Megger SCT-MMA, SCT-SMA User Manual

i

SCT-MMA / SCT-SMA Fiber Optic

Adapters

USER MANUAL
ENGLISH

ii

SAFETY WARNINGS

Read First: Safety and Operational Information

The international electrical symbols used on the instrument or in this manual are described below.

Warning or Caution: Risk of damage or destruction to equipment or software. See explanation in
the manual.

Warning: Risk of electric shock.

Warning: Class 1 and Class 2 Laser Products

Device Optical Measurement Output Connector

Device Optical Measurement Input Connector

Device Visual Fault Locator Output Connector

Optical Source / VFL Enable Buttons

Recyclable Electronic and Electrical Equipment (Do not dispose of in waste)

To avoid fire, electrical shock or personal injury read the safety information contained in the SCT2000 and SCT1500 Structured Cable
Testers User Manual.

iii

Class 1 and Class 2 Laser Products

 Under no circumstances should a user look directly into optical connectors. Some sources produce invisible radiation that can

permanently damage your eyes.

 Under no circumstances should a user view the device’s optical connectors using magnification unless the device is detached from

the SCT series tester.

 Always cover the device’s fiber optic output connector with the dust cap when not in use. The output source is active when the

device is powered.

 Under no circumstances should a user look directly into the devices visual fault locator’s output. Long term exposure to the visual

fault locator’s output is potentially hazardous.

 Under no circumstances should a user activate the visual fault locator without first connecting the visual fault locator to the link

under test.

 If this product is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer hazardous radiation exposure might result.

To prevent damage to the device and ensure result accuracy:

 It is important that fiber optic patch cords, fiber under test and adapters are clean prior to testing. Always clean and inspect fiber

connectors prior to testing. Contamination can degrade optical performance, cause misalignment or cause back reflections leading to
poor results. Contamination can also damage the device and cable under test.

 Always cover the device’s fiber optic connectors with the dust caps when not in use to reduce the possibility of contamination.

 Do not use the device or accessories that appear damaged. Inspect the device and accessories before use.

iv

CONTENTS

GETTING AQUAINTED ...........................................................................................................................................................................1

OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................................................................1

UNPACKING.........................................................................................................................................................................................1

SCT_MMA Fiber Optic Adapter .......................................................................................................................................................1

SCT_SMA fiber Optic Adapter ..........................................................................................................................................................1

CONTACTING MEGGER....................................................................................................................................................................2

UNIT FEATURES..................................................................................................................................................................................3

Physical Features ................................................................................................................................................................................3

Device laser safety and operation labels .............................................................................................................................................4

Cleaning Connectors and Adapters ....................................................................................................................................................5

Cleaning SCT-MMA/SMA Fiber Optic and Bulkhead Connectors....................................................................................................6

Attaching SCT-MMA/SMA Fiber Optic Adapters ............................................................................................................................6

Multimode Testing Without Mandrels................................................................................................................................................6

Setting a Reference.............................................................................................................................................................................6

TEST MANAGEMENT ...............................................................................................................................................................................7

PROJECT FOLDERS .............................................................................................................................................................................7

Dual Media Projects ...........................................................................................................................................................................7

Managing Project Folders...................................................................................................................................................................8

CABLES ................................................................................................................................................................................................10

Managing Cables ..............................................................................................................................................................................10

TEST LIMITS .......................................................................................................................................................................................11

Viewing Test Limit ...........................................................................................................................................................................11

PREPARING TO TEST .............................................................................................................................................................................12

UNDERSTANDING TEST METHODS ............................................................................................................................................12

ESTABLISHING A FIBER OPTIC REFERENCE.............................................................................................................................12

Secondary Mode Reference Using Test Method B ...........................................................................................................................13

Loopback Mode Reference Using Test Method B............................................................................................................................14

CERTIFYING FIBER OPTIC CABLING.................................................................................................................................................15

AUTOTEST MENU .............................................................................................................................................................................15

Selecting a Project ............................................................................................................................................................................15

Changing a Circuit ID ......................................................................................................................................................................15

Certifying Duplex Cable Using Test Method B ................................................................................................................................16

Certifying Simplex Cable Using Test Method B ...............................................................................................................................17

INDIVIDUAL FIBER OPTIC CABLING TESTS ....................................................................................................................................18

INDIVIDUAL TEST MENU ...............................................................................................................................................................18

Individual Test Selections.................................................................................................................................................................18

Test Limit and Cable Type...............................................................................................................................................................18

Circuit ID .........................................................................................................................................................................................18

Individual Testing ............................................................................................................................................................................18

Viewing Results ................................................................................................................................................................................18

Light Source Mode...........................................................................................................................................................................19

Power Meter Mode ..........................................................................................................................................................................20

FIBER OPTIC CERTIFICATION RESULTS ...........................................................................................................................................21

RESULT SUMMARY............................................................................................................................................................................21

RESULT DETAIL ................................................................................................................................................................................21

Measurement Results .......................................................................................................................................................................21

VISUAL FAULT FINDER .........................................................................................................................................................................23

VFL OPERATION ...............................................................................................................................................................................23

MAINTENANCE AND SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................................24

SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS .................................................................................................................................................................24

CLEANING GUIDELINES ................................................................................................................................................................24

STORAGE ............................................................................................................................................................................................24

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS .................................................................................................................................................24

ACCESSORIES ...........................................................................................................................................................................................25

REPAIR AND WARRENTY......................................................................................................................................................................26

CERTIFICATION, COMPLIANCE AND REGULATORY INFORMATION ......................................................................................27

APPENDIX A: NAMING STANDARDS FOR TEST METHODS .........................................................................................................28

APPENDIX B: INDUSTRY STANDARD & APPLICATION TEST METHODS..................................................................................29

APPENDIX C: ALTERNATE TEST METHOD B...................................................................................................................................30

v

FIGURES

Figure 1 Physical Features ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Figure 2 Secondary Mode Method B Reference Setting.................................................................................................................................................. 13

Figure 3 Loopback Mode Method B Reference Setting .................................................................................................................................................. 14

Figure 4 Secondary Mode Method B Certification Testing ............................................................................................................................................ 16

Figure 5 Loopback Mode Method B Certification Testing............................................................................................................................................. 17

Figure 6 Example of Secondary Light Source Mode.....................................................................................................................................19

Figure 7 Power Meter Modes .......................................................................................................................................................................20

Figure 8 Visual Fault Locator .......................................................................................................................................................................23

Figure 9 Alternate Method B Reference Setting ...........................................................................................................................................30

Figure 10 Alternate Method B Certification Testing.....................................................................................................................................31

1

GETTING AQUAINTED

OVERVIEW

The SCT-MMA and SCT_SMA fiber optic adapters are used to convert the SCT series of testers into a fully compliant Tier 1 multimode
and singlemode fiber optic certification tester. The SCT fiber optic solution offers powerful capability and features including length
measurement, two-fiber, dual-wavelength loss measurements, single and bi-directional fiber measurements, power meter mode, light source
mode, Fiber Map and visual fault finder (VFL) capability.

 Provides fully compliant Tier 1 fiber optic testing and reporting using Megger LCMD software.
 When testing dual fibers the SCT measures length and measures loss on each fiber at two wavelengths. The SCT-MMA measures

loss at 850 nm and 1300 nm. The SCT-SMA measures loss at 1310 nm and 1550 nm.

 Performs bi-directional testing on two fibers at two wavelengths without the need to exchange the Primary and Secondary units at

the end of the fiber optic link.

 Switching between copper and fiber certification is faster and more reliable than any other solution by simply snapping in the desired

adapter.

 Dual media projects store all necessary copper and fiber optic certification parameters in one project eliminating the need for the user

to modify certification parameters when switching from copper to fiber, or moving from one site to another.

 Powerful capability and features including length measurement, two-fiber, dual-wavelength loss measurements, single and bi-

directional fiber measurements, power meter mode, light source mode, Fiber-Map, talk and visual fault finder (VFL) capability.

 Integrated VFL is ideal for locating fiber optic trouble spots in jumper cables, distribution frames, splice strays, patch panels, cable

splice points and for tracing fiber runs.

UNPACKING

The SCT-MMA and SCT_SMA are packaged with the accessories listed below. Inspect your purchase for these items and any possible
damage due to shipping. If anything is missing or damaged contact the place of purchase immediately.

SCT_MMA Fiber Optic Adapter

 (2) SCT-MMA Fiber Optic Adapters
 (2) 62.5/125 µm multimode reference test cords, SC style connectors, 2 meter length
 SCT-MMA/SMA Fiber Optic Adapter Users Manual CD

SCT_SMA fiber Optic Adapter

 (2) SCT-MMA Fiber Optic Adapters
 (2) 9/125 µm multimode reference test cords, SC style connectors, 2 meter length
 SCT-MMA/SMA Fiber Optic Adapter Users Manual CD

2

CONTACTING MEGGER

Visit the Megger web site at www.megger.com

.

Send email to:

[e-mail]

. For US time zone

[e-mail]

For UK time zone

To order accessories or get the location of the nearest Megger distributor or service center, call:

USA: 1 800 723 2861 from USA

[phone] from elsewhere

Canada: 1 800 297 9688

UK: [phone]

Full set of Megger addresses - see back of this manual

3

UNIT FEATURES
The following sections introduce the fiber optic adapter’s basic features.

Physical Features

Figure 1 Physical Features

1. Light source mode enable button.

5.

Visual fault locator mode indication LED. This LED indicates
the VFL mode, continuous, blinking or off.

2.

SC style dual wave length fiber optic output (source)
connector with dust cap in place.

6.

Visual fault locator output connector with dust cap in place.
This universal connector accepts fiber optic connectors with a

2.5 mm ferrule.

3.

Fiber optic output (source) mode indication LED. This
LED is red for 850/1310 nm wave lengths and green
for 1300/1550 nm wave lengths.

7. Visual fault locater enable button.

4.

SC style fiber optic input (detector) connector with dust
cap in place.

8. Device Laser Safety and operation label (shown below)

Under no circumstances should a user look directly into the devices optical output connectors. Some
sources produce invisible radiation that can permanently damage an eye.

4

Device laser safety and operation labels

SCT-MMA multimode and SCT-SMA singlemode device label

5

Getting started

Cleaning Connectors and Adapters

It is important that fiber optic patch cords, fiber under test and adapters are clean prior to testing. Always clean and inspect fiber
connectors prior to testing. Fiber contamination can scratch the glass surfaces, degrade optical power, cause misalignment or cause back
reflections leading to possible instability in a laser sources.

Cleaning Patch Cord and Fiber Connector End Faces

Megger recommends using a cartridge or pocket style dry cleaner to clean fiber optic cable connector end faces. Follow the cartridge or
pocket style dry cleaner manufacturer’s directions.

Alternate Dry Cleaning Method Using Lint-Free Wipes

 Ensure all LED and Laser sources are off
 Fold the wipe into a square about 4 to 8 layers thick.
 Wipe the end face in a figure 8 motion, applying light pressure only on the center portion of the wipe. Heavy pressure can cause

scratches and more contamination.

 Repeat the figure 8 motion on another clean portion of the wipe.
 Properly dispose of the wipe. Never reuse a wipe.

Alternate Wet Cleaning Method Using Lint-Free Wipes

If a dry cleaning procedure does not remove the dirt from the fiber end face, then try the wet cleaning method. When using isopropyl
alcohol it is important to completely remove all of the alcohol from the end face. Residual liquid alcohol can trap loose dirt. Isopropyl
alcohol that evaporates slowly can leave residual material making it more difficult to clean off without another wet cleaning.

 Ensure all LED and Laser sources are off
 Fold the wipe into a square about 4 to 8 layers thick.
 Moisten one section of the wipe with one drop of 99% pure isopropyl alcohol, leaving a portion of the wipe dry.
 Wipe the end face in the alcohol moistened portion of the wipe with a figure 8 motion, applying light pressure only. Heavy pressure

can cause scratches and more contamination.

 Immediately wipe the end face in the dry portion of the wipe with a figure 8 motion, applying light pressure only. Heavy pressure

can cause scratches and more contamination.

 Properly dispose of the wipe. Never reuse a wipe.

Cleaning Connector Adapters

When using isopropyl alcohol it is important to completely remove all of the alcohol from the end face. Residual liquid alcohol can trap
loose dirt. Isopropyl alcohol that evaporates slowly can leave residual material making it more difficult to clean off without another wet
cleaning.

 Place one drop of 99% pure isopropyl alcohol on an appropriate size swab, do not over saturate the swab.
 Lightly insert the dampened swab into the connector.
 Turn the swab several complete revolutions in the same direction.
 Remove the dampened swab and insert a second dry second dry swab to remove any alcohol that remains.
 Turn the dry swab several complete revolutions in the same direction.
 Properly dispose of the wet and dry swab. Never reuse a swab.

6

Cleaning SCT-MMA/SMA Fiber Optic and Bulkhead Connectors

The best method for keeping the SCT-MMA/SMA and bulkhead connectors clean is to cover the connectors when not in use and only
insert clean fiber optic patch cord connectors. Cleaning the SCT-MMA/SMA and bulkhead connectors should always be followed by
inspection to determine results.

Dry Cleaning Method

Megger recommends using the dry clean method for cleaning SCT-MMA/SMA and Bulkhead connectors.

 Ensure all LED and Laser sources are off
 Insert the clean lint-free 2.5 mm swab into the connector.
 Turn the swab several complete revolutions in the same direction.
 Properly dispose of the swab. Never reuse a swab.
 Repeat the cleaning process as necessary.

Wet Cleaning Method

If a dry cleaning procedure does not remove the dirt from the SCT-MMA/SMA fiber optic connectors, then try the wet cleaning method.
When using isopropyl alcohol it is important to completely remove all of the alcohol from the end face. Residual liquid alcohol can trap
loose dirt. Isopropyl alcohol that evaporates slowly can leave residual material making it more difficult to clean off without another wet
cleaning.

 Ensure all LED and Laser sources are off
 Place one drop of 99% pure isopropyl alcohol on a 2.5 mm swab, do not over saturate the swab.
 Lightly insert the dampened swab into the connector.
 Turn the swab several complete revolutions in the same direction.
 Remove the dampened swab and insert a second dry second dry swab to remove any alcohol that remains.
 Turn the dry swab several complete revolutions in the same direction.
 Properly dispose of the wet and dry swab. Never reuse a swab.

Attaching SCT-MMA/SMA Fiber Optic Adapters

The SCT-MMA/SMA fiber optic adapters may be attached or removed prior to or after completing a test. Removing an adapter will cause
the SCT to return to the main menu in preparation for the attachment of a different adapter. The SCT may remain powered on when
attaching or removing a SCT-MMA/SMA fiber optic adapter.

Multimode Testing Without Mandrels

The SCT-MMA fiber optic adapter does not require an external mandrel when testing multimode fiber. The SCT-MMA fiber optic adapter
uses a unique LED source and internal mandrel to comply with TIA/EIA-568-B.1 and ISO/IEC TR 14763-3 standards.

Setting a Reference

Setting a reference establishes the zero loss power and zero length distance for all future measurements. Setting a reference also removes
additional losses due to reference patch cords and adapters that should not be included in the measurement. Therefore properly setting a
reference is necessary for obtaining accurate results.

Establish a fiber optic reference only after the SCT Primary and Secondary units and the SCT-MMA/SMA fiber optic adapters
have been on for five minutes. Allow additional time for the adapter to reach ambient temperature if the adapters have been
stored above or below ambient temperature.

The reference measurement is invalidated if the reference patch cord is disconnected from the SCT_MMA/SMA fiber optic
adapter. Disconnecting and re-connecting a reference patch cord will alter the optical characteristics resulting in a different
reference loss power.

Establish a new reference:

 Anytime the SCT-MMA/SMA adapters are attached.
 Anytime the reference patch cords are disconnected from the SCT-MMA/SMA adapters.
 Anytime negative loss or length results are obtained.

The SCT will request a new reference:

 After a 24 hour period has elapsed since the last reference
 Anytime a different fiber optic is attached to the primary or secondary SCT.
 Anytime the test mode is switched from loopback to secondary or secondary to loopback.
 Anytime the test method is changed.

7

TEST MANAGEMENT

Managing the test environment of the SCT is all organized under the HOME page using the “Manage” functions. These functions allow
the user to manage Projects, Cables, Test Limits and Stored Results.

PROJECT FOLDERS

The Project Folder contains all certification testing parameters, results and information about a specific test site. A project folder is created
by selecting the required certification testing parameters and then saving the selections in a project folder. Saving the certification testing
parameters in the project folder ensures that the selected test parameters are used at a project site.

When certifying you can select an existing Project Folder, edit an existing Project Folder, or create a new Project Folder for your
certification needs. If Project Folder parameters need to be changed then the changes are made using the Project Editor option in the
Manage Project Folders menu. If a new Project Folder is required it is created using the Create Project option also in the Manage Project
Folders menu.

Dual Media Projects

SCT software versions 2.00 and higher support dual media projects. Dual media projects allow the user to store copper and fiber test
parameters in a single project. When a dual media project is selected the SCT automatically loads copper parameters if a channel or
permanent link adapter is attached or fiber parameters if a fiber optic adapter is attached. Dual mode projects make switching between
copper and fiber certification faster and more reliable than any other solution. Dual media projects are created using the create project
process to establish the first set of test parameters and then the edit project process to create test parameters for a second media type.

Copper projects require the following test parameters:

Field Description

Project Determines the project name.

Media The media type selection twisted pair, singlemode fiber or multimode fiber determines what test

parameters are required and what adapter is expected.

Test Limit The test limit selection determines what tests to perform and how to evaluate the results.

Cable The cable type selection determines what cable name and parameters to use for testing.

Circuit ID The circuit id generates a list of circuit id’s that identify the cable test results

Location The location selection determines where the project and results are stored either internally or

externally.

Comment The comment field allows the user to enter a comment about the project.