FO600 Datasheet, PDF (5/57 Pages) Extech Instruments Corporation. – FiberMeter Optical Power Meter

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 built-
in 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 measured data points with descriptive link and
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 professional-
looking formatted certification reports.
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.
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