Applied Instruments XR-3 User manual
XR-3 Base Instrument Operation Manual XR-3
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1.INTRODUCTION TO XR-3 MODULAR TEST INSTRUMENT .................................................. 3
STANDARD ACCESSORIES............................................................................................................................ 5
CONNECTIONS ............................................................................................................................................. 6
DC CHARGE PORT....................................................................................................................................... 7
PC CONNECTION ......................................................................................................................................... 7
2.SOFTWARE UPDATES.................................................................................................................... 13
REQUIREMENTS......................................................................................................................................... 13
INSTALLATION .......................................................................................................................................... 13
UPDATING ................................................................................................................................................. 18
CHANNEL PLANS (APPLIES TO CATV /OFF-AIR MODULE ONLY).............................................................. 24
FIELD GUIDES (APPLIES TO SATELLITE MODULES ONLY) ........................................................................... 24
LIMIT VALUES (CURRENTLY APPLIES TO SATELLITE MODULES ONLY)....................................................... 25
POSTAL CODES (APPLIES TO SATELLITE MODULES ONLY) ......................................................................... 25
3.POWER............................................................................................................................................... 25
BATTERY CHARGE .................................................................................................................................... 25
AC POWER ................................................................................................................................................ 26
DC POWER ................................................................................................................................................ 26
4.TROUBLESHOOTING / FAQS ....................................................................................................... 26
5.REPLACEMENT PARTS & ACCESSORIES................................................................................ 27
6.MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS ................................................................................................... 27
7.SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................ 28
This manual covers basic operations and functions of the XR-3. For more detailed instructions on
how to use the instrument for different applications, see the Application Notes available on our
website, http://www.appliedin.com
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1. Introduction to XR-3 Modular Test Instrument
The XR-3 is a revolutionary test instrument platform. The base unit is a rugged chassis, display,
and portable power supply that accepts easily swappable modules for testing a variety of signals
used in the telecommunications industry.
The XR-3 is economically efficient because it allows you to choose only the test modules that
your application requires. In the future as your testing needs change, you’ll need only a new
module, not an entire instrument.
Test modules that “slide and click” into the XR-3 available now include satellite (offerings for
North American DBS and VSAT and non-North American DTH applications), cable TV (analog
and digital QAM), and Off-Air broadcast (digital 8VSB and analog). Additional modules will follow.
The XR-3 platform is ideal for installers and private cable operators that demand fast, easy signal
measurements today and in the future.
GENERAL FEATURES
• Durable case with rubber shock guards
• Color graphic LCD screen, sunlight readable
• Glow-in-the-dark numeric keypad front panel
• Rechargeable / Easily Replaceable Li-Ion battery
• USB computer interface for firmware updates
• Operates while charging via AC
• Quick charge battery with universal AC or vehicle 12 VDC
• Modular design for longer life and more flexibility
• Accepts easily-swappable modules for several types of signal test applications
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Symbols Used
The following symbols may be used in this manual and/or marked on the instrument.
Hazardous areas on the instrument are marked with this symbol. Consult this
manual to learn the nature of the hazard and proper actions for safe operation.
Indicates an earth ground terminal
Indicates possibility of electric shock
Indicates a protective conductor terminal
Indicates direct current (DC)
Safety Instructions
Read and follow all instructions in this manual.
Cleaning: Unplug and turn unit off before cleaning. Clean with a dry cloth only.
Use only the charger supplied with the unit or equivalent charger rated at 14V, 2.1A.
Use only the cord supplied with the charger or equivalent cord rated for at least 1A.
Servicing should be done by qualified service technicians only.
The beeper is quite loud so it can be heard outdoors over traffic noise. To avoid
hearing damage during prolonged use, protective earpieces are recommended.
Use of the instrument in a manner not consistent with the instructions in this manual
may impair the safety features and lead to damage or injury.
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Standard Accessories
Accessories included with your XR-3:
• Quick Start Guide
• AC adapter and related line cord
• DC vehicle charge cord
• USB data transfer cable
• Cordura Protective Flap
• Shoulder Strap
• Signal splitter / combiner
• Desktop kickstand that props up meter for bench height use
Optional Accessories
Optional Accessories for the XR-3 include:
• Various snap-in modules for test signal applications
• Hard shell protective carrying case with foam padding molded for base instrument,
modules, and accessories
• Model NS-1 handheld broadband noise test signal generator (5 to 2150 MHz)
• Model PC-1 handheld CW single carrier test signal generator (one carrier from 5 to 180
MHz)
• Model PC-2 handheld CW dual carrier test signal generator (two carriers from 5 to 180
MHz)
• Model 5112 field portable CW multi-carrier test signal generator (up to six carriers from 5
MHz to 1 GHz).
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Connections
1) Charge cord port for battery charger
AC charging via wall outlet (100-240VAC, 50-60 Hz Input and 15VDC output)
DC charging from 12VDC (at least 1 amp) vehicle outlet (cigarette adapter)
2) PC port - USB connection to PC for updating software and transferring files
3) Audible tone (speaker) port
4) Ethernet (option to be offered in future) port
5) Base-to-module connection port
FRONT
432
1
BACK
5
4
3
1
2
BOTTOM
1
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DC Charge Port
The XR-3 connects to its external AC to DC switching power supply for charging its internal
battery from an AC outlet. The XR-3 can be used while connected to the AC/DC charger. The
XR-3 also connects to a 12VDC adapter in a vehicle only for battery charging.
PC Connection
The XR-3 connects to a USB port of a PC via the supplied cable. PC software is available for
download from our website (www.appliedin.com). The FlashUpdate program is used for updating
the instrument with the latest firmware and the MeterMaid program is used for transferring saved
scan files from the XR-3 to the PC.
Audible Tone Port
The XR-3 emits audible tones when:
• Instrument is powered on
• Buttons are pressed
• Scans are complete
• Digital signal locks are obtained
Ear protection is recommended if using the meter for prolonged periods with the sounder turned
on. The audible tone feature can be turned OFF in the Options menu, if so desired.
Base-to-Module Connection Port
The module connector has two functions:
Supplies voltage to power the module
Sends control signals and data between the module and base unit
Front Panel Buttons
1) Audible Tone
2) Screen Brightness
3) ON / OFF Power
4) Alphanumeric Keypad
5) Enter button
6) Arrow keys
7) Soft-keys (six)
5
6
3
2
1
4
7
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XR-3 Construction
Parts of the XR-3:
1) Cordura protective flap
2) Flap axle
3) XR-3 instrument base
4) Module (swappable)
5) Thumb screw (tuner lock down screw) to secure module (x2)
6) Threaded cross dowel pin to secure module (x2)
7) Rubber shock guard (x2)
14
3
5
7
2
6
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Battery Replacement
The XR-3 includes a replaceable Li-Ion rechargeable battery. When the battery wears out in the
future, battery replacement is simple.
Required Tools:
1x #2 Phillips screwdriver
1x Safety glasses
Estimated completion time: 5 +/- minutes, depending on mechanical aptitude and proficiency
Battery replacement procedure:
1) Wear safety glasses
2) Stand instrument upright on solid stable surface
3) Unfasten flap’s Velcro from rear of module body and fold flap downwards
4) Loosen (2) thumb screws until they fall out of the (2) threaded dowel pins on top of
instrument
5) Remove (2) threaded dowel pins by pushing them gently from the middle of the unit
outwards
6) Remove module by grasping the top, first pulling outwards and then upwards
7) Remove each rubber shock guard by gently pulling the top of each outwards. You will
notice that the plugs in the middle of each rubber shock guard will pop out of place as
you pull. Pull shock guards downward, taking care to slowly remove both rubber shock
guards from base unit while keeping the flap axle attached between them. Use caution
so that the flap axle doesn’t pop out and cause injury to an eye or other body part.
8) Place unit front panel down on a solid stable surface. It’s a good idea to place a towel or
other soft fabric under the unit to protect the display from getting scratched.
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9) Use Phillips screwdriver to remove (6) screws from battery compartment lid
10) Pick lid upwards to remove it, taking care not to damage the gasket underneath
11) Pull up on foil tab of battery to lift battery out of compartment
12) Install new battery in compartment, taking care to properly align battery contacts and
leave the tab sticking up to aid in future battery replacement
13) Complete steps 1 to 12 in reverse order to close battery compartment and reassemble
instrument
14) After replacing the battery, you'll need to enter the Date and Time in the Option menu.
Your Options menu settings will return to the Pre-Set / default settings (i.e. for Level
value, Sounder, Shutdown, Key Beep, Sort Order, Display Theme), so you'll need to re-
customize those settings. You'll then need to select your Limits file and Channel Plan.
When saving scan files, you'll also need to re-enter the Technician and Location. This
applies to both the satellite and cable/off-air modules. If you had saved Favorites and
Tilts to a base channel plan, you'll also need to re-select those.
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Modules
Swapping Modules
Installing a module is as easy as sliding the module down until it clicks into place.
How to insert module:
1) With your fingers, loosen thumb screws on top of XR-3 base and rotate them upwards.
2) Guide module down between rubber shock guards on top rear area of unit, pulling
module towards the rear as you push it down gently.
3) Push module down firmly until you hear a click when the lip of the module falls into the
slot of the XR-3 base.
4) Rotate thumb screws downwards and then finger-tighten them to secure the module to
the XR-3 base unit.
How to remove module:
1) Complete module insertion steps 1 to 4 in reverse order. See pictures below. The trick is
to pull module up out of slot when removing.
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Module Availability
XR-3 modules available now include DBS Satellite, VSAT Satellite, and Cable TV / Off-Air
broadcast. Other modules will follow.
Module Part
Number Description Application
XR-TS2-01
Satellite Meter
DISH, DIRECTV, Bell
TV, Shaw Direct, and
more
North American DBS /
Broadcast TVRO
250-2150 MHz
XR-S2ACM-
01
Satellite Meter
iDirect, Hughes, and
more
VSAT, Broadcast TVRO,
International DTH
900-2150 MHz
XR-CA-01
Signal Meter - Cable &
Off-Air UHF Off-Air, CATV,
SMATV (i.e. DISH
Smartbox, Blonder
Tongue headends)
(J.83B) / VHF / UHF
5-1000 MHz
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2. Software Updates
Updates to the Field Guide and to the instrument firmware are available from the Applied
Instruments website.
Requirements
1) A PC running Microsoft Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT, XP, Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8
2) An open USB connection port on your PC
3) An internet connection
4) The USB data transfer cable provided with the instrument
Installation
Before you can update your instrument, you must obtain and install the FlashUpdate software
application onto your PC:
1) Ensure that you are signed on as Administrator or have Administrator rights for Microsoft
Windows.
2) Temporarily disable your computer’s anti-virus software and firewall so it doesn’t interfere
with the installation of the FlashUpdate and MeterMaid programs and the related USB
drivers. If you have a hardware firewall, either stand-alone, or in a router, you may have to
either modify the settings of the device to permit access to our program or entirely by-pass
the router or other inhibiting hardware device.
3) Go to the Applied Instruments website www.appliedin.com. With your mouse, move your
cursor over Service and Support and click on it, then click Software Updates, then click on
‘XR-3 Modular Test Instrument’. Then click on “Click Here to Download FlashUpdate Zip
Software” or use the following link directly:
www.appliedin.com/downloads/flashupdatezip.exe
4) This is a self-extracting archive file. You may choose to open or run the file directly from the
website or may save it to your disk and then open or run it. It is recommended that you run
the file. The instructions below assume that you have chosen to run the file.
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You may receive a warning message. Press Run to continue to open the file.
5) When you open this self-extracting archive file, the WinZip Self-Extractor program will
appear. It is recommended that you press the Unzip button to unzip the files to the default
location (c:\FlashUpdate\). If you wish to unzip the files to another location, type that desired
destination folder into the field titled ‘Unzip to folder’ or press the Browse button and then
navigate the network to select the desired destination folder.
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6) It will unzip several files onto your PC to the location you indicated. Press OK.
7) A Command Prompt screen will appear. Using your computer’s keyboard, type the number
that corresponds to your computer’s operating system. If you aren’t sure of which Operating
System you are running, please proceed to Step 8. If you already know your Operating
System, please proceed to Step 9.
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If your PC is running Windows 8:
Click on this link to obtain Windows 8 driver signature instructions:
http://www.appliedin.com/www/assets/products/Force_Driver_W8/Force_Driver_W8.pdf
Click on this link to obtain Windows 8.1 driver signature instructions:
http://www.appliedin.com/www/assets/products/Force_Driver_W8/Force_Driver_W81.pdf
8) To find out which Operating System you’re running on your PC, using your mouse, right click
on the My Computer icon. Scroll to Properties and left click on it. On the General tab,
underneath System, it will tell you which Operating System is installed on your PC (i.e.
Microsoft Windows XP).
Another method to find out which Operating System you’re running is by using Windows
Explorer.
Path: Windows Explorer Help About.
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9) Another Command Prompt screen appears to let you know that USB drivers are being
installed. After the USB driver installation is complete, you will receive a message advising
you to press Enter. Pressing Enter will complete the software application installation process
and the “DOS looking” screen disappears.
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10) Close your internet browser window if you still have it open and view your desktop screen.
11) You will notice that two new shortcut icons have been installed on your desktop. If the icons
do not appear on your desktop, you can use “My Computer” or Windows Explorer to navigate
to the C:\FlashUpdate\ folder and open FlashUpdate.exe from there and you can also copy
and paste shortcut icons from the folder to your Desktop. If you're running Windows Vista or
Windows 7 and the shortcut icons do not appear on the desktop after downloading, please
right click with your mouse on the Desktop and select Refresh and then the shortcuts should
appear. If you choose an installation location other than the default folder, then the shortcuts
won’t work.
FlashUpdate is the program used to download the latest firmware updates to the XR-3
instrument. Application filename: FlashUpdate.exe
MeterMaid is the program used to upload stored Channel Scans, Favorites, Spectrum Scans,
Constellation Scans, Limits files, Channel Plans, Proof of Performance Scans, and Limit
Scans from your XR-3 instrument to the PC. Application filename: MeterMaid.exe
Updating
1) Ensure you have an active internet connection.
2) Plug your XR-3 into an AC outlet to prevent any potential problems due to a low battery.
3) Connect the XR-3 to your PC using the supplied USB data transfer cable and turn the
instrument on.
4) Double click the FlashUpdate shortcut icon or start the application from wherever you saved it
(i.e. your C drive).
FlashUpdate
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5) If connection is established, a picture of the XR-3 will appear in the top left corner of the
FlashUpdate program and the top center portion of the program will be filled in with data
obtained from the instrument (i.e. serial number, loaded software version, etc.). If the
connection is working, proceed to Step 7. If connection is not established, proceed to Step 6.
6) If the connection is not working, you will get an error message after a delay.
In this case, check to be sure the instrument is on and the USB data transfer cable is fully seated.
Click “Connect” to retry the connection. With the USB connection, the computer should
automatically establish connection with the meter. If you don’t know the com port number, you
can choose Auto or try all available ports or you can check your COM port assignments in the
Device Manager section of the Windows Control Panel.
Path: Control Panel-->System-->Hardware Tab-->Device Manager button-->Ports (COM & LPT)
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