Methods and apparatus are provided in accordance with the present invention in which a control mechanism, such as for example, a microcontroller, provides an interface between an optical transponder and an external control system, such that monitoring and controlling of the optical components of the optical transponder are accomplished in an efficient and cost-effective manner. In some embodiments of the present invention, methods and apparatus provide for testing and calibration of the optical transponder without removing any portion of a protective housing within which the internal components of the optical transponder are disposed.