# Helios Laser Test Application

A simple PyQt6 GUI application for testing and controlling the Helios pulsed laser system.

## Features

- **Connection Management**: Connect/disconnect to the laser via RS-232 serial port
- **Frequency Control**: Set and query laser pulse frequency (16,700 - 125,000 Hz)
- **Current Control**: Set and query pump diode current (0 - 7,000 mA)
- **Pulse Mode**: Select from three pulse modes:
  - Single Pulse
  - Continuous Gating
  - Continuous Pulsing
- **Laser Enable/Disable**: Control laser emission with dedicated buttons
- **System Information**: Query and display controller and head serial numbers
- **Power Monitoring**: Query and display output power in mW
- **Message Log**: Real-time log of operations and responses

## Usage

### Starting the Application

```bash
/opt/scanengine-3/run_helios_test.sh
```

Or directly:

```bash
source /opt/srasenv/bin/activate
cd /opt/scanengine-3
python3 helios_test_app.py
```

### Connection

1. **Select Serial Port**: Choose the appropriate serial port from the dropdown (e.g., `/dev/ttyUSB0`)
2. **Refresh Ports**: Click "Refresh Ports" to update the list of available ports
3. **Connect**: Click "Connect" to establish connection with the laser
4. Once connected, the status will show "Connected to [port]" in green

### Control Tab

#### Frequency Control
- Enter desired frequency (16,700 - 125,000 Hz)
- Click **Set Frequency** to apply the setting
- Click **Query** to read the current frequency from the laser

#### Current Control
- Enter desired pump diode current (0 - 7,000 mA)
- Click **Set Current** to apply the setting
- Click **Query** to read the current from the laser

#### Pulse Mode Control
- Select desired pulse mode from dropdown
- Click **Set Mode** to apply the setting

#### Laser Control
- **Enable Laser**: Starts laser emission
- **Disable Laser**: Stops laser emission
- **Query Status**: Checks if laser is currently enabled/disabled

### Monitor Tab

#### System Information
- **Query All**: Queries all available parameters from the laser
- **Controller SN**: Displays controller serial number
- **Head SN**: Displays laser head serial number

#### Power Monitoring
- **Query Power**: Reads output power in mW

#### Messages
- Real-time log of all operations and responses
- Useful for debugging and verifying commands

## RS-232 Communication Settings

The driver uses the following settings (automatic, no configuration needed):
- **Baud Rate**: 9600
- **Data Bits**: 8
- **Parity**: None
- **Stop Bits**: 1
- **Flow Control**: None
- **Timeout**: 1 second

## Command Reference

The application uses the following Helios commands:

| Command | Function | Range |
|---------|----------|-------|
| `FP=value` | Set frequency period (ns) | 8,000 - 60,000 |
| `FP?` | Query frequency period | - |
| `PC=value` | Set pump current (mA) | 0 - 7,000 |
| `PC?` | Query pump current | - |
| `PM=value` | Set pulse mode (0-2) | 0=Single, 1=Gate, 2=Continuous |
| `LE=value` | Set laser enable (0/1) | 0=Off, 1=On |
| `LE?` | Query laser enable status | - |
| `PO?` | Query output power (mW) | - |
| `SN?` | Query controller serial | - |
| `HSN?` | Query head serial | - |

## Safety Notes

⚠️ **IMPORTANT**: Please follow these safety precautions when using the laser:

1. **Door Switch**: Ensure the laser enclosure door switch is closed during operation
2. **Laser Disable Pin**: The laser disable pin (pin 3) must be properly connected
3. **Residual Emission**: The laser may emit when the door switch is open - always treat it as potentially dangerous
4. **Start Low**: When setting current, start at lower values and increase gradually
5. **Monitor Power**: Use the "Query Power" function to verify safe output levels

## Troubleshooting

### Cannot Connect
- Verify the correct serial port is selected
- Check that the USB-to-RS-232 adapter is properly connected
- Ensure no other application is using the same port
- Try clicking "Refresh Ports" to update the list

### Commands Not Working
- Verify the laser is connected (status shows green)
- Check that the laser is not in error state
- Review the message log for error details

### Serial Numbers Not Showing
- The laser may not respond if not properly powered
- Check the serial connection
- Try the "Query All" button to get diagnostic information

## Files

- `helios_test_app.py` - Main application
- `run_helios_test.sh` - Launcher script
- `hardware/helios_laser.py` - Helios driver
- `docs/protocols/helios_comms_protocol.pdf` - Official Helios documentation

## Requirements

- Python 3.8+
- PyQt6
- pyserial
- Helios laser with RS-232 interface
- USB-to-RS-232 adapter (if using modern computer)