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# How to Use Manual Controls
`Manual Control` functionality allows you to set individual instrument channels (e.g. stage in x direction or a voltage output of a SMU)
## 1. Add Manual Control
To start  click the ➕ symbol next to `Manual Control`. You can now select which type of manual control you want to add. The options depend on the instruments you have installed. The most basic manual control is the `Stage_Control` which sets individual channels. It is mainly designed for motorized stages but can be used to control most instruments. 
## 2. Configure Manual Control
Select which axis the manual control should use. You must also select from which channel it should read the position (`readback axis`) . This is often the same channel as the `use axis`.
![img_45.png](images/img_45.png)

Click `OK` and `start` the manual control.\
![img_46.png](images/img_46.png)

This opens the stage control.\
![img_47.png](images/img_47.png)\
Here you can set the step size and use the green arrow keys to control the selected axis. You can also jump to a specific value by entering values below the `Go To` button and then pressing the button.
```{note}
  The value of `Time between readings` is the time in seconds after which the axis is read (using the set `readback axis` channel).\
This should NOT be `inf` as the position will never be read. Typically, a value of 0.5 seconds is reasonable. 
```

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