Tegam R1L-BIR1 Instruction Manual

R1L-BIR1

MICROOHM/BOND METER

MODEL R1L-BIR1

Instruction Manual

PN# R1L-BIR1-900

Publication Date: May 2019

REPRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF THIS TECHNICAL MANUAL IS AUTHORIZED FOR US

NOTE: This User’s Manual was as current as possible when this product was manufactured. However,
products are constantly being updated and improved. To ensure you have the latest documentation, refer
to www.tegam.com

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GOVERNMENT PURPOSES. TEGAM PROPRIETARY INFORMATION.

REV. B

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION

Purpose ............................................................... 1-1

Performance Characteristics Table 1, Figure 1 ........... 1-1

Description of Equipment ....................................... 1-2

Figure 2: Front Panel Controls ............................. 1-3

List of Items Furnished .......................................... 1-5

Storage and Shipping Requirements ........................ 1-5

Safety Information and Precautions ......................... 1-5

2. PREPARATION FOR USE AND INSTALLATION

Unpacking and Inspection ...................................... 2-1

Preparation for Use................................................ 2-1

3. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Pushbutton Functions ............................................ 3-1

General Theory of Operation ................................... 3-2

4. PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION

Principles of Operation ........................................... 4-1

5. MAINTENANCE

Inspection ............................................................ 5-1

Cleaning .............................................................. 5-1

Calibration ........................................................... 5-2

Troubleshooting .................................................... 5-6

Table 2: Fault Symptoms and Repair Actions ........ 5-6

Preparation for Shipment ....................................... 5-7

Overhaul Instructions ............................................ 5-8

Figure 3: Parts Layout ........................................ 5-9

Figure 4, 5: Digital, Analog Section .................... 5-10

Table 3: Parts List – Main Board Assembly .......... 5-12

Table 4: Parts List – Final Assembly ................... 5-14

Table 5: Parts List – Front Panel Assembly .......... 5-15

Table 6: Parts List – Battery Board Assembly ...... 5-17

Table 7: Vendor Cage Code Directory ................. 5-18

6. SERVICE INFORMATION

Preparation for Repair or Calibration Service ............. 6-1

Expedite Repair and Calibration Form ...................... 6-2

Warranty .............................................................. 6-3

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INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION

Full

(Ω)

Test

Peak (A)

1

1.999 m

1 µ

1.4

2

19.99 m

10 µ

140 m

3

199.9 m

100 µ

14 m

4

1.999

1 m

1.4 m

5

19.99

10 m

140 µ

SECTION 1

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION

1.1 Introduction

The TEGAM Model R1L-BIR1 bond meter is a purpose built,
rechargeable battery powered portable instrument for ground
bond measurements. The R1L-BIR1 comes with push-pin
probes and Kelvin alligator clips, all housed within a
ruggedized case. It can accurately make measurements with
a resolution of 1 µΩ. It has full scale ranges from 2 mΩ to 20
Ω. The resistance reading is displayed on a 3½ digit liquid
crystal display on the front panel. An over-range condition is
indicated as a "1" followed by three blank digits (the decimal
point is also displayed in its normal position for the range
selected).

1.2 Performance Characteristics

This is a range-selection instrument, with a rotary 5 range
selector switch.

Range

Scale

Resolution

(Ω)

Current

Reactive loads not to exceed 2mH or 100µF with a minimum of
5µΩ per µH of series resistance. See figure 1 below.

Table 1: Specifications

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1-1

INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION

Figure 1
Accuracy:
Accuracy on all ranges: ± (0.25% of reading + 1 count), when
powered from the batteries only.

1.3 Description of Equipment

Physical: The circuitry is enclosed in a rugged case.

Dimensions: 14.1 in (358 mm) W x 10.6 in (269 mm) D x 6.1
in (155 mm) H. Weight with accessories is 4.45 kg (9.8 lb).
Controls and connectors are of a size and spacing such that
the instrument may be operated while wearing safety gloves.

Electrical: The R1L-BIR1 is powered by an internal battery
consisting of three rechargeable NiCad ‘C’ cells (2800 mAh ­3500 mAh) with a built-in charger. Input power for the charger
is 90 VAC to 250 VAC at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. Charging power is
supplied via a removable line cord; one end of which plugs into
a line filter on the front of the R1L-BIR1, and the other end being
a standard three-pin grounded line plug.
Fuse: ¼ A 3AG Slow blow, TEGAM PN#FU-202

Input Protection: The R1L-BIR1 will not be damaged by a
signal of 1 Vp-p applied across any pair of input terminals.

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INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION

Environmental: This unit will operate over a temperature
range from 0 °C to 50 °C, 75% RH non-condensing, up to
3050 m altitude.

Front Panel Controls and Displays (See figure 1)

RANGE Switch. The rotary 5 range selector switch may be used

to step through all five ranges.

POWER Switch. Used to turn the power on or off to the

instrument.

DISPLAY is a 3 ½ digit, displaying readings from 1.999 to

199.9.

Four binding posts for connection of test leads are marked +I,

+E, -E, and -I. Proper connections to the resistor under test
are described in Section 3.2 below.

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INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION

Figure 2: Front Panel Controls

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INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION

!

1.4 List of Items Furnished

1 each Model R1L-BIR1 with power cord
3 each rechargeable NiCad battery cells (P/N: BA-110)
1 each R1L-BIR1 Instruction Manual (P/N: R1L-BIR1-900)
2 each Kelvin Clip Cables, one end with a dual banana

plug and the other end with a gold plated Kelvin clip
(P/N: KTL-100)

2 each Kelvin Probes, one end with a dual banana plug

and the other end with a Kelvin Probe with replaceable
tips (8 each) (P/N: BCP-10)

1.5 Storage and Shipping Requirements

Standard precautions which apply to electronic test
instruments should be followed. A hard mechanical shock,
such as from dropping the R1L-BIR1, could damage the
liquid crystal display. Care should be taken to prevent
damage to associated cables.
Remove the battery cells for inactive storage of 30 days or
more.

Temperature: -40 °C to +71 °C.
Relative humidity: 0 to 100%, non-condensing.
Altitude: 4570 m
See Section 5.6 below for shipping requirements.

1.6 Safety Information and Precautions

Grounding the Equipment

This product is grounded through the grounding
conductor of the power cord. To avoid electrical shock or
other potential safety hazards, plug the power cord into a
properly wired receptacle before using this instrument.
The proper grounding of this instrument is essential for
safety and optimizing instrument operation.

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INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION

Danger Arising from Loss of Ground

If the connection to ground is lost or compromised while
charging the batteries, a floating potential could develop
in the instrument. Under these conditions all accessible
parts, including insulating parts such as knobs and
terminals could develop a hazardous voltage and put the
user at risk.

Use the Proper Fuse

To avoid fire hazard, use only the correct fuse type as
specified for the AC power supply in the “Description of
Equipment” or “Maintenance” sections of this manual.

Do Not Use in Explosive Environments

The R1L-BIR1 microohmmeter is not designed for operation in explosive environments.

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PREPARATION FOR USE AND INSTALLATION

WARNING

DO NOT CONNECT THE AC LINE CORD PRIOR TO

WILL PRESENT A POSSIBLE SHOCK HAZARD.

CAUTION

BE SURE TO OBSERVE THE PROPER POLARITY WHEN
INSERTING THE BATTERY CELLS OR DAMAGE MAY RESULT.

SECTION 2

PREPARATION FOR USE AND INSTALLATION

2.1 Unpacking and Inspection

Upon receipt, the R1L-BIR1 and accessories should be carefully unpacked and removed from the shipping container. Separate the units from the packing material and inspect both the instrument and the accessories for any external damage.

• If any dents, broken, or loose parts are seen, do not use the

equipment, and notify TEGAM immediately.

• Check that all items are present. If any items are missing,

notify TEGAM immediately.

• Note that the instrument is shipped with its battery

removed. Unwrap the 3 cells which comprise the battery.

2.2 Preparation for Use

Battery Installation

Be sure the power line cord is disconnected. Check that the
Power Switch is in the OFF position. Remove the ten screws
around the R1L-BIR1’s top (control/display) panel. Carefully
lift the unit out of its cabinet. Place the unit upside down on
a surface which will not mar or damage the control/display
panel.

REMOVING THE UNIT FROM ITS CASE OR WHILE THE
UNIT IS OUT OF ITS CASE, OR ELSE THE MAINS VOLTAGE

Insert the battery cells, one at a time, in accordance with the

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2-1

PREPARATION FOR USE AND INSTALLATION

WARNING

VIA THE GROUND PIN OF THE POWER CABLE, IF THIS

POWER CABLE IS SHORTED TO THE PANEL, THE PANEL

; SO DO

NOT TOUCH THE PANEL WHEN AC POWER IS CONNECTED.

polarity indications marked on both the battery cell and the
battery holder. Insert the positive end of the battery cells
first.
After installing the cells, reinstall the instrument in its case and
secure the ten screws.

Power Up

Plug the power cord into the R1L-BIR1 front panel receptacle,
and plug the other end into a standard AC outlet. For battery
operation (with charged battery cells), this step is omitted.
Turn on the POWER rotary switch. Note that this switch turns
on both line and battery power.

Charging the Battery Cells

Prior to battery operation, it is recommended the R1L-BIR1
Microohm/Bond Meter be plugged into AC power for at least
14 hours to charge the battery cells. To charge the battery
cells, the Power Switch must be turned ON, and the Range
Switch should be set to 20 Ω. With the Range Switch set to
lower ranges, the charge rate decreases and the batteries will
be discharged, especially on the 2 mΩ range, even with no
resistance connected to the instrument. (However, the
discharge rate in this range will permit operation for at least
14 hours with no resistance connected.)

ALTHOUGH THE FRONT PANEL IS NORMALLY GROUNDED

CONNECTION IS FAULTY AND IF THE HIGH SIDE OF THE

COULD POSSIBLY HAVE MAINS VOLTAGE ON IT

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

MAY BE PRESENT AT THESE POSTS.

SECTION 3

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

The R1L-BIR1 is designed for field or bench-top operation. Use appropriate cables connecting their terminations to the four binding posts marked +I, +E, -E, and -I.

DO NOT TOUCH THE BINDING POSTS WHEN THEY ARE
CONNECTED TO EXTERNAL CIRCUITS. LETHAL VOLTAGES

3.1 Rotary Switch Functions

Operation of the Model R1L-BIR1 is simple. There are only two
switches.

The RANGE rotary switch manually scrolls through the five
ranges.

Full scale on any range may be described as 2,000 counts
(actually 1,999), since this is a 3½ digit meter. If the readings
are exceeding 1,999 counts, step to the next higher range. If
the readings are less than 2,000 counts, step down a range,
so that it will read 1,999 counts, or less. The decimal point is
located automatically for the correct reading.

If the selected range is too low for the value of the resistor
under test, the display will show over-range.

The POWER rotary switch turns on the power to operate the
unit or turns off the power to the unit. The appearance of the
display will show that power is on; absence of the display
indicates that either power is off, batteries are discharged, or
there is some malfunction. Note that when power is turned
off, it may take several seconds to discharge circuit capacity
to completely blank the display. The black markings seen have
no effect and disappear when power is turned back on.

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3-1

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING

FROM OTHER COMPONENTS AND APPARATUS.

3.2 General Theory Of Operation

Measurement Principle

A 4-terminal measurement method is used to determine the
resistance of the item under test. This method allows the
accurate measurement of low values of resistance in spite of
the other resistances present in the connection leads. A known
current is supplied to the item under test via two wire leads
connected to the +I and -I binding posts on the R1L-BIR1
Microohm/Bond Meter front panel. Two other wire leads
connected to the +E and -E binding posts on the R1L-BIR1
front panel sense the voltage developed across the resistance
under test due to the supplied known current. The R1L-BIR1
then calculates the resistance of the item under test utilizing
Ohm's law, and displays it on a 3 ½ digit display.

Kelvin Clip Cable Description

A Kelvin clip consists of two opposing jaws of an alligator style
clip which are insulated from each other, so one jaw may be
used to connect a source of current to the resistance under
test, and the other jaw used to measure the voltage at the test
point. The two jaws are spring loaded to clamp onto a cylinder
of ½ inch diameter or less.

OPERATING THE R1L-BIR1 MICROOHM/BOND METER AND
TAKING RESISTANCE MEASUREMENTS ON A POWERED OR
ENERGIZED COMPONENT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS HARM
TO THE OPERATOR AND/OR DAMAGE THE R1L-BIR1. BE
SURE THE ITEM TO BE MEASURED IS DISCONNECTED

If the battery cells have not been installed, refer to section

2.2. Battery only operation will result in the most stable and
accurate readings. The R1L-BIR1 may be operated while
charging the batteries, however it will not conform to
specifications in this configuration.

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3-2