Industrial Fiber Optics IF-VR User manual

Laser NTSC Video
Receiver
Product Specifications
Operating Instructions
Warranty Information
INDUSTRIAL FIBER OPTICS
Model Number:
IF-VR

*
Copyright © 2010
Previous Printings 1998, 2002, 2006
by Industrial Fiber Optics, Inc.
Revision - C
Printed in the United States of America
* * *
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means
(electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise)
without prior written permission from Industrial Fiber Optics.
* * * * *

– i –
INTRODUCTION
This manual provides information about Industrial Fiber Optics Laser
NTSC Video Receiver model IF VR. The receiver is designed for use with our
innovative WBS Laser or our standard video diode lasers. This manual
contains all the information you need to operate the receiver with a laser safely
and knowledgeably, even if you are a novice to laser technology. Please read the
manual carefully before operating the laser.
As soon as you receive this laser receiver, inspect it and the shipping
container for damage. If any damage is found, immediately refer to the section of
this manual entitled Shipment Damage Claims.
Industrial Fiber Optics makes every effort to incorporate state-of-the-art
technology, highest quality and dependability in its products. We constantly
explore new ideas and products to best serve the rapidly expanding needs of
industry and education. We encourage comments that you may have about our
products, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss new ideas that may better
serve your needs. For more information about our company and complete listing
of products refer to www.i-fiberoptics.com on the Worldwide Web.
Thank you for selecting this Industrial Fiber Optics product. We hope it
meets your expectations and provides many hours of productive activity.
Sincerely,
The Industrial Fiber Optics Team

– ii –
.

– iii –
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction……………………….................…….....…………..…… i
GENERAL....................................................................................... 1
OPERATIONAL INFORMATION………….......…..…...……............. 2
Specifications............…..........................….................…............... 4
SAFETY…………................…........................….................….......... 5
Electrical…………................…....................................................... 5
OPERATING PROCEDURES.......................................................... 6
Equipment Needed...........................….................….................... 6
Setting up the TV and VCR............................….................…....... 6
Making the laser transmit video...................….................….......... 7
Summary..........................….............................................….......... 9
TROUBLESHOOTING..............................................….................... 10
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE...................................................... 11
WARRANTY..................................................….................…........... 12
SHIPMENT DAMAGE CLAIMS....................................................... 13

– iv –
LASER CLASSIFICATIONS
All manufacturers of lasers used in the United States, must conform to regulations
administered by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), a branch of the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. CDRH categorizes lasers as follows:
Class Description
I A laser or laser system which does not present a hazard to skin or
eyes for any wavelength or exposure time. Exposure varies with
wavelength. For ultraviolet, .2 to .4 μm exposure is less than from
.8 nW to .8 μW. Visible light exposure varies from .4 μW to 200
μW, and for near IR, the exposure is < 200 μw. Consult CDRH
regulations for specific information.
II Any visible laser with an output less than 1 mW of power. Warning
label requirements — yellow caution label stating maximum output
of 1 mW. Generally used as classroom lab lasers, supermarket
scanners and laser pointers.
IIIa Any visible laser with an output over 1 mW of power with a
maximum output of 5 mW of power. Warning label requirements
— red danger label stating maximum output of 5 mW. Also used
as classroom lab lasers, in holography, laser pointers, leveling
instruments, measuring devices and alignment equipment.
IIIb Any laser with an output over 5 mW of power with a maximum
output of 500 mW of power and all invisible lasers with an output
up to 400 mW. Warning label requirements — red danger label
stating maximum output. These lasers also require a key switch
for operation and a 3.5-second delay when the laser is turned on.
Used in many of the same applications as the Class IIIa when
more power is required.
IV Any laser with an output over 500 mW of power. Warning label
requirements — red danger label stating maximum output. These
lasers are primarily used in industrial applications such as tooling,
machining, cutting and welding. Most medical laser applications
also require these high-powered lasers.

– 1 –
GENERAL
Discoveries in laser and photonics technology have created a booming industry. In the
last few years they have brought the world many technological advances and a standard
of living inconceivable a hundred years ago. Examples of how lasers have indirectly
affected our lives include the distinctive red bar code scanners which have improved
cost accounting at supermarkets; repair of memory chips in computers to reduce costs;
three-dimensional color holograms on credit cards to improve security; and automobile
manufacturing sheet metal cutters for reduced waste and increased speed. Direct examples
of how laser and photonics technology have affected our everyday lives include use of fiber
optics to continue lowering cost of long-distance telephone calls; in surgical procedures
to reduce blood loss and trauma, and to promote quicker recovery; and use of lasers in
computer printers for quick, high-quality printouts.
From a historical perspective the creative ideas behind modern-day lasers could be
said to have started with scientist Gordon Gould’s handwritten notes in 1957. Actual
demonstration of the first working laser — a pulsed ruby laser — was performed by
Theodore Maiman on May 16, 1960. Soon other scientists also demonstrated the ruby
laser, then began research on lasers which used different materials (such as gases) as their
active lasing element. The most prominent gas laser which emerged was the helium neon,
or “HeNe” laser, which many of you may have used.
Much earlier, in 1907, researcher H. J. Round had found that the semiconductor
material silicon carbide produced light when subjected to an electrical field. Building
on that discovery, by the 1950s many of the world’s leading scientists were involved in
research involving semiconductor materials and the creation of the transistor. Thus it is
not surprising, with some of the brightest people in the world working in the laser and
semiconductor fields, that somebody would create a laser from semiconductor materials. In
the fall of 1962 several different companies succeeded in producing working semiconductor
lasers. Although these devices had to be cooled to 77 degrees Kelvin and produced very
short high-current pulses for very short times, indeed they were working lasers.
The success of early semiconductor lasers diodes soon led to creation of the modern marvel
known as the semiconductor laser diode. Diode lasers are smaller, more efficient, and
superior in nearly every aspect to any other device when it comes to communications or
data technology applications. These microchip systems are the smallest and most widely
used lasers in the world. Industrial Fiber Optics utilizes the latest technology in miniature
electronics and laser science in creating the IF-VL and IF-UL series lasers which can be used
to transmit TV picture video to this Laser Video Receiver. Read on to learn more about the
receiver and how to set up the laser video demonstration.

– 2 –– 2 –
OPERATIONAL INFORMATION
Electrical
All electrical controls are located at the rear of the laser receiver chassis. A diagram of the
rear view of the laser receiver appears in Figure 1. Following are descriptions of each item
identified in Figure 1:
Figure 1. Rear view of Laser Video Receiver
showing electrical inputs and controls.
1. Power Jack (PWR)
Industrial Fiber Optics Laser Video Receiver IF VR uses a standard 2.1 mm DC power
input jack to provide power to the receiver. (An ON/OFF switch controls power from
the jack to the electronic circuitry and photodetector.)
Power input to the laser receiver must be applied from a low-voltage DC power source
in the range of 10 to 15 volts, such as supplied with the laser receiver. See Item 6 in
this section for more information about the power adapter.
1379.eps
3
2
14
6
5Photodetector
(not shown)
Power adapter
(not shown)
LASER VIDEO
RECEIVER
SW
INPUT
12VDC
VIDEO
OUTPUT
PWR
© 1995 MADE IN USA
IF-VR

– 3 –
2. Switch (SW)
A push-button switch is located directly to the right of the 2.1 mm power jack. It
controls power from the jack to the internal electronic circuitry. When the switch is
closed (ON) it will be slightly depressed, and fully extended when it is open (OFF).
3. Pilot light (PILOT)
To the right of the switch is an indicator or pilot. It emits a green light when the
switch is turned on and electrical power is applied to the electronic circuitry
4. Video Output
The video jack is located to the right of the power jack, switch and indicator light.
It is an industry-standard “RCA” type connector.
The inner portion of the RCA jack is the signal connection, and the outer chrome-
like portion establishes the common ground required between the receiver and the
TV. The analog voltage the receiver produces when decoding a video signal is 1 volt
peak-to-peak. Internally this output is AC coupled and has an internal impedance of
75 ohms.
The receiver reproduces composite NTSC video available from a wide range
of sources. Examples of sources that can be used to drive the companion
IF UL and IF UV lasers are the video outputs from televisions or VCRs.
5. Photodetector (not shown)
The active detection element is a silicon photodiode which converts the coded
information on the laser beam to an electrical signal. The detector is located inside
the receiver chassis about 1.5 cm (5/8 of an inch) from the front. If you look through
the translucent blue enclosure the detector is a two-lead component extending
vertically from the printed wiring board. Printed near the detector will be the
letters “D1”.
To decode the information on laser beams it is necessary to adjust the receiver or laser
so the beam strikes the center of this detector. The red plastic in the front of the laser
receiver chassis reduces the effects of ambient light.
6. Power adapter (not shown)
All Industrial Fiber Optics products sold in the United States come complete with a
power adapter suitable for 60 Hz 120 VAC-to-VDC conversion. Most others come
with 50 Hz 220 VAC-to-VDC power adapters. It is strongly recommended that the
power adapter furnished with the laser be the only supply used. If you use another
power supply, it must be one with voltage output between 10 to 15 volts DC and
minimum current capability of 100 milliamperes. Do not use a power supply which
may generate spikes exceeding 36 volts.

– 4 –
Specifications
Specifications for laser receiver part number IF-VR.
Table 1. Laser NTSC Video Receiver Specifications.
Parameter Value
Operating
Input voltage 10 to 15 volts
Input current 30 to 50 milliamperes
Temperature 0 to 40° C
Optical
Polarization No effect
Spectral bandwidth (20% of max) 500 - 1050 nanometers
Electrical
Analog output, nom. 1 V peak-to-peak
Storage
Dimensions 5.6 x 7.5 x 14 cm
Weight (with power adapter) 570 grams
Temperature -20 to 50° C
1 Lower frequency receivers suitable for audio or voice transmission experiments are available for
purchase from Industrial Fiber Optics.

– 5 –
SAFETY
Optical
The Laser NTSC Video Receiver does not emit optical light or radiation that is hazardous
to health. The Industrial Fiber Optics IF UL and IF VL Lasers used with this receiver are
low-power Class II or Class IIIa lasers and are very safe for classroom and general laboratory
use. These low-power lasers cannot be used to burn, cut or drill. Even so, you should
use caution because the beam is concentrated. It could become focused to a pinpoint
within the human eye. Never look directly into the laser beam or stare at its bright
reflections — just as you should avoid staring at the sun or other very bright
light sources.
If this is your first experience using any laser, review the Rules for Laser Safety on the
back cover of this booklet.
Electrical
Included with this laser receiver is a UL-approved VAC-to-VDC power adapter. The adapter
converts common lab/household voltage to low DC voltage suitable for receiver use.
Always plug the adapter into a grounded circuit.
This laser receiver is particularly safe because it operates at low wattage and low
current levels. However, as when using any electrical device, you must take certain
safety precautions:
• Do not touch (or short-circuit) the connection point at which incoming power from
the adapter enters the laser receiver housing, as this could damage the
power supply.
• Do not open the laser receiver housing under any circumstances, as this will expose
you to unshielded electrical connections, violating federal government regulations
and voiding the product warranty.

– 6 –
OPERATING PROCEDURES
Radio and TV signals use electromagnetic energy that travels at the speed of light. They
are broadcast in the radio frequency portion of the electromagnetic spectrum which has a
limited capacity for individual signal channels, whether over the air or through cable. By
using the light frequency portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, we can greatly increase
the amount of TV signals that cable systems can deliver. The following activity will show
how clearly video information content from a television can be carried on a light beam.
Equipment Needed
• Video Diode Laser; IFO part number IF VL08-635
• 120-VAC to 12-VDC power adapters (2)
• RCA-to-RCA Video coax cables (2)
• Female-to-Female RCA adapter (1)
• Laser NTSC Video Receiver; IFO part number IF VR
• Television with type RCA video input jack*
• Video tape player (or VCR) with type RCA video output jack*
* Not included in this product
Procedure A. Setting up the TV and VCR
In this procedure we will describe specific steps to hook up the VCR to the television.
Because VCRs and televisions vary, it is possible these steps may need to be altered to
accommodate your particular situation.
1. Choose a flat, level table approximately 90 × 240 cm (3 × 8 feet) in size as your
work area for this exercise.
2. Assemble all items from the "Equipment Needed" list at your work area.
3. Connect the power cords for the VCR and the television to 120-VAC outlets.
4. Find the RCA video jack on the VCR and insert the RCA plug end of the first
video cable. Connect the RCA jack end of the other video coax cable to the video
RCA jack on the television. Connect the two RCA ends together with the female-
to-female RCA adapter.
5. Turn on the VCR and television.
6. Insert any video tape into the VCR and start it playing. (You may also use the
built-in tuner if available to receive a television station.)

– 7 –
7. Make certain the television set is displaying the video properly before starting
the next procedure. If it is not, check the signal switch positions and cable
connections.
8. When a signal is being received, leave the signal switch positions on the VCR and
television as you set them, then stop the playback on the video tape (if used) and
turn the VCR and television off. Disconnect the video cables from the female-to-
female RCA adapter.
Procedure B. Making the laser transmit video
In this procedure you will transmit a television signal from the VCR to the television
over a light or laser beam. First, you will need to place the Laser and Laser NTSC
Video Receiver in the video signal path as outlined by the following steps:
1. Position the VCR, laser, Laser NTSC Video Receiver and television on the table
top as shown in Figure 2. Disconnect the two video cables joined by female to
female RCA adapter from each other.
2. Connect the RCA connector on the end of the coax cable originating at the VCR
and connect it to the VIDEO INPUT jack of the video diode Laser.
3. Connect the RCA end of the video adapter cable attached to the television set to
the OUTPUT jack of the Laser NTSC Video Receiver.
4. Check the laser to ensure the laser beam shutter is closed.
5. Plug one end of a 120-VAC to 12-VDC power adapter into the Video Laser, and
the other end into a 120-VAC electrical outlet.
6. Plug one end of the second 120-VAC to 12-VDC power adapter into the Laser
NTSC Video Receiver and plug the other end into a 120-VAC electrical outlet.
7. Switch the Laser Video
Receiver on by pressing
on the switch at the
rear of the chassis. The
green indicator just to
the right of the switch
should light when the
laser is powered.
Figure 2. Equipment setup for
transmitting video signals by light.

– 8 –
8. Turn on the VCR and start playback of the tape, or use the built in tuner to
receive a television station as in Procedure A.
9. Turn the television on.
10. Switch the Video Diode Laser on, then open the laser beam shutter.
11. Position the laser as required so that the laser beam strikes the photodiode inside
the Video NTSC Laser Receiver. See Item 5 in the section titled “OPERATIONAL
INFORMATION” to visually locate the photodiode.
12. You should see the visual (picture) portion of the VCR source signal on the
television as in Procedure A. (This laser/receiver set does not transmit the
associated sound.)
13. Experiment by varying the alignment of the laser beam with the receiver
photodiode while observing the television screen, and by playing different video
tapes.
14. Close the laser beam shutter and turn the laser off
In the procedure above, the electrical signal from the VCR was used to modulate (vary) the
optical power of the laser beam. The information content from the VCR was carried by the
laser light energy to the video receiver. At the receiver the laser beam was detected and
reproduced in an electrical form for use by the television.

– 9 –
Summary
Congratulations on completing a successful demonstration of transmitting a television
signal over a laser beam. With modern technology this equipment made a once-difficult, or
even impossible, experiment look easy. You might ask yourself, "Why go to the trouble of
transmitting TV images with lasers and fiber optics?" Most people already get excellent TV
reception using conventional cable, antennas and satellite dishes, right?
The big advantage to using lasers and fiber optics is their ability to carry many times more
audio and video information than conventional radio frequency methods. For example the
highest microwaves are about 10 Gigahertz in frequency, whereas light is in the frequency
range of one million Gigahertz. This much higher bandwidth opens up the opportunity for
much higher communication rates than available with our current radio frequency meth-
ods. Our world grows by millions of people each year, and natural resources have been
feeling the strain of human consumption for a long time. The technology which drives laser
and fiber optics developments is a dramatic example of how we can do more with less —
and make life a little easier for a crowded planet.
Table 3. Metric Prefixes and Their Meanings.
Prefix Symbol Multiple
tera T10
12 (trillion)
giga G10
9(billion)
mega M10
6(million)
kilo k10
3(thousand)
hecto h10
2(hundred)
deca da 101(ten)
deci d10
-1 (tenth)
centi c10
-2 (hundredth)
milli m10
-3 (thousandth)
micro μ10-6 (millionth)
nano n10
-9 (billionth)
pico p10
-12 (trillionth)
femto f10
-15 (quadrillionth)

– 10 –
TROUBLESHOOTING
No indicator light on receiver
• Is the ON/OFF switch in the ON position?
• Is the 120 (220) VAC-to-VDC power adapter plugged into the laser and an
appropriate wall outlet or extension cord?
• Is there power to the wall outlet?
No picture visible on the screen
• Is the laser beam positioned properly so it strikes the center of the receiver
photodetector?
• Is there an electrical connection between the VCR and Laser?
• Is there an electrical connection between the Laser Receiver and TV?
• Are you using an Industrial Fiber Optics Video Diode Laser?
• Slowly move the receiver photodetector out of the path of the laser beam while
continuously monitoring receiver operation. This will desensitize the receiver in
case it is too sensitive for this laser [i.e., the receiver element is being saturated by
laser light].
Grainy or Snowy Picture Visible on TV Screen
• Is the laser beam positioned properly so it hits the center of the receiver
photodetector?
• Electrical connections between the VCR and laser may not be secure. Press in
firmly on electrical plugs.
• Electrical connections between the laser receiver and TV may not be not secure.
Press in firmly on electrical plugs.
• Slowly move the receiver photodetector in and out of the path of the laser beam
while continuously monitoring receiver operation. This will desensitize the
receiver in case its receiving element is being saturated by the laser.
Do not attempt to troubleshoot the laser receiver beyond the steps listed above. If all
your connections are correct, and you are confident that power is being supplied to the
laser and any input devices, please return the laser receiver to Industrial Fiber Optics for
appropriate inspection/servicing, as described in the section entitled SERVICE AND
MAINTENANCE.

– 11 –
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Periodic maintenance and service of this laser receiver is not required. The warranty will
be voided if entry has been made to the laser receiver’s housing and/or screws have been
removed.
In the unlikely event the receiver malfunctions and you wish to have it repaired, please do
the following:
• In writing, describe the problem, person to contact, phone number, and
return address.
• Carefully pack the laser receiver, power adapter, manual and written description
in a stout box with sufficient packing material to prevent damage in shipment.
• Ship the package to:
INDUSTRIAL FIBER OPTICS
1725 WEST 1ST STREET
TEMPE, AZ 85281-7622
USA

– 12 –
WARRANTY
Industrial Fiber Optics laser receivers are warranted against defects in materials and
workmanship for 1 year. The warranty will be voided if the laser components have been
damaged or mishandled by the buyer, including entry to the receiver housing and/or
removal of screws.
Industrial Fiber Optics' warranty liability is limited to repair or replacement of any defective
unit at the company's facilities, and does not include attendant or consequential damages.
Repair or replacement may be made only after failure analysis at the factory. Authorized
warranty repairs are made at no charge, and are guaranteed for the balance of the original
warranty.
Industrial Fiber Optics will pay the return freight and insurance charges for warranty repair
within the continental United States by United Parcel Service or Parcel Post. Any other
delivery means must be paid for by the customer.
The costs of return shipments for products no longer under warranty must be paid by the
customer. If an item is not under warranty, repairs will not be undertaken until the cost of
such repairs has been approved, in writing, by the customer. Typical repair costs range from
$20 - $75 and usually take two to three weeks to complete.
When returning items for analysis and possible repair, please do the following:
• In a letter, describe the problem, person to contact, phone number, and
return address.
• Pack the laser receiver, power adapter, manual, and letter carefully in a strong
box with adequate packing material, to prevent damage in shipment.
• Ship the package to
INDUSTRIAL FIBER OPTICS
1725 WEST 1ST STREET
TEMPE, AZ 85281-7622
USA

– 13 –
SHIPMENT DAMAGE CLAIMS
If damage to an Industrial Fiber Optics product should occur during shipping, it is
imperative that it be reported immediately, both to the carrier and the distributor or
salesperson from whom the item was purchased. DO NOT CONTACT INDUSTRIAL
FIBER OPTICS.
Time is of the essence because damage claims submitted to the carrier more than five days
after delivery may not be honored. If damage has occurred during shipment, please do
the following:
• Make a note of the carrier company; the name of the carrier employee; the date;
and the time of the delivery.
• Keep all packing material.
• In writing, describe the nature of damage to the product.
• In cases of severe damage, do not attempt to use the product
(including attaching it to a power source).
• Notify the carrier immediately of any damaged product.
• Notify the distributor from whom the purchase was made.

120237
Rules for Laser Safety
•Lasers produce a very intense beam of light. Treat them with respect. Most
educational lasers have an output of less than 3 milliwatts, and will not harm the
skin.
•Never look into the laser aperture while the laser is turned on! PERMANENT
EYE DAMAGE COULD RESULT.
•Never stare into the oncoming beam. Never use magnifiers (such as binoculars or
telescopes) to look at the beam as it travels — or when it strikes a surface.
•Never point a laser at anyone's eyes or face, no matter how far away they are.
•When using a laser in the classroom or laboratory, always use a beam stop, or
project the beam to areas which people won't enter or pass through.
•Never leave a laser unattended while it is turned on — and always unplug it
when it's not actually being used.
•Remove all shiny objects from the area in which you will be working. This
includes rings, watches, metal bands, tools, and glass. Reflections from the beam
can be nearly as intense as the beam itself.
•Never disassemble or try to adjust the laser's internal components. Electric shock
could result.