ASTRO AOTDR User manual

Version 04-2021A
DRAFT VERSION

Contents
Operating manual AOTDR - Version 04-2021Apage 2
Contents
Before starting operation of the device.................................page03
Symbols and conventions used...........................................page 04
Proper use...........................................................................page 05
Target groups of this manual...............................................page 05
Important safety information................................................page 06
Description of performance.................................................page 11
Warranty conditions.............................................................page 12
Disposal..............................................................................page 12
Device description...............................................................page 13
Preparation.........................................................................page 18
Introduction to measuring with the AOTDR..........................page 20
Setting measurement conditions.........................................page 26
Making measurements........................................................page 31
Expanding the waveform and moving the display area.......page 39
File operation......................................................................page 47
Entering characters.............................................................page 50
FLM Test.............................................................................page 51
VFL (Visual Fault Locator) module (optional).......................page 53
Optical power meter module (optional)................................page 54
Background information on measurements.........................page 55
Maintenance and repair.......................................................page 57
Service tasks.......................................................................page 59
Troubleshooting..................................................................page 60
Technical data.....................................................................page 61
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page 3
Before starting operation of the device
Operating manual AOTDR - Version 04-2021A
Before starting operation of the device
HINWEIS: Read this operating manual attentively! It
contains important information about installation, ambient
conditions and maintenance of the device. Keep this operating
manual for future use and for handover in the event of a
change of owner. A PDF version of this manual is available to
download on the ASTRO website (there may be a more recent
version).
The ASTRO company confirms that the information in this
manual was correct at the time of printing, but it reserves the
right to make changes, without prior notice, to the
specifications, the operation of the device and the operating
manual.
DRAFT VERSION

Symbols and conventions used
Operating manual AOTDR - Version 04-2021Apage 4
Symbols and conventions used
Symbols used in these instructions
Pictograms are visual symbols with specific meanings. You will
encounter the following pictograms in this installation and operating
manual:
Warning about situations in which electrical voltage and non-obser-
vance of the instructions in this manual pose a risk of fatal injuries.
Warning about various dangers to health, the environment and
material.
Warning about thermal dangers (risk of burns).
Warningabouthighlaser radiation emittedfrom a device,connector
or adapter (risk of eye damage).
Recycling symbol: indicates components or packaging materials
which can be recycled (cardboard, inserts, plastic film and bags).
Used batteries must be disposed of at approved recycling points.
Batteries must be completely discharged before being disposed.
This symbol indicates components which must not be disposed of
with household rubbish being disposed of.
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page 5
Proper use
Operating manual AOTDR - Version 04-2021A
Proper use
The reflecotmeter has been designed for measuring Silica-based
optical fibres for telecommunications. Do not attempt to use this
device for other applications. Misuse of the device may result in
electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury. Modification of
the devices or use for any other purpose is not permitted, and will
immediately void any guarantee provided by the manufacturer.
Target group of this manual
The target group for installation and starting operation of the
ASTRO optical transmission technology are qualified experts who
have training enabling them to perform the work required in accor-
dance with EN 60728-11 and EN 62368-1. Unqualified persons are
not allowed to install and start operation of the device.
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Important safety information
Operating manual AOTDR - Version 04-2021Apage 6
Important safety information
To avoid any hazardous situations to the extent possible, you must
adhere to the following safety information:
ACHTUNG: Failure to observe this safety information
may result in personal injury due to electrical and thermal
dangers!
Proper use
Only use the device at the approved operating sites and in the
ambientconditionsallowed(as described inthe following), and
only for the purpose described in the section “Proper use”.
Before starting operation of the device
HINWEIS: Read this operating manual attentively! It
contains important information about installation, ambient
conditions and maintenance of the device. Keep this operating
manual for future use and for handover in the event of a
change of owner or operator. A PDF version of this manual is
available to download on the ASTRO website (there may be a
more recent version).
Check the packaging and the device for transport damage
immediately. Do not start operation of a device that has been
damaged.
Transporting the device by the power cable may damage the
mains cable or the strain relief, and is therefore not permitted.
Danger of optical radiation
This product is laser class 1M (according IEC 60825-1 Safety of
Laser Products) and therefore several safety precautions must be
applied.
Exposure to class 1M laser radiation is possible on open
connectors or connected fibre patch cords. Do not view
exposed fibre or connector ends when handling or maintaining
optical equipment. Do not view with optical instruments into
open connectors or fibre ends on switched on devices. Make
sure all wherever a fibre inspection is required, that the
inspected fibre or connector is completely optical radiation
free.
Due to the high optical radiation and improper handling of
optical fibre connections and devices, there could be risks for
the operating and service personnel. Access should be
restricted to trained personnel only.
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page 7
Important safety information
Operating manual AOTDR - Version 04-2021A
Never look directly or with optical inspection tools into the end
ofafibre whichis connectedtoatransmitteroropticalamplifier
and which is in operation. If the eyes are exposed to optical
radiation, which are above the acceptable maximum, this
could cause permanent damage to the eye.
Installation, operation, maintenance
The electrical connection conditions must correspond to the
specifications on the device type plate.
The ambient temperatures specified in the technical data must
be complied with, even when climatic conditions change (e.g.
due to sunlight). If the device overheats, the insulation used to
isolate the mains voltage may be damaged.
The device and its cable may only be operated away from
radiant heat and other sources of heat.
To avoid trapped heat, ensure there is good ventilation on all
sides.
No objects may be placed on the device.
The device does not feature protection against water and may
therefore only be operated and connected in dry rooms. It
must not be exposed to spraying or dripping water, to conden-
sation, or to similar sources of moisture.
All adhere to all applicable national safety regulations and
standards.
The device is operational when connected to the mains power
or if the provided Lithium battery is charged and inserted into
the battery compartment of the device.
Excess mechanical loads (e.g. falling, impacts, vibrations)
may damage insulation used to provide protection from mains
voltage.
High excess currents (lightning strike, surges in the power
utility grid) may damage insulation used to provide protection
from mains voltage.
If there is no information about intended use (e.g. operating
site, ambient conditions), or the operating manual does not
include the corresponding information, then you must consult
the manufacturer of this device to ensure that the device may
be installed. If you do not receive any information on this from
the manufacturer, do not start operating the device.
Verify that the product is set to match the available line
voltage, the correct fuse is installed, and all safety precautions
are taken.
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Important safety information
Operating manual AOTDR - Version 04-2021Apage 8
Do not operate the instrument in the presence of flammable
gases or fumes.
Operating personnel must not remove instrument covers.
Component replacement and internal adjustments must be
made only by qualified service personnel.
Stop using the device when it malfunctions. (See section
„Maintenance and repair“).
Usersmustdisconnect theAC powercordfromtheAC adapter
inlet or the wall socket (outlet) immediately if they observe the
following or if the splicer receives the following faults: Fumes,
badsmell,noise,orover-heat.Liquid orforeign matterfalls into
cabinet. Splicer is damaged or dropped. If this occurs, ask our
service center for repair. Leaving the splicer in a damaged
state may cause equipment failure, electric shock or fire and
may result in personal injury, death or fire.
Use only the AC adapter / battery charger designed for this
splicer. Using an improper AC power source may cause
fuming, electric shock or equipment damage and may result in
personal injury, death or fire.
Do not disassemble or modify the device, AC adapter or
battery. In particular, do not remove or bypass any electrical or
mechanical device (e.g. a fuse or safety switch) incorporated
into the design and manufacturing of this equipment. Modifica-
tion could cause damage that may result in personal injury,
death, electric shock or fire.
Never operate the device in an environment where flammable
liquids or vapors exist. Risk of dangerous fire or explosion
could result from the splicer’s electrical arc in such an environ-
ment.
Do not use compressed gas or canned air to clean the device.
They may contain flammable materials that could ignite during
the electrical discharge.
Check the AC power source before use: Proper AC power
source is AC100-240V, 50-60 Hz. Proper DC power source is
DC10-12V. Improper AC or DC power source may cause
fuming, electric shockor equipment damage and may result in
personal injury, death or fire.
AC generators commonly produce abnormally high AC output
voltage or irregular frequencies. Measure the output AC
voltage with a circuit tester before connecting the AC power
cord. Such abnormally high voltage or frequency from a gene-
rator may cause fuming, electric shock or equipment damage
and may result in personal injury, death orfire. Make sure the
generator is regularly checked and serviced.
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page 9
Important safety information
Operating manual AOTDR - Version 04-2021A
Do not modify, abuse, heat or excessively pull on the supplied
AC cord. The use of a damaged cord may cause fuming,
electric shock or equipment damage and may result in
personal injury, death or fire.
Do not short-circuit the terminals of AC adapter and optional
battery.Excessive electricalcurrent maycause personalinjury
due to fumes, electric shock and equipment damage.
Do not touch the device,AC power cord and AC plugs with wet
hands.Thismay result in electric shock.
Do not operate the device near hot objects, in hot temperature
environments, in dusty/humid atmospheres or when
water-condensation is present on the device. This may result
in electric shock or malfunction.
When using Li-ion battery, follow the instructions below.
Failure to follow these may result in explosion or personal
injury.
Do not charge battery with other methods than instructed.
Do not discard battery into an incinerator or fire.
Donotchargeor dischargebatteryneara flameor underdirect
sunlight.
Do not excessively shake or jar the battery.
Ifbatteryleaksof liquid residue, becarefulhandlingthe battery
so the liquid does not get in skin or eye contact. If it reaches
contact,immediately washskin oreyesthoroughlyand seethe
doctor.Dispose of the battery and call the service center for
replacement.
If charge did not complete in four hours or the Charge LED is
constantly on, immediately stop charging and call the service
center for repair.
Do not store the device in any area where temperature and
humidity are extremely high. Possible equipment failure may
result.
Operating personnel is not allowed to remove instrument
covers. Component replacement and internal adjustments
must be made only by qualified service personnel.
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Important safety information
Operating manual AOTDR - Version 04-2021Apage 10
Maintenance
 The operating display only shows whether the DC current,
which supplies the device components, has been
disconnected. However, operating displays (on the power
supply unit or the device) that are not lit up in no way indicate
that the device is completely disconnected from the mains.
Read carefully: EN 60728 - Part 1 Safety requirements: No
service work during thunderstorms.
Repair
Repairs may only be performed by the manufacturer. Improp-
erly performed repairs may result in considerable dangers for
the user.
If malfunctions occur, the device must be disconnected from
the mains and authorised experts must be consulted. The
device may need to be sent to the manufacturer.
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page 11
Description of performance
Operating manual AOTDR - Version 04-2021A
Description of performance
The optical reflectometer AOTDR has the following characteristics:
wavelength 1310/1550 nm
range 26 dBm/24 dBm
dead zone 1/6 m
pulse width 3 ns, 5 ns, 10 ns, 20 ns, 50 ns, 100 ns, 200 ns, 500
ns, 1 μs, 2 μs, 5 μs, 10 μs, 20 μs
4 GB internal storage for up to 40.000 measurements
3x USB port (2x USB A Type,1x Micro-USB)
output in Excel format
5 inch TFT display (touch screen)
7.4 V/3300 mAh lithium battery, working time about 6 h / char-
ging time 3,5 h
operating temperature range -5 .. +40 °C
FC/UPC connector
optional visual fault locater (650 nm)
optional optical power meter (-60 ..+5 dBm, /850 /1300 /1310
/1490 /1550 /1625 /1650 nm)
HINWEIS: The device is equipped with an LCD
monitor, manufactured in a high quality-controlled
factory environment. However, some black dots may
appear, or red/blue/green dots may remain on the screen.
The screen brightness may not appear uniformly
depending on viewing angle. Note that these symptoms
are not defects, but are nature of LCD.
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Warranty conditions
Operating manual AOTDR - Version 04-2021Apage 12
Warranty conditions
The general terms and conditions of ASTRO Strobel GmbH apply.
You will find these in the current catalogue or on the Internet under
“www.astro-kom.de”.
Disposal
All of our packaging material (cardboard boxes, inserts, plastic film
and bags) is completely recyclable. Electronic devices must not be
disposed of with household waste, but rather – according to DIREC-
TIVE 2012/19/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF
THE COUNCIL from 4 July 2012, on waste electrical and electronic
equipment – must be properly disposed of. When it is no longer of
use, please bring the device for disposal to one of the public collec-
tion points for this purpose.
ASTRO Strobel is a member of the Elektro system solution for the
disposal of packaging materials. Our contract number is 80395.
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page 13
Device description
Operating manual AOTDR - Version 04-2021A
Device description
Scope of delivery
Power adapter
Power patchcord
Data cable
CD
Carrying case
Securing strip
Operating manual
Optional accessories
VFL (Visual Fault Locator) module
OPM (Optical Power Meter) module
The AOTDR features a CE marking. This confirms that the product
conforms to the relevant CE directives and adheres to the require-
ments specified therein.
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Device description
Operating manual AOTDR - Version 04-2021Apage 14
AOTDR reflectometer
[1] Port 1
[2] Arrow buttons
[3] Indicator LED
[4] Port 2
[5] Test buttons
[6] Button area
Figure 1: AOTDR
Port 1: Includes AOTDR Test port (FC/UPC), Visual Fault
Locatorport(optional),PowerMeter port(optional), Touch pen
and 2x USB A type
Arrow buttons: Move the cursor, navigate between menus
or files
Indicator LED: Indicate test and power state
Port 2: Micro USB and charging port
Test buttons: Averaging test and realtime test button
Button area:
F1 - F4: Select relative tag menu
OK: Confirm setting or enter menu
ESC: Cancel setting
MENU: Go back to main menu
SETUP: Set test parameters
FILE: Open file manager
VFL: Open visual fault locator menu
Screen symbol button: Make screenshot
Red button: Power on
1
2
3
4
5
6
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page 15
Device description
Operating manual AOTDR - Version 04-2021A
Main menu interface
[1] Side menu 1
[2] Function modules area
[3] Basic state information area
Figure 2: Main menu interface
Side menu: Here you can enter different submenus.
Function modules area: Here you can enter the settings
for the modules OTDR (Reflectometer), OPM (Optical Power
Meter) and VFL (Visual Fault Locator).
Basic state information area: displaysdate,timeand
charging status of the battery
1
2
3
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Device description
Operating manual AOTDR - Version 04-2021Apage 16
OTDR module interface
[1] Thumbnail of current curve
[2] Curve display and operating
area
[3] Event list area
[4] Test condition information
areas
Figure 3: OTDR menu interface
Thumbnail of current curve: for user‘s reference to the
integrated curve
Curve display and operating area: displays events
and curves
Event list area: displays event information including:
„Type“, „Distance (Km)“, „Loss (dB)“, „T.Loss (dB)“, „Slope
(db/Km)“ and „Reflection (dB)“
Test condition information area: displays condition
information of test including: „PW (pulse width)“, „WL (wave
length)“,resolution ofxaxisand y(dB/div), distance,averaging
and total loss from cursor A to cursor B
1
2
3
4
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page 17
Device description
Operating manual AOTDR - Version 04-2021A
VFL module interface
[1] VFL mode indicator
[2] Launching state indicator
Figure 4: VFL menu interface
OPM module interface
[1] Power value
[2] Wavelength channel
[3] Reference value
Figure 5: OPM menu interface
1
2
1
23
DRAFT VERSION

Preparation
Operating manual AOTDR - Version 04-2021Apage 18
Preparation
Turning the device on
Press the power button of the AOTDR for more than two seconds
until the power state indicator [3, left LED] turns green. When batte-
ry power is low, a warning message will be displayed on the screen.
Power state indicator:
Green light: working state or fully charged
Red light: charging state
The second LED indicates the launching state when testing.
Launching state indicator:
Green light: proceed realtime test
Red light: proceed averaging test
HINWEIS: In case of low power, a special icon will appear,
and after that the AOTDR will turn off automatically for a
while. If it has not been used for an extended period of time, the
device will turn off immediately after turned on to protect the
internal battery. In this case please connect the AC adapter.
Proper charging temperature is: -10...+50 °C. High charging
temperature may shorten battery life. Charging time is about
5 hours with power on and about 3 hours with power off. Don't
charge the battery more than 8 hours!
Connecting the fibre
HINWEIS: Before connecting fibre to the AOTDR, clean
the fibre end first. Dust on the end of the connector may
damage the optical port or reduce test quality!
2
3
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page 19
Preparation
Operating manual AOTDR - Version 04-2021A
To clean the fibre do the following:
Put the connector of the fibre against the cleaner.
Press the handle of the cleaner.
Rub each other carefully to clean the contaminant.
Repeat step 1-3.
Open the protecting cover of the optical port of the AOTDR.
Insert the connector of the fibre carefully into the optical port.
HINWEIS: Insert the connector carefully into the optical
port. Avoid inclined insertion like seen on the picture to the
left. Unproper operation may cause the damage of the optical
port!
HINWEIS: Before connection make sure that there is no
optical signal inside the fibre. Any signal which is larger than
-30 dBm will disturb the sampling of the AOTDR, or even
cause permanent damage of the sensor.
DRAFT VERSION

Introduction to measuring with the AOTDR
Operating manual AOTDR - Version 04-2021Apage 20
Introduction to measuring with the AOTDR
The purpose of measuring
The AOTDR shows the back-scatter light power of the optical signal relative to the distance. With
this information, the OTDR can measure a series of important information of an optical fibre such as
the quality of the line, distance of the line, etc.
Content of measurement
event position - a broken point or the end of the tested fibre
optical attenuation coeficient of an optical fibre
single event loss, such as the loss of a connection or a macro bending or the loss of an
end-to-end line on the tested optical fibre
Analyzing a curve
The AOTDR can auto analyze a tested trace, the position process shows below:
Get the reflection events generated by connectors or a mechanical splicer.
Non-reflection events (usually splicing points or macro bending)
End: The first point which the loss of it is over the threshold would be scanned as the end of a
trace.
Events list: event type, loss, reflection and distance
Normal curve:
Figure 6: normal curve
A normal trace shows as above, the A mark is a start-peak and the B mark is an end-reflection-peak.
The tested trace is oblique, the total loss will become bigger with the increasing of the fibre length.
The total loss (dB) divided by the total length is the average loss (dB/km) of a fibre.
DRAFT VERSION