Wilcom F6230A Operating Instructions

Wilcom

MODEL F6230A

Visual Fault

Locator

OPERATING

INSTRUCTIONS

Battery Compartment

Laser active LED

OFF / CW / 1Hz Switch

Dust Cap

Low Bat LED

Figure 1. F6230A Visual Fault Locator

Figure 2. Universal 1.25mm Adapter

1

Introduction

The Wilcom F6230A Visual Fault Locator is a hand-held,
lightweight, visible laser light source used to isolate high
losses and faults in fibers cables (see Figure 1). By emitting a
bright beam of red light into a fiber, breaks can be seen as a
glowing red light. The F6230A can be used with either single­mode or multimode cable sections. Model F6230A is recom­mended for applications in cable length up to 3 km.

Basic Applications

The F6230A is used to pin point faults by locating its glow at
points of high loss. The F6230A is not intended to be used on
its own as a fault finding device. Usually, the general loca­tion of a fault will be determined by some other method, such
as using an OTDR. When the fault location has been nar­rowed, the F6230A can be used to make a visual inspection
of the fiber and determine the exact location of the fault.

The F6230A is extremely useful for identifying tight bends
or crimps, faulty connectors, damaged components, bad
splices and fiber breaks.

An optional 1.25mm universal adapter is available for the
F6230A. This adapter allows the F6230A to be used with
connector styles such as an LC. See Figure 2.

Operating the F6230A

The F6230A is powered by a single AA-size battery. A low
battery condition is indicated when the LOW BAT LED lights.
Sliding the switch to the appropriate ICON as shown on
page 4 will enable the OFF, CW or 1Hz mode.

A Laser Active LED indicates whether laser power is con­tinuously on or is being pulsed at a rate of 1 Hz.

The F6230A is equipped with a universal style optical port
connector. This will allow any connector style with a 2.5mm
ferrule to be used.

Use the following procedure for fault locate detection:

1. Remove the dust cap covering the unit's OPTICAL
PORT.

2. Connect a cable to the OPTICAL PORT connector.

3. Slide the switch to the to the desired ICON position:

- Turns the LASER off.

- Turns the LASER on with a continuous laser
output. The red Laser Active LED remains on.

- Turns the LASER on with a pulsing laser out­put. The red Laser Active LED pulses at a 1 Hz
rate.

4. Visually examine the fiber components, locating the faults
by a red glow (see Figure 3)

.

5. Turn unit off.

6. Remove cable from port and replace cap.

cable under test

"red" glow

optical port

Figure 3. Fault Locate Detection

Maintenance

The dust cap is provided for the optical output port, and must
be in place when the unit is not in use to prevent foreign
material from entering the port.

Battery Replacement

To replace the AA battery, remove the screw at the end of the
pocket clip. The clip is part of the battery compartment cover.
After new battery has been replaced, replace clip/cover and
screw.

Specifications

Manufacture Wilcom
Model F6230A

CDRH Laser Class Class II
Wavelength 650 ±20 nm @25°C

Output Power > -4 dBm into SMF-28 fiber

Transmission Mode Continuous or 1 Hz pulsed signal

Range Visibility to 5 km

Power Single replaceable AA-size

battery

Environmental

Operating Temperature: -10° to +50°C
Storage Temperature: -20° to +80°C
Humidity: 0 to 95% (non-condensing)

Altitude: 50,000 ft. (15000 m)

Physical

Length: 6.2 in. (157 mm)
Diameter: 0.63in. ( 18 mm)
Weight: (Approx.) 2.36 oz. ( 0.067 kg)

Connector Style: Universal

Compliant

Safety

caution

LASER RADIATION

DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM

<1mW/650nm

CLASS II LASER

The Wilcom F6230A Visual Fault Locator is a Class II laser
product under the requirements of the U.S. Center for de­vices and Radiological Health. As such it presents no hazard
to users who view the output when using proper operating
procedures. It is recommended that users should not stare
directly into the beam.

Service and Repair

For service or repair follow the procedure below:

1. Call Wilcom Customer Service. Support personnel will

determine if the equipment requires service, repair or calibra­tion.

2. If the equipment must be returned to Wilcom for service,

Wilcom Customer Service will issue a Return Material Autho­rization (RMA) number and the following address for return:

Wilcom
73 Daniel Webster Highway
Belmont, NH 03220
TEL [phone] (USA only) or [phone]
FAX [phone]

www.wilcominc.com

IMPORTANT

Never send any equipment back to Wilcom without a
Return Material Authorization (RMA) number.

3. Pack the equipment in its original shipping material. Be sure

to include a statement or report fully detailing the defect and
conditions under which it was observed. Also be sure to
include a contact name and telephone number.

4. Return the equipment, prepaid, to the above address. Be

sure to write the RMA on the shipping slip. Wilcom will refuse
and return any package that does not bear the RMA.

Ordering Information

Orders for any of the Wilcom products and any of their
optional accessories should be directed to the address shown
above.

All products are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship. This

WARRANTY

warranty applies for a period of two (2) years from date of delivery, except for
Fiber Optic instrumentation and equipment which have a one (1) year warranty
on parts and two (2) years on labor. (The only exceptions in the digital testing
equipment are the D550 Shark, which has a warranty of one (1) year from date
of delivery.) Wilcom's obligation under this warranty is limited to servicing or
adjusting each instrument returned to its factory within the warranty period, and
to replace any components found to be defective. If determined that the
defective condition is a result of misuse or abnormal operation, repairs will be
billed.

LIMITATION OF WARRANTY

The foregoing warranties are the exclusive warranties provided by Wilcom.
Wilcom will not be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential
damages whatsoever resulting from loss of use, loss of data or loss of profits
arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of the product, even
if Wilcom has been informed of the possibility of such damages in advance. All
implied warranties, including without limitation warranties of merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose, as well as warranties arising from a course
of dealing or usage of trade are expressly disclaimed.

PROPRIETARY INFORMATION

The information contained in this manual is the proprietary material of Wilcom,
and may not be reproduced, used for manufacturing purposes, or disclosed to
others for any use without written permission from Wilcom.

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