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Everything you need to accurately
test fiber optic cable in the field.
Everything you need to accurately
test fiber optic cable in the field.
Fiber Optic Test Sets and Laser Sources
© 2007. All rights reserved. Black Box Corporation.
FREE 24-hour Tech Support: 724-746-5500
blackbox.com
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FEATURES
• Isolate cable faults.
• Choose a test set that includes a meter
and an LED or light source, or use your
own meter with a laser source or a
Visible Light Laser Source.
• Testers are made of aluminum for
extra durability.
• Provides broad testing ranges with
high resolution.
• Operates via battery or power supply.
Typical application
OVERVIEW
The fiber optic power meters and LED or light source
help you test your fiber optic cable during installation and
maintenance. These error-proof devices decipher the toughest
cabling problems.
Test sets are available with 850-nm, 850-/1300-nm, or
1300-/1550-nm operation. And LED, laser, or light sources
are available.
The TS515A-R2’s meter measures power levels in an optical
fiber cable. Since it operates at 850-nm, the meter‘s ideal for
short-wavelength fiber testing. It features a 55-dB testing
range. A high-contrast LCD display pinpoints test results
within 0.1 dB resolution.
The TS515A-R2’s light source provides a stable output light
that enables a technician to test loss when used with the
power meter. The amount of light launched by the light
source compared to the amount of light exiting the meter
determines the amount of loss in that fiber link.
A single cartridge-loaded 9-volt battery powers the meter
and the source. The meter’s battery life is approximately
80 hours, and the source’s battery life is 14 hours. Both units
also have a low battery indicator. The rugged test sets are
made of aluminum, not plastic.
Like the TS515A-R2, the TS520A-R2 is used to measure
power in an optical fiber. But it features dual-wavelength
operation: It measures fiber loss at 850- and 1300-nm
wavelengths. This provides power or loss measurements for
most LAN fiber testing requirements.
The Dual Laser Source, 1310-nm/1550-nm (TS525A or
TS525AE), when used with a power meter, allows technicians
to perform precise optical loss measurements in the field. The
source provides the stable light output required by optical
power meters to determine power loss in fiber, connectors,
attenuators, or other passive optical components. The source
has one ST
®
connector. The TS525A runs on four AA alkaline
batteries (not included) or a 120-VAC, 60-Hz wall pack with
four AA nickel-cadmium batteries (included). The TS525AE
runs on four AA alkaline batteries (not included) or a
230-VAC, 50-Hz wall pack with four AA nickel-cadmium
batteries (included). Each TS525A or TS525AE source features
a one-hour quick charge.
The Fiber Optic Power Meter and LED Source Kit (TS1300A)
measures power loss in fiber optic components in the field.
The meter, which is calibrated at four wavelengths, measures
power levels from +3 to -60 dBm or +8 to -55 dBm, with a
resolution of 0.01 dBm. The meter stores up to 999 test results
per wavelength.
The LED source supplies output wavelengths of 850 nm
and 1300 nm, selectable via a toggle switch. The switch has
three positions: 850, 1300, and Off.
The Visible Light Laser Source (TS510A-R2) isolates light
leaks or breaks in single-mode or multimode fiber optic cable.
It also comes in a a rugged aluminum enclosure and operates
up to 14 hours on one 9-volt alkaline battery. The source
connects to the fiber cable to be tested via its built-in ST
connector.
Fiber Optic Test Set
(TS515A-R2)
Light source
Fiber cable
Power meter
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TECH SPECS
TS515A-R2:
Fiber Size (Maximum) — 100/140
Meter Accuracy — ±0.3 dB
Meter Detector — Si
Meter Range — 0 to -50 dBm
Meter Resolution — 0.1 dB
Source Bandwidth — 35 nm
Source Pmin — -20 dBm
Source Stability — ±0.05 dB/8 hr.
Typical Battery Life — Source: 14 hours;
Meter: 80 hours
Wavelength — 850 nm
Connectors — (1) ST
®
Indicator — Source and Meter: (1) Low battery LED
Temperature Tolerance — Operating: 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C);
Storage: 14 to 140°F (-10 to +60°C)
Humidity — 10 to 90%, noncondensing
Power — (1) 9-volt alkaline battery (included)
Size — 7.5"H x 3.8"W x 1.5"D (19.1 x 9.5 x 3.8 cm)
Weight — 1.1 lb. (0.5 kg)
TS520A-R2:
Fiber Size (Maximum) — 100/140
Meter Accuracy — ±0.3 dB
Meter Detector — Ge
Meter Range — 0 to -50 dBm
Meter Resolution — 0.1 dBm
Source Bandwidth — 35/170 nm
Source Pmin — -20 dBm
Source Stability — ±0.05, 0.08 dB/8 hr.
Typical Battery Life — Source: 14 hours;
Meter: 80 hours
Wavelength — 850/1300 nm
Connectors — (1) ST
Temperature Tolerance — Operating: 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C);
Storage: 14 to 140°F (-10 to +60°C)
Humidity — 10 to 90%, noncondensing
Power — (1) 9-volt alkaline battery (included)
Size — 7.5"H x 3.8"W x 1.5"D (19.1 x 9.5 x 3.8 cm)
Weight — 1.1 lb. (0.5 kg)
TS525A, TS525AE:
Laser Source:
Bandwidth — 5 nm
Battery Life — 10 hours
Emitter — Laser
Modulation — 30 Hz, 500 Hz, 2 kHz
Pout (Minimum) — -7 dBm
Quick Charge — 1 hour
Stability — ±10
Trickle Charge — 12–14 hours
Wavelength — 1310-/1550-nm
Connectors — (1) pair of ST
Temperature Tolerance — Operating: 23 to 113°F (-5 to +45°C);
Storage: 14 to 154°F (-10 to +68°C)
Humidity — 10 to 90%, noncondensing
Power — TS525A: (4) AA alkaline batteries (not included) or 120-VAC,
60-Hz wall pack with (4) AA nickel-cadmium batteries (included);
TS525AE: (4) AA alkaline batteries (not included) or 230-VAC, 50-Hz
wall pack with (4) AA nickel-cadmium batteries (included)
Size — 6.8"H x 2.3"W x 1.5"D (17.1 x 5.7 x 3.8 cm)
Weight — 0.6 lb. (0.3 kg)
TS1300A:
Meter:
Battery Life — 10 hours
Charge —Trickle: 12–14 hours;
Quick: 1 hour
Detector — Germanium
Display:
Maximum Number of Stored Test Results — 999 per wavelength
Range — 1300–1550 nm: +3 to -60 dBm;
850 nm: +8 to -55 dBm
Resolution — 0.01 dBm
Source Power — ±0.25 dB
Wavelength —
850 nm, 1300 nm, 1310 nm, 1550 nm
Connectors — (1) ST
Indicators — (4) Wavelength LEDs: 850, 1300, 1310, 1550;
(4) Power LEDs: On, Slow Charge, Fast Charge, Low Battery
Temperature Tolerance — Operating: 23 to 113°F (-5 to +45°C);
Storage: 14 to 154°F (-10 to +68°C)
Humidity — 10 to 90%, noncondensing
Power — (4) AA alkaline batteries (not included) or 120-VAC, 60-Hz wall
pack with (4) AA nickel-cadmium batteries (included)
Size — 7.5"H x 3.75"W x 1.5"D (19.1 x 9.5 x 3.8 cm)
Weight — 1.1 lb. (0.5 kg)
LED Source:
Bandwidth — 35/170
Battery Life — 10 hours
Emitter — LED
Modulation — 30 Hz, 500 Hz, 2 kHz
Pout — -17 dBm minimum
Stability — ±0.05/0.08 dB/8 hours
User Controls — (1) 3-position switch: 850, 1300, Off
Wavelength — 850/1300 nm
Connectors — (1) pair of ST
Indicators — (2) LEDs: (1) Power On, (1) Low Batt
Temperature Tolerance — Operating: 23 to 113°F (-5 to +45°C);
Storage: 14 to 154°F (-10 to +68°C)
Humidity — 10 to 90%, noncondensing
Power — (1) 9-volt alkaline battery (included)
Size — 6.75"H x 2.25"W x 1.5"D (17.1 x 5.7 x 3.8 cm)
Weight — 0.6 lb (0.3 kg)
TS510A:
Laser Source:
Battery Life — 14 hours
Fiber Size — 9/125 µm–1000 µm
Pmin — -5
Connectors — (1) ST
Temperature Tolerance — Operating: 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C);
Storage: 14 to 154°F (-10 to +68°C)
Humidity — 10 to 90%, noncondensing
Power — (1) 9-volt alkaline battery (included)
Size — 6.75"H x 2.25"W x 1.5"D (17.1 x 5.7 x 3.8 cm)
Weight — 0.6 lb. (0.3 kg)
TS515A-R2
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TS1300A
TS515A-R2, TS520A-R2:
✦
Power meter
✦
LED light source
✦
9-volt alkaline battery
✦
Waterproof carrying case
✦
ST adapter (TS520A-R2 only)
✦
Users’ manual
TS525A, TS525AE:
✦
Dual laser source
✦
120-VAC, 60-Hz or 230-VAC, 50-Hz wall pack with
(4) AA nickel-cadmium batteries
✦
ST adapter
✦
Users’ manual
TS1300A:
✦
Power meter
✦
120-VAC, 60-Hz wall pack with (4) AA nickel-cadmium
batteries for power meter
✦
LED source
✦
9-volt alkaline battery for LED source
✦
Users’ manual
TS510A-R2:
✦
Visible Light Laser Source
✦
9-volt alkaline battery
✦
Users’ manual
WHAT‘S INCLUDED
Quality-made fiber cable is the key to mechanical
splices.
Mechanical splices are now reliable and low-cost for your
fiber applications, thanks in large part to cable manufacturers.
During production, manufacturers’ equipment can
measure a cable’s outside diameter—as well as its
concentricity, ovality, and centering—to within less than one
micron. For example, core and cladding diameters can be
measured to 0.05 microns and core/cladding concentricity to
less than 0.04 microns. With equipment capable of calculating
such accurate measurements, manufacturers are able to
produce today’s high-quality cables—and this makes it easy
for mechanical splices to splice multimode or single-mode
fibers.
Technically Speaking
Fiber optic cable construction.
Fiber optic cable consists of a core, cladding, coating,
strengthening fibers, and cable jacket.
Core
This is the physical medium that transports optical data
signals from an attached light source to a receiving device.
The core is a single continuous strand of glass or plastic that’s
measured (in microns) by the size of its outer diameter. The
larger the core, the more light the cable can carry.
All fiber optic cable is sized according to its core’s outer
diameter.
The three multimode sizes most commonly available are
50, 62.5, and 100 microns (µ). Single-mode cores are generally
less than 9 microns.
Cladding
This is a thin layer that surrounds the fiber core and serves
as a boundary that contains the light waves and causes the
refraction, enabling data to travel throughout the length of
the fiber segment.
Coating
This is a layer of plastic that surrounds the core and
cladding to reinforce the fiber core, help absorb shocks, and
provide extra protection against excessive cable bends. These
buffer coatings are measured in microns and can range from
250 to 900 microns.
Strengthening fibers
These components help protect the core against crushing
forces and excessive tension during installation.
The materials can range from Kevlar® to wire strands to
gel-filled sleeves.
Cable jacket
This is the outer layer of any cable. Most fiber optic cables
have an orange jacket, although some types can have black or
yellow jackets.
Technically Speaking
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TS510A-R2
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Multimode vs. single-mode fiber.
Multimode, 50- and 62.5-micron cable.
Multimode cable has a large-diameter core and multiple
pathways of light. It comes in two core sizes: 50-micron and
62.5-micron.
Multimode fiber optic cable can be used for most general
data and voice fiber applications, such as bringing fiber to the
desktop, adding segments to an existing network, and in
smaller applications such as alarm systems. Both 50- and 62.5micron cable feature the same cladding diameter of 125
microns, but 50-micron fiber cable features a smaller core (the
light-carrying portion of the fiber).
Although both can be used in the same way, 50-micron
cable is recommended for premise applications (backbone,
horizontal, and intrabuilding connections) and should be
considered for any new construction and installations. Both
also use either LED or laser light sources. The big difference
between the two is that 50-micron cable provides longer link
lengths and/or higher speeds, particularly in the 850-nm
wavelength.
Single-mode, 8–10-micron cable.
Single-mode cable has a small, 8–10-micron glass core and
only one pathway of light. With only a single wavelength of
light passing through its core, single-mode cable realigns the
light toward the center of the core instead of simply bouncing
it off the edge of the core as multimode does.
Single-mode cable provides 50 times more distance than
multimode cable. Consequently, single-mode cable is typically
used in long-haul network connections spread out over
extended areas, including cable television and campus
backbone applications. Telcos use it for connections between
switching offices. Single-mode cable also provides higher
bandwidth, so you can use a pair of single-mode fiber strands
full-duplex for up to twice the throughput of multimode fiber.
Technically Speaking
Specification comparison:
50-/125-Micron Multimode Fiber
850-nm Wavelength:
Bandwidth: 500 MHz/km;
Attenuation: 3.5 dB/km;
Distance: 550 m
1300-nm Wavelength:
Bandwidth: 500 MHz/km;
Attenuation: 1.5 dB/km;
Distance: 550 m
62.5-/125-Miron Multimode Fiber
850-nm Wavelength:
Bandwidth: 160 MHz/km;
Attenuation: 3.5 dB/km;
Distance: 220 m
1300-nm Wavelength:
Bandwidth: 500 MHz/km;
Attenuation: 1.5 dB/km;
Distance: 500 m
8–10-Micron Single-Mode Fiber
Premise Application:
Wavelength: 1310 nm and 1550 nm;
Attenuation: 1.0 dB/km
Outside Plant Application:
Wavelength: 1310 nm and 1550 nm;
Attenuation: 0.1 dB/km
Item Code
Fiber Optic Test Sets
850 nm, Multimode TS515A-R2
850/1300 nm, Multimode TS520A-R2
Laser Source, Dual 1310/1550 nm
120-VAC TS525A
230-VAC TS525AE
Fiber Optic Power Meter and LED Source Kit TS1300A
Visible Light Laser Source TS510A-R2
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