EXFO FIP-400B User Manual
FIP-400B
Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
User Guide
Copyright © 2013–2014 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.
Patents
The design patent is pending for this product.
Version number: 5.0.2
ii FIP-400B
Contents
Certification Information ........................................................................................................v
1 Introducing the FIP-400B Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2 .... 1
Probe ......................................................................................................................................1
Available Models ....................................................................................................................2
Probe Tips ...............................................................................................................................3
LED Indicator ..........................................................................................................................4
ConnectorMax2 Software .......................................................................................................5
Conventions ............................................................................................................................6
2 Safety Information ....................................................................................... 7
3 Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2 ................... 9
Changing the Fiber Inspection Probe Tip ................................................................................9
Adjusting Brightness .............................................................................................................10
Setting up Autonaming ........................................................................................................12
Managing and Selecting Test Configurations ........................................................................20
Editing the Power Meter Test Configurations ........................................................................40
Reverting to Factory Settings ................................................................................................42
Changing Fiber Information of Existing Captures .................................................................43
4 Inspecting Fiber Ends ................................................................................. 45
Inspecting Fiber Ends (Single Fiber and Transceiver - Fiber Receptacles) ...............................45
Setting Up Multifiber Inspection ...........................................................................................49
Displaying Multifiber Connector Overlay ..............................................................................50
Inspecting Fiber Ends (Multifiber) .........................................................................................51
Retesting a Fiber (Multifiber) ................................................................................................58
Saving Files ...........................................................................................................................60
Opening and Closing Files ....................................................................................................63
Analyzing Captures ...............................................................................................................64
Displaying or Hiding the Power Meter and VFL Controls .......................................................69
Clearing Power Meter Measurements Automatically .............................................................70
Measuring Power or Insertion Loss .......................................................................................71
Viewing Power Meter Results ...............................................................................................72
Identifying Fiber Faults Visually with the VFL ........................................................................73
Creating Reports ...................................................................................................................74
Updating the Firmware and Software ...................................................................................77
Fiber Inspection Probe iii
5 Maintenance ................................................................................................81
General Maintenance ............................................................................................................81
Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only) ....................................................81
6 Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................83
Solving Common Problems ...................................................................................................83
Contacting the Technical Support Group ..............................................................................86
Viewing Information about ConnectorMax2 ........................................................................87
Viewing Online Help .............................................................................................................87
Transportation ......................................................................................................................87
7 Warranty ......................................................................................................89
General Information .............................................................................................................89
Liability .................................................................................................................................90
Exclusions .............................................................................................................................90
Certification ..........................................................................................................................90
Service and Repairs ...............................................................................................................91
EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ..........................................................................................92
A Technical Specifications ..............................................................................93
B Fiber Inspection Probe Tip Compatibility Chart .......................................95
Index .................................................................................................................99
iv FIP-400B
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-400B Fiber
Status LED
Retaining nut
Focus
Magnification control
Capture control
Interchangeable
adapter tips
Inspection Probe and
ConnectorMax2
The FIP-400B Fiber Inspection Probe is a portable video microscope used
to inspect fiber ends. Unlike traditional microscopes, the FIP-400B
facilitates the examination of patchcord connectors and also hard-to-reach
connectors on the back of patch panels and bulkhead adapters.
Probe
The FIP-400B 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.
Fiber Inspection Probe 1
The magnification control button allows you to shift between three
levels of magnification. When pressed for one second, it activates the
auto focus.
The capture control button allows you to capture an image, perform an
analysis, or return to the Live video mode.
Introducing the FIP-400B Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
Available Models
The retaining nut holds tips securely in place, ensuring they are always
fastened in the correct position.
The status LED gives you information about the probe or the analysis
results.
The interchangeable adapter tips give you the possibility to use various
tips depending on the type of connector you are inspecting.
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.
Available Models
The features available for your probe are automatically detected when you
connect it to your unit. The table below shows which feature is available
for each model.
Models Inspection Auto analysis Auto centering Auto focus Auto capture
FIP-410B X - - - -
FIP-420B X X X - -
FIP-430B X X X X X
Note: The auto capture is not available in multifiber mode.
Note: When the internal temperature of the FIP-430B is too low, the probe
performs a warm-up that can last up to a minute.
2 FIP-400B
Introducing the FIP-400B Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
Probe Tips
Probe Tips
The FIP-400B comes with two interchangeable tips included in two
different packages (UPC or APC). Additional models are also available.
UPC package:
FIPT-400-FC-SC: FC-SC Bulkhead tip
FIPT-400-U25M: Universal patchcord tip (2.5 mm ferrule)
APC package:
FIPT-400-SC-APC: SC APC tip for bulkhead adapter
FIPT-400-U25MA: Universal patchcord tip for 2.5 mm ferrules
Other tip models are available for various bulkhead adapters and
patchcord connectors. For more information about tips and their use, see
the Fiber Inspection Probe Tip Compatibility Chart on page 95, or visit the
EXFO Web site.
Fiber Inspection Probe 3
Introducing the FIP-400B Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
LED Indicator
LED Indicator
The LED located on the probe gives you information about the probe or the
analysis results.
LED Status
Flashing blue Detection of the probe in progress
Analysis in progress
Waiting mode. The auto focus
process starts automatically when
you insert an optical fiber
connector (FIP-430B only)
Auto focus in progress (FIP-430B
only)
Probe is initializing
Flashing red There is a major problem preventing
the probe from functioning properly
Blue
Probe detected and ready
On a computer, the USB port is in
suspend mode
Red In Capture mode, current FIP result
status is Fail (FIP-420B and FIP-430B)
Green In Capture mode, current FIP result
status is Pass (FIP-420B and FIP-430B)
4 FIP-400B
Introducing the FIP-400B Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
Button bar
Viewing
area
Probe connection
status
Image, Results, and
Power Meter tabs
Capture/Live
mode
button
Focus indicator Global status
(Power meter and current connector
(SF) or all fibers (MF))
Te st
configuration
Shows or hides the FIP
control panel (FTB-200v2
only)
Power meter
controls and
results/VFL
Features
ConnectorMax2 Software
ConnectorMax2 Software
ConnectorMax2 is the application used to view the fiber inspections. You
can also use specific test configurations and analyze the fibers
automatically upon capturing a picture. This application is available on the
MAX-FIP Viewer.
Fiber Inspection Probe 5
Introducing the FIP-400B Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
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 appearance of the application may vary for other operating systems
and units.
Note: In this documentation, the words “tap” and “double-tap” (related to the
use of a touchscreen) replace the words “click” and “double-click”.
6 FIP-400B
2 Safety Information
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.
IMPORTANT
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.
CAUTION
Do not use the fiber probe outdoors in wet locations.
Fiber Inspection Probe 7
Safety Information
Equipment Ratings
Tem pe ra tu re
Operation
Storage
-10 °C to 50 °C (14 °F to 122 °F)
-40 °C to 70 °C (-40 °F to 158 °F)
Relative humidity 0 % to 95 % non-condensing
Maximum operation
2000 m (6562 ft)
altitude
Pollution degree 3
a
Overvoltage category I
a. Equipment should be normally protected against exposure to direct sunlight, precipitations and full wind
pressure.
8 FIP-400B
3 Setting up Your Fiber
Inspection Probe and
ConnectorMax2
You can change various settings in ConnectorMax2 such as the default
storage location or the 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, see the Fiber
Inspection Probe Tip Compatibility Chart on page 95, or contact your
vendor for additional information.
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 9
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
Brightness button
Adjusting Brightness
Adjusting Brightness
Once the probe is connected to a fiber, you can adjust brightness in order
to better view the fiber under inspection.
The default brightness value is 50 %. This corresponds to the automatic
brightness mode. The brightness automatically returns to 50 %:
when you exit the application and the probe is still connected
when the application is open and you plug and unplug the probe
when the platform is in suspend or resume mode
when you lock or unlock a session (except on a MAX-700B)
when you log in or log out of a session (except on a MAX-700B)
To adjust brightness:
1. In Live video mode, tap the button to switch to video settings mode.
10 FIP-400B
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
Adjusting Brightness
2. Use the brightness slider to set the levels to suit your needs.
Note: The application returns to the FIP controls default mode after 10 seconds of
inactivity.
Note: To optimize the analysis of the connector, EXFO recommends to set the
brightness to Auto most of the time.
When the brightness level is different than 50 %, the Automatic button
appears. Tapping on the Automatic button resets the brightness value to
50 %. The Automatic button disappears when the brightness level equals
50 %.
Fiber Inspection Probe 11
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
Setting up Autonaming
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 (appears at the bottom of the
window), 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.
The file name is made of one or more static parts (alphanumeric) and one
or more variable parts (numeric) that will be incremented or
decremented, according to your selection, as follows:
If you choose incrementation... If you choose decrementation...
Variable part increases until it
reaches the highest possible value
with the selected number of digits,
then restarts at 1.
Note: To decrement values, the start number must be higher than the stop
number.
The file name can be incremented using one or more identifiers. Selecting
a single identifier will follow the incrementation (or decrementation) value
you have set.
For single fibers (SF or Transceivers), when selecting more than one
identifier, the latter appear sequentially in the order that you have set, and
the incrementation will start with the last item in the list (the one with the
farthest indentation). For example, if you have a file name with the
Location, Cable and Fiber identifiers, in that order, the first item to be
incremented is the Fiber identifier, then Cable, then Location:
Location 1, Cable 1, Fiber 1
Location 1, Cable 1, Fiber 2
Variable part decreases until it
reaches 1, then restarts at the highest
possible value with the selected
number of digits.
12 FIP-400B
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
Setting up Autonaming
Location 1, Cable 2, Fiber 1
Location 1, Cable 2, Fiber 2
and so forth.
For multifibers, when several identifiers for the filename are selected, they
appear sequentially in the order you have set. However, only one
increment can be used to create a multifiber set of captures. If several
increments are selected, only the most indented identifier will be used as
the increment. If no auto increment is defined, the identifier Frame is used
(whether or not it is selected for the file name).
After a result is saved, you have to return to the Live video mode so that the
application prepares the next file name by incrementing (or decrementing)
the suffix.
Note: If you choose not to save a particular file, the suggested file name remains
available for the next capture. This applies to all type of connectors.
If you deactivate the automatic file naming function, the application
displays a Save As window and no default file name is suggested.
The autonaming parameters can be set only for files that have not been
saved yet. You will only see the parameters for the current and next capture
(when the test is done but not saved yet), or for the next capture only (test
is not done yet). Otherwise, the parameters will not be displayed.
It is also possible to revert the settings to their default values.
Fiber Inspection Probe 13
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
Setting up Autonaming
To configure the automatic file naming:
1. From the Main Menu, tap Identification.
2. From the Apply to list, ensure that Next capture or Current and Next
capture is selected.
14 FIP-400B
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
Setting up Autonaming
3. Enter all the information as follows:
3a. Locate the row corresponding to the identifier that you want to
modify.
If an identifier is marked with an icon, a predefined list with
choices is available. If you select None, it disables the field from
the list (Next capture and Current and Next capture).
Note: When in Current capture, the identifiers set to None disappear from the list.
Note: The identifiers marked with an icon are fields that can be customized and
edited. The name of the identifier and its value can be modified.
3b. Tap t h e Value column corresponding to the desired identifier.
3c. Enter the information.
Note: You cannot edit the information in the dark gray boxes.
Fiber Inspection Probe 15
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
Setting up Autonaming
4. If you want to increment automatically the cable ID, the fiber ID, the
location (A and/or B), the Connector ID, or the Frame, proceed as
follows:
4a. Tap the Increment button.
4b. In the Increment window, select the Auto Increment check box
corresponding to the identifier you want to increment.
16 FIP-400B
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
Setting up Autonaming
4c. Enter the start, stop and increment values as desired.
Note: The identifiers are processed in order, from the one with the largest
indentation to the one with the smallest. For a given identifier, when the
increment value reaches the stop value, the incrementation automatically
switches to the next identifier. The order of the identifiers in the increment
window (and thereby the order of increment) follows the order of the
identification window.
Note: An identifier set to None will not appear in the increment window.
Note: To decrement values, the start number must be higher than the stop
number.
4d. Tap OK to return to the Identification window.
Fiber Inspection Probe 17
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
Items that can be
included in the file
name
This preview is
updated
automatically as you
make your selections
To modify the order
of appearance of
the selected
identifiers in the
file name
To s e l e ct t h e
separator in the
automatic
numbering section
Setting up Autonaming
5. Select the desired identifiers to include in the file name. You can
change the order of appearance of the highlighted component with the
up and down arrow buttons.
6. Ta p OK to confirm your new settings and to return to the main window.
The new settings will apply the next time you perform a capture.
18 FIP-400B
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
Setting up Autonaming
To clear the values:
1. From the Main Menu, tap Identification.
2. In the Apply to list, select Next capture.
3. Ta p the Clear Values button.
4. Ta p OK to return to the main window.
All values in the Value column are erased from the white boxes.
Fiber Inspection Probe 19
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
Managing and Selecting Test Configurations
Managing and Selecting Test Configurations
You can create and select specific test configurations according to the type
of fiber you are analyzing, the connector type or the type of anomaly you
are looking for.
Note: If you have the FIP-420B or FIP-430B probe, some test configurations as per
IEC 61300-3-35 and IPC 8497-1 standards, and other configurations with an
enlarged adhesive C zone are available by default.
Creating custom test configurations is done through duplicating an existing
configuration, and then modifying the desired criteria.
If you create configurations on one unit or computer, and want to transfer
them to another unit or computer, you can do so.
20 FIP-400B
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
Managing and Selecting Test Configurations
To select a test configuration:
1. From the Main Menu, select Te s t Con f ig.
2. Select FIP.
Fiber Inspection Probe 21
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
Managing and Selecting Test Configurations
3. If necessary, in the Apply to list, select Next capture.
4. Choose the type of connector you want to use and tap the button at
the end of the row.
5. In the list of available test configurations, select the configuration you
want to use and tap OK.
22 FIP-400B
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
Managing and Selecting Test Configurations
To create a test configuration:
1. From the Main Menu, select Te s t Con f ig.
2. Select FIP.
Fiber Inspection Probe 23
Setting up Your Fiber Inspection Probe and ConnectorMax2
Managing and Selecting Test Configurations
3. If necessary, in the Apply to list, select Next capture.
4. Choose the type of connector you want to use and tap the button at
the end of the row.
5. Select the row corresponding to the configuration that is the closest to
the one you want to create, then tap Duplicate.
24 FIP-400B
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