Four Control Methods of ComXim Programmable Turntables
Introduction
ComXim programmable turntables are designed with versatility at their core. Whether you are a photographer needing quick on-the-fly adjustments, a developer building an automated 3D scanning pipeline, or an engineer integrating a turntable into an industrial control system, having the right control method makes all the difference.
ComXim turntables support four primary control methods, each tailored to different use cases and user expertise levels:
- Infrared Remote Control – Instant, cable-free operation
- PC Software Control – Visual programming and parameter management
- Mobile App Control – Wireless control from your smartphone
- Secondary Development (SDK/CT Commands) – Full programmability for custom integrations
All four methods share a common foundation: the unified CT command system, which ensures consistent behavior regardless of how you choose to control the turntable. This means you can start with the remote, graduate to the software, and eventually build your own custom applications—all without relearning a new control language.
Method 1: Infrared Remote Control
Overview
Every ComXim turntable comes with an infrared remote control as standard equipment. This is the most straightforward way to operate the turntable—no software installation, no pairing, no network configuration required. Simply point and press.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Speed Control | Increase or decrease rotation speed in real-time with dedicated [Accelerate] and [Decelerate] buttons |
| Direction Control | Switch between clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation instantly |
| Angle Setting | Set the rotation angle for step and pendulum modes |
| Mode Switching | Toggle between Continuous, Repeat Step, Pendulum (Swing), and One-Circle Multi-Step modes |
| Origin Management | Set any position as the origin and return to it with one button |
| Shutter Control | Manually trigger auto-focus, shutter, or both (on shutter-enabled models) |
| Key Lock | Lock the remote to prevent accidental操作 during critical sessions |
Rotation Modes Accessible via Remote
The remote gives you access to all core rotation modes:
- Continuous Rotation – Constant speed rotation for video capture and live展示
- Single Step – Rotate a fixed angle once and stop
- Repeat Step – Rotate → Pause → Rotate in a循环, with customizable pause time
- Pendulum (Swing) Mode – Swing back and forth within a set angle range
- One-Circle Multi-Step – Divide 360° into equal segments (e.g., 8, 12, 24, 36, or 48 steps) and rotate step-by-step
Best For
- Quick setup – No learning curve, ready to use out of the box
- On-site adjustments – Ideal for trade shows, live demonstrations, and photo shoots where you need fast changes
- Users who don’t need programming – Perfect for basic display and photography applications
Remote Variants
ComXim offers multiple remote control variants to suit different needs: a 5-key basic remote, an 11-key remote, and a full-featured 56-key旗舰 remote (default). All remotes are powered by two AAA batteries.
Method 2: PC Software Control
Overview
For users who need more precise control, parameter customization, and a visual interface, ComXim provides TurntableX – a dedicated Windows control software. Additionally, a Web Device Console is available for browser-based control without installation.
TurntableX – Windows Software
TurntableX supports both USB and Wi-Fi connections, making it suitable for fixed workstation setups and wireless operation alike.
Connection Options:
| Connection Type | Interface | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| USB | Virtual COM port (CH340 driver) | Low-latency, interference-free industrial control |
| Wi-Fi | TCP/IP (AP mode, IP: 192.168.181.181, port: 8181) | Cable-free operation, remote monitoring |
Key Features:
- Visual parameter configuration – Set rotation angle, pause time, repeat count, and auto-shutter with intuitive controls
- Mode presets – One-click step shortcuts (8, 12, 24, 36, 48) for instant 360° equal-step setup
- Device information query – Read product name, unique EBC (Electronic Birth Certificate), and firmware version
- Real-time command feedback – See CT commands as they are sent to the turntable – invaluable for developers debugging their own software
- Bilingual interface – Switch between English and Chinese
How to Connect via USB:
- Install the CH340 USB driver (available at comxim.com/download-usb-driver)
- Connect the turntable via USB Type-B cable and power it on
- Launch TurntableX, select the correct COM port, and click Connect
- Verify connection by reading the device name
How to Connect via Wi-Fi:
- Power on the turntable – its Wi-Fi hotspot appears (SSID = model name)
- Connect your computer to this hotspot using password:
88889999 - Launch TurntableX, select IPv4, and click Connect (default IP:
192.168.181.181)
Note: The turntable’s Wi-Fi is for point-to-point control only and does not provide internet access. Your operating system may show a “no internet” warning – ignore it and keep the connection.
Web Device Console
For users who cannot install software or need quick access from any computer, ComXim offers a browser-based control console.
Access: comxim.com/web-device-console
Features:
- No installation required – works in any modern browser
- USB serial connection (virtual COM port)
- All core control functions accessible via web interface
- CT command input for advanced users
- Real-time device status monitoring
Best For
- Precision control – Fine-tune every parameter with numeric precision
- Complex sequences – Set custom pause times, repeat counts, and multi-step rotations
- Development and debugging – The command display window helps you learn CT commands
- Fixed workstations – USB connection provides stable, low-latency control
Method 3: Mobile App Control
Overview
ComXim provides mobile applications that bring wireless control to your smartphone. Two apps are available, corresponding to the two wireless connection methods:
| App | Connection | Platform | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| TurntablePlus | Wi-Fi (AP mode) | Android | Full-featured wireless control from phone |
| TurntableBLE | Bluetooth BLE 4.0 | Android | Low-power, quick-connect phone control |
Important: Wi-Fi (W) and Bluetooth (B) are mutually exclusive on the hardware level – a single turntable cannot have both. Choose the model that matches your preferred wireless technology.
TurntablePlus (Wi-Fi)
How to Connect:
- Power on the turntable and wait for its Wi-Fi hotspot to appear (SSID = model name)
- Connect your phone to this hotspot using password:
88889999 - Open the TurntablePlus app and tap Connect Device
Key Features:
- Start/stop rotation
- Adjust rotation speed and direction
- Set rotation angle, pause time, and repeat count
- Enable/disable auto-shutter
- Access all rotation modes (Continuous, Step, Pendulum, One-Circle Multi-Step)
- Real-time status feedback
TurntableBLE (Bluetooth)
How to Connect:
- Power on the turntable and wait for initialization (approximately 10 seconds)
- Open your phone’s Bluetooth settings and ensure Bluetooth is enabled
- Open the TurntableBLE app
- Tap the Scan button in the upper-right corner – the device list will display available turntables (e.g., “MT320RUBL40”)
- Tap your turntable model to connect
Key Features:
- BLE 4.0 low-power connection – no pairing required
- All core control functions accessible from your phone
- Heartbeat monitoring to verify connection status
- Event notifications (e.g.,
CR+EVENT=TB_PAUSE,CR+EVENT=TB_END) for action completion feedback
App Notes
- Both apps are provided as demos and may not support all Android devices
- ComXim has open-sourced the app source code for developers who wish to build custom versions
- Currently, there is no official iOS version, but third-party apps are available
Best For
- On-the-go control – Adjust turntable settings from anywhere in the room
- Mobile photography setups – Perfect for location shoots where a laptop is impractical
- Quick demonstrations – Showcase products without cables or computers
Method 4: Secondary Development (SDK / CT Commands)
Overview
For developers, system integrators, and advanced users, ComXim turntables offer a fully programmable control interface through the CT (ComXim Turntable) command system.
This is where the turntable truly shines as a programmable platform rather than just a motorized display stand.
What Makes CT Commands Powerful?
- Platform-independent – Works over USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth identically
- Language-independent – Send plain ASCII text commands from C#, Python, C++, Java, LabVIEW, or any language that can write to a serial port or socket
- No SDK lock-in – No proprietary libraries or DLLs required – just simple text commands
- Real-time feedback – Receive acknowledgments, event notifications, and error codes
Command Format
All CT commands follow this pattern:
CT+COMMAND(parameter1, parameter2, ...);- Starts with
CT - Followed by
+and the command name - Parameters inside
() - Ends with
;(semicolon)
Core Command Categories
| Category | Example Commands | Description |
|---|---|---|
| System | CT+ACK(1), CT+EVENT(1), CT+HEARTBEAT(1) |
Enable/disable feedback, events, heartbeat |
| Configuration | CT+SETMODE(1), CT+SETDIR(0), CT+SETANGLE(15.0), CT+SETPAUSETIME(2) |
Set rotation parameters |
| Motion Control | CT+START(0,1,1,15,2,24), CT+TURNSINGLE(0,45.0) |
Execute rotations |
| Position | CT+TOZERO(), CT+SETZERO(), CT+GETOFFSETANGLE() |
Origin management |
| Shutter | CT+CAMERACTRL(1,1), CT+SETAUTOSHUTTER(1) |
Camera control (shutter-enabled models) |
| Query | CT+GETPN(), CT+GETEBC(), CT+GETFWV() |
Read device information |
Example: 360° Product Photography
To rotate clockwise in step mode, 15° per step, with a 2-second pause, auto-shutter enabled, repeating 24 times:
CT+START(0,1,1,15,2,24);Parameter breakdown:
0= Clockwise direction1= Step mode1= Auto-shutter enabled15= 15° per step2= 2-second pause24= 24 repeats (24 × 15° = 360°)
Feedback from the Turntable
| Response | Format | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Acknowledgment | CR+OK; |
Command received and accepted |
| Event | CR+EVENT=TB_END; |
Action completed |
| Event | CR+EVENT=TB_PAUSE; |
Pause started |
| Error | CR+ERR=XX; |
Error code (see command list for details) |
Heartbeat Mechanism
The turntable sends a # character every 1 second when connected. If no # or command is received for 3 seconds, it sends ## to indicate heartbeat loss. Your software can use this to monitor connection status.
Getting Started with CT Commands
- Download the CT Command List – Available at comxim.com/the-new-command-list
- Use TurntableX to learn – The software displays every CT command it sends, helping you learn by example
- Test with a serial tool – Use SSCOM, PuTTY, or SecureCRT to send commands manually
- Write your own code – Integrate CT commands into your application
Connection Methods for Development
| Interface | How to Connect | Development Approach |
|---|---|---|
| USB | Virtual COM port (CH340) | Serial port programming (e.g., SerialPort in C#, pyserial in Python) |
| Wi-Fi | TCP/IP socket (192.168.181.181:8181) |
Socket programming (e.g., Socket in Java, socket in Python) |
| Bluetooth | BLE GATT connection | BLE programming (Android BluetoothGatt, Python bleak) |
Best For
- Custom automation – Build scripts and applications that control the turntable programmatically
- System integration – Embed turntable control into larger workflows (3D scanning pipelines, industrial inspection systems)
- Product development – Create custom control software or mobile apps
- Research and prototyping – Experiment with complex motion sequences
Comparison Table: Which Control Method Should You Choose?
| Consideration | Remote Control | PC Software | Mobile App | CT Commands |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★ |
| Control precision | ★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Parameter flexibility | ★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Programming capability | × | ★★★ | ★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Wireless option | √ (IR) | √ (Wi-Fi) | √ (Wi-Fi/BLE) | √ (Wi-Fi/BLE) |
| Learning curve | Low | Medium | Medium | High |
| Best for | Quick operation | Visual control | Mobile convenience | Full automation |
Summary
ComXim programmable turntables offer a control method for every user and every scenario:
- Infrared Remote – The fastest way to get started. No setup, no learning curve – just point and control.
- PC Software (TurntableX / Web Console) – Visual, precise, and feature-rich. Perfect for workstations and users who need fine-grained control over every parameter.
- Mobile App (TurntablePlus / TurntableBLE) – Wireless freedom from your smartphone. Ideal for on-location shoots and quick adjustments.
- Secondary Development (CT Commands) – The ultimate in flexibility. Build custom applications, integrate with existing systems, and automate complex workflows using simple text commands.
The beauty of the ComXim ecosystem is that all four methods are built on the same unified CT command foundation. Whether you are pressing a button on the remote, clicking a slider in TurntableX, tapping your phone screen, or sending a command from a Python script – the turntable responds consistently and predictably.
Choose the method that fits your workflow today, and know that you can always graduate to more advanced control as your needs evolve.
Additional Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | comxim.com |
| User Manual & Documentation | comxim.com/user-guide |
| Software & Apps Download | comxim.com/softwareapps-demo |
| USB Driver | comxim.com/download-usb-driver |
| Developer Tools | comxim.com/development-kit |
| Latest CT Command List | comxim.com/the-new-command-list |
| Web Device Console | comxim.com/web-device-console |
| Video Tutorials | comxim.com/application-video-tutorial |
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