Keo Alcor-RC User manual

Keo Alcor-RC
Remote Controlled
Low Brightness Source
User Manual
Version 1.1
June 25, 2019

© Copyright 2004 –2019
Keo Scientific Ltd.
Suite 404, 1300 –8th Street SW
Calgary AB T2R 1B2
Canada
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the written
permission of Keo Scientific Ltd.
Printed in Canada.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
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The information in this publication is believed to be accurate as of the publication date. However,
Keo Scientific Ltd. does not assume any responsibility for any consequences including damages
resulting from the use thereof. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
Revision of this publication may be issued to incorporate such change.

Table of Contents iii
Table of Contents
1Introduction............................................................................................................... 7
2System Components ................................................................................................ 9
2.1 System Components Overview......................................................................................9
2.2 Alcor-RC Head Unit.......................................................................................................10
2.2.1 Lamp ..................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.2 Aperture Wheels ................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.3 Front Diffusing Screen .......................................................................................................... 11
2.3 Alcor-RC Power Supply ................................................................................................12
2.4 Agilent E3633A Power Supply ......................................................................................12
2.5 Cables ............................................................................................................................12
2.6 Accessories ...................................................................................................................13
2.7 User Manual...................................................................................................................13
2.8 Software.........................................................................................................................14
3Installation Overview............................................................................................... 15
4System Setup ......................................................................................................... 17
4.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................17
4.2 System Requirements...................................................................................................17
4.2.1 Environmental Requirements................................................................................................ 17
4.2.2 Power Requirements ............................................................................................................ 17
4.2.3 Mechanical Requirements .................................................................................................... 18
4.2.4 Host Computer ..................................................................................................................... 18
4.3 Unpacking the System..................................................................................................18
4.4 Equipment and Parts Inventory ...................................................................................18
4.5 Setting up the System...................................................................................................19
4.5.1 Mounting the Alcor-RC Head Unit........................................................................................ 19
4.5.2 Setup the Power Supplies .................................................................................................... 19
4.5.3 Connecting the Cables ......................................................................................................... 19
4.6 Driver Installation ..........................................................................................................23
4.7 Software Installation .....................................................................................................24
5Operation ................................................................................................................ 25
6Alcor-RC Control Panel Software ........................................................................... 27
6.1 GUI Overview .................................................................................................................27
6.1.1 The Ribbon Toolbar .............................................................................................................. 27
6.1.2 The Selected Wavelength..................................................................................................... 27
6.1.3 The Aperture Selection List .................................................................................................. 28
6.1.4 Calibration Data Plot............................................................................................................. 28

iv Keo Alcor-RC User Manual Version 1.1
6.2 The Ribbon Toolbar ...................................................................................................... 28
6.2.1 The Home Tab ...................................................................................................................... 28
6.2.2 The Utilities Tab .................................................................................................................... 29
6.2.3 The Help Tab ........................................................................................................................ 29
6.3 Aperture Selection List ................................................................................................. 30
6.4 Calibration Data Plot .................................................................................................... 30
6.5 Setup Dialog .................................................................................................................. 31
6.5.1 Application Settings.............................................................................................................. 31
6.5.2 Hardware Settings ................................................................................................................ 32
6.6 Keyboard Shortcuts...................................................................................................... 33
7Warranty & Service ..................................................................................................35
Appendix A Specifications ........................................................................................37
Appendix B Uploading Calibration Data....................................................................39
Aperture Attenuation Factor Data Format .......................................................................... 39
Spectral Calibration Data Format ........................................................................................ 40

Table of Figures v
Table of Figures
Figure 1: Typical System Components ........................................................................................................ 9
Figure 2: Sample Normalized Uniformity ................................................................................................... 11
Figure 3: Stacked Power Supplies ............................................................................................................. 19
Figure 4: Agilent RS232 Cable Connection................................................................................................ 20
Figure 5: Agilent Banana Jumper Cable Connection................................................................................. 20
Figure 6: Lamp Power Tether Cable Connection 1.................................................................................... 21
Figure 7: Lamp Power Tether Cable Connection 2.................................................................................... 21
Figure 8: Remote Control Tether Cable Connection.................................................................................. 21
Figure 9: USB Cable Connection ............................................................................................................... 22
Figure 10: Control Panel Software GUI...................................................................................................... 27
Figure 11: The Ribbon Toolbar................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 12: The Home Tab........................................................................................................................... 28
Figure 13: The Utilities Tab......................................................................................................................... 29
Figure 14: The Help Tab............................................................................................................................. 29
Figure 15: The About Dialog....................................................................................................................... 30
Figure 16: Aperture..................................................................................................................................... 30
Figure 17: Spectral Radiance Calibration Data Plot................................................................................... 31
Figure 18: Application Settings .................................................................................................................. 32
Figure 19: Hardware Settings..................................................................................................................... 32
Figure 20: Upload Calibration Data Dialog................................................................................................. 39

vi Keo Alcor-RC User Manual Version 1.1
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Section 1 Introduction 7
1Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Keo Alcor-RC Remote Controlled Low Brightness Source system from Keo
Scientific. This remote controlled version of our Low Brightness Source (LBS) provides a lightweight,
portable means of calibrating low-light-level devices such as airglow and auroral imagers and
photometers as well as other night-vision devices. Its compact size makes it particularly useful for
instruments that must be calibrated in situ, such as may be found mounted on aircraft, manned
spacecraft, or used in field environments.
The Keo Alcor-RC LBS consists of a 100W precision quartz tungsten-halogen bulb mounted in a
thermally controlled enclosure. The unit contains a sophisticated system of holographic attenuators,
high-grit ground glass, and opal diffusing screens.
With the opal output diffusing screen in place, the unit serves as a calibrated standard of spectral
radiance and as a luminance standard. With the screen removed, the unit can be used as a standard of
spectral irradiance and as an illuminance standard.
Conventional incandescent lamps decline as much as 30% in light output during their lifetime, primarily
due to bulb darkening from evaporated tungsten deposits. Consequently, a tungsten-halogen was
chosen for this LBS which maintains over 95% of initial light output throughout its rated lifetime. The
spectral distribution from the filament through the quartz envelope in the UV and Visible is essentially the
same as a Black Body radiator at the lamp’s apparent color temperature of 2,990K.
All that is needed to communicate with and control the Alcor-RC LBS is a suitable computer with an
available USB2 port.

8 Keo Alcor-RC User Manual Version 1.1
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Section 2 System Components 9
2System Components
2.1 System Components Overview
A standard Alcor-RC system consists of the following components:
•Alcor-RC head unit
•Alcor-RC power supply
•Agilent E3633A power supply
•Lamp power tether cable
•Remote control tether cable
•Agilent banana jumper cable
•Agilent RS232 cable
•USB A-A cable
•2x AC power cords
•Diffuser screen wrench
•Tripod adaptor
•User manual
•Alcor-RC Documentation and Software CD
Figure 1: Typical System Components

10 Keo Alcor-RC User Manual Version 1.1
2.2 Alcor-RC Head Unit
This is the main component of the Alcor-RC system. It consists of the
lamp, aperture wheels, various diffusing elements, and electronics
required to remotely control the system.
This component will be referred to as the Head Unit throughout the
remainder of this manual.
2.2.1 Lamp
The device uses a precision, quartz-halogen 100 watt lamp that provides a 2,990K color temperature
and 2,000 hour life. This lamp is field replaceable although it is recommended that you send the Alcor-
RC back to Keo Scientific when service is required.
Caution
During operation the lamp and surrounding enclosure get very hot (>50
°C). Please allow the device to cool before moving it or packing it in its
storage case.
Never attempt to replace the lamp without first consulting Keo Scientific
(lamp replacement instructions are available upon request).
Replacing the lamp requires opening the device and exposing electronics
which could be dangerous.
Important Information
Replacing the lamp will invalidate the calibration of the unit. It is
recommended that you send your Alcor-RC back to Keo Scientific for lamp
replacement and re-calibration.
2.2.2 Aperture Wheels
The Alcor-RC is equipped with two aperture wheels that are used to attenuate the light output of the
device. These two wheels, the ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ aperture wheels, have a series of precisely
sized holes that provide a combined 100,000:1 dynamic range.
The primary aperture wheel has three positions: A, B, and C, with A being the lowest light output and C
being the highest light output. Each position has ~10x higher output than the previous position.
The secondary wheel has 12 positions: 1 through 12, with 1 being no light output, 2 being the lowest
light output and 12 being the highest light output. Each position has a ~2x higher output than the
previous position.
In the remainder of this manual, a combination of aperture positions will be represented by the following
notation: (B,3) where the first value is the primary position, and the second value is the secondary
position.

Section 2 System Components 11
The optional calibration provided with your device includes a table of aperture signal ratios. This
calibration defines the (C,12) position as being 100% light output and the remaining aperture
combinations a ratio of that output. An example of this calibration data is shown below in Table 1.
Table 1: Sample Aperture Signal Ratios
Primary Aperture Wheel Position
C
B
A
Secondary Aperture Position
12
1.00E+00
1.67E-01
1.81E-02
11
4.86E-01
8.72E-02
9.57E-03
10
2.51E-01
4.42E-02
4.88E-03
9
1.19E-01
2.25E-02
2.49E-03
8
6.01E-02
1.15E-02
1.26E-03
7
2.98E-02
5.74E-03
6.37E-04
6
1.52E-02
2.93E-03
3.28E-04
5
7.89E-03
1.53E-03
1.71E-04
4
4.33E-03
8.40E-04
9.43E-05
3
2.28E-03
4.41E-04
5.02E-05
2
1.43E-03
2.76E-04
3.33E-05
1
2.31E-06
1.48E-06
1.23E-06
2.2.3 Front Diffusing Screen
By using an Eastman Kodak opal flashed front diffusing screen, the LBS can achieve a highly uniform
Lambertian output. See Figure 2 below for a sample uniformity plot.
Figure 2: Sample Normalized Uniformity
0.1
1.0
-4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
Normalized Uniformity
Horizontal Offset from Center of Screen [cm]
Normalized Uniformity by Wavelength
400 nm
500 nm
550 nm
600 nm
650 nm
700 nm
750 nm
800 nm
850 nm

12 Keo Alcor-RC User Manual Version 1.1
2.3 Alcor-RC Power Supply
This component of the Alcor-RC system provides the power to the remote
control system on the head unit. Power to the lamp is also passed through
this power supply to enable accurate lamp uptime monitoring.
The AC line-voltage line cord supplied with your system should be compatible with the region to which
the system was shipped. If the line cord is incompatible, please contact Keo Scientific for a replacement.
Maximum Power Output: 150 W
Input: 100 –240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Output: 24 VDC @ 6.3A maximum
2.4 Agilent E3633A Power Supply
This component of the Alcor-RC system provides the power to the lamp in
the head unit. The Agilent power supply is capable of providing the
required current stability to reliably and consistently power the lamp.
The AC line-voltage line cord supplied with your system should be compatible with the region to which
the system was shipped. If the line cord is incompatible, please contact Keo Scientific for a replacement.
Maximum Power Output: 200 W
Input: 100 –240 VAC, 50 –60 Hz
Output: 20 VDC @ 10.0A maximum
Caution
The Alcor-RC lamp is only rated for 100W. The Alcor-RC Control Panel
software will control the Agilent power supply to maintain 8.333A (@
~12.0V) through the lamp. Putting more than the rated 100W through the
lamp will damage it and invalidate any calibration of the device. It is highly
recommended that you always use the provided Alcor-RC Control Panel
software to control the Agilent and never manually apply power to the
lamp.
2.5 Cables
Lamp Power Tether Cable: The standard 7m (23’) tether cable has LEMO
connectors that interconnect the head unit and power supply. This tether
only provides power to the lamp.

Section 2 System Components 13
Remote Control Tether Cable: The standard 7m (23’) tether cable has D-
Sub connectors that interconnect the head unit and power supply units. All
power and communication for the remote control electronics and drive
system is done through this cable.
Agilent Banana Jumper Cable: This standard 45cm (18in) long cable
connects the Agilent power supply to the Alcor-RC Power Supply. This is
required so that the lamp power can pass through the hour counter located
in the Alcor-RC Power Supply.
Agilent RS232 Cable: This standard 45cm (18in) long cable connects the
Agilent power supply RS232 port to the Alcor-RC Power Supply. This is
required so that the Alcor-RC Control Panel software can communicate
with and control the power to the lamp.
USB A-A Cable: This cable connects the host computer to the Alcor-RC
Power Supply. All communication between the Alcor-RC Control Panel
software application and the Alcor-RC system is done through this cable.
2.6 Accessories
Diffuser Screen Wrench: This wrench tool is used to tighten and loosen
the retaining ring holding the output diffusing screen in place.
Tripod Adaptor: This adaptor allows for mounting the Head Unit on a
variety (1/4-20, 3/8-16, and M6x1) of tripod studs.
2.7 User Manual
Alcor-RC User Manual: This manual describes how to install and use the
Alcor-RC system components. A PDF version of this manual is provided on
the Documentation and Software CD.

14 Keo Alcor-RC User Manual Version 1.1
2.8 Software
Alcor-RC Control Panel: The Alcor-RC system can be operated by using
the Alcor-RC Control Panel software, Keo Scientific’s Windows® software
designed specifically for controlling the Alcor-RC system.

Section 3 Installation Overview 15
3Installation Overview
The list below briefly describes the sequence of actions required to install and operate your Alcor-RC
system. Refer to the indicated references for more detailed information.
Action
Reference
1. If the system components have not already been unpacked, unpack them
and inspect their carton(s) and the system components for in-transit
damage.
Section 4.3: Unpacking
the System, page 18
2. Verify that all system components have been received.
Section 4.4: Equipment
and Parts Inventory,
page 18
3. If the components show no signs of damage, verify that the appropriate
power cord has been supplied with the power supply.
Section 4.2.2: Power
Requirements, page 17
4. Securely mount the Head Unit in a suitable location.
Section 4.5.1, page 19
5. Setup the power supplies.
Section 4.5.2, page 19
6. Verify the Agilent voltage selection switch is set to the correct voltage.
Section 4.2.2, page 17
7. Connect the required cables.
Section 4.5.3, page 19
8. If the device drivers are not already installed in the host computer, install
them and connect USB cable to the host PC.
Section 4.6: Driver
Installation, page 23
9. Install the Keo Alcor-RC Control Panel software application.
Section 4.7, page 24
10. Turn the power supplies ON.
Section 5, page 25
11. Turn on the computer and begin running the application software.
Section 5, page 25

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Section 4 System Setup 17
4System Setup
Caution
To minimize the risk to users or to the system equipment, turn the system
OFF before any cables are connected or disconnected.
4.1 Introduction
The Keo Alcor-RC system consists of four main hardware components:
•Alcor-RC Head Unit
•Alcor-RC Power Supply
•Agilent E3633A power supply
•Cables
All of the components and cables required to use the Alcor-RC are included with your shipment. Keep all
of the original packing materials so you can safely ship the Alcor-RC system to another location or return
it for service if necessary. If you have any difficulty with any step of the instructions, contact Keo
Scientific support. For support contact information, refer to Section 7.
Installation will consist of:
•Mounting the Alcor-RC in the desired location.
•Connecting various cables.
•Installing the required drivers and software.
4.2 System Requirements
4.2.1 Environmental Requirements
Storage temperature: ≤80°C
Operating environmental temperature: +5°C to +70°C
Relative humidity: ≤30%; non-condensing
4.2.2 Power Requirements
The Alcor-RC Head Unit receives its power from the supplied Alcor-RC and Agilent power supplies
which in turn plug into an AC power source.
Alcor-RC Power Supply
Input voltage range: 100 VAC to 240 VAC (50/60 Hz)
Input current: 5.0A
Agilent E3633A Power Supply
Input voltage range: 100VAC ± 10% OR 230 VAC ±10%

18 Keo Alcor-RC User Manual Version 1.1
Caution
The Agilent E3633A power supply has a voltage selection switch located
on the back of the device. It MUST be set to the correct input voltage
selection otherwise damage may occur to the device.
This selection will have been made by Keo Scientific at the time of
assembly based on the region to which the device was shipped. If the
device will be used in a region with a different voltage range, please
ensure the voltage selection switch is set correctly.
4.2.3 Mechanical Requirements
The Alcor-RC Head Unit requires either a sturdy location to place it or a tripod capable of supporting
10kg (22lb).
4.2.4 Host Computer
Important Information
Computers and operating systems all undergo frequent revision. The
following information is only intended to give minimum computer
requirements. Please contact Keo Scientific to determine your specific
needs.
The Alcor-RC system needs a host computer to communicate with and control it. The Alcor-RC Control
Panel software provided with your Alcor-RC system is only compatible with Windows XP or newer in
both 32-bit and 64-bit environments. If you want to use the Alcor-RC with a non-Windows platform you
will need to write your own control software. The Alcor-RC has an easy to use interface that is controlled
with simple commands which are sent to its virtual serial port. Contact Keo Scientific for details on
communicating with and controlling the Alcor-RC system.
4.3 Unpacking the System
While unpacking the Alcor-RC, check the system components for possible signs of shipping damage. If
there are any, notify Keo Scientific immediately.
The system is shipped in a Pelican™case for maximum protection. The case can also be used to store
the device while it is not in use. Please save the case so that it can be used to ship the device to a new
location or to return it to Keo Scientific for repairs if necessary.
All of the components except the head unit can be simply lifted out of the shipping case. To remove the
head unit you will first need to lift up and remove the top layer of foam in the case. Then you can lift the
head unit out of the case and place it on a clean flat surface.
4.4 Equipment and Parts Inventory
Upon receiving the Keo Alcor-RC,please confirm that you have all of the parts required to set up the
system. A complete system consists of:
•Alcor-RC Head Unit
•Alcor-RC Power Supply
•Agilent E3633A Power Supply
•Lamp Power Tether Cable: 7m (23ft) cable is standard.
•Remote Control Tether Cable: 7m (23ft) cable is standard.

Section 4 System Setup 19
•Agilent Banana Jumper Cable: 45cm (18in) cable is standard.
•Agilent RS232 Cable: 45cm (18in) cable is standard.
•USB A-A Cable: 1.83m (6ft) cable is standard.
•2x AC Power Cords
•Diffuser Screen Wrench
•Tripod Adaptor
•Agilent E3633A User’s Guide
•Alcor-RC System User Manual
•Alcor-RC Documentation and Software CD-ROM: Includes user manuals, drivers, and Alcor-
RC Control Panel software.
4.5 Setting up the System
4.5.1 Mounting the Alcor-RC Head Unit
The Alcor-RC Head Unit can either be placed directly on a clean, flat, sturdy surface or mounted on a
tripod capable of supporting ~5 kg (11 lbs) with the provided tripod adaptor.
4.5.2 Setup the Power Supplies
The two system power supplies (Alcor-RC Power Supply and Agilent E3633A Power Supply) should be
placed near the computer that will be used to remotely control the system. The tether cables that run
from the Head Unit to the power supplies are 7m (23ft) long so that the Head Unit can be placed in a
location a good distance away from the operating computer.
Figure 3: Stacked Power Supplies
The recommended configuration for the power supplies is to stack
the Alcor-RC Power Supply on top of the Agilent E3633A Power
Supply as shown in Figure 3. This allows for easy routing of the
cables and keeps the system as compact as possible.
It is also possible to position the power supplies beside each other
if there isn’t enough room to stack them.
4.5.3 Connecting the Cables
There are several cables that need to be connected between the various components before you can
power up the Alcor-RC.
4.5.3.1 Agilent Power Supply RS232 Cable
This cable allows the system to communicate with the Agilent E3633A power supply. Connect the
Agilent RS232 Cable between the Agilent RS232 port on the Alcor-RC Power Supply and the RS232 port
on the Agilent power supply as shown in Figure 4.

20 Keo Alcor-RC User Manual Version 1.1
Figure 4: Agilent RS232 Cable Connection
4.5.3.2 Agilent Banana Jumper Cable
Power from the Agilent power supply must be routed through the Alcor-RC Power Supply so that we can
detect when the lamp is powered. Connect the Output terminals on the front of the Agilent power supply
to the Input terminals on the front of the Alcor-RC Power Supply with the Agilent Banana Jumper Cable.
Use the red plugs for the ‘+’ terminals and the black plugs for the ‘–’ terminals.
Figure 5: Agilent Banana Jumper Cable Connection
4.5.3.3 Lamp Power Tether Cable
Power for the lamp in the head unit is transmitted using the Lamp Power Tether Cable which connects
the Lamp Power Tether connector on the back of the Alcor-RC Power Supply to the corresponding
connector on the side of the Alcor-RC Head Unit as shown in Figures 6 and 7.