FO600 Datasheet, PDF (18/57 Pages) Extech Instruments Corporation. – FiberMeter Optical Power Meter

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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