EXFO FIP-400 User Manual
FIP-400
Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax
User Guide
Copyright © 2008–2014 EXFO Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted
in any form, be it electronically, mechanically, or by any other means such
as photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of EXFO Inc. (EXFO).
Information provided by EXFO is believed to be accurate and reliable.
However, no responsibility is assumed by EXFO for its use nor for any
infringements of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from
its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent
rights of EXFO.
EXFO’s Commerce And Government Entities (CAGE) code under the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is 0L8C3.
The information contained in this publication is subject to change without
notice.
Trademarks
EXFO’s trademarks have been identified as such. However, the presence
or absence of such identification does not affect the legal status of any
trademark.
Units of Measurement
Units of measurement in this publication conform to SI standards and
practices.
Version number: 6.0.0
ii FIP-400
Contents
Certification Information ........................................................................................................v
1 Introducing the FIP-400 Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax ........ 1
Probe ......................................................................................................................................1
Probe Tips ...............................................................................................................................2
FIP Viewer (Optional) ..............................................................................................................3
USB Adapter (Optional) ..........................................................................................................5
ConnectorMax Software .........................................................................................................6
Conventions ............................................................................................................................7
2 Safety Information ....................................................................................... 9
Other Safety Symbols on Your Unit .......................................................................................11
Electrical Safety Information .................................................................................................11
3 Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax ................... 13
Changing the Fiber Inspection Probe Tip ..............................................................................13
Adjusting Brightness and Contrast .......................................................................................14
Selecting the Mode of Operation ..........................................................................................15
Setting up Autonaming ........................................................................................................16
Identifying Fibers ..................................................................................................................19
Managing and Selecting Test Configurations (Optional) .......................................................24
Reverting to Factory Settings ................................................................................................31
4 Inspecting Fiber Ends ................................................................................. 33
Inspecting Fiber Ends with the FIP Viewer ............................................................................34
Inspecting Fiber Ends with ConnectorMax ............................................................................35
Capturing Images .................................................................................................................36
Retesting a Fiber ...................................................................................................................38
Saving Files ...........................................................................................................................39
Opening and Closing Files ....................................................................................................41
Analyzing Captures (Optional, Single-Fiber Connector Mode Only) ......................................42
Creating Reports ...................................................................................................................48
5 Maintenance ............................................................................................... 51
General Maintenance ............................................................................................................51
Charging the Battery in The FIP Viewer .................................................................................52
Replacing Batteries ...............................................................................................................52
Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only) ....................................................53
Fiber Inspection Probe iii
6 Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................55
Contacting the Technical Support Group ..............................................................................56
Viewing Information about ConnectorMax ..........................................................................57
Viewing Online Help .............................................................................................................57
Transportation ......................................................................................................................58
7 Warranty ......................................................................................................59
General Information .............................................................................................................59
Liability .................................................................................................................................60
Exclusions .............................................................................................................................60
Certification ..........................................................................................................................60
Service and Repairs ...............................................................................................................61
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ..........................................................................................62
A Technical Specifications ..............................................................................63
Software ...............................................................................................................................63
Video Inspection Probe .........................................................................................................64
Fiber Probe Viewer ................................................................................................................64
USB Converter ......................................................................................................................64
B Fiber Inspection Probe Tip Compatibility Chart .......................................65
Index .................................................................................................................67
iv FIP-400
Certification Information
Certification Information
North America Regulatory Statement
This unit was certified by an agency approved in both Canada and the
United States of America. It has been evaluated according to applicable
North American approved standards for product safety for use in Canada
and the United States.
Electronic test and measurement equipment is exempt from FCC part 15,
subpart B compliance in the United States of America and from ICES-003
compliance in Canada. However, EXFO Inc. makes reasonable efforts to
ensure compliance to the applicable standards.
The limits set by these standards are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in
a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the user guide, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely
to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at his own expense.
Modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the
user's authority to operate the equipment.
European Community Declaration of Conformity
An electronic version of the declaration of conformity for your product is
available on our website at www.exfo.com. Refer to the product’s page on
the Web site for details.
Fiber Inspection Probe v
1 Introducing the FIP-400 Fiber
Focus knob
Retaining nut
Magnification button
(optional)
Fold out clip
Freeze/capture button
Inspection Probe and
ConnectorMax
The FIP-400 Fiber Inspection Probe is a portable video microscope used to
inspect fiber ends. Unlike traditional microscopes, the FIP-400 facilitates
the examination of patchcord connectors and also hard-to-reach
connectors on the back of patch panels and bulkhead adapters.
Probe
The FIP-400 is designed to be an intuitive, easy-to-use piece of equipment.
This video microscope is used for inspecting fiber ends.
The focus knob can be turned in either direction to focus the image.
The magnification button allows you to shift between two levels of
magnification.
The freeze/capture button is used together with the EXFO USB adapter
and your unit or computer. It allows you to capture an image, perform
an analysis, save a file or return to the Live video mode.
The retaining nut holds tips securely in place, ensuring they are always
fastened in the correct position.
The fold out clip at the back of the probe allows you to hang the probe
when you are not using it.
The probe comes equipped with a protective cap that fits over basic tips;
therefore, you do not need to remove the tip before putting the cap on.
Fiber Inspection Probe 1
Introducing the FIP-400 Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax
Probe Tips
Probe Tips
The FIP-400 comes with two interchangeable tips but other models are
also available.
The tips included with the Fiber Inspection Probe are used to inspect flat
polish (PC) 2.5 mm connectors. One tip is for inspecting patchcords
(pigtails, male connectors) for SC, FC, and ST connectors. The other tip is
for examining SC and FC bulkhead adapters or patch panel adapters
(female).
Other tip models are available for various bulkhead adapters and
patchcord connectors including multifiber types. For more information
about tips and their use, see Fiber Inspection Probe Tip Compatibility Chart
on page 65, or visit the EXFO Web site.
2 FIP-400
Introducing the FIP-400 Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax
On/Off button
AC charger/adapter connector
(indoor use only)
Probe connector
Contrast and
brightness keys
Battery status LED
Operation status LED
Stand
FIP Viewer (Optional)
FIP Viewer (Optional)
You can use the FIP Viewer with your Fiber Inspection Probe to inspect a
fiber end. The unit operates with an AC charger/adapter or a
lithium-ion battery.
IMPORTANT
The FIP Viewer is a standalone unit and does not work with
ConnectorMax.
Fiber Inspection Probe 3
Introducing the FIP-400 Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax
FIP Viewer (Optional)
The two LEDs located on the front of the FIP Viewer provides you with the
status of your unit.
Operation status LED
LED Status
Green Probe connected
Flashing red Probe not connected
Battery status LED
LED Status
Green Full battery and AC
charger/adapter connected
Flashing green Charging battery
Yellow Low battery
Red Battery error
Note: If the battery is not full, the AC charger/adapter can support the operation
and charge the battery at the same time.
4 FIP-400
Introducing the FIP-400 Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax
Probe connector
USB connector
Capture button
Operation status LED
USB Adapter (Optional)
USB Adapter (Optional)
The USB adapter is used to connect the probe to a computer not equipped
with a 8-pin connector. It allows you to view probe images on your
computer screen. You can also capture and store these images on your
computer to document your work.
The Capture button on the USB adapter serves the same function as
the capture button on the probe.
The Status LED on the USB adapter will be green when the probe, USB
adapter, and computer are connected and the software is running.
IMPORTANT
The product supports USB 2.0 only. You cannot use it with USB 1.1.
Fiber Inspection Probe 5
Introducing the FIP-400 Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax
Button bar
Viewing
area
File name preview (Capture
mode) or current test
configuration (Live mode)
Current (Capture
mode) or next (Live
mode) fiber index
Focus indicator
Probe
connection
status
Inspection
and analysis
tabs
Capture/Live
mode
button
ConnectorMax Software
ConnectorMax Software
ConnectorMax is the application used to view the fiber inspections. If you
have purchased the corresponding option, you can also use specific test
configurations and analyze the fibers automatically upon capturing a
picture.
6 FIP-400
Introducing the FIP-400 Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax
Conventions
Conventions
Before using the product described in this guide, you should understand
the following conventions:
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in component damage. Do not proceed unless you
understand and meet the required conditions.
IMPORTANT
Refers to information about this product you should not overlook.
Note: The screen shots found in this user guide were made on a computer
running Microsoft Windows XP. The appearance of the application may
vary for other operating systems and platforms.
Fiber Inspection Probe 7
2 Safety Information
WARNING
Use only the listed and certified AC adapter/charger provided by
EXFO with your unit. It provides reinforced insulation between
primary and secondary, and is suitably rated for the country
where the unit is sold.
Use only accessories (such as the car outlet adapter, batteries,
and fiber inspection probe) designed for your unit and
approved by EXFO. For a complete list of accessories available
for your unit, refer to its technical specifications.
When you use the unit outdoors, ensure that it is protected
from liquids, dust, direct sunlight, precipitation, and full wind
pressure.
WARNING
Do not install or terminate fibers while a light source is active.
Never look directly into a live fiber and ensure that your eyes are
protected at all times.
WARNING
The use of controls, adjustments and procedures, namely for
operation and maintenance, other than those specified herein may
result in hazardous radiation exposure or impair the protection
provided by this unit.
IMPORTANT
When you see the following symbol on your unit , make sure
that you refer to the instructions provided in your user
documentation. Ensure that you understand and meet the required
conditions before using your product.
Fiber Inspection Probe 9
Safety Information
Other safety instructions relevant for your product are located
throughout this documentation, depending on the action to
perform. Make sure to read them carefully when they apply to your
situation.
EXFO guarantees the specifications and viability of the products
ONLY if they are used with chargers and batteries provided by
EXFO.
IMPORTANT
CAUTION
10 FIP-400
Safety Information
Other Safety Symbols on Your Unit
Other Safety Symbols on Your Unit
One or more of the following symbols may also appear on your unit.
Symbol Meaning
Direct current
Alternating current
Both direct and alternating current
The unit is equipped with an earth (ground) terminal.
The unit is equipped with a protective conductor terminal.
The unit is equipped with a frame or chassis terminal.
On (Power)
Off (Power)
Electrical Safety Information
If you need to ensure that the unit is completely turned off, disconnect the
power cable and remove the battery.
Fiber Inspection Probe 11
Safety Information
Electrical Safety Information
Equipment Ratings
Tem pe ra tu re
Operation
Storage
Battery operated: -10 °C to 50 °C (14 °F to 122 °F)
Charge mode: -10 °C to 40 °C (14 °F to 120 °F)
-40 °C to 70 °C (-40 °F to 158 °F)
Relative humidity unit: 95 % non-condensing
Maximum operation
2000 m (6562 ft)
altitude
Pollution degree
2 (unit connected to external power supply)
3 (unit operated from batteries)
b
a
Overvoltage category unit: I
AC adapter: II
Measurement category Not rated for measurement categories II, III or IV
Power supply rating 9V; 1A
a. Use the external power supply indoors only.
b. Equipment should be normally protected against exposure to direct sunlight, precipitations and full wind
pressure.
12 FIP-400
3 Setting up Your Fiber
Inspection Probe and
ConnectorMax
You can change various settings in ConnectorMax such as the brightness
and contrast levels, default storage location, or automated file name. These
settings are stored for each user and kept for future work sessions.
Changing the Fiber Inspection Probe Tip
You can use various tips depending on the type of connector you are
inspecting. For more information about tips you can use, visit the EXFO
Web site at www.exfo.com.
To change a tip:
1. Untighten the tip’s retaining nut.
2. Remove the tip.
3. Insert a new tip.
4. Adjust the tip to the notch.
5. Retighten the retaining nut.
Fiber Inspection Probe 13
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax
Adjusting Brightness and Contrast
Adjusting Brightness and Contrast
Once the probe is connected to a fiber, you can adjust brightness and
contrast in order to better view the fiber under inspection.
To adjust brightness or contrast:
1. From the main window, click Video Control.
2. Use the contrast and brightness sliders at the bottom of the viewing
area to set the levels to suit your needs.
3. Click Video Control again to exit the menu. The menu will close by
itself after 10 seconds of inactivity.
14 FIP-400
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax
Selecting the Mode of Operation
Selecting the Mode of Operation
ConnectorMax can be used to inspect single-fiber (SF) and multiple-fiber
(MF) connectors. Depending on which mode of operation you select,
different options will be available.
Note: The multiple-fiber connector option is only available if you have purchased
this option.
Note: The mode of operation is kept in memory when you exit the application.
To select the mode of operation:
1. From the main window, click the button.
OR
Select the Test C onf i g . tab, then Select.
2. Select the connector type that suits your needs. The test configuration
selection window is automatically updated accordingly.
Fiber Inspection Probe 15
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax
Single-Fiber Connector
Current fiber in
connector
Multiple-Fiber Connector
Number of fiber results
presently included in
connector result
Setting up Autonaming
3. If you are testing single-fiber connectors and have purchased the
analysis option, you can also select a test configuration at this point.
4. Click OK to close the window.
At the bottom of the main window, you can see what mode is currently
active.
Setting up Autonaming
The autonaming feature is useful to make a relevant naming scheme for
your tests. This also ensures that you do not overwrite files by mistake. You
can select which item goes in the file name, as well as the type of separator
you want to use in between.
A preview is available to show you the final output of the file name.
Note: When in multiple-fiber mode, the scheme is only editable prior to the first
acquisition; afterwards, it is available as read-only until you have
completed the inspection for the set number of fibers. If the Fiber ID item is
selected for the autonaming scheme, the file name will display both the
start and end fiber number values.
16 FIP-400
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax
To set the autonaming scheme:
1. From the main window, select User Preferences.
2. Select the Filename tab.
Setting up Autonaming
Fiber Inspection Probe 17
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax
Setting up Autonaming
3. Select which items you want to include in the file name. The order of
the items in the name goes from top to bottom; use the up- and
down-arrow buttons to change the order.
4. Select a separator for the items in the list.
5. Click Apply to confirm your choice and continue working in the User
Preference window, or OK to confirm your choice and close the
window.
The new settings will apply the next time you perform a capture.
18 FIP-400
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