EXFO FLS-240 User Manual

FLS-240

Pocket Pal Visual Fault Locator

User Guide

Copyright © 2003–2013 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: 3.0.0.

ii FLS-240

Contents

Certification Information ....................................................................................................... iv

1 Introducing the FLS-240 Pocket Pal Visual Fault Locator ........................... 1

Main Features .........................................................................................................................1

Conventions ............................................................................................................................3

2 Safety Information ....................................................................................... 5

3 Operating Your Pocket Pal ........................................................................... 7

4 Maintenance and Troubleshooting ............................................................. 9

Cleaning the Connector Adapter ............................................................................................9

Replacing Batteries .................................................................................................................9

Contacting the Technical Support Group ..............................................................................10

Transportation ......................................................................................................................10

Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only) ....................................................11

5 Warranty ..................................................................................................... 13

General Information .............................................................................................................13

Liability .................................................................................................................................14

Exclusions .............................................................................................................................15

Certification ..........................................................................................................................15

Service and Repairs ...............................................................................................................16

EXFO Service Centers Worldwide ..........................................................................................17

A Technical Specifications ............................................................................. 19

Pocket Pal iii

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.

iv FLS-240

European Community Declaration of Conformity

Page 1 of 1

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Application of Council Directive(s):

2004/108/EC – The EMC Directive

93/68/EEC – CE Marking

And their amendments

Manufacturer’s Name and Address:

EXFO Inc. EXFO Europe

400 Godin Avenue Omega Enterprise Park, Electron Way
Quebec City, Quebec Chandlers Ford, Hampshire
G1M 2K2 CANADA SO53 4SE ENGLAND
Tel.: [phone] Tel.: [phone]

Equipment Type/Environment:

Test & Measurement / Industrial

Trade Name/Model No.:

Visual Fault Locator / FLS-240 Pocket Pal

Standard(s) to which Conformity is declared:

EN 61326-1:2006

Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use –
EMC requirements

– Part 1: General requirements

EN 60825-1:2007 Edition 2.0

Safety of laser products – Part 1: Equipment classification and
requirements

I, the undersigned, hereby declare that the equipment specified above conforms to the above Directive and Standards.

Manufacturer:

Stephen Bull, E. Eng
Vice-President Research and Development

400 Godin Avenue,
Quebec City, Quebec
G1M 2K2 CANADA
October 20, 2009

Certification Information

Pocket Pal v

1 Introducing the FLS-240

On/off

button

Protective cap

Battery

cover

Snap hook loop

Adapter

Pulse/continuous

button

Pocket Pal Visual Fault Locator

Main Features

The Pocket Pal is a visual fault locator that emits a pulsating or continuous
(CW) bright red laser signal, often visible through the patchcord jacket, at
the exact fault location, in both singlemode and multimode fibers.

Pocket Pal 1

Introducing the FLS-240 Pocket Pal Visual Fault Locator

Main Features

Your Pocket Pal can be used in different ways, including the following:

 Detecting breaks in OTDR

dead zone

 Highlighting sharp bends

where losses occur

 Optimizing mechanical/fusion

splices

 Detecting defective connectors

 Ensuring end-to-end fiber

identification in multifiber
cables

 Detecting major scratches on

connector surfaces

2 FLS-240

Introducing the FLS-240 Pocket Pal Visual Fault Locator

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.

Conventions

IMPORTANT

Refers to information about this product you should not overlook.

Pocket Pal 3

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 other than those
specified herein may result in exposure to hazardous situations 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.

Pocket Pal 5

Safety Information

Sticker affixed on the
unit’s laser head

Your instrument is a Class 2M laser product in compliance with standards
IEC 60825-1: 2007 and 21 CFR 1040.10, except for deviations pursuant to
Laser Notice No. 50, dated June 24, 2007. Laser radiation is emitted at the
output port.

Natural aversion responses, including the blink reflex, usually provide
adequate eye protection. However, viewing the output may be more
hazardous if you use optics within the beam.

The following label(s) indicate that the product contains a Class 2M source:

Wavelength: 635 nm ±10 nm

Maximum output power at the connector: less than 1 mW

6 FLS-240

3 Operating Your Pocket Pal

3

1

2

4

To activate the Pocket Pal’s VFL:

1. Remove the protective cap.

2. Connect the fiber you want to use to the adapter. Ensure that the

connector is inserted all the way into the adapter.

3. Press the on/off button to turn the VFL laser on in pulsating mode.

4. If you want a continuous signal, press the red-circled button on the

safety sticker. Press it again to return to pulsating signal.

WARNING

When the VFL is activated, visible laser radiation is emitted from the
VFL port. Avoid exposure and do not stare directly into the beam.

To deactivate the Pocket Pal’s VFL:

1. Press the on/off button again. Doing so also reverts signal to pulsating

mode.

2. Disconnect the fiber from the adapter.

3. Put the protective cap back in place to avoid damaging or dirtying the

adapter.

Pocket Pal 7

4 Maintenance and

+

+

Troubleshooting

Cleaning the Connector Adapter

To prevent dust and dirt from entering the connector, always replace the
protective cap on the adapter when not in use. Clean the adapter using a
lint-free swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (98 % pure or more). Then,
blow-dry with compressed air.

Replacing Batteries

Your Pocket Pal requires two AAA-size batteries to function.

To replace batteries:

1. Unscrew the push button to open the battery compartment.

2. Remove the old batteries and replace them with two new ones,

positive pole first.

3. Screw the push button back in place.

Pocket Pal 9

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Contacting the Technical Support Group

Contacting the Technical Support Group

To obtain after-sales service or technical support for this product, contact
EXFO at one of the following numbers. The Technical Support Group is
available to take your calls from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
(Eastern Time in North America).

Technical Support Group

400 Godin Avenue
Quebec (Quebec) G1M 2K2
CANADA

For detailed information about technical support, and for a list of other
worldwide locations, visit the EXFO Web site at www.exfo.com.

To accelerate the process, please have information such as the name and
the serial number (see the product identification label), as well as a
description of your problem, close at hand.

1 866 683-0155 (USA and Canada)
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

Transportation

Maintain a temperature range within specifications when transporting the
unit. Transportation damage can occur from improper handling. The
following steps are recommended to minimize the possibility of damage:

 Pack the unit in its original packing material when shipping.

 Avoid high humidity or large temperature fluctuations.

 Keep the unit out of direct sunlight.

 Avoid unnecessary shocks and vibrations.

10 FLS-240

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Recycling and Disposal (Applies to European Union Only)

Recycling and Disposal
(Applies to European Union Only)

For complete recycling/disposal information as per European Directive
WEEE 2012/19/UE, visit the EXFO Web site at www.exfo.com/recycle.

Pocket Pal 11

5 Warranty

General Information

EXFO Inc. (EXFO) warrants this equipment against defects in material and
workmanship for a period of one year from the date of original shipment.
EXFO also warrants that this equipment will meet applicable specifications
under normal use.

During the warranty period, EXFO will, at its discretion, repair, replace,
or issue credit for any defective product, as well as verify and adjust the
product free of charge should the equipment need to be repaired or if the
original calibration is erroneous. If the equipment is sent back for
verification of calibration during the warranty period and found to meet all
published specifications, EXFO will charge standard calibration fees.

The warranty can become null and void if:

 unit has been tampered with, repaired, or worked upon by

unauthorized individuals or non-EXFO personnel.

 warranty sticker has been removed.

IMPORTANT

 case screws, other than those specified in this guide, have been

removed.

 case has been opened, other than as explained in this guide.

 unit serial number has been altered, erased, or removed.

 unit has been misused, neglected, or damaged by accident.

THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED,
IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL EXFO BE LIABLE FOR
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

Pocket Pal 13

Warranty

Liability

Liability

EXFO shall not be liable for damages resulting from the use of the product,
nor shall be responsible for any failure in the performance of other items to
which the product is connected or the operation of any system of which
the product may be a part.

EXFO shall not be liable for damages resulting from improper usage or
unauthorized modification of the product, its accompanying accessories
and software.

14 FLS-240

Warranty

Exclusions

EXFO reserves the right to make changes in the design or construction of
any of its products at any time without incurring obligation to make any
changes whatsoever on units purchased. Accessories, including but not
limited to fuses, pilot lamps, batteries and universal interfaces (EUI) used
with EXFO products are not covered by this warranty.

This warranty excludes failure resulting from: improper use or installation,
normal wear and tear, accident, abuse, neglect, fire, water, lightning or
other acts of nature, causes external to the product or other factors beyond
the control of EXFO.

IMPORTANT

In the case of products equipped with optical connectors, EXFO will
charge a fee for replacing connectors that were damaged due to
misuse or bad cleaning.

Certification

Exclusions

EXFO certifies that this equipment met its published specifications at the
time of shipment from the factory.

Pocket Pal 15

Warranty

Service and Repairs

Service and Repairs

EXFO commits to providing product service and repair for five years
following the date of purchase.

To send any equipment for service or repair:

1. Call one of EXFO’s authorized service centers (see EXFO Service

2. If equipment must be returned to EXFO or an authorized service

3. If possible, back up your data before sending the unit for repair.

4. Pack the equipment in its original shipping material. Be sure to include

5. Return the equipment, prepaid, to the address given to you by support

Centers Worldwide on page 17). Support personnel will determine if
the equipment requires service, repair, or calibration.

center, support personnel will issue a Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) number and provide an address for return.

a statement or report fully detailing the defect and the conditions under
which it was observed.

personnel. Be sure to write the RMA number on the shipping slip. EXFO

will refuse and return any package that does not bear an RMA number.

Note: A test setup fee will apply to any returned unit that, after test, is found to

meet the applicable specifications.

After repair, the equipment will be returned with a repair report. If the
equipment is not under warranty, you will be invoiced for the cost
appearing on this report. EXFO will pay return-to-customer shipping costs
for equipment under warranty. Shipping insurance is at your expense.

Routine recalibration is not included in any of the warranty plans. Since
calibrations/verifications are not covered by the basic or extended
warranties, you may elect to purchase FlexCare Calibration/Verification
Packages for a definite period of time. Contact an authorized service center
(see EXFO Service Centers Worldwide on page 17).

16 FLS-240

Warranty

EXFO Service Centers Worldwide

EXFO Service Centers Worldwide

If your product requires servicing, contact your nearest authorized service
center.

EXFO Headquarters Service Center

400 Godin Avenue
Quebec (Quebec) G1M 2K2
CANADA

EXFO Europe Service Center

Winchester House, School Lane
Chandlers Ford, Hampshire S053 4DG
ENGLAND

EXFO Telecom Equipment
(Shenzhen) Ltd.

3rd Floor, Building 10,
Yu Sheng Industrial Park (Gu Shu
Crossing), No. 467,
National Highway 107,
Xixiang, Bao An District,
Shenzhen, China, 518126

1 866 683-0155 (USA and Canada)
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

Pocket Pal 17

A Technical Specifications

Notes

a. Specifications are valid at 23 °C ± 1 °C.

b. Only valid with 50/125 +m fiber.

c. Depends on fiber attenuation.

d. Typical battery life using AAA alkaline batteries. Battery life may fluctuate significantly,

depending on specific unit’s laser current.

SPECIFICATIONS

a

Operation (Hz) 2 to 4

Wavelength (nm) 630 to 645

Emitter type Laser

Power output

b

(typical) (mW) 0.8

Distance range

c

(typical) (km) 5

Operation mode Pulsed and CW

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

Power supply 2 AAA alkaline batteries

Laser class 2M

Battery life

d

(h)
CW
pulsed

35
50

Length 17.5 cm (6

7

/8 in)

Maximum diameter 2.5 cm (1 in)

Weight

without batteries
with batteries

80 g
120 g

(4.8 oz)
(6.3 oz)

Temperature

operating
storage

—10 °C to 50 °C
—30 °C to 60 °C

(14 °F to 122 °F)
(—22 °F to 140 °F)

IMPORTANT

The following technical specifications can change without notice.
The information presented in this section is provided as a reference
only. To obtain this product’s most recent technical specifications,
visit the EXFO Web site at www.exfo.com.

Pocket Pal 19

NOTICE

抩⛙

CHINESE REGULATION ON RESTRICTION OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

₼⦌␂ℝ☀⹂䓸德棟Ⓟ䤓屓⸩

NAMES AND CONTENTS OF THE TOXIC OR HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES OR ELEMENTS

CONTAINED IN THIS EXFO PRODUCT

▔⚺⦷㦻 EXFO ℶ❐₼䤓㦘㹡㦘⹂䓸德㒥⏒侯䤓⚜䱿✛⚺摞

O

Indicates that this toxic or hazardous substance contained in all of the homogeneous
materials for this part is below the limit requirement in SJ/T11363-2006

嫷䯉年㦘㹡㦘⹂䓸德⦷年捷ↅ㓏㦘⧖德㧟㠨₼䤓⚺摞⧖⦷ SJ/T11363-2006 㪖⑕屓⸩䤓
棟摞尐㻑ⅴₚᇭ

X

Indicates that this toxic or hazardous substance contained in at least one of the homogeneous
materials used for this part is above the limit requirement in SJ/T11363-2006

嫷䯉年㦘㹡㦘⹂䓸德咂⺠⦷年捷ↅ䤓㩟₏⧖德㧟㠨₼䤓⚺摞怔⒉ SJ/T11363-2006 㪖⑕
屓⸩䤓棟摞尐㻑ᇭ

Part Name

捷ↅ⚜䱿

Toxic or hazardous Substances and Elements

㦘㹡㦘⹂䓸德✛⏒侯

Lead

杔

(Pb)

Mercury

㻭

(Hg)

Cadmium

椣

(Cd)

Hexavalent

Chromium

⏼ↆ杻

(Cr VI)

Pol yb ro mi na te d

biphenyls

⮩䅃勣啾

(PBB)

Polybrominated

diphenyl ethers

⮩䅃ℛ啾搩

(PBDE)

Enclosure

⮥⮂

OO O O O O

Electronic and

electrical

sub-assembly

䟄⷟✛䟄⷟兓ↅ

XO X O X X

Optical

sub-assembly

a

⏘ⷵ兓ↅ

a

a. If applicable.

Ⱁ㨫抑䞷ᇭ

XO O O O O

Mechanical

sub-assembly

a

㧉㬿兓ↅ

a

OO O O O O

MARKING REQUIREMENTS

㪖㽷尐㻑

Product

ℶ❐

Environmental protection use period (years)

䘾⬒≬㔳∎䞷㦮棟 ( ㄃ )

Logo

㪖㉦

This Exfo product

㦻 EXFO ℶ❐

10

Battery

a

䟄㻯

a

a. If applicable.

Ⱁ㨫抑䞷ᇭ

5

P/N: 1065102

www.EXFO.com · [e-mail]

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 400 Godin Avenue Quebec (Quebec) G1M 2K2 CANADA

Tel.: [phone] · Fax: [phone]

EXFO AMERICA 3400 Waterview Parkway Suite 100 Richardson, TX 75080 USA

EXFO EUROPE Winchester House,

EXFO ASIA-PACIFIC 100 Beach Road,

EXFO CHINA Beijing Global Trade Center, Tower C,

EXFO SERVICE ASSURANCE 270 Billerica Road Chelmsford MA, 01824 USA

EXFO FINLAND Elektroniikkatie 2 FI-90590 Oulu, FINLAND

TOLL-FREE (USA and Canada) 1 800 663-3936

© 2013 EXFO Inc. All rights reserved.
Printed in Canada (2013-06)

School Lane

#25-01/03 Shaw Tower

Room 1207, 36 North Third Ring Road
East, Dongcheng District

Tel.: [phone] · Fax: [phone]

Chandlers Ford, Hampshire S053 4DG ENGLAND
Tel.: [phone] · Fax: [phone]

SINGAPORE 189702
Tel.: [phone] · Fax: [phone]

Beijing 100013 P. R. CHINA
Tel.: [phone] · Fax: [phone]

Tel.: [phone] · Fax: [phone]

Tel.: [phone] · Fax: [phone]

