JDS Uniphase ORL-55 Series User manual

ORL-55
Optical Return Loss Set
BN 2287/98.01
2011.03
English
BN 2287/21
BN 2287/22
BN 2287/23
Operating Manual

Please direct all enquiries to your local
JDSU sales company.
The addresses can be found at:
http://www.jdsu.com
The description of additional features of the
device can be found at:
http://www.jdsu.com
Copyrights
This product or parts of this product are based on the Rec-
ommendations and/or Standards issued by the Standard-
ization Sector of the International Telecommunications
Union - ITU-T and/or the European Telecommunications
Standards Institute - ETSI. These Recommendations and
Standards are copyright to these organizations. ITU-T Rec-
ommendations or ETSI Standards may not be copied and/
or made available to third parties in whole or in part without
the written agreement of ITU-T
and/or ETSI.
© Copyright 2011 JDSU. All rights reserverd.
JDSU and JDSU logo are trademarks of JDS Uniphase
Corporation.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the
properties of their respective owners.
JDSU Deutschland GmbH
Mühleweg 5, 72800 Eningen u. A.
Note: Changes may be made to specifications,
descriptions and delivery information.
Printed in Germany
Order no.: BN 2287/98.01
Version: 2011.03
Previous version: 2007.10

JDSU ORL-55 i
CONTENT
1INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
The ORL-55 Test Sets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Symbols used in this operating manual . . . . . . . . 2
2SAFETY INFORMATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Warning symbols on the unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Proper usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Laser safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Battery Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
SNT-121A Adapter/Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3GETTING STARTED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Device overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Connecting optical cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4BASIC OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Switching the device on/off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Navigating in the menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Selecting measurement mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Switching the backlight on/off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Wavelengths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
5OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Laser Source mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Power Meter mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Selecting a wavelength. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Return Loss Test mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
VFL mode (optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
6MEMORY MANAGEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
General information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Saving results successively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Displaying stored results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

CONTENT
ii ORL-55 JDSU
Selecting the store location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Clearing the memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Reading out the result memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
7MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Cleaning the test port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Cleaning the instrument. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
8REMOTE CONTROL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Communication interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
9SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Laser Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
Power Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
Return Loss Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
General specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
SNT-121A Adapter/Charger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Visual Fault Locator (optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
10 ORDERING INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
INDEX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

JDSU ORL-55 1
1INTRODUCTION
The ORL-55 Test Sets
The handheld Optical Return Loss Test Sets
• ORL-55/21,
• ORL-55/22 and
• ORL-55/23
measure reflections on fiber optical systems.
Therefore the Test Sets provide a laser for several
wavelengths (see „Differences between the devices” on
page 2) and a Power Meter.Transmitter and receiver are
coupled internally by a optical coupler.
The Test Sets are especially designed for highest
performing testing of all optical signals and systems, i.e.
broadband, PONs, and Gigabit Ethernet. Battery
operation with four AA batteries and the robust, shock-
proof and splash-proof design allow a long operation
time in the field even under tough conditions. AC line
operation via a separate AC adapter and the USB
interface for remote controlallow also comfortable use in
labs or production environments.
Technical Highlights
• Auto-Zeroing function for automatic dark current
adjustment
•Auto-function for automatic wavelength detection
• Measurement of modulated and unmodulated signals
• Universal adapter fitting APC connector systems
• Laser source with adjustable power level for
customized applications
• Optical isolators guarantee high stable output power
level.

2 ORL-55 JDSU
1 INTRODUCTION
Differences between the devices
All of the Return Loss Test Meters are calibrated at
1310 nm, 1550 nm and 1625 nm. Differences between
the devices can be found in the provided wavelengths:
Symbols used in this operating
manual
The following symbols, warnings and character formats
are used in this operating manual:
Type Source
wavelengths Receiver diode type
2287/21 1310, 1550 nm InGaAs
2287/22 1310, 1490, 1550 nm InGaAs
2287/23 1310, 1550, 1625 nm InGaAs
CAUTION
Caution
Follow the instructions carefully to
avoid damage to the device.
WARNING
Warning
Follow the instructions carefully to
avoid damage to the device or injury
DANGER
Dange
Follow the instructions carefully to
avoid damage or severe injury!
DANGER
High Voltage
Follow the instructions carefully to
avoid damage or severe injury!
This safety instruction is given when
high voltage causes the danger

JDSU ORL-55 3
1 INTRODUCTION
WARNING
Laser
Follow the instructions carefully to
avoid damage or injury!
This safety instruction is given when
laser radiation causes the danger.
Additional information is given to
specify the laser class.
!Very important instruction
Follow carefully the advice; e.g.
!Make sure that you protect yourself
and others from exposure to laser
light.
Requirement
This requirement has to be checked
first; e.g.
The system is switched on
Instruction
Here is your input requested; e.g.
Select mode.
Italics Result
Result following an action; e.g.
The page opens.
bold type
face Keys and display elements
Keys and display elements are marked
in bold type face.
Text in blue Cross references
Cross references are indicated in blue
type. When using the PDF version, just
clickon the blue text to skip tothe cross
reference.
[Store] Instrument keys
Instrument keys are indicated within
square brackets.

4 ORL-55 JDSU
2 SAFETY INFORMATION
2SAFETY
INFORMATION
Warning symbols on the unit
CAUTION
Non-compliant usage
Non-compliant usage can be
hazardous to the user or damage
the device itself.
!Please make sure the allowable
ambient conditions are not violated!
!Also note the specified measurement
range!
!Before powering up the device, always
make sure that it is in proper working
order.

JDSU ORL-55 5
Laser safety
WARNING
Dangerous laser radiation
The maximum permitted power for the
ORL-55 can be 1000 times stronger
thanthelimitspecified forLaserSafety
Class 1!
Laser radiation can cause irreparable
damage to the retina if allowed to enter
the eye.
!When the system or test generator is
switched on, never look diretly into the
output or into a connected optical fiber.
!Please heed the normal precations for
working with lasers and consider local
regulations.
This device is a Class 1 Laser product according to
DIN EN 60825-1:2007.
Observethefollowinginstructionswhenworkingwiththis
device and laser systems in general:
!Connect all optical fibers before switching on the
radiation source.
!Switch off the radiation source before disconnecting
the optical fibers.
!Never look directly intothe output of a laser source or
into an optical fiber connected to it.
!Always cover unused ports.

6 ORL-55 JDSU
2 SAFETY INFORMATION
Battery Operation
SNT-121A AC Adapter/Charger Unit
Safety class
The SNT-121A AC Adapter/Charger Unit is protectively
isolated to conform with IEC 60950.
WARNING
Explosion danger
Drybatteriescanexplode if you attempt
to recharge them
!Make sure to select Dry battery as
battery type when using dry batteries
andtheSNT-121AACAdapter/Charger.
Short-circuit of batteries can result in
overheating,explosionorignitionofthe
batteries and their surroundings.
!Never short-circuit the battery contacts
by touching both contacts
simultaneously with a metal object.

JDSU ORL-55 7
2 SAFETY INFORMATION
Environmental conditions
CAUTION
Ambient temperature too high/low
Temperatures outside the operating
range of 0 to +40 °C can damage the
SNT-121A AC Adapter/Charger Unit or
adversely affect its function and safety.
!The SNT-121A AC Adapter/Charger
Unit must only be operated indoors.
!The SNT-121A AC Adapter/Charger
Unit must only be operated at ambient
temperatures between 0 and +40 °C.
CAUTION
Insufficient ventilation
Insufficient ventilation can damage the
SNT-121A AC Adapter/Charger Unit
Unit or adversely affect its function and
safety.
!Ensure adequate ventilation when
operating the SNT-121A AC Adapter/
Charger Unit Unit.
CAUTION
Condensation
Operation in the presence of
condensation can damage the
SNT-121A AC Adapter/Charger Unit
Unit or adversely affect its function and
safety.
!Do not operate the SNT-121A AC
Adapter/Charger Unit if condensation
has formed.
!Ifcondensationcannotbeavoided,such
as when the SNT-121A AC Adapter/
Charger Unit is cold and is moved to a
warm room, waituntil the SNT-121A AC
Adapter/Charger Unit is dry before
plugging it into the AC power line.

8 ORL-55 JDSU
3 GETTING STARTED
3GETTING STARTED
Unpacking the device
Packing material
We suggest that you keep the original packing material.
It is designed for reuse (unless it is damaged in transit).
Using the original packing material is your guarantee of
protecting the device during transit.
Checking the package contents
Your return loss meter is shipped with the following
accessories:
• 1 adapter BN 2150/00.xx
• 4 dry batteries, AA size
• Belt bag MT-1S
• Operating manual
Checking for damages in transit
After you unpack the device, check to see whether it was
damaged in transit. This is particularly likely if the
packaging is clearly damaged. If there is damage, donot
attempt to operate the device. Doing so can cause
further damage. In case of damage, please contact your
local JDSU Sales Company. Addresses can be found at
www.jdsu.com.
Recovery following storage/shipping
Condensation can occur if a device that is stored or
transported at a low temperature is brought into a warm
room. To avoid damages, wait until no more
condensation is visible on the surface before powering
up the device. Do not operate the device until it has
reached its guaranteed temperature range (see
„Ambient temperature” on page 71). This also applies if
the device is stored at a high temperature.

JDSU ORL-55 9
3 GETTING STARTED
Device overview
Fig. 1 ORL-55 front and side view
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

10 ORL-55 JDSU
3 GETTING STARTED
Table. 1 Device overview and key pad
1Test head cover
2Test adapter
3Display
4Stand (rear side)
5Power supply socket, USB interface
6Battery compartment (rear side)
7key pad
Wavelength
Select a wavelengthfrom the list
Backlight
Activate display backlight
Previous
Step one menu level backwards
(without storing settings).
MENU/ENTER
• Open menu and select menu item
• store settings
Power ON/OFF
Switch unit on and off.
Up/Down
• Scroll menu up/down
• Change levels, wavelenghts
Laser ON/OFF
Switch laser on/off
STORE
Store displayed values
Device mode
Toggle between modes:
Power Meter Laser Source 
Return Loss Test ...

JDSU ORL-55 11
Power Supply
Different power sources that can be used to operate the
ORL-55:
• Four 1.5 V dry batteries (MignonAA size, Alkaline type
recommended)
• Four 1.2 V NiMH rechargeable batteries (Mignon AA
size)
• The SNT-121A AC Adapter/Charger Unit
• Via USB interface in remote operation.
Replacing batteries
The battery compartment is at the rear side of the
instrument.
Replacing the batteries
1. Pull down lid to open the battery compartment.
2. Place the new batteries or remove the used batteries
with fresh ones.
Note: Take care of the correct polarity of hte batteries.
It is indicated by a diagram on the bottom of the battery
compartment.
3. Close the battery compartment.
4. Press to switch on.
After powering on the device you are asked in the
BATTERY CHANGED menu to specify whether dry
batteries or rechargeable batteries are used.
Fig. 2 Setup menu for battery type
!Please note the following advice to select the proper
battery type.
Note: Date and Time must be adjusted, if hte unit is
disconnected from any poer source for longer than one
hour (see “Setting date and time”, page 24).

12 ORL-55 JDSU
3 GETTING STARTED
Battery operation
Operation with dry batteries
1. Insert batteries (see “Replacing batteries”, page 10)
2. SelectDry battery intheBATTERYCHANGEDmenu
and press
Note: When using the SNT-121A addtionally the
ORL-55 is supplied from the SNT-121A.
Operation with rechargeable batteries
1. Insert batteries (see “Replacing batteries”, page 10)
2. Select Rechargeable in the BATTERY CHANGED
menu and press .
Recharging the batteries
When using the SNT-121A, and the battery capacity is
lower than 90%, the batteries are recharged (complete
recharging takes about 3 hours). The instrument
switches to trickle charging automatically as soon as the
batteries are fully charged.
WARNING
Explosion danger
Dry batteries can explode if you attempt
to recharge them.
!Make sure to select Dry battery as
batterytypewhenusingdrybatteriesand
tzhe SNT-121A AC Adapter/Charger.
WARNING
Explosion danger
Short-circuit the batteries can result in
overheating, explosion or ignition of the
batteries and their surroundings.
!Never short-circuit the batterie contacts
by touching both contacts
simultaneously with a metal object.

JDSU ORL-55 13
3 GETTING STARTED
If the charge cycle does not start although the SNT-121A
ACAdapter/ChargerUnitisconnected,please check the
battery setup in the INFO menu.
Note: The battery type can not be selected using the
instrument keys. To change the battery type, the battery
compartment must be opened and at least one battery
must be removed for more than five seconds. After
replacing the battery, the ORL-55 asks fro the battery
type(seepage10).Thebatterytypeyouchoosethenwill
be stored until you change the batteries again.
General tips on using rechargeable batteries
• Always handle rechargeable batteries with care.
• Do not drop or damage the rechargeable batteries or
expose them to excessively high temperatures.
• Only recharge the batteries while they are fitted in the
ORL-55 and only use the SNT-121A AC Adapter/
Charger for this purpose
• Donotstorethebatteriesformorethanoneortwodays
at very high temperatures (e.g. in a vehicle), either
separately or fitted in the instrument.
• Do not leave discharged batteries in the instrument for
a long time if it is not being used.
• Do not store rechargeable batteries for more than 6
months without disscharging and recharging them at
intervals.
• Avoid deep dischargingthe batteries as this can cause
the cell polarity to reverse and make the battery
useless.
Protect the environment
Please dispose of any unwanted dry batteries and
rechargeable batteries carefully. They should therefore
also be removed from the instrument if it is to be
scrapped. If facilities in your country exist for collecting
such waste or for recycling, please make use of them
rather than throwing the batteries in the normal trash.
You will often be able to return used batteries to the
place where you purchase new ones. Any dry or
rechargeable batteries that you purchased from JDSU
can be returned to one of our Service Centers for
disposal.

14 ORL-55 JDSU
3 GETTING STARTED
Operation from AC power
The ORL-55 can also be powered from the SNT-121A
AC Adapter/Charger only if it is mainly to be usedin one
place, such as in a laboratory or test workshop. There is
a socket on the side of the ORL-55 for plugging in the
cable of the AC Adapter/Charger Unit.
Note: The SNT-121A AC Adapter/Charger Unit
provides power even if dry or rechrgeable batteries are
fitted in the insturment.
Fitting the AC line plug adapter
1. Select the appropriate AC line plug adapter.
2. Slide the AC line plug adapter intothe slot (see Fig. 3).
The SNT-121A AC Adapter/Charger Unit is ready for
use.
Fig. 3 SNT-121A AC Adapter/Charger Unit.
Changing the AC line plug adapter
1. Place the SNT-121A against the edge of a table or
bench as shown (see Fig. 4).
2. Push the SNT-121A downwards.
3. Slide a different AC line plug adapter into the slot
(see Fig. 3).
Fig. 4 SNT-121A: Changing the AC line plug adapter.

JDSU ORL-55 15
3 GETTING STARTED
Operation from USB interface power
Although the USB interface is primarily intended for
remote control, it can also be used to power the ORL-55.
To power the ORL-55 via the USB interface:
Justconnecta standardUSBcable toanyUSBsocket
of a PC or USB hub.
Notes:
• The device can be operated manually even if it is
powered via the USB interface.
• It is not possible to charge the batteries via the USB
interface.
• The device is powered by the SNT-121A AC Adapter/
Charger Unit, if the SNT-121A AC Adapter/Charger
Unit and the USB interface are connected.
Connecting optical cables
Mounting test adapters
JDSU provides a number of test adapters for connecting
the ORL-55 to the interface to be tested (connector or
bare fiber).
You can connect all standard optical connector types to
the instrument using these adapters. The test adapters
are suitable for connectors with planar (PC) and angled
end surfaces (APC).
Contact your local JDSU Sales Company for available
adapter types.
To mount the JAE test adapter:
1. Open the head cover and remove the protecting cap
(if still mounted).
2. Place the test adapter vertically on the optical
connector with the locking lever open.
3. Close the locking lever when the test adapter is firmly
seated. You will hear the locking mechanism lock.

16 ORL-55 JDSU
3 GETTING STARTED
4. Repeat the procedure if the device is fitted with two
ports.
5. Fit the fiber optic cable to the test adapter or close the
head cover.
Fig. 5 Mounting the JAE test adapter
Establishing the VFL connection
(optional)
The Visual Fault Locator (VFL) is equipped with a
universal push pull adapter (UPP) for all standard
2.5 mm connector systems.
To establish a VFL connection:
Justplug thefiberequippedwithapushpullconnector
into the VFL push pull adapter until you feel a
resistance.
Fig. 6 VFL universal push pull adapter
2
3