ika

Python ≥3.8 driver and command-line tool for IKA products.

• Eurostar 60/100 control overhead stirrers
• MATRIX ORBITAL shaker
• RET control-visc hotplate/stirrer
• Vacstar control vacuum pump

Installation

pip install ika-control

Usage

Command Line

$ ika <serial-to-ethernet-ip>:<port> --type hotplate
$ ika <serial-to-ethernet-ip>:<port> --type overhead
$ ika <serial-to-ethernet-ip>:<port> --type shaker
$ ika <serial-to-ethernet-ip>:<port> --type vacuum

Python

This uses Python ≥3.5's async/await syntax to asynchronously communicate with an IKA device. For example:

import asyncio
from ika import Hotplate, OverheadStirrer

async def get():
    async with OverheadStirrer('ip-address:port') as stirrer:
        print(await stirrer.get())
    async with Hotplate('ip-address:port') as hotplate:
        print(await hotplate.get())


asyncio.run(get())

Hardware configuration

For Control-Visc hotplates, make sure the "Eurostar" control option is turned off in the system settings. Otherwise, the device will turn the heater off when the serial cable is unplugged.

Acknowledgements

©2023 Alexander Ruddick

Uses code from the Hein group, but otherwise no affiliation. As of 2023, that project appears to have been abandoned.