Extech FO600 Operating Manual

FiberMeter Optical Power Meter

Model #: FO600 / FO602 / FO610

Operations Guide

Firmware Revision 4.62

March 1, 2007

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION I-1 Why Use An Optical Fiber Power Meter? I-1 Checking Your FiberMeter Firmware Version I-1 Description I-2 Applications I-2 NOTE ON BACKLIGHT OPERATION I-3

UNIT 1 - FEATURES & FUNCTIONS 1-1 General Features - Ports 1-1 General Features - Keypad 1-1 General Features - Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) 1-2 Keyboard Entry Method 1-3 Modes of Operation 1-3 Monitor Mode 1-4 METER CONFIGURATION FUNCTIONS 1-4 Changing User Information 1-4 Changing User Name 1-4 Changing User Telephone Number 1-5 Setting User Preferences 1-5 Changing Wavelength Options 1-5 Entering Custom Wavelength 1-6 Setting Custom Wavelength 1-6 Resetting Custom Wavelength to Default 1-6 Setting Tone Detection Options 1-7 Setting LCD Contrast 1-7 Port Diagnostics 1-7 Test Download Port 1-8 Test Optical Data Port 1-8 LIGHT SOURCE MENU 1-9

UNIT 2 - SIMPLE METER 2-1 Overview 2-1 Operation 2-1 Function Options Menu 2-1 SIMPLE METER Test Procedures 2-1 SIMPLE METER - Attenuation Test 2-2 SIMPLE METER - Fiber Continuity Test / Fiber Identification 2-3 SIMPLE METER - Testing Patch Cords 2-3 SIMPLE METER - Active Equipment Measurement 2-4 SIMPLE METER - Fiber Length Measurement 2-4 SIMPLE METER - Fiber Length Measurement - Installed Link 2-5 SIMPLE METER - Fiber Length Measurement - Spool or Jumper 2-6 SIMPLE METER - MAIN MENU 2-6

UNIT 3 - CERTIFICATION METER 3-1 Overview 3-1 CERTIFICATION METER Test Procedures 3-1 MAIN MENU 3-2 MAIN MENU - FIBER LINK MENU 3-2 MAIN MENU - FIBER LINK MENU - LINK WIZARD 3-2 MAIN MENU - FIBER LINK MENU - LOAD/EDIT LINK 3-2 MAIN MENU - FIBER LINK MENU - CONFIGURE LINK 3-3 Configure Link Properties and Set Reference 3-3 Configure Link Properties and Set Reference - Manual Reference Method 3-3 Setting a Manual Reference 3-4 Setting a Manual Reference Using a Link Budget 3-4 Setting an Optical Reference by Zeroing the Light Source 3-5 MAIN MENU - FIBER LINK MENU - VIEW LINK CONFIG 3-5 MAIN MENU - FIBER LINK MENU - DELETE LINK 3-6 MAIN MENU - FIBER LINK MENU - PRINT LINK 3-6

Table of Contents, cont.

MAIN MENU - TAKE READINGS 3-6 MAIN MENU - STORED READINGS 3-6 MAIN MENU - STORED READINGS - VIEW/EDIT/LOAD/PRN 3-7 MAIN MENU - STORED READINGS - PRINT READINGS 3-8 MAIN MENU - STORED READINGS - DELETE READINGS 3-8 MAIN MENU - STORED READINGS - DOWNLOAD DATA 3-9 MAIN MENU - METER PROPERTIES 3-9 MAIN MENU - LIGHT SOURCE MENU 3-9 MAIN MENU - TEST FIBER LENGTH 3-9 CERTIFICATION METER - Cabling Standard Certification Test 3-10

UNIT 4 - Extech Reporter Software 4-1 Overview 4-1 Installing Extech Reporter 4-1 Using Extech Reporter 4-1 Downloading Data into Extech Reporter 4-2 Viewing Extech Reporter Data - Summary View 4-2 Viewing Extech Reporter Data - Detail View 4-3 Printing Reports from Extech Reporter 4-4 Saving and Retrieving Data in Extech Reporter 4-5 Help Menu 4-5 Interpreting Extech Reporter Screens and Reports 4-5

Connector Loss 4-6 Fiber Loss 4-6 Light Source Reference Power 4-7 Measured Power 4-8 Operating Margin % 4-8 Optical Loss 4-9 Pass/Fail 4-9 Splice Loss 4-10 System Overhead 4-10 System Reference Power 4-11 Total Allowable System Loss 4-11

UNIT 5 - Appendices 5-1 Glossary 5-1 FiberMeter Specifications 5-4 Cleaning and Care Instructions Warranty Information 5-6 Re-calibration and Repair Services 5-6 Supported Cabling Standards 5-7 Reference Cable Setup 5-8 10 Gigabit Ethernet Standard 5-9 Link Budget Calculation Worksheet

5-5

INTRODUCTION

Why Use An Optical Fiber Power Meter?

Standards organizations such as the TIA or the IEEE provide performance standards that the cabling plant must adhere to in order to support high-speed protocols such as Gigabit Ethernet. Fiber can be tested against these standards, ensuring that it is able to handle a high amount of traffic with a maximum amount of reliability.

It is standard procedure to produce a hard-copy report (or digital file) of the test results generated from appropriate test equipment for tracking and auditing purposes. These reports can be used as verification of compliance to performance standards in case a question comes up about the quality of an installation. These signed documents cover the installer from liability provided that the link meets specified performance standards.

Our optical fiber power meters are designed with cabling standards in mind because we understand the importance of qualifying fiber installations with standards-compliant test equipment. The meter you have just purchased prints professionally formatted reports showing the conformity to these popular industry standards. These reports can be printed as a record of the original conformity to quality and performance set by the standards. These documents signed by all associated parties may prove valuable in any future disputes concerning the installation.

Checking Your FiberMeter Firmware Version

This manual is written for the FiberMeter firmware version 4.62. It is not valid for previously released FiberMeter versions. Follow the instructions below to verify your firmware version.

1 - Press to start up the meter. 2 - After the initial boot-up screen, your display should look like the diagram below. This screen remains viewable for approximately 2 seconds.

If the firmware version is not V4.62, contact Extech Instruments at 781-890-7440 for more information about acquiring the correct version of the manual.

COMPANY NAME

COMPANY PHONE

SERIAL NUMBER

FIRMWARE VERSION

..................

............

SN:FX2xxxx

V4 62.

I-1

INTRODUCTION

Description

The FiberMeter is a high-accuracy, high-resolution, microprocessor-controlled optical power meter. It has a wide dynamic range making it ideal for both singlemode and multimode fiber testing.

It has an attractive handheld case made from high impact plastic, a large backlit graphic LCD, and an 18-key keypad for easy data entry. The 2.5mm universal connector port accepts ST, SC, and FC, as well as many other 2.5mm ferrule connectors. It will operate for over 200 hours on a standard 9-volt battery and has a builtin auto shutdown feature. A 1.25mm universal port is also included for connection to LC or other SFF connectors.

The FiberMeter includes a built-in link wizard that helps you easily calculate optical references (link budgets) used for fiber optic certification testing. It will store up to 1000

fiber run labels.

The stored information can be selectively viewed, edited (measured again), printed, or deleted. The meter will print formatted reports of selected stored data directly using the built-in serial port, or all of the stored data can be downloaded to a computer spreadsheet or our free Extech Reporter software to produce professionallooking formatted certification reports.

measured data points with descriptive link and

Applications

Attenuation Measurements. After a fiber link has been installed, optical attenuation should be measured to determine the quality of the installation. When compared to a pre-calculated link budget, a simple calculation can be used to determine if the link will perform as installed. See the appendix at the end of this manual for a link budget calculation worksheet.

Fiber Network Certification Testing. The Link Wizard in the FiberMeter uses attenuation parameters from popular cabling standards to certify fiber links. Stored data can be referenced to the standards to determine if the link passes or fails. Stored data can be downloaded into our FREE Extech Reporter software, where certification reports can be printed out with details or summaries of the fibers being certified.

Fiber Continuity Testing. Continuity can be measured by placing a calibrated light source on one end of the fiber and the FiberMeter on the other end. A power reading on the liquid-crystal display (LCD) shows the presence of optical power.

Patch Cord Testing. Fiber links that are producing incorrect results may have bad patch cords. The FiberMeter can be used to test the attenuation of a patch cord to see if it is usable, or should be replaced.

Active Equipment Optical Power Measurements. Active equipment should be monitored periodically to test its power levels and stability. The FiberMeter can be directly attached to this equipment via a patch cord to check whether the transmitter is stable and within the manufacturer’s specified power range.

Length Measurement of Fiber Optic Links or Spools (optional for FO602). Generic cabling standards such as the TIA-568 use the actual length of the cable under test to calculate loss budgets. Spool testing can verify that the amount of fiber delivered on the spool is accurate.

I-2

INTRODUCTION

NOTE ON BACKLIGHT OPERATION

By default, the backlight in FiberMeter series optical power meters is set to be always ON. To save power, the backlight status may be set to OFF by following these steps below:

FROM CERTIFICATION METER

1) Press to activate the MAIN MENU.

2) Press to activate the METER CONFIG MENU.

3) Press to activate the USER PREFERENCES menu.

4) Press to set the STARTUP BACKLIGHT STATE: OFF.

5) Press twice to return to the MAIN MENU.

JKL

DEF

F2F2

DONE

FROM SIMPLE METER

1) Press to activate the MAIN MENU.

2) Press to activate the METER CONFIG MENU.

3) Press to activate the USER PREFERENCES menu.

4) Press to set the STARTUP BACKLIGHT STATE: OFF.

5) Press twice to return to the MAIN MENU.

DEF

F2F2

DONE

I-3

UNIT 1

FEATURES & FUNCTIONS

General Features

Ports

DETECTOR - houses detector port, and accepts 2.5mm cap (for ST,

SC, FC, plus others) or 1.25mm cap (for LC, MU, or other SFF connectors)

9VCD - charges battery when a re-chargeable 9-volt battery is

in use.

charger port is in use. Failure to comply to this warning may damage the unit or cause harm to the user.

DATA - downloads data from the meter to a PC via supplied 9-pin RS232 serial cable

DANGER - INVISIBLE LIGHT SOURCE - contains light source for

use with optical length testing feature

WARNING - Use ONLY re-chargeable batteries when

(FO602 model only)

1 2

Ports Diagram

Keypad

FUNCTION KEYS - activate the options on the Function Options Menu

ALPHA-NUMERIC KEYS - enter letters, numbers, and symbols into field prompts

MENU KEY - used to enter the menu system

DONE KEY - activates menu options

LIGHT SOURCE KEY - activates the SOURCE SETTINGS menu when an optional light source is installed

POWER KEY - turns the meter ON or OFF, and toggles the backlight ON or OFF.

AUTO KEY - toggles the automatic wavelength recognition mode ON and OFF

BATTERY INDICATOR LED - indicates when the battery charger is in use

OPTICAL POWER METER

F1F1

ABC

JKL

STU

Keypad Diagram

Fiber

F2F2

DEF

MNO

VWX

. - /

TestTest

DONE

AUTO

F3F3

GHI

PQR

1-1

UNIT 1

General Features

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

FEATURES & FUNCTIONS

The screen at right shows information when power readings are being taken. We will refer to this screen throughout this manual as Immediate Mode.

POWER READING - shows the amount of optical power being received by the photodetector based upon the type of power

-20 45

FIBER

LINK #1 FBR:123 _____________________ UNITS

STORE WAVE

dBm

82 68%

850nm

units currently being displayed. The display may also show UNDER when there is no measurable optical power or OVER when there is too much optical power to measure

POWER UNITS - shows the power units which are currently being displayed dBm - optical power in decibels relative to a milliwatt of optical

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

Diagram

IMMEDIATE MODE

energy

dB - optical power in decibels relative to a previously set optical reference, also known as optical loss uW - optical power in watts; either microwatts (uW) or milliwatts (mW)

TONE DETECTION - shows ‘Hz’ if a modulated signal is being detected by the meter

TEMPERATURE - shows current temperature in degrees (selectable Fahrenheit or Celcius)

BATTERY LIFE - shows the amount of remaining battery life; will flash BAT when battery is low

LIGHT SOURCE WAVELENGTH (only appears if optional light source is installed) - displays the current light source wavelength output

2 3 4 5 6 10

LINK NAME - shows the name of the currently loaded fiber link (if shown)

FIBER RUN - shows the current fiber information (if shown)

FBR: - user-configurable descriptive fiber name 123 - auto-incrementing fiber number (from 1 to 999)

FUNCTION OPTIONS MENU - functions corresponding to the function keys on the keypad; the options on this menu will change according to the current function

POWER METER WAVELENGTH - shows the currently selected wavelength (see the specifications in the appendix at the end of this manual for a list of wavelengths); will also alternate between wavelength and ‘AUTO’ when set to automatic wavelength detection mode

1-2

UNIT 1

FEATURES & FUNCTIONS

Keyboard Entry Method

Several screens in the FiberMeter menu system require the user to enter some input, e.g. a fiber length measurement or a descriptive name for a fiber run. This feature allows the FiberMeter to be more userfriendly.

Alpha-numeric Fields. These fields allow the user to enter either a number, a letter, or a special character. This is accomplished by pressing and holding the key until the desired character appears. When the key is released, the cursor automatically advances to the next position.

Numeric Fields. These fields are for numeric input only, e.g. fiber length, user-defined reference values, etc. The cursor will automatically advance once a number key is pressed. Exception: some numeric operators may be required, such as the minus sign or a decimal point. The key contains special characters. In this case, they are treated like alpha-numeric fields.

. - /

Press the key when character input is complete.

DONE

Modes of Operation

As an added convenience, the FiberMeter has been designed to operate as two different types of meters: SIMPLE METER and CERTIFICATION METER.

SIMPLE METER is used for simple optical power or attenuation (loss) measurements. Users may set up temporary reference values for each wavelength for quick loss readings. SIMPLE METER is covered in more detail in Unit 2.

OPERATING

SIMPLE METER

CERTIFICATION METER

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

_____________________

OPERATING MODE

CERTIFICATION METER is a user-friendly and powerful auto-testing fiber optic network certification tool. Fiber links can be certified against one of many popular cabling standards, as well as against user-defined standards. Up to 1000 data points can be stored for download to a PC. Extech Reporter software organizes and formats these data points, and prints them into professional certification reports. CERTIFICATION METER is covered in more detail in Unit 3.

Users may return to the OPERATING MODE menu from:

1) SIMPLE METER by pressing from the main power measurement screen, or

2) CERTIFICATION METER by pressing from the MAIN MENU.

DONE

MODE

SELECT

Extech’s Internet URL and technical support number appears when TECHNICAL SUPPORT is chosen.

1-3

UNIT 1

Monitor Mode

FEATURES & FUNCTIONS

Monitor Mode sends absolute power measurements in a comma-delimited format to the serial port. A terminal program is required to view data in real time, and captured data files can be imported into a spreadsheet for charting purposes.

Monitor Mode is useful for live monitoring of a light source or fiber optic transmitter.

To enter Monitor Mode, press while viewing a data point. Press to exit

MNO

DONE

Monitor Mode.

METER CONFIGURATION FUNCTIONS

Several features of the FiberMeter can be configured from the METER CONFIG MENU. In SIMPLE METER, pressing , then <2>METER PROPERTIES will open this menu. While in CERTIFICATION METER, press then select <4>METER PROPERTIES.

METER CONFIG MENU is shown at right. These configuration functions are activated by pressing the corresponding key, and are described in more detail below.

dBm

-20 45

FIBER

LINK #1 Monitoring _____________________ UNITS

STORE WAVE

82 68%

850nm

Monitor Mode

METER

CONFIG MENU

<1>USER <2>USER

<3>WAVELENGTH

<4>LCD <5>PORT

INFORMATION PREFERENCES

CONTRAST

DIAGNOSTICS

OPTIONS

METER CONFIG

Changing User Information

<1>USER INFORMATION - this option changes the name and telephone number of the owner of the FiberMeter.

The dots appear in these fields by default when the meter is turned on for the very first time. These dots will be replaced with company information.

Press to return to the METER CONFIG MENU.

DONE

Changing User Name

F1F1

USER NAME - dots will first appear in the USER OR COMPANY NAME field. Press and hold the key to backspace to the beginning of the field, then enter the company name. Use the as a shift key for lower case letters. This

F1F1

F2F2

field allows for 18-character names.

Press when finished to return to the USER INFORMATION screen.

DONE

1-4

_____________________

USER NAME

USER TELE

Company Information

Screen

USER

OR COMPANY NAME:

[ ]

_____________________

<---

--->SHIFT

Change Company

Name

UNIT 1

FEATURES & FUNCTIONS

Changing User Telephone Number

F2F2

USER TELE- dots will first appear in the PHONE NUMBER field. Press and hold the key to backspace to the beginning of the field, then enter the company phone number. This field allows for 12-character phone numbers.

F1F1

PHONE

NUMBER:

[ ]

Press when finished to return to the USER INFORMATION screen.

DONE

Setting User Preferences

<2>USER PREFERENCES - sets the power saving features and the displayed temperature of the FiberMeter.

AUTO SHUTDOWN - toggles the auto-shutdown feature between ON

F1F1

and OFF. This feature is ON by default.

NOTE: the memory in the FiberMeter allows for permanent storage of data, including reference and power readings. Data will remain in the meter, even when the unit is powered off, until it is removed by the user.

F2F2

STARTUP BACKLIGHT STATE - determines whether the backlight is ON or OFF when the

FiberMeter is powered ON. This feature is ON by default.

TEMPERATURE UNITS - toggles between Fahrenheit (F) and Celcius (C) degrees. This feature is

F3F3

Fahrenheit (F) by default.

_____________________

<---

--->SHIFT

Change Company

Phone Number

AUTO

SHUTDOWN:

STARTUP STATE:

TEMPERATURE _____________________

SDWN

BACKLIGHT

BKLT TEMP

Set Power

Saving Features

FUNITS:

Changing Wavelength Options

<3>WAVELENGTH OPTIONS - this option is used to set various wavelengthrelated options in the FiberMeter, including setting custom wavelengths and tone detection options.

1-5

OPTIONSWAVELENGTH

<1>CUSTOM <2>DEFAULT <3>TONE DETECTION

WAVELENGTH

OPTIONS MENU

UNIT 1

Entering Custom Wavelength

FEATURES & FUNCTIONS

<1>CUSTOM WAVELENGTH - the FiberMeter has the capability of setting a custom wavelength. The custom wavelength temporarily replaces 980nm, and requires a singlemode light source tuned to -10dBm for calibration.

Enter the 3- or 4-digit custom wavelength between 700nm and 1700nm in the entry field provided, then press to continue. An example of a custom

DONE

wavelength would be 1490nm.

Setting Custom Wavelength

Connect a -10 dBm singlemode light source of the appropriate wavelength to the FiberMeter using a singlemode patch cord.

Press to confirm calibration. The meter will then return to the METER

F1F1

CONFIG MENU.

Resetting Custom Wavelength to Default

WAVELENGTH(nm):ENTER

(

700 to 1700nm )

[ ]

_____________________

<--- --->SHIFT

Set Custom Wavelength

1490nm

CONNECT

SOURCE _____________________

980nm

YES

WILL

REPLACE

1490nm

TO CALIBRATE

-10dBm

Verify Custom

Wavelength

<2>DEFAULT WAVELENGTH - this WAVELENGTH OPTION resets a previously set custom wavelength to the default wavelength of 980nm.

Press to confirm the default wavelength. The meter will then return to the

F1F1

METER CONFIG MENU.

NOTE: if the wavelength is already set to 980nm, pressing the button has no

DEF

effect.

1-6

RESTORE

_____________________

YES

980nm

Restore Custom

Wavelength

UNIT 1

Setting Tone Detection Options

FEATURES & FUNCTIONS

<3>TONE DETECTION - this WAVELENGTH OPTION is used to associate five tone detection frequencies with five calibrated wavelengths, as well as set the FiberMeter into AUTO WAVELENGTH detection mode.

The screen at right shows pre-configured tone options.

TONE - moves the tone selection highlight to the next tone.

F1F1

WAVE - toggles the wavelength of the currently selected tone.

F2F2

F3F3

AUTO - toggles the AUTO WAVELENGTH detection feature ON or OFF.

Setting LCD Contrast

<4>LCD CONTRAST - this option allows the user to set the contrast of the liquid crystal display (LCD).

F1F1

DOWN - lightens the screen in case it is too dark

F3F3

UP - darkens the screen in case it is too light

Press to return to the METER CONFIG MENU.

DONE

300Hz

600Hz 1000Hz 1500Hz 2000Hz

AUTO

WAVELENGTH: OFF

_____________________

TONE

850nm

1310nm 1300nm 1490nm 1550nm

WAVE AUTO

Set Toning Options

NOTE: shown above is the

default tone configuration

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

_____________________

DOWN

CONTRAST

Set LCD Contrast

Port Diagnostics

<5>PORT DIAGNOSTICS - this option performs diagnostic tests on the RS-232 serial port, and also the optical ports, if the optional light source is installed.

NOTE: <2>OPTICAL DATA PORT WILL ONLY APPEAR ON THE SCREEN ON MODEL FO602

1-7

SELECT

<1>DOWNLOAD <2>OPTICAL

PORT TO TEST

PORT

DIAGNOSTICS

PORT

DATA

PORT

UNIT 1

Test Download Port

FEATURES & FUNCTIONS

<1>DOWNLOAD PORT - this test checks the RS-232 download port for send and receive capability.

1) Attach the download cable that came with the FiberMeter to the serial port on the top of the unit.

2) Short pins 2 and 3 on the download cable with a short piece of wire as shown in the diagram at right.

3) Press to confirm the test.

F1F1

If the test fails, double-check the wire that is shorting pins 2 and 3, and re-test. If the test still fails, contact technical support.

Test Optical Data Port

<2>OPTICAL DATA PORT - this advanced diagnostic test is used during technical support calls as a diagnostic to check the transmission status of the detector port and the integrated light source port.

NOTE: THIS FUNCTION IS ONLY AVAILABLE ON MODEL # FO602.

1) Attach a patch cord between the detector port and source port.

2) Press to start the test. The RECEIVED DATA should begin to count up, and for every 256 counts, the PASS NUMBER should increment by one.

F1F1

ATTACH AND OR

RUN _____________________

DOWNLOAD

SERIAL LOOPBACK

SHORT PINS

SERIAL

YES NO

PORT

CABLE

2 AND 3

TEST?

RS-232 Serial Port

Test

Short Pins 2 & 3

ATTACH CABLE AND NOTE: THE _____________________

FIBER PATCH

BETWEEN SOURCE

DETECTOR PORTS

THIS TEST TURNS

LIGHT SOURCE OFF

TEST

DONE

Optical Data Port

Test

3) Press to complete the test.

F3F3

1-8

UNIT 1

FEATURES & FUNCTIONS

LIGHT SOURCE MENU (FO602 versions only)

In the FiberMeter model FO602, the SOURCE SETTINGS menu allows the user to control the options of the light source. The options on this menu will change based upon the configuration of the installed light source.

1) Press .

2) WAVELENGTH - turns the light source OFF or ON. If multiple

F1F1

SOURCE

WAVE

LENGTH

-----OFF

_____________________

WAVE

F1F1

SETTINGS

TONE AUTO

---- ---NONE OFF

TONE

F2F2

F3F3

wavelengths are present, this button will cycle through all of the available wavelengths.

TONE - toggles the TONE option for the currently selected wavelength,

F2F2

and shows the toning frequency.

AUTO - this option sets the light source into AUTO mode when multiple

F3F3

wavelengths are present; it is deactivated for single-wavelength configurations.

3) Press when finished.

DONE

SOURCE SETTINGS

dBm

-20

FIBER FBR:123 _____________________ UNITS

LINK #1

STORE

82 68% 850

850nm

WAVE

IMMEDIATE MODE

Light Source Indicator

An indicator will appear in Immediate Mode (shown in red box at right).

The lightbulb icon indicates whether the light source is in continuous wave (CW) mode (icon stays on), or in toning mode (icon flashes). The number next to the icon shows the currently selected light source wavelength.

1-9

UNIT 2

SIMPLE METER

Overview

SIMPLE METER is a mode within the FiberMeter that allows the user to quickly and easily display the attenuation of a fiber link. This mode is used when data storage is not necessary, only the most basic functions are required: fiber loss measurement, optical power measurement, patch cord testing, or active equipment monitoring.

Operation

1) Press the button.

2) After a few seconds, you will be prompted to choose an operating mode. When SIMPLE METER is highlighted, press to select.

You are now ready to take fiber measurements.

F2F2

Function Options Menu

Immediate Mode will appear after the unit is booted up into SIMPLE METER. Your display may show ‘UNDER’ - this will occur if the dustcap is still covering the detector port.

There are three functions on the function options menu:

F1F1

UNITS - toggles the power units between dBm, dB, and microwatts;

F2F2

ZERO - sets an optical reference, or “zero” for the currently selected wavelength; and

WAVE - toggles the wavelength between the calibrated wavelengths

F3F3

(see the specifications in the appendix for a list of calibrated wavelengths).

SIMPLE METER Test Procedures

SIMPLE METER can be used for several different types of tests. These tests include:

Attenuation Measurement Fiber Continuity Testing Patch Cord Testing Active Equipment Measurement Optical Fiber Length Measurement (light source versions only)

dBm

-20

_____________________ UNITS

F1F1

Toggle Power

Units

ZERO

F2F2

ZERO

Current

Wavelength

82 68%

850nm

WAVE

F3F3

Toggle

Wave

Lengths

Each of these tests will be described in more detail in this unit.

2-1

UNIT 2

SIMPLE METER

SIMPLE METER - Attenuation Test

After a fiber link has been installed, optical attenuation (or loss) should be measured to determine the quality of the installation. When compared to a pre-calculated link budget, a simple comparison of power values can be used to determine if the link will perform as installed. A light source and two patch cords are also required for this test. Use the following steps to perform an attenuation test in SIMPLE METER:

Calculate Maximum System Attenuation.

1) Use the link budget calculation worksheet at the end of this manual to calculate the Maximum System Attenuation. This is the first section on the worksheet.

2) Record the Maximum System Attenuation.

Set the optical reference (or ”ZERO”).

3) Power on the FiberMeter and select SIMPLE METER.

4) Power on the light source being used for the test, and allow it to warm up according to manufacturer’s specifications.

5) Set the FiberMeter and light source to matching wavelengths.

6) Connect the FiberMeter to the light source using a single patch cord of the appropriate type. The core size of the patch cord should match the core size of the fiber link under test. If the fiber link under test is multimode, the patch cord must be wrapped and secured around a mandrel. Please see the appendix at the end of this manual for more information about setting optical references.

7) Press or to set the optical reference. The power units will automatically change to dB, and the power reading should be very close to 0.00 dB. The optical reference in dBm will also appear below the power reading.

F2F2

. - /

Measure attenuation (or loss) of the fiber link under test.

8) Disconnect the patch cord from the FiberMeter, taking great care to leave the patch cord connected to the light source.

9) Take the FiberMeter and light source to opposite ends of the fiber link under test.

10) Connect the FiberMeter and light source to the corresponding fiber connector using appropriate patch cords.

11) Record the power value that appears in the upper left hand corner of the display without the minus (-) sign. This is the amount of loss across the link.

12) Remove the patch cords from the fiber connector.

13) Repeat steps 10 through 12 for each fiber in the fiber link under test. Repeat this procedure for each wavelength to be tested.

Interpreting the results.

Compare the Total System Attenuation from the link budget to the actual recorded loss. If the Maximum System Attenuation exceeds the actual recorded loss, the link passes.

For example, if the Maximum System Attenuation is 2.0 dB, and the actual recorded loss is 1.54 dB (like the display above), then the link is said to pass, and has a margin of 0.46 dB.

(-20 12dBm Ref)

_____________________ UNITS

Optical Loss

Displayed in dB

ZERO

82 68%

850nm

WAVE

2-2

UNIT 2

SIMPLE METER

SIMPLE METER - Fiber Continuity Test / Fiber Identification

A fiber continuity test determines if optical power can be passed through the entire fiber link, and can also be used as a simple way to identify fibers. A light source is also required for this test.

Use the following steps to perform an fiber continuity test in SIMPLE METER:

1) Power on the FiberMeter and select SIMPLE METER.

2) Power on the light source being used for the test.

3) Set the FiberMeter and light source to matching wavelengths.

4) Take the FiberMeter and light source and connect them to opposite ends of the fiber under test.

The FiberMeter will display either a power level (which means continuity has been achieved), or ‘UNDER’ when it cannot detect any optical power. ‘UNDER’ can mean one of the following:

a) there is too much attenuation in the link (e.g. broken fiber, excessive length, dirty

connections, microbends, etc.); b) the FiberMeter is not connected to the correct fiber; or c) the light source is powered off.

To use the FiberMeter as a fiber identifier, follow the steps above and connect the FiberMeter to each fiber until a power reading appears.

SIMPLE METER - Testing Patch Cords

Poor quality patch cords can cause instability in fiber optic attenuation tests. The FiberMeter can be used to determine if the patch cord is of sufficient quality to be used for fiber optic attenuation tests, or whether it should be replaced. A light source is also required for this test.

Use the following steps to test a patch cord in SIMPLE METER:

1) Power on the FiberMeter and select SIMPLE METER.

2) Power on the light source being used for the test, and allow it to warm up according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

3) Set the FiberMeter and light source to matching wavelengths, and ensure that the FiberMeter is set to dBm mode.

4) Clean the connectors of the patch cord under test, and connect the FiberMeter and light source to the opposite ends of the patch cord.

5) Consult the manufacturer’s specifications for the light source’s calibrated power level, and compare this number to the power level displayed on the FiberMeter.

Quality patch cords will produce very little loss, so the power levels compared in step 5 should be fairly close, usually within 0.3 dB. Consider replacing the patch cord if the loss of the patch cord exceeds 0.3 dB.

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