle whose background block is not fully on disk has nothing of itself
+> written yet: it is *missing*, not truncated, and the walk continues past it
+> assuming the block a writer would have produced
+> (`4 + samples_per_frame` bytes), which is where a resumed scan writes.
 
 ---
 
@@ -187,8 +231,9 @@ using that angle's `x_start` from the Per-Angle Geometry Table (not
 
 | Parameter            | Value                                    |
 |-----------------------|------------------------------------------|
-| Setup trigger        | CH2, rising edge, 0.500 V (`TRIG_LEVEL_V`) |
+| Background trigger   | CH2, rising edge, 0.500 V (`TRIG_LEVEL_V`), FastFrame off |
 | Scan trigger         | Logic AND, CH2 HIGH ∧ CH3 HIGH, 0.500 V  |
+| Background average   | 1024 shots (`BACKGROUND_AVERAGES`), once per angle |
 | Horizontal position  | 30 (`HORizontal:POSition`)               |
 | Sample rate          | 6.25 GS/s  (160 ps/sample)               |
 | Transfer format      | `DATa:ENCdg RIBinary`, `DATa:WIDth 1`    |
@@ -216,6 +261,10 @@ is not recorded in the file.
 | Curve transfers | one per channel per row | one per channel per burst |
 | Stage X trigger out | armed for the whole scan | armed per acquiring pass, dropped for the flyback |
 
+Both paths take the same per-angle background: the scope returns to the
+single-record edge trigger for the capture and back to the logic-AND trigger
+before the angle's rows, so the two paths still produce byte-identical files.
+
 Burst mode runs a single acquisition across several rows, so the return move
 must not trigger: the trigger output is dropped before each flyback and
 re-armed for each acquiring pass.  Row boundaries inside the burst come from
@@ -242,6 +291,60 @@ the file always ends on a whole-row boundary.
 
 ---
 
+## SAW Quality Check (v11)
+
+A full multi-angle scan takes hours, and a rig whose angles disagree produces
+all of them before anyone finds out.  The SAW quality check acquires **one row
+per angle — the row-wise middle of the ROI** — and writes it as a v11 file.
+The cost is one row-time per angle instead of `n_rows` of them.
+
+Nothing about the byte layout changes.  A v11 file is a v7 file in which every
+angle's Per-Angle Geometry Table entry declares `n_rows = 1`, and its Row Table
+holds that angle's single middle Y position.  Every v7 reader that works from
+the geometry table (rather than assuming a uniform shape) reads a v11 file
+unchanged.  Each angle still carries its own background, so a check costs the
+same two operator prompts per angle a scan does.
+
+The version byte earns its keep because the two are otherwise
+indistinguishable: **a v7 scan aborted after its first row is not a check**,
+even though both hold one row per angle.  A reader that guessed from the row
+count would treat a failed scan as a deliberate measurement.
+
+Why the middle row in particular: `core/scan_geometry.py` centres every
+angle's rotated bounding box on the same nominal ROI centre, so each angle's
+middle row crosses that one point on the sample.  All the angles therefore
+measure the same material, and a spread in their SAW frequencies is a property
+of the rig — which is what makes it an alignment check.  `saw_check_viewer.py`
+plots every angle's frequency on one graph for exactly that comparison.
+
+Writers must honour the one-row rule; `core.sras_format.create_scan_file`
+refuses a v11 write for any plan that breaks it.  Producing the plan is
+`core.saw_check.middle_row_plan(plan)`, and `n_rows // 2` is the middle-row
+rule (the upper of the two central rows when the count is even).
+
+---
+
+## Legacy layout (v6/v10)
+
+A v6 or v10 file differs in one place: the background block sits **once**,
+between the preamble blocks and the data block, and the data block is
+waveform data alone.
+
+```
+[Preamble Blocks]
+[Background Block        — uint32 n_bg_samples + n_bg_samples × int8 bytes]
+[Waveform Data (ragged)  — per angle: rows, as above, with no background between]
+```
+
+Everything else — header, tables, row order, spatial mapping — is identical,
+which is why `core.sras_format.SrasFile` reads both: it hands the one legacy
+background to every angle, so a reader that asks for angle *a*'s background
+never has to know which layout it is looking at.  Nothing writes v6/v10 any
+more, and a resume refuses them, because a re-acquired angle writes a
+background block the layout has no room for.
+
+---
+
 ## Version History
 
 | Version | Change |
@@ -252,4 +355,7 @@ the file always ends on a whole-row boundary.
 | 4       | Added background waveform block (CH1, Helios ON / Genesis OFF) after the preamble blocks; stored as `uint32` sample count followed by raw `int8` ADC bytes. |
 | 5       | (skipped) |
 | 6       | Each angle now scans only the bounding box of the nominal ROI rotated by that angle instead of the AABB-expanded worst case across all angles. Header no longer carries a single global `x_start`/`x_delta`/`n_rows` — replaced with `*_nominal` reference fields plus a new Per-Angle Geometry Table (`x_start`, `x_delta`, `n_frames`, `n_rows` per angle) and a ragged Row Table / Waveform Data block sized per angle. **Not compatible with v4 readers** (e.g. `sras_viewer.py`, which has not yet been updated for v6). |
-
+| 7       | Background moved into the data block, one per angle: the block now reads `[background][scan][background][scan] …`. Each angle is preceded by its own `uint32` + `int8[]` background, captured (Genesis off, Helios on) just before that angle is scanned, so the reference is contemporary with the data and the angles are comparable to each other. Per-angle offsets therefore come from a walk of the data block rather than arithmetic over the geometry table. **v6 files still read; v6 files cannot be resumed into.** |
+| 8–9     | (skipped) |
+| 10      | Middle-row SAW quality check on the v6 layout. Byte layout identical to v6, with every angle declaring exactly one row — the row-wise middle of the ROI. Superseded by v11; still read. |
+| 11      | Middle-row SAW quality check on the v7 layout: identical to v7 with every angle declaring exactly one row, per-angle backgrounds included. The version byte exists so a check is not confused with a scan aborted after its first row. Written by the main app's *SAW Quality Check*, read by `saw_check_viewer.py`. |

sras_scan_manager.py

@@ -1,18 +1,22 @@
 #!/opt/srasenv/bin/python3
 """
 SRAS Scan Manager
-Command-line / interactive TUI for inspecting v6 .sras files.
+Command-line / interactive TUI for inspecting .sras files.
 
 A .sras file (see scan_format.md) holds one acquisition run across several
 GR rotation angles, each with its own geometry (x_start, x_delta, n_frames,
-n_rows) and waveform data block. This tool lists those per-angle sub-scans
-and lets you export a subset to a new .sras file, or delete a subset from
-the file in place — both operations rewrite the angle/geometry/row tables
-and stream-copy only the selected angles' waveform data, producing a file
-that is itself a valid v6 .sras readable by sras_viewer.py-style tools
-(once updated for v6) or sc3_aui_app.py.
+n_rows), background waveform, and waveform data block. This tool lists those
+per-angle sub-scans and lets you export a subset to a new .sras file, or
+delete a subset from the file in place — both operations rewrite the
+angle/geometry/row tables, carry each kept angle's background across, and
+stream-copy only the selected angles' waveform data, producing a file that is
+itself a valid .sras readable by sras_viewer.py or sc3_aui_app.py.
 
-Only format version 6 is supported.
+Format versions 7 (full scan) and 11 (middle-row SAW check) are supported,
+as are their pre-per-angle-background predecessors 6 and 10. A subset keeps
+the version — and therefore the background layout — of the file it came
+from: a v11 check exports as a v11 check, since dropping angles from one
+leaves it one row per angle.
 """
 
 import argparse
@@ -24,7 +28,9 @@ from pathlib import Path
 
 sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent))
 
-from core.sras_format import GEOM_FMT, HDR_FMT, MAGIC, VERSION as BLOB_VERSION, SrasFile
+from core.sras_format import (
+    BG_LEN_FMT, GEOM_FMT, HDR_FMT, MAGIC, SrasFile,
+)
 
 
 @dataclass
@@ -37,7 +43,8 @@ class AngleEntry:
     n_rows_declared: int
     y_positions: list  # declared length; may exceed what's actually on disk
     row_bytes: int
-    data_offset: int             # byte offset into the file where this angle's data starts
+    background: bytes            # this angle's own background (v7/v11)
+    data_offset: int             # byte offset into the file where this angle's rows start
     n_rows_available: int = 0
     data_size_available: int = 0
     complete: bool = True
@@ -48,7 +55,7 @@ class AngleEntry:
 
 
 class SrasScanFile:
-    """Parsed view of a v6 .sras file's header/tables plus per-angle data offsets."""
+    """Parsed view of a .sras file's header/tables plus per-angle data offsets."""
 
     def __init__(self, path: Path):
         self.path = Path(path)
@@ -57,6 +64,8 @@ class SrasScanFile:
     def _parse(self):
         sras = SrasFile(self.path)
         h = sras.header
+        self.version = sras.version
+        self.is_saw_check = sras.is_saw_check
         self.x_start_nominal = h.x_start_nominal
         self.y_start_nominal = h.y_start_nominal
         self.x_delta_nominal = h.x_delta_nominal
@@ -69,7 +78,10 @@ class SrasScanFile:
         self.bytes_per_sample = h.bytes_per_sample
         self.n_channels       = h.n_channels
         self.preambles_raw   = sras.preambles_raw
-        self.background_raw  = sras.background
+        self.legacy_layout   = sras.is_legacy_layout
+        # v6/v10 keep one background ahead of the data block; v7/v11 keep one
+        # per angle inside it.  Either way sras.backgrounds is per angle.
+        self.shared_background = sras.backgrounds[0] if sras.is_legacy_layout else b""
         self.data_start_offset = sras.data_start_offset
         self.file_size       = sras.file_size
 
@@ -79,12 +91,13 @@ class SrasScanFile:
                 x_start=pa.x_start, x_delta=pa.x_delta,
                 n_frames=pa.n_frames, n_rows_declared=pa.n_rows,
                 y_positions=pa.y_positions, row_bytes=st.row_bytes,
-                data_offset=st.data_offset,
+                background=bg, data_offset=st.data_offset,
                 n_rows_available=st.n_rows_available,
                 data_size_available=st.n_rows_available * st.row_bytes,
                 complete=st.complete,
             )
-            for pa, st in zip(sras.per_angle, sras.angle_status(), strict=True)
+            for pa, st, bg in zip(sras.per_angle, sras.angle_status(),
+                                  sras.backgrounds, strict=True)
         ]
 
     def get(self, index: int) -> AngleEntry:
@@ -96,7 +109,7 @@ class SrasScanFile:
 # ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 def _write_subset(sf: SrasScanFile, indices: list, dst_path: Path) -> list:
-    """Write a new v6 .sras file containing only the given angle indices
+    """Write a new .sras file containing only the given angle indices
     (in the given order). Returns a list of warning strings (e.g. for
     angles that were truncated on disk and thus exported with fewer rows
     than declared).
@@ -105,7 +118,7 @@ def _write_subset(sf: SrasScanFile, indices: list, dst_path: Path) -> list:
     selected = [sf.get(i) for i in indices]
 
     header = struct.pack(
-        HDR_FMT, MAGIC, BLOB_VERSION, len(selected),
+        HDR_FMT, MAGIC, sf.version, len(selected),
         sf.x_start_nominal, sf.y_start_nominal,
         sf.x_delta_nominal, sf.y_delta_nominal,
         sf.row_spacing_mm, sf.velocity_mm_s, sf.laser_freq_hz,
@@ -134,10 +147,18 @@ def _write_subset(sf: SrasScanFile, indices: list, dst_path: Path) -> list:
             dst.write(struct.pack(">H", len(praw)))
             dst.write(praw)
 
-        dst.write(struct.pack(">I", len(sf.background_raw)))
-        dst.write(sf.background_raw)
+        if sf.legacy_layout:
+            dst.write(struct.pack(BG_LEN_FMT, len(sf.shared_background)))
+            dst.write(sf.shared_background)
 
         for e in selected:
+            if not sf.legacy_layout:
+                if not e.background:
+                    warnings.append(
+                        f"angle[{e.index}] ({e.angle_deg:.2f} deg): no background "
+                        "on disk — exported with an empty background block")
+                dst.write(struct.pack(BG_LEN_FMT, len(e.background)))
+                dst.write(e.background)
             src.seek(e.data_offset)
             remaining = e.data_size_available
             chunk_size = 1 << 20
@@ -221,7 +242,8 @@ def parse_index_spec(spec: str, max_index: int) -> list:
 
 def print_summary(sf: SrasScanFile, selected: set):
     print()
-    print(f"File: {sf.path}  (v{BLOB_VERSION}, {_human_size(sf.file_size)})")
+    kind = " SAW check" if sf.is_saw_check else ""
+    print(f"File: {sf.path}  (v{sf.version}{kind}, {_human_size(sf.file_size)})")
     print(f"Nominal ROI: x_start={sf.x_start_nominal:.4f} x_delta={sf.x_delta_nominal:.4f} "
           f"y_start={sf.y_start_nominal:.4f} y_delta={sf.y_delta_nominal:.4f} mm  "
           f"row_spacing={sf.row_spacing_mm:.4f} mm")
@@ -342,7 +364,7 @@ def interactive_loop(path: Path):
 
 def main():
     ap = argparse.ArgumentParser(
-        description="Inspect, export, or delete per-angle sub-scans in a v6 .sras file.")
+        description="Inspect, export, or delete per-angle sub-scans in a .sras file.")
     ap.add_argument("file", type=Path, help="path to a .sras file")
     ap.add_argument("--list", action="store_true", help="print the angle table and exit")
     ap.add_argument("--export", metavar="SPEC", help="angle index spec to export, e.g. '0,2,4-6' or 'all'")

sras_viewer.py

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python3
 """
 SRAS Scan File Viewer
-PyQt6 application for visualizing channel data from v6 .sras scan files.
+PyQt6 application for visualizing channel data from .sras scan files.
 
 Channel semantics (fixed by sc3_aui_app.py acquisition settings):
   CH1 — RF Acoustic Packet: FFT → peak frequency
@@ -76,11 +76,18 @@ class LoadedScan:
     def __init__(self, path: str):
         self.sras = SrasFile(Path(path))
         self.calib = ChannelCalibration.from_preambles(self.sras.preambles)
-        bg = np.frombuffer(self.sras.background, dtype=np.int8)
-        self.background = bg.astype(np.float32) if len(bg) else None
+        # One background per angle (v7/v11), captured just before that angle
+        # was scanned.  A legacy v6/v10 file has a single one, which SrasFile
+        # repeats for every angle, so nothing here branches on the version.
+        self.backgrounds = [self.sras.background_array(ai)
+                            for ai in range(self.sras.header.n_angles)]
         # Rows actually on disk per angle (aborted/resumed scans)
         self.rows_available = [s.n_rows_available for s in self.sras.angle_status()]
 
+    def background(self, angle_idx: int) -> np.ndarray | None:
+        """That angle's background waveform, or None if it has none."""
+        return self.backgrounds[angle_idx]
+
     def angle_view(self, angle_idx: int) -> np.ndarray:
         """Available rows of one angle: (rows, n_ch, n_frames, spf) int8 view."""
         return self.sras.load_angle(angle_idx, n_rows=self.rows_available[angle_idx])
@@ -123,7 +130,7 @@ def compute_image(scan: LoadedScan, angle_idx: int, ch_idx: int,
     if view.shape[0] == 0:
         return np.zeros((0, 0), dtype=np.float32)
     sras = scan.sras
-    bg = scan.background if apply_bg_sub else None
+    bg = scan.background(angle_idx) if apply_bg_sub else None
 
     if ch_idx in (CH1_IDX, VELOCITY_MODE_IDX):
         return compute_rf_image(
@@ -232,7 +239,7 @@ class WaveformCanvas(FigureCanvasQTAgg):
         dc4_val = float(sras.load_row(angle_idx, row_idx, CH4_IDX)[frame_idx]
                         .mean(dtype=np.float32))
 
-        bg = scan.background if apply_bg_sub else None
+        bg = scan.background(angle_idx) if apply_bg_sub else None
         waveform_plot = waveform - bg if bg is not None else waveform
 
         self.ax_wave.cla()
@@ -696,7 +703,7 @@ class SrasViewerWindow(QMainWindow):
         self.chk_bg_sub.setChecked(True)
         self.chk_bg_sub.setEnabled(False)
         self.chk_bg_sub.setToolTip(
-            "Subtract the stored background waveform from each CH1 frame\n"
+            "Subtract this angle's stored background waveform from each CH1 frame\n"
             "before computing the FFT."
         )
         self.chk_bg_sub.toggled.connect(self._on_bg_sub_toggled)
@@ -1043,7 +1050,7 @@ class SrasViewerWindow(QMainWindow):
         self._on_view_changed()
 
     def _update_angle_info(self):
-        """Per-angle info fields (v6 geometry is ragged across angles)."""
+        """Per-angle info fields (geometry is ragged across angles)."""
         scan = self._scan
         if scan is None:
             return
@@ -1060,8 +1067,9 @@ class SrasViewerWindow(QMainWindow):
         if avail < pa.n_rows:
             notes.append(f"! Angle {ai}: only {avail}/{pa.n_rows} rows on disk "
                          "(scan was aborted or is still running)")
-        if scan.background is not None:
-            notes.append(f"Background waveform: {len(scan.background)} samples")
+        bg = scan.background(ai)
+        if bg is not None:
+            notes.append(f"Background waveform (angle {ai}): {len(bg)} samples")
         self.lbl_frame_warn.setText("\n".join(notes))
 
     # ------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -1083,7 +1091,7 @@ class SrasViewerWindow(QMainWindow):
         is_ch1 = enabled and ch_idx in CH1_DERIVED_MODES
         is_fft = enabled and ch_idx in (CH1_IDX, VELOCITY_MODE_IDX)
         self.spin_threshold_mv.setEnabled(is_ch1)
-        has_bg = has_file and scan.background is not None
+        has_bg = has_file and scan.background(self.spin_angle.value()) is not None
         self.chk_bg_sub.setEnabled(has_bg and is_ch1)
         # Time gate only for FFT modes (the SAW pipeline has its own gating)
         self.chk_gate.setEnabled(is_fft)
@@ -1197,6 +1205,9 @@ class SrasViewerWindow(QMainWindow):
         idx = self.spin_angle.value()
         self.lbl_angle_deg.setText(f"({self._scan.sras.per_angle[idx].angle_deg:.1f}°)")
         self._update_angle_info()
+        # Backgrounds are per angle, so whether there is one to subtract can
+        # change with the angle (a truncated file may be missing later ones).
+        self._update_controls_enabled(True)
         self._request_compute()
 
     # ------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -1382,7 +1393,8 @@ class SrasViewerWindow(QMainWindow):
         angle_idx = self.spin_angle.value()
         n_shots_req = self.spin_saw_n_shots.value()
         row_sel, frame_sel = self._last_row, self._last_frame
-        apply_bg = scan.background is not None and self.chk_bg_sub.isChecked()
+        background = scan.background(angle_idx)
+        apply_bg = background is not None and self.chk_bg_sub.isChecked()
 
         if row_sel is not None and frame_sel is not None:
             src_desc = f"selected pixel (row={row_sel}, frame={frame_sel})"
@@ -1405,7 +1417,7 @@ class SrasViewerWindow(QMainWindow):
                 rows, frames = np.divmod(flat, n_frames)
                 shots = view[rows, CH1_IDX, frames].astype(np.float32)
             if apply_bg:
-                shots -= scan.background
+                shots -= background
             pipeline.build_template(shots)
             return None
 

tests/fakes.py

@@ -99,6 +99,16 @@ class FakeStage:
                     round(at_speed_mm * LASER_FREQ_HZ / SCAN_VELOCITY_MM_S))
 
 
+def background_record(n: int, samples_per_frame: int) -> bytes:
+    """The waveform FakeScope returns from its n-th background capture.
+
+    Every angle captures its own, so the tests need to tell one from the
+    next: a background that landed under the wrong angle would otherwise
+    look exactly like the right one.
+    """
+    return bytes((n * 17 + s) % 256 for s in range(samples_per_frame))
+
+
 class FakeScope:
     """Stands in for TektronixOscilloscopeBase.
 
@@ -113,6 +123,7 @@ class FakeScope:
         self._acq_polls = 0
         self._running = False
         self._acquired = 0
+        self._backgrounds_taken = 0
         # Per-channel running frame index.  Frame content is a function of
         # (channel, index) alone, so the same total frame sequence yields the
         # same bytes however it is chopped into transfers.
@@ -194,7 +205,9 @@ class FakeScope:
 
     def transfer_curve(self):
         self._t.record("transfer_curve")
-        return bytes(range(self.samples_per_frame))
+        n = self._backgrounds_taken
+        self._backgrounds_taken += 1
+        return background_record(n, self.samples_per_frame)
 
     def _frames(self, ch, count):
         spf = self.samples_per_frame
@@ -245,6 +258,9 @@ class FakeT3R:
         self._t = trace
         self.is_open = is_open
         self._motion_completes = motion_completes
+        # Microsteps commanded per channel, so a test can read the tilt the
+        # platform ended up at rather than replaying the move trace.
+        self.positions = {ch: 0 for ch in range(4)}
 
     def set_microstep(self, ch, micro):
         self._t.record("t3r_set_microstep", ch, micro)
@@ -260,9 +276,113 @@ class FakeT3R:
         return round(self.MOTOR_FULL_STEPS_PER_REV * microsteps * ratio
                      * angle_deg / 360.0)
 
+    def move(self, ch, steps, velocity, accel):
+        self._t.record("t3r_move", ch, steps)
+        self.positions[ch] += steps
+
     def rotate_stage(self, angle_deg, microsteps, velocity, accel):
         self._t.record("t3r_rotate", round(angle_deg, 6))
 
     def wait_motion_done(self, ch, timeout):
         self._t.record("t3r_wait_motion_done", ch)
         return self._motion_completes
+
+
+class FakeAlignRig:
+    """A tilted sample on the tilt platform, as the DC levels would read it.
+
+    The detection beam is fixed and the stage carries the sample under it, so
+    the height error under the beam is the sample's slope times how far the
+    stage has moved off the reference point.  The T-axes tilt the sample the
+    other way: their three heights define a plane, and its slope adds to the
+    sample's.  Nulling the split-detector difference therefore means cancelling
+    the sample slope — which is exactly what an aligner has to work out.
+
+    The plane is fitted by least squares here, rather than reusing
+    core.auto_align's closed form, so the two are independent statements of
+    the same geometry.
+
+    ``curvature_mv_per_mm2`` bends the surface: a curved sample needs opposite
+    corrections at +1.5 mm and -1.5 mm, which is the disagreement the
+    procedure is supposed to report instead of averaging away.
+    """
+
+    # Actuator azimuths on the platform, in degrees from stage +X.
+    AZIMUTH_DEG = {0: 120.0, 1: 0.0, 2: 240.0}
+
+    def __init__(self, stage, t3r, ref_mm=(50.0, 40.0),
+                 x_slope_mv_per_mm=40.0, y_slope_mv_per_mm=-25.0,
+                 tilt_gain_mv_per_mm=0.2, base_mv=400.0,
+                 curvature_mv_per_mm2=0.0, jitter_mv=0.0):
+        self._stage = stage
+        self._t3r = t3r
+        self.ref_mm = ref_mm
+        self.x_slope_mv_per_mm = x_slope_mv_per_mm
+        self.y_slope_mv_per_mm = y_slope_mv_per_mm
+        self.tilt_gain_mv_per_mm = tilt_gain_mv_per_mm
+        self.base_mv = base_mv
+        self.curvature_mv_per_mm2 = curvature_mv_per_mm2
+        self.jitter_mv = jitter_mv
+        self._reads = 0
+
+    # -- geometry -----------------------------------------------------------
+    def platform_tilt(self):
+        """(x_tilt, y_tilt) of the plane through the three actuator heights."""
+        import numpy as np
+        rows, heights = [], []
+        for ch, azimuth in self.AZIMUTH_DEG.items():
+            theta = np.radians(azimuth)
+            rows.append([1.0, np.cos(theta), np.sin(theta)])
+            heights.append(float(self._t3r.positions[ch]))
+        _, x_tilt, y_tilt = np.linalg.lstsq(np.array(rows), np.array(heights),
+                                            rcond=None)[0]
+        return float(x_tilt), float(y_tilt)
+
+    def slopes_mv_per_mm(self):
+        """The residual sample slope the beam sees, after the platform tilt."""
+        x_tilt, y_tilt = self.platform_tilt()
+        return (self.x_slope_mv_per_mm + self.tilt_gain_mv_per_mm * x_tilt,
+                self.y_slope_mv_per_mm + self.tilt_gain_mv_per_mm * y_tilt)
+
+    def difference_mv(self):
+        x_off = self._stage.positions[0] - self.ref_mm[0]
+        y_off = self._stage.positions[1] - self.ref_mm[1]
+        slope_x, slope_y = self.slopes_mv_per_mm()
+        return (slope_x * x_off + slope_y * y_off
+                + self.curvature_mv_per_mm2 * (x_off ** 2 + y_off ** 2))
+
+    # -- what the scope reports ---------------------------------------------
+    def level_v(self, channel):
+        """CH3 and CH4 as volts: the difference straddling a constant sum.
+
+        The sum is fixed because tilt steers the beam across the detector
+        rather than changing how much light comes back — so a nulled
+        difference does put both levels back where they were.
+        """
+        self._reads += 1
+        # A deterministic alternating wobble, so a test can check the median
+        # of several reads is what keeps the loop stable.
+        jitter = self.jitter_mv * (1 if self._reads % 2 else -1)
+        half = 0.5 * self.difference_mv()
+        mv = self.base_mv + (half if channel == 3 else -half) + jitter
+        return mv / 1000.0
+
+
+class FakeAlignScope(FakeScope):
+    """FakeScope that also answers the DC measurements auto-align reads."""
+
+    def __init__(self, trace: Trace, rig: FakeAlignRig, samples_per_frame=8,
+                 acquisitions_advance=True):
+        super().__init__(trace, samples_per_frame=samples_per_frame)
+        self._rig = rig
+        self._acq = 0
+        self._advance = acquisitions_advance
+
+    def measure_immediate(self, channel, measurement_type="MEAN"):
+        self._t.record("measure_immediate", channel, measurement_type)
+        return self._rig.level_v(channel)
+
+    def get_acquisition_count(self):
+        if self._advance:
+            self._acq += 1
+        return self._acq

tests/golden/sras_expected.json

@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@
         "angle_deg": -180.0,
         "n_rows": 3,
         "row_bytes": 96,
-        "data_offset": 265,
+        "data_offset": 553,
         "n_rows_available": 0,
         "status": "MISSING"
       }
@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@
         "angle_deg": -180.0,
         "n_rows": 3,
         "row_bytes": 96,
-        "data_offset": 265,
+        "data_offset": 553,
         "n_rows_available": 0,
         "status": "MISSING"
       }

tests/golden_util.py

@@ -1,9 +1,18 @@
-"""Shared constants for the golden .sras fixtures.
+"""Shared constants and writers for the .sras test fixtures.
 
-These mirror the values tests/gen_goldens.py used when the fixtures were
-generated against the pre-refactor code (commit d185676); they must never
-change, or the byte-identical comparisons stop meaning anything.
+The constants mirror the values tests/gen_goldens.py used when the committed
+golden files were generated against the pre-refactor code (commit d185676);
+they must never change, or the comparisons against those files stop meaning
+anything.  Those goldens are legacy v6 files — the one background per file
+layout — and are now read-only fixtures for the parser.
+
+``write_v7`` builds the current layout (one background per angle, inside the
+data block) over the same geometry, for the tests that need a file this
+version of the app could actually have written.
 """
+from core.scan_geometry import build_plan
+from core.sras_format import VERSION, create_scan_file, write_background_block
+
 SPF = 8
 SAMPLE_RATE = 6.25e9
 CHANNELS = [1, 3, 4]
@@ -19,3 +28,31 @@ VELOCITY_MM_S = 100.0
 
 def synthetic_frame(ai, ri, ci, fi):
     return bytes((ai * 7 + ri * 5 + ci * 3 + fi + s) % 256 for s in range(SPF))
+
+
+def tiny_plan():
+    """The fixture geometry: 2 angles × 3 rows × 4 frames."""
+    return build_plan(**TINY_PLAN_ARGS, laser_freq_hz=LASER_FREQ_HZ,
+                      velocity_mm_s=VELOCITY_MM_S)
+
+
+def angle_background(ai):
+    """A background that differs per angle, so tests can tell them apart."""
+    return bytes((ai * 11 + s) % 256 for s in range(SPF))
+
+
+def write_v7(path, plan=None, version=None):
+    """Write a complete current-format file: [background][rows] per angle."""
+    plan = plan if plan is not None else tiny_plan()
+    f = create_scan_file(path, plan, SPF, SAMPLE_RATE, PREAMBLES,
+                         version=VERSION if version is None else version)
+    try:
+        for ai, pa in enumerate(plan.per_angle):
+            write_background_block(f, angle_background(ai))
+            for ri in range(pa.n_rows):
+                for ci in range(len(CHANNELS)):
+                    for fi in range(pa.n_frames):
+                        f.write(synthetic_frame(ai, ri, ci, fi))
+    finally:
+        f.close()
+    return plan

tests/test_auto_align.py

@@ -0,0 +1,312 @@
+"""Auto-align, driven entirely by fake hardware.
+
+The feature is a closed loop over hardware, so the tests are built round a
+model of the rig (fakes.FakeAlignRig): a sample at a known tilt, a platform
+whose three actuators tilt it, and DC levels that follow from both.  A test
+therefore asks the question the operator does — is the sample level now? —
+rather than replaying a command sequence.
+
+The other half is geometry.  Which axis moves for which stage direction is
+the one thing here that cannot be discovered at run time, and getting it
+wrong would still converge (on the wrong axis, at the wrong point), so it is
+pinned separately and explicitly.
+"""
+from dataclasses import replace
+
+import pytest
+
+from core.auto_align import (
+    AutoAligner, AutoAlignAborted, AutoAlignError, DEFAULT_ALIGN,
+    T_AXIS_AZIMUTH_DEG, X_TILT, Y_TILT, tilt_response,
+)
+from core.scan_engine import AXIS_X, AXIS_Y
+from core.scope_inspect import BIAS_CHANNELS, BIAS_SCALE_V_DIV, INSPECT_TRIG_LEVEL_V
+from fakes import FakeAlignRig, FakeAlignScope, FakeStage, FakeT3R, Trace
+
+REF_MM = (50.0, 40.0)
+
+# No settle: the sleeps are there for the instrument, and every test here
+# takes a few dozen readings.
+FAST = replace(DEFAULT_ALIGN, settle_s=0.0)
+
+
+def build(*, settings=FAST, acquisitions_advance=True, ref_mm=REF_MM,
+          should_abort=lambda: False, **rig_kwargs):
+    trace = Trace()
+    stage = FakeStage(trace)
+    stage.positions = list(ref_mm)
+    t3r = FakeT3R(trace)
+    rig = FakeAlignRig(stage, t3r, ref_mm=ref_mm, **rig_kwargs)
+    scope = FakeAlignScope(trace, rig, acquisitions_advance=acquisitions_advance)
+    aligner = AutoAligner(stage, scope, t3r, settings=settings,
+                          should_abort=should_abort)
+    return aligner, rig, trace, stage, t3r
+
+
+def moves(trace, ch=None):
+    return [c for c in trace.of("t3r_move") if ch is None or c[1] == ch]
+
+
+# ── Geometry: the half that cannot be discovered at run time ─────────────────
+
+def test_tilt_groups_are_the_moves_they_claim_to_be():
+    """X tilts along X only, Y along Y only — otherwise the phases interfere.
+
+    If this fails, the azimuth map and the groups have drifted apart and the
+    Y phase would be undoing the X phase's correction.
+    """
+    x_piston, x_x, x_y = tilt_response(X_TILT)
+    y_piston, y_x, y_y = tilt_response(Y_TILT)
+
+    assert x_x != 0 and x_y == pytest.approx(0.0, abs=1e-9)
+    assert y_y != 0 and y_x == pytest.approx(0.0, abs=1e-9)
+    # The Y pair is equal and opposite, so it lifts nothing on average; the
+    # single X axis unavoidably lifts the platform as well as tilting it.
+    assert y_piston == pytest.approx(0.0, abs=1e-9)
+    assert x_piston != 0
+
+
+def test_x_is_corrected_by_the_axis_lying_along_x():
+    """T1 sits at 0°, so it is the one that tilts the platform along X."""
+    assert T_AXIS_AZIMUTH_DEG[1] == 0.0
+    assert set(X_TILT.weights) == {1}
+
+
+def test_y_is_corrected_by_the_other_two_as_an_opposed_pair():
+    assert set(Y_TILT.weights) == {0, 2}
+    assert Y_TILT.weights[0] == -Y_TILT.weights[2]
+
+
+# ── The loop does what it is for ─────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+def test_alignment_cancels_the_sample_slope_on_both_axes():
+    """The point of the whole procedure: a level sample when it finishes."""
+    aligner, rig, _, _, _ = build()
+    aligner.prepare()
+    result = aligner.run()
+
+    slope_x, slope_y = rig.slopes_mv_per_mm()
+    # Residual slope over the +/-1.5 mm the scan cares about, in mV.
+    assert abs(slope_x * DEFAULT_ALIGN.offset_mm) <= DEFAULT_ALIGN.tolerance_mv
+    assert abs(slope_y * DEFAULT_ALIGN.offset_mm) <= DEFAULT_ALIGN.tolerance_mv
+    assert result.ok
+
+
+def test_every_search_ends_inside_the_tolerance():
+    aligner, _, _, _, _ = build()
+    reference = aligner.prepare()
+    result = aligner.run()
+
+    for axis in result.axes:
+        for offset in axis.offsets:
+            assert offset.converged, offset.describe()
+            assert offset.final.matches(reference, DEFAULT_ALIGN.tolerance_mv)
+    assert result.final.matches(reference, DEFAULT_ALIGN.tolerance_mv)
+
+
+def test_a_flat_sample_gives_the_same_answer_in_both_directions():
+    """Both offsets measure one angle, so on a plane they must agree.
+
+    The agreement is what licenses averaging them; see the curved case below
+    for what happens when it does not hold.
+    """
+    aligner, _, _, _, _ = build()
+    aligner.prepare()
+    result = aligner.run()
+
+    for axis in result.axes:
+        plus, minus = axis.offsets
+        assert plus.correction_steps == pytest.approx(minus.correction_steps,
+                                                      rel=0.02, abs=5.0)
+        assert axis.disagreement_steps < 10.0
+        assert axis.applied
+
+
+def test_a_curved_sample_is_reported_rather_than_averaged_away():
+    """Curvature needs opposite corrections either side, and says so."""
+    # Big enough that the near side is still outside the tolerance once the
+    # far side's error has been curved past it — otherwise one search has
+    # nothing to do and the disagreement never shows up.
+    aligner, _, _, _, _ = build(curvature_mv_per_mm2=60.0)
+    aligner.prepare()
+    result = aligner.run()
+
+    x_axis = result.axes[0]
+    plus, minus = x_axis.offsets
+    assert plus.correction_steps * minus.correction_steps < 0   # opposite signs
+    assert x_axis.disagreement_steps > 100.0
+
+
+def test_the_search_survives_a_noisy_detector():
+    """Five reads and a median, so a wobbling level still converges."""
+    aligner, _, _, _, _ = build(jitter_mv=1.5)
+    reference = aligner.prepare()
+    result = aligner.run()
+    assert result.final.matches(reference, DEFAULT_ALIGN.tolerance_mv)
+
+
+# ── Which hardware moves, and how ───────────────────────────────────────────
+
+def test_the_x_phase_moves_t1_and_the_y_phase_moves_t0_and_t2():
+    """The phases stay on their own axes, in the order X then Y."""
+    aligner, _, trace, _, t3r = build()
+    aligner.prepare()
+    aligner.run()
+
+    channels = [c[1] for c in moves(trace)]
+    first_y = next(i for i, ch in enumerate(channels) if ch in (0, 2))
+    assert set(channels[:first_y]) == {1}, "the X phase moved something else"
+    assert set(channels[first_y:]) == {0, 2}, "the Y phase moved something else"
+
+    # The Y pair ends equal and opposite: anything else is a tilt along X the
+    # Y phase had no business applying.
+    assert t3r.positions[0] == -t3r.positions[2]
+    assert t3r.positions[1] != 0
+
+
+def test_the_rotation_axis_is_never_touched():
+    """GR carries the scan's angle; an alignment that moved it would silently
+    re-datum every subsequent scan."""
+    aligner, _, trace, _, t3r = build()
+    aligner.prepare()
+    aligner.run()
+
+    assert moves(trace, ch=3) == []
+    assert t3r.positions[3] == 0
+    assert [c for c in trace.of("t3r_enable") if c[1] == 3] == []
+
+
+def test_the_t_axes_are_configured_before_they_are_moved():
+    """32 microsteps and 600 mA, applied rather than assumed — a correction is
+    reported in microsteps, so what a microstep means has to be pinned."""
+    aligner, _, trace, _, _ = build()
+    aligner.prepare()
+
+    for ch in (0, 1, 2):
+        assert ("t3r_set_microstep", ch, 32) in trace.calls
+        run_ma = [c for c in trace.of("t3r_set_current") if c[1] == ch]
+        assert run_ma and run_ma[0][2] == 600
+        assert ("t3r_enable", ch) in trace.calls
+
+    names = trace.names()
+    assert "t3r_move" not in names[:names.index("t3r_enable")]
+
+
+def test_the_stage_steps_either_side_and_comes_back():
+    aligner, _, trace, stage, _ = build()
+    aligner.prepare()
+    aligner.run()
+    aligner.stop()
+
+    x_targets = [c[2] for c in trace.of("move_axis_absolute") if c[1] == AXIS_X]
+    y_targets = [c[2] for c in trace.of("move_axis_absolute") if c[1] == AXIS_Y]
+    off = DEFAULT_ALIGN.offset_mm
+    assert REF_MM[0] + off in x_targets and REF_MM[0] - off in x_targets
+    assert REF_MM[1] + off in y_targets and REF_MM[1] - off in y_targets
+    assert stage.positions == list(REF_MM)
+
+
+def test_the_scope_is_put_into_the_bias_reading_state():
+    """The same free-running, edge-triggered state the angle inspector uses:
+    the operator has to be able to read CH1 while this runs."""
+    aligner, _, trace, _, _ = build()
+    aligner.prepare()
+
+    scales = {c[1]: c[2] for c in trace.of("set_channel_scale")}
+    for ch in BIAS_CHANNELS:
+        assert scales[ch] == BIAS_SCALE_V_DIV
+    assert ("set_trigger_level", 2, INSPECT_TRIG_LEVEL_V) in trace.calls
+    assert ("set_fastframe_state", False) in trace.calls
+    assert "ACQuire:STATE RUN" in [c[1] for c in trace.of("write")]
+
+    # Only the two bias channels are ever measured.
+    assert {c[1] for c in trace.of("measure_immediate")} == set(BIAS_CHANNELS)
+
+
+def test_the_gate_is_dropped_before_anything_moves():
+    """An armed TRIGOUT would drive the scan gate on every positioning move."""
+    aligner, _, trace, _, _ = build()
+    aligner.prepare()
+    assert ("set_trigger_gate_off", AXIS_X) in trace.calls
+
+
+# ── Refusals ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+def test_a_dead_axis_stops_the_procedure():
+    """No response to a probe, however large: something is wrong upstream of
+    the tilt platform, and stepping the actuators further will not find it."""
+    aligner, _, _, _, _ = build(tilt_gain_mv_per_mm=0.0)
+    aligner.prepare()
+    with pytest.raises(AutoAlignError, match="laser"):
+        aligner.run()
+
+
+def test_a_scope_that_never_retriggers_stops_the_procedure():
+    """A stale record reads as a rock-steady measurement — the one failure the
+    loop cannot see for itself."""
+    aligner, _, _, _, _ = build(acquisitions_advance=False)
+    with pytest.raises(AutoAlignError, match="not triggered"):
+        aligner.prepare()
+
+
+def test_an_axis_that_would_run_out_of_travel_stops_the_procedure():
+    aligner, _, _, _, _ = build(x_slope_mv_per_mm=200.0,
+                                tilt_gain_mv_per_mm=0.01)
+    aligner.prepare()
+    with pytest.raises(AutoAlignError, match="safety limit"):
+        aligner.run()
+
+
+def test_there_has_to_be_room_either_side_of_the_reference_point():
+    aligner, _, _, _, _ = build(ref_mm=(0.5, 40.0))
+    with pytest.raises(AutoAlignError, match="either side"):
+        aligner.prepare()
+
+
+def test_run_before_the_operator_confirms_is_refused():
+    aligner, _, _, _, _ = build()
+    with pytest.raises(AutoAlignError, match="prepare"):
+        aligner.run()
+
+
+def test_missing_hardware_is_named():
+    trace = Trace()
+    stage = FakeStage(trace)
+    t3r = FakeT3R(trace, is_open=False)
+    rig = FakeAlignRig(stage, t3r)
+    scope = FakeAlignScope(trace, rig)
+
+    with pytest.raises(AutoAlignError, match="T3R"):
+        AutoAligner(stage, scope, t3r, settings=FAST).prepare()
+    with pytest.raises(AutoAlignError, match="Oscilloscope"):
+        AutoAligner(stage, None, t3r, settings=FAST).prepare()
+    with pytest.raises(AutoAlignError, match="BBD202"):
+        AutoAligner(None, scope, t3r, settings=FAST).prepare()
+
+
+def test_an_abort_stops_the_run_and_still_parks_the_stage():
+    """Stopping is the operator's, so it must not leave the stage 1.5 mm off
+    the point they were looking at."""
+    calls = {"n": 0}
+
+    def abort_after_a_few_moves():
+        calls["n"] += 1
+        return calls["n"] > 12
+
+    aligner, _, _, stage, _ = build(should_abort=abort_after_a_few_moves)
+    aligner.prepare()
+    with pytest.raises(AutoAlignAborted):
+        aligner.run()
+
+    aligner.stop()
+    assert stage.positions == list(REF_MM)
+
+
+def test_stop_leaves_the_correction_applied():
+    """The tilt is the result — a stop parks the stage, not the platform."""
+    aligner, _, _, _, t3r = build()
+    aligner.prepare()
+    aligner.run()
+    applied = dict(t3r.positions)
+    aligner.stop()
+    assert t3r.positions == applied

tests/test_helios_laser.py

@@ -0,0 +1,327 @@
+"""HeliosLaser: replies that span more than one line.
+
+Regression: every status-register query answers with the value *and* a
+"Bit 15..0: ..." decode line.  The driver read one line per query and threw
+the rest away with reset_input_buffer(), which at 9600 baud cannot drop
+bytes that are still on the wire — so from the first LER read onward every
+reply was one line behind, and the panel showed a register as
+"Bit 15..0: 0000 0000 0000 0010" with the reads around it timing out.
+"""
+import pytest
+
+from hardware.helios_laser import HeliosLaser, PulseMode
+
+
+# What the controller actually sends back, transcribed from a session with
+# the laser (tools/helios_lds_probe.py): CRLF line ends, the value padded
+# out to a fixed width, and one or two blank lines closing every reply.
+#
+#     b'LDS =    100 mA\r\n\r\n'
+#     b'LCE =     32\r\nBit 15..0: 0000 0000 0010 0000\r\n\r\n\r\n'
+#
+# The blank lines matter: a reader that stops at CR leaves the LF of the
+# last one behind, and the next read waits out the port timeout for a CR
+# that only the next command will bring.
+_PAD = [""]
+_REGISTER_PAD = ["", ""]
+
+REPLIES = {
+    "LDO": ["LDO =      1 "] + _PAD,
+    "LDF": ["LDF =  20000 ns"] + _PAD,
+    "LDS": ["LDS =   1500 mA"] + _PAD,
+    "LDG": ["LDG =     14 "] + _PAD,
+    "LRE": ["LRE =      0 "] + _PAD,
+    "LTA": ["LTA =  25400 m°C"] + _PAD,
+    "LTT": ["LTT =  31200 m°C"] + _PAD,
+    "EOA": ["EOA =  40100 m°C"] + _PAD,
+    "CSR": ["CSR = 1234567"] + _PAD,
+    "HSR": ["HSR = 7654321"] + _PAD,
+    # The registers are the multi-line ones.
+    "LER": ["LER =      0", "Bit 15..0: 0000 0000 0000 0000"] + _REGISTER_PAD,
+    "LCE": ["LCE =      2", "Bit 15..0: 0000 0000 0000 0010"] + _REGISTER_PAD,
+    "CCE": ["CCE =      0", "Bit 15..0: 0000 0000 0000 0000"] + _REGISTER_PAD,
+}
+
+
+class FakePort:
+    """Serial stand-in that answers like the Helios controller.
+
+    ``reset_input_buffer`` is deliberately a no-op: the rest of a reply is
+    still in flight when the driver has read its first line, so a flush
+    cannot remove it.  The driver has to stay in step by reading what it
+    asked for, not by discarding what it happens to find.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, replies=None, timeout=1.0, discard_writes=False):
+        self.replies = dict(REPLIES) if replies is None else replies
+        self.timeout = timeout
+        self.is_open = True
+        # "Commands or set values can be discarded by the controller
+        # unintentionally" (manual, Section 6) — the case a verified write
+        # exists to catch.
+        self.discard_writes = discard_writes
+        self.written: list[str] = []
+        self._buf = bytearray()
+
+    def _store(self, mnemonic: str, value: str):
+        """Keep a written value, so a later query reads back what was set."""
+        if self.discard_writes:
+            return
+        previous = self.replies.get(mnemonic, [f"{mnemonic} = 0"])[0]
+        unit = previous.split()[3:]     # "LDS = 1500 mA" -> ["mA"]
+        self.replies[mnemonic] = [" ".join([f"{mnemonic} =", value, *unit])]
+
+    # ── the bits of pyserial.Serial the driver uses ──────────────────────────
+
+    def write(self, data: bytes) -> int:
+        text = data.decode("ascii").strip()
+        self.written.append(text)
+        fields = text.split()
+        if len(fields) > 1:
+            self._store(fields[0].upper(), fields[1])
+        for line in self.replies.get(fields[0].upper() if fields else "", []):
+            self._buf += line.encode("utf-8") + b"\r\n"
+        return len(data)
+
+    @property
+    def in_waiting(self) -> int:
+        return len(self._buf)
+
+    def read(self, size: int = 1) -> bytes:
+        chunk = bytes(self._buf[:size])
+        del self._buf[:size]
+        return chunk
+
+    def read_until(self, expected: bytes = b"\n", size=None) -> bytes:
+        # No terminator in the buffer models the read timing out: pyserial
+        # returns whatever it has, which is b"" when nothing is pending.
+        cut = self._buf.find(expected)
+        cut = len(self._buf) if cut < 0 else cut + len(expected)
+        chunk = bytes(self._buf[:cut])
+        del self._buf[:cut]
+        return chunk
+
+    def reset_input_buffer(self):
+        """No-op — see the class docstring."""
+
+    def close(self):
+        self.is_open = False
+
+
+@pytest.fixture
+def laser():
+    """A connected driver on a fake port, with the idle wait taken out.
+
+    TRAILING_QUIET_S covers the ~30 ms a decode line spends on the wire at
+    9600 baud; the fake answers instantly, so waiting for it only slows the
+    suite down.  Zeroing it also keeps the tests honest: they pass because
+    the driver reads the whole reply, not because it waited long enough.
+    """
+    drv = HeliosLaser(timeout=1.0)
+    drv.serial = FakePort()
+    drv.is_connected = True
+    drv.TRAILING_QUIET_S = 0.0
+    drv.SET_SETTLE_S = 0.0
+    return drv
+
+
+@pytest.fixture
+def stubborn_laser():
+    """A controller that answers every query but keeps its own set values."""
+    drv = HeliosLaser(timeout=1.0)
+    drv.serial = FakePort(discard_writes=True)
+    drv.is_connected = True
+    drv.TRAILING_QUIET_S = 0.0
+    drv.SET_SETTLE_S = 0.0
+    return drv
+
+
+def test_status_registers_are_read_in_step(laser):
+    """The regression: each register gets its own value, not the previous
+    register's decode line."""
+    assert laser.get_status_registers() == (0, 2, 0)
+
+
+def test_reads_after_a_register_are_not_a_line_behind(laser):
+    """A whole status poll, in the order HeliosWorker._poll_once issues it."""
+    assert laser.get_status_registers() == (0, 2, 0)
+    assert laser.is_laser_enabled() is True
+    assert laser.get_current_ma() == 1500
+    assert laser.get_diode_temp_c() == pytest.approx(25.4)
+    assert laser.get_power_stage_temp_c() == pytest.approx(31.2)
+    assert laser.get_qswitch_temp_c() == pytest.approx(40.1)
+
+
+def test_decode_line_is_consumed_not_left_behind(laser):
+    laser.get_status_registers()
+    assert laser.serial.in_waiting == 0
+
+
+def test_unit_suffix_is_stripped(laser):
+    assert laser.get_frequency_hz() == 50000       # "LDF = 20000 ns"
+    assert laser.get_current_ma() == 1500          # "LDS = 1500 mA"
+
+
+def test_a_reply_from_an_earlier_command_is_skipped(laser):
+    """An answer already in the buffer when the query goes out belongs to
+    whoever asked for it, and must not be returned as this query's value."""
+    laser.serial._buf += b"LER = 8\r\nBit 15..0: 0000 0000 0000 1000\r\n"
+    assert laser.get_current_ma() == 1500
+
+
+def test_reply_without_a_mnemonic_is_taken_as_the_value(laser):
+    """The serial numbers come back as a bare string on some firmware."""
+    laser.serial.replies = {"CSR": ["A1B2C3D4"]}
+    assert laser.get_controller_serial() == "A1B2C3D4"
+
+
+def test_silent_device_reports_a_timeout(laser):
+    laser.serial.replies = {}
+    assert laser.get_current_ma() is None
+    assert laser._query("LTA") is None
+
+
+def test_set_commands_clear_their_acknowledgement(laser):
+    """A setter that leaves the controller's echo in the buffer desynchronises
+    the next query just as a decode line does."""
+    assert laser.set_laser_enable(True) is True
+    assert laser.serial.in_waiting == 0
+    assert laser.set_pulse_mode(PulseMode.CONTINUOUS_PULSING) is True
+    assert laser.get_current_ma() == 1500
+
+
+def test_raw_command_returns_every_line(laser):
+    """The diagnostics console is where a multi-line reply should be visible."""
+    assert laser.send_raw_command("LCE") == (
+        "LCE =      2\nBit 15..0: 0000 0000 0000 0010"
+    )
+
+
+# ── Set values the controller may discard ────────────────────────────────────
+#
+# Section 6 of the manual: "Commands or set values can be discarded by the
+# controller unintentionally.  It is recommended to query the set value
+# after the command is entered to confirm the actual value."  A write that
+# reports success without reading back leaves the panel showing a setpoint
+# the laser never took, until the next poll replaces it with the old value.
+
+def test_a_set_current_is_read_back(laser):
+    assert laser.set_current_ma(900) is True
+    assert laser.get_current_ma() == 900
+    assert "LDS 900" in laser.serial.written
+
+
+def test_a_discarded_set_current_is_retried_then_reported(stubborn_laser):
+    assert stubborn_laser.set_current_ma(900) is False
+    # Retried, not given up on after one write.
+    assert stubborn_laser.serial.written.count("LDS 900") == \
+        stubborn_laser.SET_RETRIES
+    # And the controller's own value is what it still holds.
+    assert stubborn_laser.get_current_ma() == 1500
+
+
+def test_a_set_that_takes_on_a_retry_succeeds(laser):
+    """One dropped write, then the controller accepts — still a success."""
+    real_write = laser.serial.write
+    state = {"drops": 1}
+
+    def flaky(data: bytes) -> int:
+        if data.decode("ascii").strip().startswith("LDS ") and state["drops"]:
+            state["drops"] -= 1
+            laser.serial.written.append(data.decode("ascii").strip())
+            return len(data)        # swallowed: nothing stored, no reply
+        return real_write(data)
+
+    laser.serial.write = flaky
+    assert laser.set_current_ma(900) is True
+    assert laser.get_current_ma() == 900
+
+
+def test_a_set_frequency_is_read_back(laser):
+    assert laser.set_frequency_hz(25000) is True    # 40000 ns
+    assert laser.get_frequency_hz() == 25000
+    assert "LDF 40000" in laser.serial.written
+
+
+def test_an_out_of_range_current_is_not_sent(laser):
+    assert laser.set_current_ma(9000) is False
+    assert laser.serial.written == []
+
+
+def test_an_unlabelled_number_is_not_taken_as_a_register_value(laser):
+    """A bare number answers nothing in particular.
+
+    The controller's status registers read 32 when bit 5 is set (LER "Over
+    voltage laser diode", LCE "Door switch open"), and a diode current of
+    32 mA is a perfectly ordinary-looking value — so a stray "32" must not
+    be allowed to pass for the answer to LDS.
+    """
+    laser.serial.replies = {"LDS": ["32"]}
+    assert laser.get_current_ma() is None
+
+
+def test_a_serial_number_still_comes_back_bare(laser):
+    """The one reply that legitimately names nothing."""
+    laser.serial.replies = {"CSR": ["A1B2C3D4"], "HSR": ["7654321"]}
+    assert laser.get_controller_serial() == "A1B2C3D4"
+    assert laser.get_head_serial() == "7654321"
+
+
+class SplitReplyPort(FakePort):
+    """Answers LCE in two pieces, the tail arriving after the next command.
+
+    That is what the wire looks like when a query gives up early: at 9600
+    baud the rest of the reply is still coming, and reset_input_buffer()
+    cannot drop bytes that have not arrived.  The fragment left over is
+    "     32" — the value half of "LCE =     32", which is a plausible
+    diode current and was read as one.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        self._late = b""
+
+    def write(self, data: bytes) -> int:
+        text = data.decode("ascii").strip()
+        self.written.append(text)
+        mnemonic = text.split()[0].upper() if text.split() else ""
+        # Whatever is asked next, the last reply's tail lands in front of it.
+        self._buf += self._late
+        self._late = b""
+        if mnemonic == "LCE":
+            self._buf += b"LCE ="           # ...and no line ending yet
+            self._late = b"     32\r\n\r\n\r\n"
+            return len(data)
+        for line in self.replies.get(mnemonic, []):
+            self._buf += line.encode("utf-8") + b"\r\n"
+        return len(data)
+
+
+def test_a_late_fragment_is_not_the_next_query_s_value():
+    """The regression this branch exists for.
+
+    LCE's reply is cut in half, so the register read gives up.  The tail
+    arrives while the *next* query is being answered, and "32" is what the
+    panel showed as the pump diode current — LCE bit 5, "Door switch open",
+    read as milliamps.
+    """
+    drv = HeliosLaser(timeout=1.0)
+    drv.serial = SplitReplyPort()
+    drv.is_connected = True
+    drv.TRAILING_QUIET_S = 0.0
+
+    assert drv._query_int("LCE") is None         # cut off mid-reply
+    assert drv.get_current_ma() == 1500          # not 32
+
+
+def test_a_reply_is_read_without_waiting_out_the_port(laser):
+    """Nothing is left in either buffer once a reply has been read.
+
+    A leftover LF costs a whole port timeout on the next read, which is
+    what made a status poll take ~8.6 s against a 1 s interval.
+    """
+    laser.timeout = 0.01        # a wait would show up as a failure below
+    assert laser.get_status_registers() == (0, 2, 0)
+    assert laser.get_current_ma() == 1500
+    assert laser.serial.in_waiting == 0
+    assert laser._rx == bytearray()

tests/test_jog_panel.py

@@ -0,0 +1,216 @@
+"""gui.jog_panel: the camera window's T3R and BBD202 jog controls.
+
+The panels are the only place these devices are driven by a held button, so
+what matters here is that press/release map onto the right pair of commands
+and that the operator's velocity/microstep settings ride along.
+"""
+import pytest
+from PyQt6.QtCore import QObject, pyqtSignal
+from PyQt6.QtWidgets import QApplication
+
+import hardware.t3r_protocol as proto
+from gui.jog_panel import BBDJogPanel, T3RJogPanel
+
+
+@pytest.fixture(scope="module")
+def qapp():
+    yield QApplication.instance() or QApplication([])
+
+
+class FakeT3R(QObject):
+    """The slice of QtT3RAdapter the T3R panel touches."""
+    handshake_ok = pyqtSignal(int, int, int)
+    disconnected = pyqtSignal(str)
+    info_updated = pyqtSignal(int, object)
+
+    def __init__(self, is_open=True):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.is_open = is_open
+        self.calls = []
+
+    def enable(self, ch):
+        self.calls.append(("enable", ch))
+
+    def disable(self, ch):
+        self.calls.append(("disable", ch))
+
+    def set_microstep(self, ch, microsteps):
+        self.calls.append(("set_microstep", ch, microsteps))
+
+    def jog(self, ch, velocity, accel):
+        self.calls.append(("jog", ch, velocity, accel))
+
+    def stop(self, ch, hard):
+        self.calls.append(("stop", ch, hard))
+
+
+class FakeBBD(QObject):
+    """The slice of BBD202Worker the BBD panel touches."""
+    connected = pyqtSignal()
+    disconnected = pyqtSignal()
+    position_updated = pyqtSignal(float, float)
+
+    def __init__(self, is_connected=True):
+        super().__init__()
+        self.is_connected = is_connected
+        self.calls = []
+
+    def queue_jog(self, axis, direction, step_mm=None):
+        self.calls.append(("jog", axis, direction, step_mm))
+
+    def queue_set_velocity(self, max_velocity, acceleration):
+        self.calls.append(("velocity", max_velocity, acceleration))
+
+
+def _info(ch, position=0, microsteps=16, enabled=True):
+    return proto.Info(ch=ch, state=0, position=position, velocity=0,
+                      microsteps=microsteps, run_ma=800, hold_ma=400,
+                      enabled=enabled, comms_ok=True, fault_mask=0)
+
+
+# ── T3R ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+def test_t3r_jog_holds_then_stops(qapp):
+    drv = FakeT3R()
+    panel = T3RJogPanel(drv)
+    panel.vel_spin.setValue(1234)
+    panel.accel_spin.setValue(99)
+
+    btn = panel._jog_btns[(0, -1)]
+    btn.pressed.emit()
+    assert drv.calls == [("jog", 0, -1234, 99)]
+
+    btn.released.emit()
+    assert drv.calls[-1] == ("stop", 0, False)
+
+
+def test_t3r_release_without_press_sends_nothing(qapp):
+    """A stray release must not stop an axis a scan is driving."""
+    drv = FakeT3R()
+    panel = T3RJogPanel(drv)
+    panel._jog_btns[(3, 1)].released.emit()
+    assert drv.calls == []
+
+
+def test_t3r_stop_jogs_covers_a_lost_release(qapp):
+    drv = FakeT3R()
+    panel = T3RJogPanel(drv)
+    panel._jog_btns[(1, 1)].pressed.emit()
+    drv.calls.clear()
+
+    panel.stop_jogs()
+    assert drv.calls == [("stop", 1, False)]
+    panel.stop_jogs()                      # already stopped: no repeat command
+    assert drv.calls == [("stop", 1, False)]
+
+
+def test_t3r_microstep_applies_and_survives_a_stale_poll(qapp):
+    drv = FakeT3R()
+    panel = T3RJogPanel(drv)
+    combo = panel._micro_combos[2]
+
+    combo.setCurrentIndex(combo.findData(64))
+    combo.activated.emit(combo.currentIndex())
+    assert drv.calls == [("set_microstep", 2, 64)]
+
+    # An info frame already in flight still carries the old value.
+    drv.info_updated.emit(2, _info(2, microsteps=16))
+    assert combo.currentData() == 64
+
+    # Once the device confirms, the combo tracks it again.
+    drv.info_updated.emit(2, _info(2, microsteps=64))
+    assert combo.currentData() == 64
+    drv.info_updated.emit(2, _info(2, microsteps=8))
+    assert combo.currentData() == 8
+
+
+def test_t3r_enable_checkbox_follows_the_device(qapp):
+    drv = FakeT3R()
+    panel = T3RJogPanel(drv)
+
+    panel._enable_chks[0].setChecked(True)
+    assert drv.calls == [("enable", 0)]
+
+    # A device-side state change updates the box without echoing a command.
+    drv.info_updated.emit(0, _info(0, position=-42, enabled=False))
+    assert not panel._enable_chks[0].isChecked()
+    assert drv.calls == [("enable", 0)]
+    assert panel._pos_lbls[0].text() == "-42"
+
+
+def test_t3r_panel_tracks_connection(qapp):
+    drv = FakeT3R(is_open=False)
+    panel = T3RJogPanel(drv)
+    assert not panel.isEnabled()
+
+    drv.handshake_ok.emit(1, 1, 4)
+    assert panel.isEnabled()
+
+    drv.info_updated.emit(0, _info(0, position=7))
+    drv.disconnected.emit("cable")
+    assert not panel.isEnabled()
+    assert panel._pos_lbls[0].text() == "—"
+
+
+# ── BBD202 ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+def test_bbd_jog_repeats_while_held(qapp):
+    worker = FakeBBD()
+    panel = BBDJogPanel(worker)
+    panel.step_spin.setValue(0.25)
+
+    panel.x_pos_btn.pressed.emit()
+    assert worker.calls == [("jog", "x", 1, 0.25)]
+    assert panel._repeat.isActive()
+
+    panel._jog_tick()                      # what the repeat timer fires
+    assert worker.calls[-1] == ("jog", "x", 1, 0.25)
+
+    panel.x_pos_btn.released.emit()
+    assert not panel._repeat.isActive()
+    panel._jog_tick()                      # a late tick moves nothing
+    assert len(worker.calls) == 2
+
+
+def test_bbd_jog_directions(qapp):
+    worker = FakeBBD()
+    panel = BBDJogPanel(worker)
+    for btn, expected in ((panel.x_neg_btn, ("jog", "x", -1, 0.5)),
+                          (panel.y_pos_btn, ("jog", "y", 1, 0.5)),
+                          (panel.y_neg_btn, ("jog", "y", -1, 0.5))):
+        btn.pressed.emit()
+        btn.released.emit()
+        assert worker.calls[-1] == expected
+
+
+def test_bbd_velocity_is_debounced_then_applied(qapp):
+    worker = FakeBBD()
+    panel = BBDJogPanel(worker)
+
+    panel.vel_spin.setValue(4.0)
+    panel.accel_spin.setValue(20.0)
+    assert worker.calls == []              # nothing sent mid-adjustment
+    assert panel._vel_debounce.isActive()
+
+    panel.apply_velocity()
+    assert worker.calls == [("velocity", 4.0, 20.0)]
+
+
+def test_bbd_panel_tracks_connection(qapp):
+    worker = FakeBBD(is_connected=False)
+    panel = BBDJogPanel(worker)
+    assert not panel.isEnabled()
+
+    worker.position_updated.emit(12.0, 34.5)
+    assert panel.x_pos_lbl.text() == "012.000"
+    assert panel.y_pos_lbl.text() == "034.500"
+
+    worker.is_connected = True
+    worker.connected.emit()
+    assert panel.isEnabled()
+    assert worker.calls == [("velocity", panel.vel_spin.value(),
+                             panel.accel_spin.value())]
+
+    worker.disconnected.emit()
+    assert not panel.isEnabled()
+    assert panel.x_pos_lbl.text() == "---.---"

tests/test_qt_workers.py

@@ -137,6 +137,55 @@ def test_polling_never_overlaps_or_backs_up(qapp):
     assert queued <= 1, f"{queued} stale polls queued up"
 
 
+class _YieldingPoller(PollingQueueWorker):
+    """A poll made of several reads that gives up as soon as work arrives."""
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__(poll_interval_s=0.02)
+        self.reads = 0
+        self.handled = []
+        self.is_connected = True
+        self._handlers["click"] = self._click
+
+    def _click(self, value):
+        self.handled.append(value)
+
+    def _poll_once(self):
+        for _ in range(6):
+            if self._work_pending():
+                return
+            time.sleep(0.02)
+            self.reads += 1
+
+
+def test_a_queued_command_interrupts_a_poll(qapp):
+    """A button pressed mid-poll should not wait out the whole sweep.
+
+    The Helios sweep is eight serial queries; before this, a command queued
+    behind one waited for every last read to finish.
+    """
+    w = _YieldingPoller()
+    t = threading.Thread(target=w.run, daemon=True)
+    t.start()
+    w.start_polling()
+    time.sleep(0.03)                      # a poll is now in progress
+
+    pressed = time.monotonic()
+    w._enqueue("click", value="set current")
+    deadline = pressed + 2.0
+    while not w.handled and time.monotonic() < deadline:
+        time.sleep(0.002)
+    waited = time.monotonic() - pressed
+
+    w.stop_polling()
+    w.stop_worker()
+    t.join(timeout=5)
+
+    assert w.handled == ["set current"]
+    # A full sweep is 6 x 20 ms; the command must not have waited for it.
+    assert waited < 0.08, f"command waited {waited * 1000:.0f} ms for the poll"
+
+
 def test_stop_polling_halts_the_cycle(qapp):
     w = _Poller()
     t = threading.Thread(target=w.run, daemon=True)

tests/test_saw_check.py

@@ -0,0 +1,364 @@
+"""Middle-row SAW quality check: plan reduction, the v11 file, and the read-out.
+
+The acquisition half runs on the same fake rig as the scan tests; the
+analysis half runs on a synthetic v11 file whose CH1 is a pure sine at a
+known FFT bin, so the frequency a trace reports is a number the test knows
+in advance rather than one it copies from the implementation.
+"""
+import math
+
+import numpy as np
+import pytest
+
+from core.rotation import RotationAxis, RotationSettings
+from core.saw_check import (
+    SPREAD_GOOD_PCT, alignment_summary, frequency_traces, middle_row_index,
+    middle_row_plan,
+)
+from core.scan_engine import ScanCallbacks, ScanEngine
+from core.scan_geometry import ScanGeometryError, build_plan
+from core.sras_format import (
+    SCAN_CHANNELS, VERSION, VERSION_SAW_CHECK, SrasFile, create_scan_file,
+    write_background_block,
+)
+from fakes import FakeScope, FakeStage, FakeT3R, Trace
+
+SAMPLE_RATE = 6.25e9
+SPF = 256
+LASER_FREQ_HZ = 20000.0
+VELOCITY_MM_S = 100.0
+PREAMBLES = [f"WFMOUTPRE:CH{ch};YMULT 1.5625E-3;YOFF -87.04;YZERO 0.0"
+             for ch in SCAN_CHANNELS]
+# adc_to_mv with those constants maps 0 → +136 mV and -120 → -51 mV, so a
+# frame of zeros passes a 50 mV CH4 gate and a frame of -120 does not.
+DC_THRESHOLD_MV = 50.0
+CH4_PASS = bytes(SPF)
+CH4_FAIL = bytes([256 - 120]) * SPF
+
+
+def full_plan(num_angles=3, y_delta=0.05):
+    """A small ROI, well inside the stage limits, with several rows per angle."""
+    return build_plan(40.0, 30.0, 0.02, y_delta, num_angles, 0.01,
+                      laser_freq_hz=LASER_FREQ_HZ, velocity_mm_s=VELOCITY_MM_S)
+
+
+def bin_mhz(k: int) -> float:
+    return k * SAMPLE_RATE / SPF / 1e6
+
+
+def sine_frame(k: int) -> bytes:
+    """One frame holding a pure sine at FFT bin `k`."""
+    n = np.arange(SPF)
+    return np.round(100 * np.sin(2 * math.pi * k * n / SPF)).astype(np.int8).tobytes()
+
+
+def write_check(path, bins, n_masked_frames=0, plan=None, backgrounds=None):
+    """A synthetic v11 file: angle `i`'s CH1 is a sine at FFT bin `bins[i]`.
+
+    ``backgrounds`` supplies each angle's own background block; the default
+    is a flat zero one per angle, which subtracts to nothing.
+    """
+    plan = plan if plan is not None else middle_row_plan(full_plan(len(bins)))
+    f = create_scan_file(path, plan, SPF, SAMPLE_RATE, PREAMBLES,
+                         version=VERSION_SAW_CHECK)
+    try:
+        for ai, pa in enumerate(plan.per_angle):
+            write_background_block(
+                f, bytes(SPF) if backgrounds is None else backgrounds[ai])
+            wave = sine_frame(bins[ai])
+            for ch in SCAN_CHANNELS:
+                for fi in range(pa.n_frames):
+                    if ch == 1:
+                        f.write(wave)
+                    elif ch == 3:
+                        f.write(bytes(SPF))
+                    else:
+                        f.write(CH4_FAIL if fi < n_masked_frames else CH4_PASS)
+    finally:
+        f.close()
+    return plan
+
+
+# ── Plan reduction ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+def test_middle_row_plan_keeps_one_middle_row_per_angle():
+    plan = full_plan(num_angles=3)
+    check = middle_row_plan(plan)
+
+    assert check.n_angles == plan.n_angles
+    assert [pa.n_rows for pa in check.per_angle] == [1] * plan.n_angles
+    for original, reduced in zip(plan.per_angle, check.per_angle, strict=True):
+        mid = original.n_rows // 2
+        assert reduced.y_positions == [original.y_positions[mid]]
+        # The row is scanned exactly as the full scan would have scanned it.
+        assert reduced.angle_deg == original.angle_deg
+        assert reduced.x_start == original.x_start
+        assert reduced.x_delta == original.x_delta
+        assert reduced.n_frames == original.n_frames
+
+
+def test_middle_row_plan_does_not_mutate_its_input():
+    plan = full_plan(num_angles=3)
+    before = [(pa.n_rows, list(pa.y_positions)) for pa in plan.per_angle]
+    middle_row_plan(plan)
+    assert [(pa.n_rows, pa.y_positions) for pa in plan.per_angle] == before
+
+
+def test_every_angles_middle_row_crosses_the_roi_centre():
+    """The premise the whole comparison rests on: one shared point on the sample."""
+    plan = full_plan(num_angles=5)
+    check = middle_row_plan(plan)
+    cx = plan.x_start_nominal + plan.x_delta_nominal / 2
+    cy = plan.y_start_nominal + plan.y_delta_nominal / 2
+    for pa in check.per_angle:
+        assert pa.x_start + pa.x_delta / 2 == pytest.approx(cx, abs=1e-6)
+        # Within one row spacing — the middle row is a grid point, not exact.
+        assert abs(pa.y_positions[0] - cy) <= plan.row_spacing
+
+
+def test_middle_row_index_rule():
+    assert [middle_row_index(n) for n in (1, 2, 3, 4, 6)] == [0, 1, 1, 2, 3]
+
+
+def test_middle_row_plan_rejects_an_empty_plan():
+    plan = full_plan(num_angles=1)
+    plan.per_angle = []
+    with pytest.raises(ScanGeometryError, match="no angles"):
+        middle_row_plan(plan)
+
+
+def test_middle_row_plan_rejects_an_angle_with_no_rows():
+    plan = full_plan(num_angles=1)
+    plan.per_angle[0].y_positions = []
+    with pytest.raises(ScanGeometryError, match="no middle row"):
+        middle_row_plan(plan)
+
+
+# ── The v11 file ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+def test_saw_check_write_read_roundtrip(tmp_path):
+    out = tmp_path / "check.sras"
+    plan = write_check(out, bins=(8, 8, 8))
+
+    sras = SrasFile(out)
+    assert sras.version == VERSION_SAW_CHECK
+    assert sras.is_saw_check
+    assert [s.status for s in sras.angle_status()] == ["OK"] * plan.n_angles
+    assert [pa.n_rows for pa in sras.per_angle] == [1] * plan.n_angles
+    sras.close()
+
+
+def test_saw_check_rejects_a_multi_row_plan(tmp_path):
+    plan = full_plan(num_angles=2)
+    assert any(pa.n_rows > 1 for pa in plan.per_angle)
+    with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="exactly one row per angle"):
+        create_scan_file(tmp_path / "bad.sras", plan, SPF, SAMPLE_RATE,
+                         PREAMBLES, version=VERSION_SAW_CHECK)
+    assert not (tmp_path / "bad.sras").exists()
+
+
+def test_unknown_version_rejected_at_write(tmp_path):
+    with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="version 99"):
+        create_scan_file(tmp_path / "bad.sras", middle_row_plan(full_plan(1)),
+                         SPF, SAMPLE_RATE, PREAMBLES, version=99)
+
+
+def test_a_scan_is_not_a_saw_check():
+    """Legacy and current scans alike: only the check versions say check."""
+    assert not SrasFile("tests/golden/complete.sras").is_saw_check
+    assert VERSION not in (10, VERSION_SAW_CHECK)
+
+
+# ── Acquisition through the engine ───────────────────────────────────────────
+
+def run_engine(tmp_path, num_angles=3):
+    trace = Trace()
+    scope = FakeScope(trace, samples_per_frame=SPF)
+    stage = FakeStage(trace, scope=scope)
+    rotator = RotationAxis(FakeT3R(trace), RotationSettings())
+    plan = full_plan(num_angles)
+    check = middle_row_plan(plan)
+    engine = ScanEngine(stage, scope, rotator, check, tmp_path / "check.sras",
+                        callbacks=ScanCallbacks(),
+                        file_version=VERSION_SAW_CHECK)
+    return engine.run(), plan, check, trace
+
+
+def test_engine_writes_a_complete_saw_check(tmp_path):
+    result, plan, check, _ = run_engine(tmp_path)
+
+    assert not result.aborted
+    assert result.rows_written == check.n_angles      # exactly one row per angle
+    assert result.angles_acquired == list(range(check.n_angles))
+
+    sras = SrasFile(result.path)
+    assert sras.is_saw_check
+    assert [s.status for s in sras.angle_status()] == ["OK"] * check.n_angles
+    assert [pa.y_positions for pa in sras.per_angle] == [
+        [pytest.approx(original.y_positions[original.n_rows // 2], abs=1e-4)]
+        for original in plan.per_angle
+    ]
+    sras.close()
+
+
+def test_engine_visits_each_middle_row_once(tmp_path):
+    _, _, check, trace = run_engine(tmp_path)
+    y_moves = [round(c[2], 4) for c in trace.of("move_axis_absolute")
+               if c[1] == 0x22]
+    assert y_moves == [round(pa.y_positions[0], 4) for pa in check.per_angle]
+
+
+def test_engine_still_writes_a_full_scan_by_default(tmp_path):
+    trace = Trace()
+    scope = FakeScope(trace, samples_per_frame=SPF)
+    stage = FakeStage(trace, scope=scope)
+    rotator = RotationAxis(FakeT3R(trace), RotationSettings())
+    engine = ScanEngine(stage, scope, rotator, full_plan(1),
+                        tmp_path / "scan.sras", callbacks=ScanCallbacks())
+    result = engine.run()
+    assert SrasFile(result.path).version == VERSION
+
+
+# ── Analysis ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+def test_traces_report_the_injected_frequency(tmp_path):
+    out = tmp_path / "check.sras"
+    bins = (8, 9, 10)
+    write_check(out, bins=bins)
+
+    with SrasFile(out) as sras:
+        traces = frequency_traces(sras, dc_threshold_mv=DC_THRESHOLD_MV)
+
+    assert len(traces) == len(bins)
+    for trace, k in zip(traces, bins, strict=True):
+        assert np.allclose(trace.freq_mhz, bin_mhz(k))
+        assert trace.median_mhz == pytest.approx(bin_mhz(k))
+        assert trace.valid_fraction == 1.0
+        assert trace.drift_mhz_per_mm == pytest.approx(0.0, abs=1e-6)
+
+
+def test_background_subtraction_uses_each_angles_own(tmp_path):
+    """Every angle is referenced against its own background, not angle 1's.
+
+    Each angle's background here is a copy of that angle's own CH1 wave, so
+    subtracting the right one leaves nothing to read at any angle — where
+    reusing angle 1's everywhere would leave angles 2 and 3 reporting their
+    sine unchanged.
+    """
+    out = tmp_path / "check.sras"
+    bins = (8, 9, 10)
+    backgrounds = [sine_frame(k) for k in bins]
+    write_check(out, bins=bins, backgrounds=backgrounds)
+
+    with SrasFile(out) as sras:
+        assert sras.backgrounds == backgrounds
+        plain = frequency_traces(sras, dc_threshold_mv=DC_THRESHOLD_MV)
+        subtracted = frequency_traces(sras, dc_threshold_mv=DC_THRESHOLD_MV,
+                                      subtract_background=True)
+
+    assert [t.median_mhz for t in plain] == [pytest.approx(bin_mhz(k)) for k in bins]
+    for trace in subtracted:
+        assert np.isnan(trace.freq_mhz).all()
+
+
+def test_masked_pixels_become_nan_not_zero(tmp_path):
+    out = tmp_path / "check.sras"
+    write_check(out, bins=(8, 8, 8), n_masked_frames=2)
+
+    with SrasFile(out) as sras:
+        traces = frequency_traces(sras, dc_threshold_mv=DC_THRESHOLD_MV)
+
+    for trace in traces:
+        assert np.isnan(trace.freq_mhz[:2]).all()
+        assert np.isfinite(trace.freq_mhz[2:]).all()
+        # A masked pixel must not drag the median toward 0 MHz.
+        assert trace.median_mhz == pytest.approx(bin_mhz(8))
+        assert trace.valid_fraction < 1.0
+
+
+def test_traces_are_centred_on_a_common_offset(tmp_path):
+    out = tmp_path / "check.sras"
+    write_check(out, bins=(8, 9, 10))
+
+    with SrasFile(out) as sras:
+        traces = frequency_traces(sras, dc_threshold_mv=DC_THRESHOLD_MV)
+
+    # Absolute X differs per angle (different bounding boxes); the offset the
+    # viewer plots against does not, which is what puts the curves together.
+    assert len({round(t.x_mm[0], 6) for t in traces}) > 1
+    for trace in traces:
+        assert trace.offset_mm[0] == pytest.approx(-trace.offset_mm[-1])
+
+
+def test_angles_with_no_data_are_skipped(tmp_path):
+    out = tmp_path / "check.sras"
+    write_check(out, bins=(8, 8, 8))
+    full = out.read_bytes()
+    with SrasFile(out) as sras:
+        last_offset = sras.angle_data_offset(2)
+    out.write_bytes(full[:last_offset])          # angle 3 never acquired
+
+    with SrasFile(out) as sras:
+        traces = frequency_traces(sras, dc_threshold_mv=DC_THRESHOLD_MV)
+    assert [t.angle_idx for t in traces] == [0, 1]
+
+
+def test_summary_flags_agreeing_angles_as_good(tmp_path):
+    out = tmp_path / "check.sras"
+    write_check(out, bins=(8, 8, 8))
+
+    with SrasFile(out) as sras:
+        summary = alignment_summary(
+            frequency_traces(sras, dc_threshold_mv=DC_THRESHOLD_MV))
+
+    assert summary.n_angles == 3
+    assert summary.median_mhz == pytest.approx(bin_mhz(8))
+    assert summary.spread_mhz == pytest.approx(0.0)
+    assert summary.spread_pct <= SPREAD_GOOD_PCT
+    assert summary.level == "good"
+
+
+def test_summary_flags_disagreeing_angles(tmp_path):
+    out = tmp_path / "check.sras"
+    write_check(out, bins=(8, 9, 10))
+
+    with SrasFile(out) as sras:
+        traces = frequency_traces(sras, dc_threshold_mv=DC_THRESHOLD_MV)
+    summary = alignment_summary(traces)
+
+    assert summary.spread_mhz == pytest.approx(bin_mhz(10) - bin_mhz(8))
+    assert summary.level == "poor"
+    assert summary.worst_angle_deg == traces[0].angle_deg   # lowest median
+    assert summary.best_angle_deg == traces[2].angle_deg    # highest median
+    assert f"{summary.spread_mhz:.3f} MHz" in summary.describe()
+
+
+def test_summary_calls_out_a_mostly_masked_row(tmp_path):
+    out = tmp_path / "check.sras"
+    plan = middle_row_plan(full_plan(3))
+    # Mask nearly every frame of every angle: the spread is meaningless then.
+    write_check(out, bins=(8, 8, 8), plan=plan,
+                n_masked_frames=max(pa.n_frames for pa in plan.per_angle) - 1)
+
+    with SrasFile(out) as sras:
+        summary = alignment_summary(
+            frequency_traces(sras, dc_threshold_mv=DC_THRESHOLD_MV))
+
+    assert summary.level == "poor"
+    assert "DC threshold" in summary.describe()
+
+
+def test_summary_of_nothing_is_not_a_crash():
+    summary = alignment_summary([])
+    assert summary.n_angles == 0 and summary.level == "poor"
+    assert "No angle" in summary.describe()
+
+
+def test_middle_row_of_a_full_v6_scan_is_readable():
+    """The check's read-out applied to a finished scan, after the fact."""
+    with SrasFile("tests/golden/complete.sras") as sras:
+        traces = frequency_traces(sras, dc_threshold_mv=-1e6)
+    assert len(traces) == sras.header.n_angles
+    for trace, pa in zip(traces, sras.per_angle, strict=True):
+        assert trace.row_idx == pa.n_rows // 2
+        assert len(trace.freq_mhz) == pa.n_frames

tests/test_scan_engine.py

@@ -14,8 +14,8 @@ from core.scan_engine import (
     ResumeTarget,
 )
 from core.scan_geometry import ScanGeometryError, build_plan
-from core.sras_format import SCAN_CHANNELS, SrasFile
-from fakes import FakeScope, FakeStage, FakeT3R, Trace
+from core.sras_format import BG_LEN_SIZE, SCAN_CHANNELS, SrasFile
+from fakes import FakeScope, FakeStage, FakeT3R, Trace, background_record
 
 SPF = 8
 
@@ -57,7 +57,41 @@ def test_single_angle_scan_writes_readable_file(tmp_path):
     # File is complete: every declared row present on disk
     assert [s.status for s in sras.angle_status()] == ["OK"]
     assert len(sras.preambles) == 3
-    assert sras.background == bytes(range(SPF))
+    assert sras.backgrounds == [background_record(0, SPF)]
+
+
+def test_each_angle_captures_and_stores_its_own_background(tmp_path):
+    """One background per angle, taken after the rotation, kept ahead of it."""
+    prompts = []
+    engine, trace, plan = build(
+        tmp_path, num_angles=3,
+        callbacks=ScanCallbacks(prompt=lambda title, msg: prompts.append(title)))
+    engine.run()
+
+    sras = SrasFile(tmp_path / "out.sras")
+    assert trace.count("transfer_curve") == 3
+    assert sras.backgrounds == [background_record(i, SPF) for i in range(3)]
+    for st in sras.angle_status():
+        assert st.bg_bytes == BG_LEN_SIZE + SPF
+        assert st.status == "OK"
+
+    # Each capture follows the rotation to the angle it belongs to (the last
+    # rotation is the return to home after the final angle).
+    assert [c[0] for c in trace.calls
+            if c[0] in ("t3r_rotate", "transfer_curve")] == [
+        "transfer_curve", "t3r_rotate", "transfer_curve",
+        "t3r_rotate", "transfer_curve", "t3r_rotate"]
+
+    # Two prompts per angle: Genesis off for the capture, back on to scan.
+    assert prompts == [title for i in range(3) for title in
+                       (f"Background Capture — Angle {i + 1}/3",
+                        f"Begin Angle {i + 1}/3")]
+
+    # The scope goes back to the scan trigger after every capture, not just
+    # once at the start — the capture needs the single-record edge trigger.
+    cmds = [c[1] for c in trace.of("write")]
+    assert cmds.count("TRIGger:A:TYPe EDGE") == 4      # prepare + one per angle
+    assert cmds.count("TRIGger:A:TYPe LOGIc") == 4
 
 
 def test_command_sequence_order(tmp_path):
@@ -236,8 +270,9 @@ def test_resume_seeks_to_angle_offset_and_skips_others(tmp_path):
     target = statuses[1]
     resume = ResumeState(
         path=path,
-        targets=[ResumeTarget(target.index, target.data_offset,
-                              target.n_rows, target.angle_deg)],
+        targets=[ResumeTarget(target.index, target.bg_offset,
+                              target.data_offset, target.n_rows,
+                              target.angle_deg)],
         samples_per_frame=SPF,
     )
 
@@ -249,19 +284,51 @@ def test_resume_seeks_to_angle_offset_and_skips_others(tmp_path):
     assert result.rows_written == plan.per_angle[1].n_rows
     rewritten = path.read_bytes()
     assert len(rewritten) == len(original)
-    # Angle 0's block is untouched; angle 1's changed (fresh frame data)
-    a1_start, a1_end = target.data_offset, target.data_offset + target.row_bytes * target.n_rows
+    # Angle 0's block is untouched; angle 1's changed — background included,
+    # since a re-acquired angle captures a fresh one over the old.
+    a1_start = target.bg_offset
+    a1_end = target.data_offset + target.row_bytes * target.n_rows
     assert rewritten[:a1_start] == original[:a1_start]
     assert rewritten[a1_start:a1_end] != original[a1_start:a1_end]
     assert rewritten[a1_end:] == original[a1_end:]
 
+    # The new background is angle 1's own, written in place of its old one.
+    reread = SrasFile(path)
+    assert reread.backgrounds[1] == background_record(0, SPF)
+    assert reread.backgrounds[0] == SrasFile(path).backgrounds[0]
+    assert [s.status for s in reread.angle_status()] == ["OK"] * 3
+
+
+def test_resume_rejects_a_background_that_would_shift_the_file(tmp_path):
+    """A re-acquired angle's background must fit the room the file has.
+
+    Nothing else in the file records where an angle's rows begin, so a longer
+    or shorter background would push every row behind it out of position.
+    """
+    engine, _, _ = build(tmp_path, num_angles=2)
+    engine.run()
+    path = tmp_path / "out.sras"
+    target = SrasFile(path).angle_status()[0]
+    resume = ResumeState(
+        path=path,
+        targets=[ResumeTarget(0, target.bg_offset, target.data_offset,
+                              target.n_rows, target.angle_deg)],
+        samples_per_frame=SPF,
+    )
+    engine2, _, _ = build(tmp_path, num_angles=2, resume=resume)
+    # A scope that hands back a longer record than the file was written with
+    engine2._scope.transfer_curve = lambda: bytes(SPF + 4)
+
+    with pytest.raises(RuntimeError, match="shift every row"):
+        engine2.run()
+
 
 def test_resume_record_length_mismatch_rejected(tmp_path):
     engine, trace, plan = build(tmp_path)
     engine.run()
     path = tmp_path / "out.sras"
     resume = ResumeState(path=path,
-                         targets=[ResumeTarget(0, 0, 1, 0.0)],
+                         targets=[ResumeTarget(0, 0, 0, 1, 0.0)],
                          samples_per_frame=SPF + 1)   # scope changed
     engine2, _, _ = build(tmp_path, resume=resume)
     with pytest.raises(RuntimeError, match="record length"):
@@ -461,7 +528,7 @@ def test_strict_row_packing_writes_nothing_for_the_failed_row(tmp_path):
     # Row 1 was written in full; row 2 aborted before writing anything, so
     # the file ends exactly on a row boundary.
     sras = SrasFile(tmp_path / "out.sras")
-    written = (tmp_path / "out.sras").stat().st_size - sras.data_start_offset
+    written = (tmp_path / "out.sras").stat().st_size - sras.angle_data_offset(0)
     assert written == sras.row_bytes(0)
 
 

tests/test_scan_resume.py

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ from pathlib import Path
 
 from core.scan_resume import is_compatible, plan_resume
 from core.sras_format import SrasFile
+from golden_util import write_v7
 
 GOLDEN = Path(__file__).parent / "golden"
 
@@ -47,11 +48,17 @@ def test_selecting_only_a_later_angle_pulls_in_the_frontier():
     assert plan.auto_added == [0]
 
 
-def test_targets_carry_offsets_and_rows():
-    st = _statuses("complete.sras")
+def test_targets_carry_offsets_and_rows(tmp_path):
+    out = tmp_path / "v7.sras"
+    write_v7(out)
+    st = SrasFile(out).angle_status()
     plan = plan_resume(st, selected={0, 1})
     for target, status in zip(plan.targets, st, strict=True):
+        # A re-acquired angle rewrites its background too, so a target has to
+        # know where the block starts as well as where the rows do.
+        assert target.bg_offset == status.bg_offset
         assert target.data_offset == status.data_offset
+        assert target.bg_offset < target.data_offset
         assert target.n_rows == status.n_rows
         assert target.angle_deg == status.angle_deg
     assert plan.total_rows == sum(s.n_rows for s in st)
@@ -65,9 +72,19 @@ def test_to_state_carries_samples_per_frame():
     assert state.target_indices == {0}
 
 
-def test_is_compatible_checks_acquisition_settings():
+def test_is_compatible_rejects_a_legacy_file():
+    """A v6 file has no room for the background block each angle now writes."""
     sras = SrasFile(GOLDEN / "complete.sras")
     h = sras.header
+    assert not is_compatible(sras, velocity=h.velocity, laser_freq=h.laser_freq,
+                             sample_rate=h.sample_rate, n_channels=h.n_channels)
+
+
+def test_is_compatible_checks_acquisition_settings(tmp_path):
+    out = tmp_path / "v7.sras"
+    write_v7(out)
+    sras = SrasFile(out)
+    h = sras.header
     ok = dict(velocity=h.velocity, laser_freq=h.laser_freq,
               sample_rate=h.sample_rate, n_channels=h.n_channels)
     assert is_compatible(sras, **ok)

tests/test_smoke_apps.py

@@ -38,6 +38,51 @@ def test_sc3_aui_main_window(qapp):
         _pump(qapp)
 
 
+def test_camera_window_without_hardware_is_a_plain_viewer(qapp):
+    """No stage, no scope, no auto-align button to press."""
+    import sc3_aui_app
+    win = sc3_aui_app.CameraWindow()
+    _pump(qapp)
+    try:
+        assert not win.uc480_auto_align_btn.isVisible()
+    finally:
+        win.deleteLater()
+        _pump(qapp)
+
+
+def test_camera_window_auto_align_needs_every_device(qapp):
+    """The button appears once the three devices exist, and says which one is
+    missing rather than starting and failing on the rig."""
+    import sc3_aui_app
+    from gui.qt_t3r import QtT3RAdapter
+    win = sc3_aui_app.CameraWindow(QtT3RAdapter(), sc3_aui_app.BBD202Worker(),
+                                   sc3_aui_app.OscopeWorker())
+    _pump(qapp)
+    try:
+        assert win.uc480_auto_align_btn.isVisibleTo(win)
+        assert "oscilloscope" in win._align_prerequisite_problem()
+    finally:
+        win.deleteLater()
+        _pump(qapp)
+
+
+def test_auto_align_window_logs_a_result(qapp):
+    import sc3_aui_app
+    from core.auto_align import AlignResult, Reading
+    win = sc3_aui_app.AutoAlignWindow()
+    _pump(qapp)
+    try:
+        reference = Reading(400.0, 400.0)
+        win.set_reference(reference)
+        win.on_reading(Reading(403.0, 397.0))
+        win.on_finished(AlignResult(reference=reference, final=reference))
+        assert "Reference" in win.log.toPlainText()
+        assert win.close_btn.isEnabled()
+    finally:
+        win.deleteLater()
+        _pump(qapp)
+
+
 def test_sras_viewer_window(qapp):
     import sras_viewer
     win = sras_viewer.SrasViewerWindow()
@@ -49,6 +94,17 @@ def test_sras_viewer_window(qapp):
         _pump(qapp)
 
 
+def test_saw_check_viewer_window(qapp):
+    import saw_check_viewer
+    win = saw_check_viewer.SawCheckWindow()
+    _pump(qapp)
+    try:
+        assert win.windowTitle()
+    finally:
+        win.deleteLater()
+        _pump(qapp)
+
+
 def test_helios_test_app(qapp):
     import helios_test_app
     win = helios_test_app.HeliosTestApp()

tests/test_sras_analysis.py

@@ -22,7 +22,9 @@ def _loaded_scan(name="complete.sras"):
 def test_loaded_scan_basics():
     scan = _loaded_scan()
     assert scan.rows_available == [3, 3]
-    assert scan.background is not None and len(scan.background) == 8
+    # A legacy v6 fixture: its one background stands in for every angle.
+    assert all(scan.background(ai) is not None and len(scan.background(ai)) == 8
+               for ai in (0, 1))
     assert len(scan.calib.ymult_mv) == 3
     view = scan.angle_view(0)
     assert view.shape == (3, 3, 4, 8)

tests/test_sras_format.py

@@ -1,21 +1,27 @@
-"""core.sras_format vs the pre-refactor golden fixtures.
+"""core.sras_format: the current writer against the spec, and the parser
+against the pre-refactor golden fixtures.
 
-The goldens were produced by the original sc3_aui_app implementation; the
-extracted module must reproduce them byte-for-byte (writer) and
-field-for-field (parser + frontier walk).
+The goldens are legacy v6 files produced by the original sc3_aui_app
+implementation — one background for the whole file.  Nothing writes that
+layout any more, so they lock the parser (field-for-field, including the
+frontier walk) rather than the writer.  The writer is locked instead against
+bytes this test lays out from scan_format.md itself.
 """
 import json
+import struct
 from dataclasses import asdict
 from pathlib import Path
 
 import numpy as np
 import pytest
 
-from core.scan_geometry import build_plan
-from core.sras_format import SrasFile, create_scan_file
+from core.sras_format import (
+    BG_LEN_FMT, GEOM_FMT, HDR_FMT, MAGIC, VERSION, VERSION_SAW_CHECK,
+    SrasFile, create_scan_file,
+)
 from golden_util import (
-    BACKGROUND, CHANNELS, LASER_FREQ_HZ, PREAMBLES, SAMPLE_RATE, SPF,
-    TINY_PLAN_ARGS, VELOCITY_MM_S, synthetic_frame,
+    BACKGROUND, CHANNELS, PREAMBLES, SAMPLE_RATE, SPF, angle_background,
+    synthetic_frame, tiny_plan, write_v7,
 )
 
 GOLDEN = Path(__file__).parent / "golden"
@@ -27,28 +33,43 @@ def expected():
         return json.load(f)
 
 
-def _tiny_plan():
-    return build_plan(**TINY_PLAN_ARGS, laser_freq_hz=LASER_FREQ_HZ,
-                      velocity_mm_s=VELOCITY_MM_S)
-
-
-def _write_complete(path):
-    plan = _tiny_plan()
-    f = create_scan_file(path, plan, SPF, SAMPLE_RATE, PREAMBLES, BACKGROUND)
-    try:
+def spec_bytes(plan):
+    """The v7 layout spelled out from scan_format.md, writer not involved."""
+    buf = bytearray()
+    buf += struct.pack(HDR_FMT, MAGIC, VERSION, plan.n_angles,
+                       plan.x_start_nominal, plan.y_start_nominal,
+                       plan.x_delta_nominal, plan.y_delta_nominal,
+                       plan.row_spacing, plan.velocity_mm_s, plan.laser_freq_hz,
+                       SPF, SAMPLE_RATE, 1, len(CHANNELS))
+    buf += struct.pack(f">{plan.n_angles}f", *plan.angles)
+    for pa in plan.per_angle:
+        buf += struct.pack(GEOM_FMT, pa.x_start, pa.x_delta, pa.n_frames, pa.n_rows)
+    for pa in plan.per_angle:
+        buf += struct.pack(f">{pa.n_rows}f", *pa.y_positions)
+    for pre in PREAMBLES:
+        buf += struct.pack(">H", len(pre)) + pre.encode("utf-8")
     for ai, pa in enumerate(plan.per_angle):
+        bg = angle_background(ai)
+        buf += struct.pack(BG_LEN_FMT, len(bg)) + bg
         for ri in range(pa.n_rows):
             for ci in range(len(CHANNELS)):
                 for fi in range(pa.n_frames):
-                        f.write(synthetic_frame(ai, ri, ci, fi))
-    finally:
-        f.close()
+                    buf += synthetic_frame(ai, ri, ci, fi)
+    return bytes(buf)
 
 
-def test_writer_byte_identical_to_golden(tmp_path):
-    out = tmp_path / "rewrite.sras"
-    _write_complete(out)
-    assert out.read_bytes() == (GOLDEN / "complete.sras").read_bytes()
+def test_writer_matches_the_spec_byte_for_byte(tmp_path):
+    out = tmp_path / "v7.sras"
+    plan = write_v7(out)
+    assert out.read_bytes() == spec_bytes(plan)
+
+
+def test_writer_refuses_the_legacy_versions(tmp_path):
+    for version in (6, 10):
+        with pytest.raises(ValueError, match=f"version {version}"):
+            create_scan_file(tmp_path / "bad.sras", tiny_plan(), SPF,
+                             SAMPLE_RATE, PREAMBLES, version=version)
+        assert not (tmp_path / "bad.sras").exists()
 
 
 def test_header_matches_golden(expected):
@@ -75,15 +96,107 @@ def test_header_matches_golden(expected):
 
 
 def test_frontier_all_truncation_variants(expected):
+    """Every field the goldens recorded, plus the one added since.
+
+    The expectations predate AngleStatus.bg_offset, so they are compared key
+    by key; a v6 angle has no background block of its own, which is exactly
+    what bg_offset == data_offset says.
+
+    Two of the recorded data_offsets were corrected when the walk moved into
+    the parser: an angle past the frontier used to report the frontier's own
+    offset, because the old walk stopped advancing its cursor there, which
+    handed a resumed scan the same write position for every missing angle.
+    They are now the declared position each angle will be written at.
+    """
     for name, exp_statuses in expected["statuses"].items():
         statuses = SrasFile(GOLDEN / name).angle_status()
-        assert [asdict(s) for s in statuses] == exp_statuses, f"mismatch for {name}"
+        assert len(statuses) == len(exp_statuses), f"mismatch for {name}"
+        for status, exp in zip(statuses, exp_statuses, strict=True):
+            got = asdict(status)
+            assert {k: got[k] for k in exp} == exp, f"mismatch for {name}"
+            assert status.bg_offset == status.data_offset
+            assert status.bg_bytes == 0
 
 
-def test_preambles_and_background_roundtrip():
+def test_legacy_preambles_and_shared_background():
+    """A v6 file's one background stands in for every angle's."""
     sras = SrasFile(GOLDEN / "complete.sras")
     assert sras.preambles == PREAMBLES
-    assert sras.background == BACKGROUND
+    assert sras.is_legacy_layout
+    assert sras.backgrounds == [BACKGROUND] * sras.header.n_angles
+    assert np.array_equal(sras.background_array(1),
+                          np.frombuffer(BACKGROUND, dtype=np.int8))
+
+
+# ── Per-angle backgrounds (v7/v11) ───────────────────────────────────────────
+
+def test_each_angle_keeps_its_own_background(tmp_path):
+    out = tmp_path / "v7.sras"
+    plan = write_v7(out)
+
+    sras = SrasFile(out)
+    assert not sras.is_legacy_layout
+    assert sras.backgrounds == [angle_background(ai)
+                                for ai in range(plan.n_angles)]
+    assert [s.status for s in sras.angle_status()] == ["OK"] * plan.n_angles
+    # Every angle's rows start just past its own background block …
+    for st in sras.angle_status():
+        assert st.bg_bytes == 4 + SPF
+        assert st.data_offset == st.bg_offset + st.bg_bytes
+    # … and the data itself still reads back frame for frame.
+    assert sras.load_row(1, 2, 0).tobytes() == b"".join(
+        synthetic_frame(1, 2, 0, fi) for fi in range(plan.per_angle[1].n_frames))
+    sras.close()
+
+
+def test_saw_check_version_also_carries_per_angle_backgrounds(tmp_path):
+    from core.saw_check import middle_row_plan
+    out = tmp_path / "check.sras"
+    plan = write_v7(out, plan=middle_row_plan(tiny_plan()),
+                    version=VERSION_SAW_CHECK)
+
+    sras = SrasFile(out)
+    assert sras.is_saw_check and not sras.is_legacy_layout
+    assert sras.backgrounds == [angle_background(ai)
+                                for ai in range(plan.n_angles)]
+    sras.close()
+
+
+def test_angle_missing_its_background_is_the_frontier(tmp_path):
+    """A file cut inside a background block stops at that angle.
+
+    Nothing of that angle is on disk yet — not even the reference its rows
+    would be read against — so it is MISSING rather than TRUNCATED, and its
+    predicted offsets are where a resumed scan would write.
+    """
+    out = tmp_path / "v7.sras"
+    write_v7(out)
+    whole = out.read_bytes()
+    bg1 = SrasFile(out).angle_status()[1].bg_offset
+
+    for cut, expected_status in ((bg1, "MISSING"), (bg1 + 4 + SPF // 2, "MISSING")):
+        out.write_bytes(whole[:cut])
+        statuses = SrasFile(out).angle_status()
+        assert [s.status for s in statuses] == ["OK", expected_status]
+        assert statuses[1].n_rows_available == 0
+        assert statuses[1].bg_offset == bg1
+        # The absent block is predicted at a full record's worth of bytes,
+        # which is what the writer will produce when the scan resumes.
+        assert statuses[1].data_offset == bg1 + 4 + SPF
+
+
+def test_rows_after_a_background_still_truncate_by_row(tmp_path):
+    out = tmp_path / "v7.sras"
+    plan = write_v7(out)
+    whole = out.read_bytes()
+    st1 = SrasFile(out).angle_status()[1]
+
+    out.write_bytes(whole[:st1.data_offset + 2 * st1.row_bytes])
+    statuses = SrasFile(out).angle_status()
+    assert [s.status for s in statuses] == ["OK", "TRUNCATED"]
+    assert statuses[1].n_rows_available == 2
+    assert SrasFile(out).load_angle(1, n_rows=2).shape[0] == 2
+    assert plan.per_angle[1].n_rows == 3
 
 
 def test_load_angle_memmap_equals_eager():

tests/test_tektronix_base.py

@@ -0,0 +1,71 @@
+"""TektronixOscilloscopeBase: the SCPI setters that validate their input.
+
+These run against the real class with only the socket replaced.  The scan
+tests use FakeScope, which stubs the setters out entirely — so a setter
+could raise on every call and nothing in the suite would notice, which is
+what happened: set_channel_coupling() iterated CHANNEL_COUPLING.items()
+instead of .values(), called .upper() on the list half of each pair, and
+raised AttributeError for any coupling at all.  configure_channels() runs
+on connect, so the scope could not be connected to.
+"""
+import pytest
+
+from core.scope_sras import SRAS_CHANNELS, configure_channels
+from hardware.tektronix_base import TektronixOscilloscopeBase
+
+
+class RecordingScope(TektronixOscilloscopeBase):
+    """The real instrument class with the wire replaced by a list."""
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__(resource_name="192.0.2.1")
+        self._connected = True
+        self.written: list[str] = []
+
+    def write(self, command):
+        self.written.append(command)
+
+
+@pytest.fixture
+def scope():
+    return RecordingScope()
+
+
+def test_connect_time_channel_setup_reaches_the_wire(scope):
+    """The regression: every command configure_channels() sends must go out."""
+    configure_channels(scope)
+
+    for ch, profile in SRAS_CHANNELS.items():
+        assert f"SELect:CH{ch} ON" in scope.written
+        assert f"CH{ch}:COUPling {profile.coupling}" in scope.written
+        assert f"CH{ch}:TERmination {profile.termination_ohm}" in scope.written
+        assert f"CH{ch}:SCAle {profile.scale_v_div}" in scope.written
+
+
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("coupling", ["DC", "AC", "dc", "ac"])
+def test_channel_coupling_accepts_both_modes_in_any_case(scope, coupling):
+    scope.set_channel_coupling(1, coupling)
+    assert scope.written == [f"CH1:COUPling {coupling}"]
+
+
+def test_channel_coupling_rejects_an_unknown_mode(scope):
+    """Rejection has to be the documented ValueError, not an AttributeError
+    raised while building the list of valid options."""
+    with pytest.raises(ValueError, match="Invalid coupling mode"):
+        scope.set_channel_coupling(1, "GND")
+    assert scope.written == []
+
+
+# The other setters share this shape; a table keeps them honest together.
+@pytest.mark.parametrize("setter,good,bad,sent", [
+    ("set_acquire_mode", "AVERAGE", "SMOOTH", "ACQuire:MODe AVERAGE"),
+    ("set_acquire_mode", "SAM", "SMOOTH", "ACQuire:MODe SAM"),
+    ("set_trigger_slope", "RISE", "SIDEWAYS", "TRIGger:A:EDGE:SLOpe RISE"),
+    ("set_trigger_mode", "NORMAL", "SOMETIMES", "TRIGger:A:MODe NORMAL"),
+])
+def test_validated_setters_take_valid_values_and_reject_the_rest(
+        scope, setter, good, bad, sent):
+    getattr(scope, setter)(good)
+    assert scope.written == [sent]
+    with pytest.raises(ValueError):
+        getattr(scope, setter)(bad)

tools/helios_lds_probe.py

@@ -0,0 +1,232 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""Raw-wire probe for the Helios pump-diode current (LDS).
+
+Why this exists: the laser panel reports a diode current of 32 mA that no
+Set will change — and 32 is also what a status register reads with bit 5
+set (LER: "Over voltage laser diode", LCE: "Door switch open", CCE:
+"Q-switch under/over temperature").  So either the controller really holds
+LDS = 32 and is refusing to take a new value, or the line the driver reads
+as LDS's answer belongs to some other query.  Only the wire can say which,
+and the driver cannot show it: it parses replies, and parsing is the thing
+in question.
+
+Nothing here reuses the driver's reply matching.  Every byte the controller
+sends is printed as it arrives, with the command that preceded it, so the
+transcript answers "what does LDS actually reply?" directly.
+
+Usage:
+    python3 tools/helios_lds_probe.py --port /dev/ttyUSB0
+    python3 tools/helios_lds_probe.py --port /dev/ttyUSB0 --current 900
+    python3 tools/helios_lds_probe.py --port /dev/ttyUSB0 --read-only
+
+Safety: LDS sets the pump diode's pulse current.  It does not start
+emission — that needs LDO 1 — and this probe never writes LDO.  If it finds
+the laser already enabled it refuses to write anything unless --force is
+given, since changing the current under emission changes the output.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import argparse
+import sys
+import time
+from pathlib import Path
+
+sys.path.insert(0, str(Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent))
+
+from hardware.helios_registers import (      # noqa: E402
+    CCE_FLAGS, LCE_FLAGS, LER_FLAGS, SEVERITY_LABEL, decode_register,
+)
+from hardware.serial_util import open_8n1    # noqa: E402
+
+REGISTERS = {"LER": LER_FLAGS, "LCE": LCE_FLAGS, "CCE": CCE_FLAGS}
+
+# Reads that should not change anything, in the order the panel's poll
+# issues them, plus the two the panel never asks for: LDG (pulse mode, which
+# is what decides whether LDS is applied at all) and LMA — whose unit column
+# in the manual says mA, but which this controller answers in m°C, so it is
+# a resonator temperature and not a second current reading.
+READ_SWEEP = ["LER", "LCE", "CCE", "LDO", "LDG", "LDF", "LDS", "LMA", "HTR"]
+
+QUIET_S = 0.4       # a reply is over once the line is idle this long
+LISTEN_S = 2.5      # ...but never wait longer than this for one
+
+
+def exchange(ser, command: str, quiet_s: float = QUIET_S) -> list[tuple[float, bytes]]:
+    """Send `command` and return every chunk that comes back, with timings.
+
+    No parsing, no line matching: the point is to see what the controller
+    sends, including anything the driver would have discarded.
+    """
+    ser.reset_input_buffer()
+    ser.reset_output_buffer()
+    t0 = time.monotonic()
+    ser.write((command + "\r").encode("ascii"))
+    ser.flush()
+
+    chunks: list[tuple[float, bytes]] = []
+    last = time.monotonic()
+    while True:
+        now = time.monotonic()
+        if now - t0 >= LISTEN_S:
+            break
+        waiting = ser.in_waiting
+        if waiting:
+            chunks.append((now - t0, ser.read(waiting)))
+            last = time.monotonic()
+        elif now - last >= quiet_s:
+            break
+        else:
+            time.sleep(0.01)
+    return chunks
+
+
+def show(command: str, chunks) -> str:
+    """Print one exchange and return the reply as text."""
+    raw = b"".join(c for _, c in chunks)
+    print(f"\n  > {command}")
+    if not raw:
+        print("    (no reply)")
+        return ""
+    for offset, chunk in chunks:
+        print(f"    +{offset * 1000:6.0f} ms  {chunk!r}")
+    text = raw.decode("ascii", errors="replace")
+    lines = [ln.strip() for ln in text.replace("\r", "\n").split("\n") if ln.strip()]
+    for line in lines:
+        print(f"    line: {line!r}")
+    return text
+
+
+def answers_for(command: str, reply: str) -> bool:
+    """True if some line of `reply` names `command` — i.e. it is its answer."""
+    mnemonic = command.split()[0].upper()
+    for line in reply.replace("\r", "\n").split("\n"):
+        head = line.strip().split("=")[0].split()
+        if head and head[0].upper() == mnemonic:
+            return True
+    return False
+
+
+def value_of(command: str, reply: str) -> int | None:
+    """The integer this reply reports for `command`, if it reports one."""
+    mnemonic = command.split()[0].upper()
+    for line in reply.replace("\r", "\n").split("\n"):
+        head, sep, tail = line.strip().partition("=")
+        if not sep or head.split()[:1] != [mnemonic]:
+            continue
+        fields = tail.split()
+        if fields:
+            try:
+                return int(fields[0])
+            except ValueError:
+                return None
+    return None
+
+
+def decode(name: str, value: int | None):
+    if value is None:
+        print(f"    {name}: no numeric value in the reply")
+        return
+    active = decode_register(REGISTERS[name], value)
+    print(f"    {name} = {value} (0x{value:04X})"
+          + ("  — no flags set" if not active else ""))
+    for bit, sev, desc, comment in active:
+        print(f"      bit {bit:>2} ({1 << bit:>5}) {SEVERITY_LABEL.get(sev, '[    ]')} "
+              f"{desc} — {comment}")
+
+
+def main() -> int:
+    ap = argparse.ArgumentParser(description=__doc__,
+                                 formatter_class=argparse.RawDescriptionHelpFormatter)
+    ap.add_argument("--port", required=True, help="serial device, e.g. /dev/ttyUSB0")
+    ap.add_argument("--current", type=int, default=900,
+                    help="LDS value to try writing (mA, default 900)")
+    ap.add_argument("--read-only", action="store_true",
+                    help="query only; write nothing")
+    ap.add_argument("--force", action="store_true",
+                    help="write LDS even if the laser reports itself enabled")
+    args = ap.parse_args()
+
+    ser = open_8n1(args.port, baudrate=9600, timeout=1.0)
+    time.sleep(0.2)
+    ser.reset_input_buffer()
+    print(f"Helios probe on {args.port} — 9600 8N1\n")
+    print("=" * 70)
+    print("READ SWEEP — what each query actually answers")
+    print("=" * 70)
+
+    replies: dict[str, str] = {}
+    for command in READ_SWEEP:
+        replies[command] = show(command, exchange(ser, command))
+        time.sleep(0.1)
+
+    print("\n" + "=" * 70)
+    print("STATUS REGISTERS")
+    print("=" * 70)
+    before = {}
+    for name in REGISTERS:
+        before[name] = value_of(name, replies[name])
+        decode(name, before[name])
+
+    lds_before = value_of("LDS", replies["LDS"])
+    print("\n" + "=" * 70)
+    print("LDS")
+    print("=" * 70)
+    if not replies["LDS"]:
+        print("    LDS answered nothing — it may be write-only on this firmware,")
+        print("    and the panel's read-back is coming from somewhere else.")
+    elif not answers_for("LDS", replies["LDS"]):
+        print("    The reply to LDS does not name LDS.  That line belongs to")
+        print("    another command: the read-back is misaligned, not the laser.")
+        print(f"    Reply was: {replies['LDS']!r}")
+    else:
+        print(f"    LDS reads back as {lds_before} mA, and the reply names LDS,")
+        print("    so this is the controller's own value — not a stray line.")
+
+    if args.read_only:
+        ser.close()
+        return 0
+
+    enabled = value_of("LDO", replies["LDO"])
+    if enabled == 1 and not args.force:
+        print("\nLDO reads 1 — the laser is enabled and emitting.  Not writing")
+        print("LDS; re-run with --force if changing the current now is intended.")
+        ser.close()
+        return 1
+
+    print("\n" + "=" * 70)
+    print(f"WRITE TEST — LDS {args.current}")
+    print("=" * 70)
+    show(f"LDS {args.current}", exchange(ser, f"LDS {args.current}"))
+    time.sleep(0.3)
+    after_reply = show("LDS", exchange(ser, "LDS"))
+    lds_after = value_of("LDS", after_reply)
+
+    print("\n  Registers after the write (bit 2 = command error, bit 15 = range error):")
+    for name in REGISTERS:
+        value = value_of(name, show(name, exchange(ser, name)))
+        decode(name, value)
+        if before[name] is not None and value is not None and value != before[name]:
+            print(f"      ^ changed from {before[name]} — the write set this")
+
+    print("\n" + "=" * 70)
+    print("VERDICT")
+    print("=" * 70)
+    if lds_after == args.current:
+        print(f"    The controller took {args.current} mA.  If the panel still shows")
+        print("    the old value, the problem is in the GUI, not on the wire.")
+    elif lds_after == lds_before:
+        print(f"    The controller kept {lds_before} mA and ignored the write.")
+        print("    Check the flags above: a latched critical error (reset with")
+        print("    CCE 0 / LCE 0 / LER 0) or a pulse mode that does not apply a")
+        print("    pulse current are the two documented reasons for that.")
+    else:
+        print(f"    LDS went from {lds_before} to {lds_after} — neither the old")
+        print(f"    value nor the {args.current} mA that was asked for.")
+
+    ser.close()
+    return 0
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    sys.exit(main())