JGR RL1 User manual

RL1 Automated
Return Loss Meter
User Manual

RL1 User Manual
ii
M-RL1-001-01
All information contained herein is believed to be accurate and is subject to change without notice. No
responsibility is assumed for its use. © JGR Optics Inc., 2020. All rights reserved.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES ................................................................................................................... v
COMPLIANCE ..............................................................................................................1
FDA-CDRH Compliance.............................................................................................................................. 1
CSA / IEC Compliance ................................................................................................................................ 1
CE Compliance........................................................................................................................................... 1
GENERAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................2
RL1 Automated Return Loss Meter Overview ........................................................................................... 2
Applications............................................................................................................................................... 2
Key Features.............................................................................................................................................. 2
Test & Measurement Standards................................................................................................................ 3
Included Accessories ................................................................................................................................. 3
Optional Accessories ................................................................................................................................. 3
SAFETY INFORMATION ...............................................................................................4
Safety Markings on the Unit...................................................................................................................... 4
Classification.............................................................................................................................................. 4
Important Safety Information ................................................................................................................... 5
Laser Hazards ............................................................................................................................................................... 5
Electrical Hazards......................................................................................................................................................... 5
GETTING STARTED......................................................................................................7
Initial Inspection ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Operational Requirements ........................................................................................................................ 7
Product Overview...................................................................................................................................... 8
RL1 Front Panel ............................................................................................................................................................ 8
RL1 Rear Panel.............................................................................................................................................................. 8
RD-S Wireless Remote-head Detector......................................................................................................................... 9
OPERATION...............................................................................................................11
Powering Up the Meter........................................................................................................................... 11
Pairing a Detector.................................................................................................................................... 11
Device Information and Settings ............................................................................................................. 12
Selecting a Test Plan................................................................................................................................ 13
Performing a Reference .......................................................................................................................... 14
Performing a Measurement ....................................................................................................................15
Connecting an SX1 Switch ....................................................................................................................... 17
RL1 WEBPAGE...........................................................................................................19
Dashboard ...............................................................................................................................................19
Settings.................................................................................................................................................... 20
Input Strings ............................................................................................................................................................... 20
Network Settings........................................................................................................................................................ 21
Upgrade...................................................................................................................................................................... 21

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Self-calibration ........................................................................................................................................22
Help ......................................................................................................................................................... 22
About....................................................................................................................................................... 23
SELF-CALIBRATION ..................................................................................................25
Equipment and Environmental Conditions.............................................................................................. 25
Accessing the Self-calibration RL1 Webpage........................................................................................... 25
Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................................................27
PROGRAMMING GUIDE.............................................................................................30
Establishing Communication ................................................................................................................... 30
USB.............................................................................................................................................................................. 30
Ethernet ...................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Step-by-step Guide..................................................................................................................................30
Notes .......................................................................................................................................................31
Commands Lists.......................................................................................................................................31
MAINTENANCE..........................................................................................................35
Cleaning the Unit..................................................................................................................................... 35
Cleaning the Output ................................................................................................................................ 35
Cleaning Jumper Connectors................................................................................................................... 37
STORAGE AND SHIPPING .........................................................................................38
Returning Instruments to JGR Optics ...................................................................................................... 38
Contact Information ................................................................................................................................ 38
SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................................39

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LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES
Figure 1: RL1 Automated Return Loss Meter................................................................................................ 2
Figure 2: Front view of a dual output RL1..................................................................................................... 8
Figure 3: Rear view of an RL1........................................................................................................................ 9
Figure 4: Front view of an RD-S with an SD01 slide FC detector adapter................................................... 10
Figure 5: Rear view of an RD-S.................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 6: RL1 Detectors page ...................................................................................................................... 11
Figure 7: RL1 Setup page.............................................................................................................................12
Figure 8: RL1 Test Plan Information page ...................................................................................................14
Figure 9: RL1 Reference page...................................................................................................................... 14
Figure 10: RL1 Measure page...................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 11: Sample trace showing RL and RLTOTAL .........................................................................................17
Figure 12: RL1 with SX1 –Setup page.........................................................................................................17
Figure 13: RL1 with SX1 –Measure page.................................................................................................... 18
Figure 14: RL1 with SX1 –Reference page .................................................................................................. 18
Figure 15: RL1 webpage –Dashboard tab ..................................................................................................19
Figure 16: RL1 webpage –Input Strings tab ............................................................................................... 20
Figure 17: RL1 webpage –Network Settings tab ........................................................................................21
Figure 18: RL1 webpage –Upgrade tab......................................................................................................22
Figure 19: RL1 webpage –Help tab ............................................................................................................23
Figure 20: RL1 webpage –About tab ..........................................................................................................24
Figure 21: Accessing the RL1 self-calibration tab of the webpage .............................................................26
Figure 22: Viewing the calibration reports stored on the RL1.................................................................... 27
Figure 23: Example of good test jumper fiber management......................................................................29
Figure 24: Dirty connector end-face inspection using JGR's CS400K.......................................................... 36
Figure 25: Clean connector end-face inspection using JGR's CS400K......................................................... 36
Figure 26: Exposed view of good output fiber management .....................................................................36
Figure 27: Exposed view of poor output fiber management...................................................................... 36
Table 1: Safety symbols................................................................................................................................. 4
Table 2: Environmental requirements .......................................................................................................... 8
Table 3: Detailed description of the RL1 rear panel components (see Figure 3) ......................................... 9
Table 4: Detailed description of the RD-S rear panel components (see Figure 5)......................................10
Table 5: Detailed description of the RL1 Detectors page (see Figure 6)..................................................... 12
Table 6: Detailed description of the RL1 Setup page (see Figure 7) ...........................................................13
Table 7: Detailed description of the RL1 Reference page (see Figure 9) ....................................................15
Table 8: Detailed description of the RL1 Measure page (see Figure 10) .................................................... 15
Table 9: Description of HID input string SCPI commands ........................................................................... 20
Table 10: Troubleshooting failed steps during self-calibration .................................................................. 28
Table 11: Standard SCPI required commands list....................................................................................... 32
Table 12: RL1 commands list ......................................................................................................................33
Table 13: RL1 optical and electrical specifications sheet............................................................................ 39

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Table 14: RL1 mechanical and environmental specifications sheet ...........................................................40

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COMPLIANCE
FDA-CDRH Compliance
Under the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), the
unit complies with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 21, Subchapter J, which pertains to laser
safety and labeling. See following link for more information:
•http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPartFrom=1000&C
FRPartTo=1050
CSA / IEC Compliance
The unit complies with certain standards of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
The unit falls in the Installation Category (Overvoltage Category) II under IEC 664. IEC 664 relates to
impulse voltage levels and insulation coordination. The category is defined as: local level, appliances,
portable equipment, etc., with smaller transient overvoltages than Installation Category (Overvoltage
Category) III.
The unit falls in the Pollution Degree 2 category under IEC 1010-1 and CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 1010.1. The IEC
standard on Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use
relates to insulation coordination. The CSA standard is on Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment
for Measurement Control, and Laboratory Use, Part I: General Requirements. The Pollution Degree 2
category is defined as follows: “Normally only non-conductive pollution occurs. Occasionally, however, a
temporary conductivity caused by condensation must be expected.”
CE Compliance
Electronic test equipment is subject to the EMC Directive in the European Union. The EN61326 standard
prescribes both emission and immunity requirements for laboratory, measurement, and control
equipment. This unit has undergone extensive testing according to the European Union Directive and
Standards.

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GENERAL INFORMATION
RL1 Automated Return Loss Meter Overview
The RL1 Automated Return Loss Meter has been precisely designed for the most accurate mandrel-free
insertion loss (IL) and return loss (RL) measurements available in the industry. The RL1 is capable of testing
even the most challenging fiber-optic cable assemblies and components with smart integrated analysis
settings adaptable to user requirements.
Figure 1: RL1 Automated Return Loss Meter
Applications
•IL/RL testing for fiber-optic cable assemblies
•QA and R&D
•Single-mode and multimode fibers
•Simplex, duplex and multifiber assemblies
Key Features
•Mandrel-free RL testing
•Fastest and most accurate in its class
•Wireless integrating sphere detector
•Up to 4 built-in wavelengths:
oSM: 1310, 1490, 1550, 1625nm

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oMM: 850, 1300nm
•Self-calibration
•Barcode control available
•XN1 Server ready
Test & Measurement Standards
•IL conforms to IEC 61300-3-4 and IEC 61280-4-1
•Multimode IL launch conditions meet the IEC 61280-4-1 Encircled Flux standard
•RL conforms to IEC 61300-3-6
Included Accessories
•RD-S Wireless Remote-head Detector
•Remote-head detector M12 cable (1m)
•USB A to USB B cable (1.8m)
•Ethernet cable (1.8m)
•AC power cord (2m)
•SD00 slide detector cap
•SD01 slide FC detector adapter
•FC/APC –FC/APC jumper (3m)
•FC/APC –FC/UPC jumper (3m)
Optional Accessories
•Additional RD-S
•Slide detector adapters
•Barcode scanner
•Rackmount kit

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SAFETY INFORMATION
To avoid situations that could result in serious injuries or death, always observe the following precautions.
The safety instructions must be observed whenever the unit is operated, serviced, or repaired. Failure to
comply with any of these instructions or with any precaution or warning contained in the user manual is
in direct violation of the standards of design, manufacturing, and intended use of the unit. JGR Optics Inc.
assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with any of these safety requirements.
Safety Markings on the Unit
See Table 1 for symbols and messages that can be marked on the unit. Observe all safety instructions that
are associated with a symbol.
Table 1: Safety symbols
Laser radiation may be present. Refer to the user manual for instructions on handling
and operating the unit safely. Avoid looking into any ports near which this symbol
appears.
Frame or chassis terminal for electrical grounding within the unit.
Protective conductor terminal for electrical grounding to the earth.
WARNING
Procedure can result in serious injury or loss of life if not carried out in proper
compliance with all safety instructions. Ensure that all conditions necessary for safe
handling and operation are met before proceeding.
CAUTION
Procedure can result in serious damage to or destruction of the unit if not carried out
in compliance with all instructions for proper use. Ensure that all conditions necessary
for safe handling and operation are met before proceeding.
Classification
The RL1 consists of an exposed metal chassis that is connected directly to earth via a power cord and is
therefore classified as a Class 1 instrument.
The laser (or lasers) contained in the RL1 is (are) Class 1 laser(s) as specified under the laser classification
of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH).

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Important Safety Information
Laser Hazards
Warning
•Never look directly into the end of an optical cable connected to an optical
output device that is operating. Laser radiation is invisible and direct
exposure can severely injure the human eye.
Electrical Hazards
Warning
•Some of the circuits are powered whenever the unit is connected to the AC
power source (line power). To ensure that all circuits are powered off,
disconnect the power cord from either the power inlet on the unit’s rear
panel or from the AC line-power source (receptacle). The power cord must
always be accessible from one of these points. If the unit is installed in a
cabinet, the operator must be able to disconnect the unit from the line power
by the system’s line-power switch.
•Use only the type of power cord supplied with the unit. If you need to replace
a lost or damaged cord, make sure to replace with a power cord of the same
type.
•Connect the power cord only to a power outlet equipped with a protective
earth contact. Never connect to an extension cord or any receptacle that is
not equipped with this feature.
•If using a voltage-reducing autotransformer to power the unit, ensure that
the common terminal connects to the earthed pole of the power source.
•Do not interrupt the protective earth grounding. Such action can lead to a
potential shock hazard that can result in serious personal injury. Do not
operate the unit if an interruption to the protective grounding is suspected.
•Do not operate the unit when its cover or panels have been removed.
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT

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•To prevent potential fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to any source
of excessive moisture.
•Do not use the unit outdoor.
•Operating the unit in the presence of flammable gases or fumes is extremely
hazardous.
•If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the
protection provided by the equipment may be impaired. Only technicians
authorized by JGR Optics Inc. should carry out repairs. In addition to voiding
the warranty, opening the unit (even when unplugged) can expose you to
potential shock hazards.
•Some of the unit’s capacitors can be charged even when the unit is not
connected to the power source.
•Do not perform any operating or maintenance procedure that is not
described in the user manual.

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GETTING STARTED
Caution
•To avoid injury or death, always observe the precautions listed in SAFETY
INFORMATION on page 4.
This manual contains complete operating instructions for safe and effective operation of the RL1
Automated Return Loss Meter. It is recommended that users of the RL1 familiarize themselves with
contents of this manual before using the instrument.
The inspection report and a description of any customer-requested information may be found in the
calibration document envelope included with the instrument.
Initial Inspection
Warning
•To avoid electrical shock, do not initialize or operate the unit if it bears any
sign of damage. Ensure that the unit and any devices or cords connected to it
are properly grounded.
✓Inspect the package and contents for signs of damage.
✓Ensure all contents are included.
✓Read the user manual thoroughly and become familiar with all safety symbols and instructions to
ensure that the unit is operated and maintained safely.
✓If the initial inspection reveals any damage or missing components, immediately notify JGR Optics
Inc. and if necessary, the carrier.
Operational Requirements
For the unit to meet the warranted specifications, the operating environment must meet the conditions
outlined in Table 2.

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Table 2: Environmental requirements
Parameter
Specification
Altitude
Up to 2000m
Temperature
0 to 40°C
Humidity
Up to 95% RH (0 to 40°C)
Voltage
Main supply voltage fluctuations must not
exceed ± 10% of the nominal voltage
Product Overview
RL1 Front Panel
A front view of the RL1 meter is shown in Figure 2. It features a touchscreen which displays information
such as references, measurements, test plans, setup and detectors.
The FC output panel (output and input panel in the case of a 2X configuration) is located on the front of
the unit. The connections are FC/APC for single-mode and FC/UPC for multimode.
Figure 2: Front view of a dual output RL1
RL1 Rear Panel
A rear view of the RL1 meter is shown in Figure 3. See Table 3 for a detailed description.

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Figure 3: Rear view of an RL1
Table 3: Detailed description of the RL1 rear panel components (see Figure 3)
Item #
Description
1
LAN/Reset
•Press once: reset network settings
2
Ethernet port
•Connection to LAN
3
USB B port
•Connection to PC
4
USB A ports
•Connections to peripherals such as SX1 switch, barcode scanner, etc.
5
M12 connector
•Connection to RD-S
6
Power input
•Contains user-replaceable fuse
7
IO switch
•On/off toggle
RD-S Wireless Remote-head Detector
The RL1 comes standard with one RD-S Wireless Remote-head Detector. Additional RD-S detectors can be
paired to an RL1 for more test setup flexibility. They are connected to each other in series. Figure 4 shows
a front view of the RD-S. It uses a wide aperture integrating sphere cavity for maximum uniformity and is
ideal for multifiber assemblies such as MPO or duplex LC. Figure 5 shows the rear of the RD-S (see Table
4 for a detailed description).
1
2
3
5
4
6
7

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Figure 4: Front view of an RD-S with an SD01 slide FC detector adapter
Figure 5: Rear view of an RD-S
Table 4: Detailed description of the RD-S rear panel components (see Figure 5)
Item #
Description
1
Wireless button
•Press once: power on or put in pairing mode
•Press and hold for > 7 seconds: power off
2
M12 connector
•Connection to next RD-S (if pairing multiple RD-S)
3
Micro-USB port
•Charging port
4
M12 connector
•Connection to RL1 (or preceding RD-S if pairing multiple RD-S)
5
LED indicator
•Green: RD-S is paired to an RL1
•Orange: RD-S is not paired to an RL1
•Flashing: battery charge is very low or zero
•Red: error, contact JGR Optics
1
2
5
4
3

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OPERATION
Before the RL1 meter can be used to make a measurement, the user must setup the meter and connect
and reference a “test jumper” to the front panel.
Powering Up the Meter
To power up the meter:
1. Verify that the power switch is set to the “off” position (O). Connect the meter to an AC power
supply using the power cord provided.
2. Toggle the power switch to the “on”position (I). The JGR logo will flash on the screen during the
unit’s initialization.
3. Allow for a 30-minute warm-up period in order to obtain an accurate reading.
Pairing a Detector
For normal operations, at least one RD-S must be paired to the RL1. On start-up, the RL1 will automatically
pair with any RD-S it was paired to on shutdown and any wired RD-S. Swipe left on the touchscreen to
access the Detectors page (farthest page to the right, see Figure 6). Press and hold on the screen to rescan
for wired detectors.
Figure 6: RL1 Detectors page
2
4
3
1
5
6
7
8

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Table 5: Detailed description of the RL1 Detectors page (see Figure 6)
Item #
Description
1
Battery charge indicator
2
RD-S serial number
3
Press and move up/down to scroll through the paired detectors list
4
Tap to pair a detector
5
Tap to unpair
6
Wired detector
7
Wireless detector
8
Put the RL1 into sleep mode
Device Information and Settings
Swipe right to access the Setup page (Figure 7). This page will display information about the unit, its
connectivity status and test settings. See Table 6 for a detailed description.
Figure 7: RL1 Setup page

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Table 6: Detailed description of the RL1 Setup page (see Figure 7)
Parameter
Description
Network Status:
•If connected to a network via Ethernet, it will show as Connected.
•If not connected to a network, it will show as Disconnected.
Device Name:
•Product line (“JGR-RL1”) and unit serial number (“1932250”) as stored on
the unit.
IP:
•If connected to a network via Ethernet, it will show the IP address of the
unit. Use this IP address to access the RL1 webpage or connect to it via
software.
•If not connected to a network, it will show as N/A.
XN1 Location:
•Shows the IP address (“192.168.12.53”) and port (“8083”) of the last
connected XN1 server.
•If it hasn’t been connected, it will show as N/A.
●Fast
○Standard
RL acquisition speed:
•Fast: less than 1.5s per acquisition (recommended setting for most
applications).
•Standard: increased dynamic range (RL up to 85 dB) and increased accuracy
for RL > 70 dB.
● <300m
○<3km
RL length bin:
•<300m: faster measurement time –can measure RLA, RLB, RLTOTAL and length.
•<3km: the RL1 must wait longer for the laser pulse to return thereby
increasing the acquisition time –disables RLB, RLTOTAL and limits length
measurement (1.2km for fast mode and 600m for standard mode).
● Touch
○Auto
RL acquisition mode:
•Touch: requires the user to tap on the Measure page to begin an acquisition.
•Auto: the system monitors the IL on one channel to automatically begin an
acquisition when a DUT is connected.
Selecting a Test Plan
Swipe right to access the Test Plan Information page (Figure 8).
Scan an XN1 test plan barcode while on this screen to load the plan onto the RL1. Please refer to the XN1
Server User Manual for more information.
To operate the RL1 without a test plan, tap and select Manual from the dropdown menu.
The following settings (see Table 6) from the Setup page are set automatically by the XN1 test plans:
•RL acquisition speed
•RL length bin

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Figure 8: RL1 Test Plan Information page
Performing a Reference
Swipe right twice to access the Reference page. See Figure 9 and Table 7 for a detailed description. In
the case of RL measurements, the test jumper length should be at least 3 meters.
Figure 9: RL1 Reference page
1
2
3
5
4